Hey, I worked for an affiliated program of theirs, Erika--URI works both in Baltimore and in New Haven, so I was involved when I was at Yale. I can't speak specifically for the folks in Baltimore, but the New Haven program was great, and I took a really interesting course from the guy who started URI.

So, thanks. Good memories.

Erika! That's a lovely gift.

That's great to hear! You know, I was going to...I don't know, bake or something this season because I had so much generosity to reciprocate this year, but there has been so much that I was afraid I'd leave somebody out or send someone allergic something allergy making...and we are not strong in baking mojo either, even though I know everyone who would've gotten squashed sugar cookies with gloppy icing on them would have been totally gracious about it. It's how we are. But I didn't feel right about it, and there aren't red-and-green "Thanks for Talking Me Off The Ledge" cards(At least till I have my media empire.) So I thought something lasting would be good.

erika, What a wonderful thing for you to do.

That is so wonderful, erika. Great idea!

This year was fairly eventful for me, what with moving cross-country to be near family. I had to sell a house, buy a house, and find a job. I also decided that I would try to lose the extra weight I've been packing (30 pounds gone, many more to go). My creative and social life has been next to nil, what with all the brain-draining that the aforementioned activities have involved. On the whole, though, I'm quite happy. I'm now in a temp-to-perm job in a field I really want to be in, and after six months, I'm starting to feel like things are settling down a bit.

Two-Thousand-Five, the Year of the Chair.

In 2004 I was a cane sort of dude. Almost spiffy, a cane. It is great for making broad, sweeping gestures. If you absolutely must gesticulate, get yourself a cane.

In the latter half of '05 I had to hang up the cane and go full-time chair. The chair has made me into a pissy bitch in 2005.

In 2006 I am going to get past all that. No, really.

Gus: serenity on wheels.

Gus, I didn't realize that. I am a pissy bitch on your behalf.

I hope 2006 plays out better than 2005, and that I'm able to come to some actual decisions. What 2005 has done is make me really frelling tired.

On the other hand, I now know I can write a novel-length piece of fiction in less than a year. Good to know.

Still, tired.

Go on, Conny, with your bad self.

Launch a novel-length piece of fiction into eternity.

( I was going to say something cynical to Conny, here. Frack that, though. Writers? Get with the writing!)

Well done Erika. Thank you.

and after six months, I'm starting to feel like things are settling down a bit.

It is so good to see you come through the other side of this transition Anne. I know it was very scary at times. It is stunning to see what you have accomplished. Your success is an inspiration to other Buffistas going through the big changes.

And Erin too making the big life advances. I’m proud of you sweety. (also yay for the frequency of teh sex)

I was going to say something cynical to Conny

Dude, are you suggesting no cynicism in the New Year? It’s like I don’t know you man.

I now know I can write a novel-length piece of fiction in less than a year.

Hrmph, I suppose this is an excuse for not seeing you around enough. Oh well, if you must be productive and stuff.

Not sure about my year yet. I have managed to order my gifts for my giftee though. Now I need to order the kid stuff.

Gus, I didn't realize that either!

I think that any chair Gus drives should have an FTL drive. The better to visit family and friends in distant parts of the 'verse.

Surely, one of the brilliant minds here can come up with something like that?