Four day weekends agree with me.

I truly do not understand why every work week doesn't run from Monday through Wednesday!

I've been enjoying a fantastic Thanksgiving "break."

I left work at 2PM on Wednesday. Unfortunately, my early dismissal wasn't because of the holiday but instead related to my afternoon doctor's visit. But that's okay.

That evening, Ben had some people over for appetizers and drinks before we headed to our favorite bar downtown, Japp's. Ben may have fallen asleep during his own shindig. He seriously cannot stay awake past 11PM on days he has worked. Poor guy.

At Japp's, we ran into all sorts of old and new friends. The night was a total blast. Amazing dancing (lots of Michael Jackson), delicious drinks (kamikaze was my drink choice for the evening), and great company!

I slept it a little bit the next morning before going to my parents' house for Thanksgiving. We had my dad's side of the family over and enjoyed amazing food and great conversation. I have concluded that my favorite Thanksgiving items are green bean casserole and ham (yes- we have ham and turkey).

Isn't the resemblance uncanny?! This worked for about 15 minutes before Ellie went crazy again. She spent Thanksgiving afternoon in a neighbor's garage.

After our guests left, I took a long bath and read The Glass Castle all night. It was so cozy and relaxing. I had not made reading time for myself in waaaay too long, and I had forgotten how amazing it is to lose yourself in a book.

Friday morning, I woke up to finish The Glass Castle. If you haven't read this memoir by Jeannette Walls, you must! My jaw was hanging open at some scenes. Jeannette Walls' life is just totally indescribable...!

Around lunchtime, Ben, Rachel, and I traveled to one of our favorite Indian restaurants where we had the buffet. I love Indian buffets as I get to try all sorts of dishes I probably wouldn't normally order.

After lunch, Rachel and I headed to Target. Most of the crazy Black Friday shoppers were gone for the day, which was très awesome. In typical Jenna fashion, everything I bought was for myself and nothing  was on sale.

It should also be noted that my family members keep giving me wishy-washy responses when I probe them about their Christmas lists.

AHEM.

So anyway. Shopping was nice.

Friday evening, I got drinks with one of my dearest and closest friends that I only see a few times each year. This friend is one amazing girl- she is a photojournalism major, and quote me now, I just know she is going to be famous one day. She just has that aura about her, you know?

The two of us got drinks at a really swanky bar downtown. It was built during the Art Deco era, and I just cannot even explain how beautiful it looked with all of its Christmas decorations up! I would have taken more photos, but I was trying to be classy and fit in.

After drinks, we ventured over to Fountain Square to admire the Christmas tree and skating rink. Cincinnati is looking gorgeous for the holiday season!

We ended our night at Ben's where we drank wine, ate shrimp cocktail, and watched "The Millionaire Matchmaker." Addicting.

Oh, and Bill with the red hair? I am in love with you, and I would appreciate your wit unlike the Vegas cocktail waitress.

Moving on.

I worked at the salon on Saturday. It was a busy but fun day. I'll admit- I needed a great day at the salon. My last few Saturdays had been pretty overwhelming and not so awesome shifts, and this awesome day reminded me of why I love working there.

After work, I went to a Cajun restaurant for dinner with Rachel, Ben, and Mike. Ben had gator (!) while Rachel and I ordered hurricanes in a nod to NOLA. We each tried a piece of gator though so I think that was brave.

I came home and read Marjane Satrapi's graphic novel Embroideries, which is all about Iranian women and sex. As is Satrapi's usual, the graphic novel was amusing, funny, and thought-provoking. I am a huge Satrapi fan.

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I had an excellent night of sleep before waking up this morning around 9:30. I am currently enjoying a foamy cappucino. This afternoon, I am taking my "little sister" out to lunch and fro-yo, and tonight, I am going to my parents to decorate the Christmas tree!

I want a four day weekend EVERY week, please.

Oh, and this was my first time ever having paid holidays. I hope I never forgot how cool it is to be vegging around the house or celebrating with family while being paid. It's really such a luxury that I am going to make an effort to always appreciate.

Happy official beginning of the Christmas season!