I know Wednesday is too late for a Thanksgiving recap...

Heading back to work on Monday was tough on everyone, right? Not just me? I, however, had a little bonus incentive to get out of bed: That dreaded, back-to-reality Monday doubled as my 27th birthday. But before I get ahead of myself, I present you with all things Thanksgiving break. You know the deal around here.

Thanks to the holiday and a recent visit from my grandparents, aunts, and uncles, I've been going home a lot lately. Fortunately, trips home often result in time well-spent with my parents, home-cooked meals, and lots of sleep. In honor of my mom's last chemo session (yay!), my aunts helped her create the cutest, Pinterest-worthy Thanksgiving treats to give to her nurses. Since they have souls and taste buds, they absolutely loved them.

For Thanksgiving weekend, Wheat and I returned to Ohio for more relaxation and face-stuffing. Over the course of the next five days, I hung out with dear high school friends at local bars, finished one book and started another, slept until noon on more than one occasion, addressed Christmas cards, and ate two Thanksgiving feasts. The first feast, which included my beloved sweet potato puffs and broccoli cheese casserole, took place at my house with Jenn and our family friend, Grace. My mom even made us Thanksgiving-themed puzzle packets for the occasion. Yes, I'm a giant child.

Thanksgiving day was spent watching the Macy's Parade, the AKC dog show, and football. The next day, I indulged yet again at Jenn's family Thanksgiving, complete with pumpkin nut crunch and broccoli slaw. I melt. The rest of the weekend was filled with bonfires, the Walking Dead midseason finale, early birthday presents, a turkey made completely of butter, plenty of couch snuggling, a Buckeye victory over that school up north, and an unchallengeable challenge that left me wondering if Marvin Lewis is actually a mad genius.

I didn't take part in any Black Friday shopping because I value my sanity. Wheat and I tried to use our Groupon for snowtubing at the Beach, but the place was unexpectedly closed on Sunday. Instead, we celebrated my birthday a day early with cheesecake, a nice deposit in my bank account, and a Google Chromecast that has quickly become one of my favorite possessions. Thanks, Mom and Dad.

I'm sure you can tell by my extended absence recently that I've needed some time to unplug...and the last two weekends certainly fit the bill. Next up? The ridiculously amazing and thoughtful week-long birthday gift I got from Wheat. Grab the tissues, ladies.