It seems that some of you have figured out I was traveling. So, yes, I made it home safely after visiting my parents for Christmas and New Years. Here were some of the funnier happenings (that don’t violate the stated purpose of this blog):

• On the train out there, a Lebanese man nearly adopted me. He kept reaching over to hand me candy or other food items from across the isle or sliding across to talk.
• My sister has been telling me to come home so that she could introduce me to a couple of the girls she works with. If I introduced her to more girls, does that mean that I win?

And direct (or approximate) quotes:

[A couple friends explained a foreign courting game that involves the girl giving a guy jewelry when a ball is dropped. He is supposed to return it that evening and talk to the parents.] Me: These people look bored. Wouldn’t it be easier to just ask the girl for some of her jewelry?

Sister: Q-U. That’s 31 points! Me: Um… that’s not a word. Sister: Yes, it is! That’s what Chinese men do with their hair. Me: No. You can spell Q-U-E-U-E or C-U-E. Consults dictionary See? Sister: Oh, man! Don’t tell . We’ve been using that.

Sister: Mmm! This apple pie is good. And I don’t like apple pie.

[Sure you don’t…]

Mom: Did you leave the address? Me: Nope. Mom: Did you pack everything? Me: Mhmm. Mom: Even the blanket? Me: You guys taught me well. Mom: Yeah, but that borders on miraculous!

Random kid to his dad: This guy is weird. He has a book called Philip Pullman! Me: That’s the author’s name.

[I’ll be writing a review of the book soon…]

Another random kid: I hope this train does what they did on the Polar Express!