I just flew in from Knoxville last night (and boy, are my arms tired), after spending a lovely Christmas week with the in-laws. Lots of pie, lots of loot, lots of fun.

Now I’m back at work, trying to remember what it is I do for a living.

It’s clear to me that I’m not going to be able to get anything of substance done until I’ve had a chance to catch up on Dave Barry’s column, browse the news headlines, and end my nearly-month-long hiatus from blogging. Two down, one to go.

Since I read Dave Barry’s 2002 Gift Guide after Christmas, I’m not able to add any of these items to my Christmas list. I do have a birthday coming up pretty soon, though. For instance, we all no there’s no better way to celebrate 30 years of life than by arranging one’s funeral. And with the theme coffins recommended in Mr. Barry’s gift guide, this can be the ultimate personal gift. Personally, I don’t think there’s a better alternative for me than the “return to sender” coffin. Unless it’s to choose a nice high gloss black or chrome coffin and adorn it with these magnetic flame decals, also recommended in the gift guide. Very stylish, although I suppose it does make the wrong sort of statement about the afterlife.