Every single December I have the exact same interaction with Brianne. I hand her an envelope with her name on it and tell her that I picked out something really special for her for Christmas. She hurriedly opens it and sees that it's a Nordstrom gift card. Then she pretends to cry, holds it to her chest like she's hugging it, and says "this is the best gift anyone has ever given me." I give her a knowing nod and then walk back to my office.

Five years running now.

And now, your Pictures & Distractions:





I finally put Christmas lights up outside. 



I finished my first knitting project! Already sent it off to my friend Natalie. 


The pie was actually kind of tasty, although ugly.


Skylar and I made deviled eggs.


Still trying to hold onto fall at my house. 


I found this ornament at Matt's house (he made it in the early 80s. When I showed it to him he said "not my best work."). I hid it on his tree.




Duncan, right after I picked him up from his haircut.


The groomer said he was an angel. 

*****Stranger Picture of the Week

Spotted by Kelli in a store. Beware. 



Crap to distract you from whatever you're supposed to be doing:

This bathing suit. Thanks, Krishelle.

Boss caught a chicken sleeping on the job. Thanks, Brian.

Interesting article on the vanishing Great Salt Lake. Thanks, Skylar.

The best faceswaps. Thanks, Bethany.

People share the weird things they found in their parents' houses over the holidays. Thanks, Stacy.

Please come join us at the Facebooks.

If you have anything you would like to include in Pictures & Distractions, please email me at itjustgetsstranger@gmail.com.

~It Just Gets Stranger