Finally caught up in here.

I'm not taking part in any of the exchanges this year but I did want to post about the year.

On the whole, it's been a pretty damned good one.

Yes, I did lose the teaching job and there was drama involved and there was other drama in my life, but there was just so much good.

It was another full year of amazing design work in a career that I love. I may work long hours but I get paid to make art for a living, how can I get anything but joy from that? I got to guest lecture at two of the top programs in the country, I designed two shows that look like they are on their way to NYC, one of which looks like it may go to Broadway. I had four designs at one of the top 5 regional theatres in the nation. I've spent a lot more time connecting with my niece this year, which has been so awesome. I've also invested more time in connecting with my sister. I still don't understand her, and to be honest I rarely see eye to eye with her, but I'm putting in the time and the effort and we're at least talking more than twice a year now. I'm now the associate artistic director for a theatre company that I've respected for quite a few years, and the invite to join then in that capacity came as a total surprise to me. I was able to see Buffistas on more than one occasion, had a wonderful time at the F2F and am now touring the east visiting even more Buffistas and am being successful at breaking my nasty holiday depression. It's been so wonderful to see everyone and just relax and hang out with folks I don't get to see nearly often enough. Xmas last year was rough, but this year I've been finding much of the love I used to have for this season. It's been a really good thing for me. When I get back I get to move into a new apartment and finally have my own space again, another thing I've really needed to do.

So, 2004, yes you did have your downs, but I refuse to focus on them. I instead focus on all the amazing stuff that has happened and continues to happen to me. So much of the time I can't believe this is actually my life. I'm looking forward to 2005.

Just got a ping that the big gift for my santee (one package of two, the one that someone else is assembling for me) will ship in three to five business days, so it might even be there by Christmas.

I have most of my secret santa giftee's present and am hoping to mail it on Saturday.

I have wrapped presents in a box in my office. Now I have only to brave the hordes at the post office to ship it. Which scares me, because post office in downtown SF the week before Christmas? utter madness.

libkitty, you are so much stronger than me. Wrapped presents in front of me generally have the lifespan of however long it takes for me to unwrap them.

Signed,

We don't need no stinkin' impulse control!

My santee's gift is being mailed today, so it should get there by Christmas.

All of my other holiday gifts? Gonna be late late late.

The final part for my Seekrit Santa gift arrived today, so I shall wrap it this weekend and send it out on Monday. That person may even get it for Christmas!

A lovely little surprise, when I wasn't expecting that last piece until Dec. 24th.

I'm still ruminating on 2004. Major things happened, both good and bad, but I'm not in the right headspace now to be positive.

edited to put words in proper order. All your parsing belong to us.

No, because (1) I'm a lazy tool, (2) I figured you didn't need more stuff to shlep around Europe, (3) I can give it to you when you get here, and (4) see #1.

(5) That's okay. It actually would be nicer if you wanted until I got home, because, dude, I'm carrying about thirty-five pounds of books back to the States. You know how many books I have. Is this a good idea? Not especially. By the time I get out of undergrad I'll need a Uhaul trailer just for my damned books.

SA! When will you be in the states again? I need to add you to the kidnap list, you see ...

I return on January 31st, where I will be spending a fabulous night at Chez Teppy. I was thinking about maybe trying to swing Seattle for spring break, but flights are horrendous. ETA: Also, I think by this point I owe a trip out to either San Francisco or Los Angeles.

Also, I think by this point I owe a trip out to either San Francisco or Los Angeles.

Either? You better come here.

SA! How many books have you bought?