A Katie-shaped elf dropped off a package at my house today.

Twirls imaginary mustache, chuckling evilly. I picked the best two hours in the last 36 to drive on the freeway. It rained so much it was like driving through an aquarium.

Hey, I'm sorry about my confuzzled post. I was taking the thread title rather literally and hadn't read the description closely enough.

Your post was exactly what this thread is all about. Kicking 2005's ass out the door and looking forward to all good things in 2006.

Naw, Spidra, I was all with the taking inspiration from your words and thinking about how I myself can improve my life by improving my outlook, etc.

What I want for 2006: a shiny new Congress

a published short story

to stop feeling that whole puberty "Nobody understands me...I don't belong," thing and feel comfortable with myself. However that happens.

also the right "dare to be great situation"

There are probably other things, but that is where I would start.

to stop feeling that whole puberty "Nobody understands me...I don't belong," thing

Werd.

One of the interesting things as I get older is finding out just how many people feel this way. People I admire and think are great with people and on top of the world...

Spidra, your post was just right.

I gave up the whole trying-to-have-a-positive-outlook thing. I'm clinically depressed and taking drugs for it. I embrace my glass-is-half-empty attitude and the people who like me just laugh at me for it.

It ain't gonna get better so I stopped fighting it. I act grumpy and snarky when I can get away with it and pretend to be a nicer person than I am when I have to.

I'm clinically depressed as well. But I keep making it worse with the way I look at things. So I'm trying to learn how to change that. Not to fake things or pretend to be someone I'm not, but to look at things logically and reality check myself on my assumptions. 'Cause my assumptions are often wrong or wrong-headed. And "desire is suffering", man.

That's cool that your friends are supportive of you that way. That's really important.

All I can say about depression is thank heavens for drugs. It doesn't fix everything, but it makes it more bearable. This year could have been a lot worse without them, and I honestly think I wouldn't have gotten my promotion at work without them because I find myself a lot more effective at work. Only, by the time I get home most of the oomph has worn off and my house is worse off, now. That's my goal this coming year, to get my act together both at work and at home.

Deena, I got your lovely bookmark. Thank you! Also, thanks to AmyLiz, Katie Bee and aurelia for their lovely greetings, too! I'm a card slacker this year. I might get around to sending out some cards this weekend. I found some lovely "seasonal" cards that I felt suited the renewal of the year in a way everyone could enjoy and I do want to share them. Only I misplaced the list of addresses I had from last year, so I'm not sure how many folks are actually going to get cards this year! If you would definitely like one, e my profile addie with your snail mail and I'll send one out!

Speaking of depression... you know, I think I'm actually doing better. I'm not about to stop taking my drugs (I've made that mistake before), but changing my circumstances (because I was lucky enough to have had that option) has also made a huge difference. So I thought I'd throw in a bit of "Hey, this year has been better in some ways than others I've had."

On the other hand, a relative and an old friend died, my uncle had a heart attack, and my stepfather had a brain bleed. So there's definitely room for improvement.

God, I hope going into education doesn't turn out to be a huge mistake. So, yeah, 2006? Don't let facing actual students destroy me too utterly, okay?