There may be two or even three of you out there who noticed that I missed yesterday’s post, but what can I say? Spending the sum total of an hour at home will do that to you.

Last night I drove south of Austin to hang out with friends, decorate a Christmas tree, and laugh at the social commentary and casual sexism of beloved classic Christmas movies, all while drinking spiced wine. If there’s a better way to kick off the cultural side of this holiday season, I don’t know it. Add in a little late-night grocery shopping and I didn’t get in until nearly midnight, at which point the prospect of posting a blog entry seemed fairly daunting.

But in order to maintain the fine inner balance of a social introvert, I had to follow up last night’s revelry with a night of reclusion, so tonight I am home in my quiet apartment, decked out in my comfy pj’s, and I am not. talking. to. anyone.

Truth is, I needed both of these nights. I needed a night to get out of my head just as much as I needed a night to retreat and regroup, and I am as much thankful for my friends as I am for my moments of solitude. The balance can be difficult to find but I am grateful that, for this week at least, I was able to find it.