PV

Stability equals making a routine even though one doesn't exist, i.e. planning a trip to Los Angeles every Thanksgiving and repeating similar traditions even though you are thousands of miles away from home.

So, fourth time to PV in 3 + years of living in SF, second time to see Matt and co in LA, second time heading to the beach for the holiday, 4th Thanksgiving feast at New Door beforehand, 3rd Thanksgiving feast celebrated with first graders. First time to spend an extended period of time with a seven-month-old (2nd cousin Toby) and realize I'm.not.ready.for.that, even though babies that are related to you may be cuter than you thought.

Other traditions I've created around the holidays:

3rd time putting up a tree with roommates- though this year it's a fake (thanks to Carl Winter).

4th year looking at the Advent Devotional

2nd year trolleying, dressed up as Meggie Clause

4th or 5th NCATE assignment (I can't even remember...ready for this credential to be over)

But also a year of firsts:

1st time taking over 3rd grade (as in tomorrow)

1st New Year's in York since moving to SF

1st time changing the lightbulbs in my room (even though it's been 2.5 years, I thought that my eyesight was just getting worse)