A Christmas Puzzle (well, not really)

I know it's my own fault, but For Good is now definitely in my head playing over and over again. I think I just need to sing it once and maybe my brain will be satisfied.

So my father is being a free TA to a math teacher in my old middle school, while he tries to look for a real teaching position (the economy...municipal budget cuts..you know). He sends on to the family (and I mean the FAMILY, both sides) little math puzzles he gives to his kids. Here's one that I just can't figure out, but I'm sure someone who reads this can:

Finding One Panda of 12 in 3 Steps

There are twelve pandas, all of equal size. Eleven are of equal weight. One is of a different weight. In three (3) trials on the balance scale, find the unequal panda and determine if it is heavier or lighter. Hint: 3 groups of four

I'm going on vaca tomorrow! YAY! It's my first real one since I started work. It's weird, because I don't think Christmas has ever come upon me so matter-of-factly before. I think it's because there has been this huge load of work to do right up to it and then it's this huge relief afterwards...no, pretty much the only "work" I've had to do is figure out presents and wrap them up, and do my family Christmas cards. I haven't even bought any new outfits for the occasion (though I have bought new clothing ^^). Meanwhile, work at my job lingers on, and things will not be stopping, perhaps even ramping up, while I'm away. Anticipation builds in a different way when there are no breaks.

So, I don't think I'll be blogging like usual, but then again, I might.

MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS!! I love Christmas, because it's a time when I find myself completely unable to deny that God loves me. Plus there's all that victory over evil, destruction, and hate.

Isaiah 9:2-7
The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.

You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as men rejoice
when dividing the plunder.

For as in the day of Midian's defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.

Every warrior's boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.