You're welcome, Dani. I'm glad you like them.

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Yay more Christmas! Thank you, Sean--the package arrived today, and I was prevented from eating the chocolate immediately only by the fact that I, um, was eating a chocolate cookie while opening the package. So. But! Lovely smelly candle, and eye pillow, and a devil duckie of my very own, and paper Futurama dolls! The paper Futurama dolls clearly need to go to work with me tomorrow.

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I just got home from a vacation in Arizona and Mexico (I had never stayed at a resort before. I could seriously get used to that!), and what did I find waiting for me but BOXES! Now, some were items that I had ordered to take with me to said resort, and there may be some discussions with vendors about guaranteed delivery dates, but MUCH more importantly, I had a box from my secret santa. Thanks so much to Stephanie for the Lush gift pack! I have never tried Lush before, and am seriously looking forward to seeing what everyone has been raving about. I think there may be a long, sparkly, bubble bath in my future this evening! Many thanks, again, Stephanie. It seems that each year I get the most generous buffista of all as my very own seekrit santa.

Since I seem to be typing lots today, I guess I'll do my 2005 recap. The best thing about this year is how it has improved in the last few months. With the (big) exception of meeting Bay Areaistas in January (was that only this year?!), this year started out as a difficult continuation of 2004. One of my very best friends went to prison in 2004, leaving me wondering how I could have missed the signs, as well as with his two psycho kitties and his finances to take care of - when I can barely take care of my own. Many changes and uncertainties at work and church kept me further off balance. By the end of 2005, though, his finances have mostly moved to another's much more capable hands, the kitties and I have acclimatized to each other (I like to think that they're less psycho), and the work situation seems to have settled down in a very positive way. Highlights for the year:

• I got to meet Bay Areaistas in January and Seattlistas (plus DebetEsse) in the summer. I was really nervous about it each time, but each time worked out better than I could possibly have imagined. Buffistas really are the very best!

• On the summer trip, I was able to visit my friend in prison, which wasn't nearly as scary as I thought it would be. I also met some of his family members that I had been communicating with on various issues, but hadn't met in person before; and visited some friends that I hadn't seen in years. I have resolved to keep in better touch.

• After temporarily shedding some professional association and church responsibilities, I have had more time to spend with myself...and on being a complete fangeek. Figuring out how to blend the different sides of myself as I take on

some of these responsibilities again will be an interesting challenge this year.

• I have spent more time with some acquaintances who have become real friends. I have grown more distant from some other friends. Whether it's due to guilt by association or different priorities for time, I don't know. It has been hard, but I have come to pretty much accept it and to enjoy the less-involved friendship for what it is. However, I have been truly amazed and encouraged by the church friends who quietly stepped forward to help during difficult times.

• The new rector at my church and his family continue to settle in. I have high hopes that they will be here for a good, long while and that they will be a stabilizing and revitalizing influence on the church and community. This may not seem like that big of a deal, but given where we've been over the last few years, it's huge.

I hate to say this out loud, as it were, but 2006 seems to be starting out wonderfully. I'm really enjoying my job, church and community. I had one of the best vacations ever - and didn't fight with my mom at all during it. At the end of '05 and already this year, I was able to help some others in ways that I wouldn't have been able to before. Being able to do something important for someone else, whether big or small, is one of the most gratifying things ever, especially when you can see the impact and the appreciation.

Through everything, I have learned so much from all of (continued...)

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( continues...) you, and I appreciate your support in so many ways. I am so lucky and blessed to have stumbled across this board.

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Katie, I'm so glad you liked the presents. It was a lot of fun shopping for them, and putting the package all together. I hope they all bring you much joy.

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OMG! Speaking of which, I forgot to thank SA for her wonderful presents of good-smelling man products, plus chocolate. She sent me a wonderful box, with Yardly aloe and cucumber soap, Aveeno shave gel, and Nivea face wash and skin lotion. Plus nummy treats and a nice card. THANK YOU SA!

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libkitty, I'm so glad you finally got it. I swear, I thought I was on top of it, but no one wanted to cooperate with me. I've never tried Lush stuff nyself, but it looks like so much fun! I hope you enjoy it.

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I probably got it a while ago, but I was enjoying sea, sand and sun in Mexico. Didn't end up doing the bath thing last night, but that's just letting me enjoy the anticipation longer.

Thanks again!

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The gift I sent should have gotten to the person by now. I was late in sending it, I know, but it should be here. I sent it via UPS, but I left the confirmation number at home so I can't see where it is.

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