I may well make it back to Houston in 2005, I'm trying to be better about visiting my niece.

Right now I've got NYC next week, and then it's looking like again in February. I'll be in Toronto in March. I'm also thinking about a Chicago trip so that I can see Spamalot.

Right, because I haven't spent any time trying to convince you to come visit.

Well, it hasn't exactly been the best couple of years. I went from having a job that ate my life for not nearly enough pay one year, got laid off the next year, and then got a new job for only slightly more pay, a job which ate my life this year.

But my vacation time resets in January, so prepare to dust off the Pros tapes and the West Wing. (You do still have Pros, yes? Not that it's a requirement, but still...)

I started this year with the flu, and it didn't improve much. I worked too much, worried too much, suffered from too much anxiety, and behaved like an asshole a few too many times.

On the bright side, I'm now the proud owner of more comics than I have space to store them. I became scarily proficient at my job. My sister's engaged to a guy I'll be happy to call family.

I think things will be better in 2005. Even if I have to wear a bridesmaid's dress.

prepare to dust off the Pros tapes and the West Wing. (You do still have Pros, yes? Not that it's a requirement, but still...)

I have one. But the promise of more. Whatever it takes.

I have an entire season of Pros. For the record.

Stop trying to bogart the shrift.

Stop trying to bogart the shrift.

She's a valuable commodity.

While y'all are hanging around online: Which series is better MI-5 or Spooks?

MI 5 is precisely Spooks minus 18 minutes. I'd avoid it for that reason. I haven't yet, however, watched both versions of the same shows. Yet. But it's a principle thing.

Do let us know when you've decided on dates, because I haven't met P-C, either, and I think I live considerably closer to A2 than you do.

I'd say I was a crappy Buffista, except I think that since P-C joined the board, I've been suffering from a severe case of workitis.

Ooh! I get to meet DebetEsse and shrift! (Actually, shrift, I'd be lying if I said I didn't think you hated me or something for never even proposing a visit when we're so close, but I do totally understand your workitis. It was quite obvious, with all the bitching about work. So in other words, I'm glad you don't hate me.) (And beathen, you should come down too! We'll have the best time ever!) (Man, I hope I'm not busy or anything.)

Dude, shrift lived in my state and I first met her in Toronto.

You've got to be willing to do the work to earn the shrift.

Well, fuck. I'm lazy, dude. I mean, I'm not even bothering to finish this damn Ph.D.