Counting Down

Christmas is almost a week away and things have been naturally hectic. In some ways it's, of course, stressful, but at the same time it's kind of enjoyable and almost comforting. All kinds of parties are happening for the clubs at school, the student council's about to have a big charity drive, Victor wants certain members of the Titans to do their own charity drive (to which many of us have agreed), Alfred's been cooking random snack foods and treats out the wazoo, crime rates are rising as they usually do this time of year, and Bruce is moving mysteriously through the manor again. Whatever he's been doing, he must not want Gar or me or possibly even Alfred to know. I humor him and pretend not to notice, but, Gar's beginning to catch on and I'm sure it won't be long before he's stalking Bruce around the manor and then claiming he's "only practicing his tracking and stealth skills" when he gets caught.

I still don't know what I'm going to be getting friends and family for Christmas. Bruce is always impossible to shop for. ...no really, you have no idea how hard it is to shop for that man. And what's worse is trying to read his face/body language/tone of voice after he's opened it...spend the rest of the day paranoid if he really liked it or not. Gar always gets him some gag gift that might as well be something one would receive at a white elephant gift exchange. Last year he got him a bottle of Old Spice and a My Little Pony figurine. ...and he also got Alfred turkey-oven mits, which, come to think of it I now realize he was wearing them on Thanksgiving. ...huh.

Back at Fourside, Lune and I are trying to get the place decorated and looking festive. A bit late to be doing that, you say? Well, it'd be a lot easier if Fina would stop burning down all the decorations when she gets bored. I think the number of times I've replaced stuff this year alone is either seven or eight. It's really beginning to get old. Tiff is running amok with her mistletoe headband again and keeps forgetting that our team consists entirely of estrogen. Fina promised to take her to Titans East or West tower this weekend so she can "spread some holiday cheer". ...I know you can't see it, but I'm rolling my eyes right now.

Wally came by again around lunch time yesterday (of course). The first thing he did was raid our pantry and the second thing he did was attempt convincing Gar and I to make some Christmas cookies with him. Gar jumped on that wagon immediately. I didn't because...I can't cook worth anything. But, they freaking guilted me into it with their big blue and green eyes and I didn't really have much of a choice after that.

We're lucky we didn't blow up the oven. Or rather...I didn't blow up the oven.

We made about half the amount of cookies that we'd made dough for. Gar and Wally devoured most of it before it even reached the oven. I was kind of surprised because I don't think the vegan cookie dough tastes near as good as regular cookie dough, but, whatever floats their boats.

Anyway. I really need to go shopping. I think Bruce needs a new iPhone...pretty sure he's down to having only five back ups (yes, 'only' five, you'd be surprised) and I might also get him a Starbucks giftcard or something. Lord knows this family has some of Starbucks' favorite faces. Bruce and I drink way too much of their coffee.