One of the benefits of the new shorter commute: I got up this morning at the same time I would have gotten up if I were driving from Berkeley, and used the extra time to get in a nice brisk 45 minute walk.

I think maybe the only good thing about not exercising for a while is the endorphin rush when you finally do it. I feel great. I feel like going out and running around the building a couple of times just to work off a little excess energy.

My goal is to get back into my usual morning routine of 45 minutes to an hour of walking or bicycling. I'm also going to try to work in a few weight-training sessions a week - there's an exercise room here at work with both free weights and weight machines, so I have no excuse not to do it.

In other news: I had a terrific 4-day Thanksgiving weekend. I did manage to read about half of The Secret Country while drinking cocoa and lounging in my pajamas. Had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with Daniel's grandparents, aunt and uncle, and cousins. I put together more fine prefab furniture from IKEA, made innumerable runs to Target (invariably pronounced 'tar-zhay' in this household), and finally unpacked enough of the kitchen to be able to make something other than turkey, cheddar, and avocado sandwiches.

I ate a lot of turkey, cheddar, and avocado sandwiches.

There's still an incredible amount to do before the new place is fully civilized. Somehow, it will all get done.