Went to work this morning and was able to get out around noon to do some Christmas shopping. Truly impressed with how many people are out in the middle of the day. Had to go to the mall, not my favorite place. I usually practice strategic shopping there. Then went to one of my favorite stores, REI. I always love going there because it is a place of adventure. Then came home and started packing for our Christmas trip up to Vermont. It always amazes me how much stuff we have to pack for a week. Then the kids got off of the bus and Master Chelley was kind enough to let this old guy go to the 5:30 class where I tried my first leadership credit. In truth it was a little nerve racking. I fumbled a bit with it, but the higher belts were great at helping me out. .