erika, I just read the story about Ella Thompson and her daughter. Your gift absolutely rocks.

Isn't that an amazing story? They caught that guy too...he's doing life, and it really couldn't happen to a "nicer" guy. Eugene Dale is one of the reasons they thought up prisons.(I've turned this thread into a Simon story...darkening up all the cheer and stuff, but making sure you know I don't think I think we're doomed.) "Miss Ella" died too young, damn it.

ND just made me cry in a very good way.

And yes, despite everything about this year that was difficult and challenging and scary and stressful in so many ways...I'm here. And in love.

2005. Glad to see it go, but so excited for 2006.

Like my chair does not have FTL.

As if.

erika, your gift rocks.

I've also started an original novel, but it's stalled a bit - need to get cracking with that.

Taps foot, looks at wrist (despite the lack of watchpiece to reside thereon.)

We're agreed on that, Fay! And go, you! Eighteen pounds is great. I need to hie me back to the gym, too.

My year? Ummm, I think I can safely say it was a good year. While it's had it's not so wonderful moments, there wasn't anything that couldn't be dealt with and/or overcome in one way or another, especially with the help of my blinvisible friends here. It is ending on a high note, with a promotion at work, which included a little extra money and kudos from my boss for the way I'm settling into it. Next year will be equally challenging when he goes back to active duty and I take on the entire responsibility of the department. I'm looking forward to it!

I hope everyone else has better prospects coming their way or at least a light at the end of the tunnel. In the meantime, joy and peace to you all in 2006!

I love this thread for hearing about how everyone is doing. Sometimes I get behind on the boards, and it's nice to be able to catch up with everyone.

Meanwhile this, for me, is not a year end post yet. It's just to comment that I'm highly amused by the thread title, because this year I bought my sister's family all penguin-themed items. The March of the Penguins dvd, a penguin finger puppet board book for the boy, a cute stuffed penguin for the girl. I think it's cute, but they may be slightly bemused. Still, since they live in Africa, I thought it would be fun for them to have cold weather toys to take back with them, kind of to celebrate their winter in the states. Although they're actually celebrating the holiday itself in Hawaii, so maybe the point is lost. But still, penguins!

erika! Your gift made me a little weepy. in a good way. Thank you!!!

Hey Liese, where in Africa does your sister live? (If you want to say, which you may not.) Because South Africa has penguins, so I think your penguin gifts are totally continentally appropriate.

For DX, and Liese, and all of us: [link]

Wow. That is one giant penguin.