We decided against it, Vortex.

yes, I know *sigh* I skipped to the end to put in my vote :)

Okey. I am procrastinating the mountain of work on my desk that must be completed before I leave here today to drive mashed potatoes to lori and kat, get my spare key to the cat-sitting neighbor, do laundry, pack, and figure out what time is best to leave for Long Beach tomorrow.

I shall procrastinate by saying thank you to people who give me stuff.

Lori, Kat, ita, Kristen, Polgara, Monique: Thank you for my pretty loveseat. I would never have purchased it for myself, as I often think I'm undeserving of luxuries such as this. Most generous gift, ever.

Tim: Thank you for coddling me through my first book. Most important thing I've ever done for myself. Would still be thinking about it as a pipe dream if you hadn't said, "not all are created equal. Some have talent. You have talent. You'll be a millionaire someday. Write the book."

And for other stuff I'm not writing out here, but maybe will tell you someday when you can't hold it against me.

ita: Taking me to kickboxing. I thought I was going to die and gave up in 15 minutes. A year later, I watched other people almost die and give up. Thank you. When something seems to hard for my body to do, I know that it isn't true, that I'm capable and can be strong. Wouldn't know that, if I didn't know you.

erinaceous: Thanks for sending my samples to your sister. It always shocks the shit out of me that people I think are the smartest people on the planet think I'm bright as well. When your sister made the offer to represent me, I didn't hesitate. Anyone who came from the same womb as you must be a fantastic person. And I've found that to be true.

Kat n' Lori: You have no idea how grateful I am for your planning this Thanksgiving. I can't even think about anything else right now except walking on a beach with nowhere to go or be, no chores, no worries, for four entire days.

Kristen and Polgara: Well, you know. I can't write it all down in a public forum, yo. That could result in indictments.

What? Should I whitefont the mushy stuff? What?

Okay, fine. I'm all @@y.

WHATEV.

Allyson, you're the best student I never actually taught.

I mean, I know now that's the effect I want to have through teaching krav. I didn't know it then, and I had no idea I'd even had the effect. And I'm beyond happy I did. Go you.

As for thanking you, you know that I and my family will be thanking you in memoriam for three months of charity to a person with no surname. Not to mention the sheer youness of you.

Yeah, that probably should have been whitefonted too.

I like the mushy. A little mush now and then is lovely and it's a good contrast--makes the snark snarkier.

Also, it means you know it's extra true.

The snark or the mush?

The snark or the mush?

That could be the title of your next book.

I think the consensus for the title of the book I'm working on now is "The Kid Behind the Counter Hates You."

"The Kid Behind the Counter Hates You."

That's perfect. I know I hated most of my customers when working fast food/retail. Oh, yes. Yes I did.