Surprise and there's a first time for everything I went to visit family this weekend. And for the first time, I stayed in a hotel in the town I grew up in/near. I think we (my friend Erin and I) were the only ones there. OK, maybe not. But it was that quiet. I'm not complaining. The reason I went home: We had a surprise party for my dad. He was actually surprised. I thought he'd figure it out, but everyone kept it under wraps really well. Happy 50th, dad. (That's actually tomorrow. Also, he doesn't read this, so he won't even see that. But that's OK.) Let's see... weekend highlights... • I saw the house my sister is buying. It was built in 1900 and it's super cute. We picked out paint chips for her to get started with. She and Erin and I spent Sunday together, shopping and talking. It was a very good day. • I spent time with my mom, my godmother, my cousin Charity and I got to see my grandparents and aunts and uncles. • It was very, very cold and windy. And I had to get my own gas. Hate that. Also, David couldn't come so I had to drive up and back by myself. Which I just don't like to do. But it was fine. The iPod and I did just fine. Except for when it got fuzzy a couple times and I couldn't find a good station for it to transmit through. Really, I guess that was it. I brought back some huge strawberries from Costco. Oh and I got a sticker from a cool pet shop that says PURR and I'm debating sticking it on the Cooper. I just can't decide though. I guess if I put it on glass, I could scrape it off if I ever wanted it off. Right?