SJ, the Pirates figure was well received and perfectly apt as EM's big present to Emmett was an actual painting of Captain Jack (fan art for xmas!), as well as the very cool Dread Pirate board game.

I'm glad he liked it, Hec.

{{{Everyone who had a difficult Christmas}}}

I'm glad you got your mixer, vw.

Mal is a cutie!

There was more, but my brain is still mush.

I had a very lovely holiday with TCG's family. It was very low key and non-stressful. I like only spending one day of the holiday with my family. I only saw half of my dad's side and for a very brief period of time, and when I called to talk to them the next day, I was very glad of this. I didn't get to spend nearly enough time with my stepfather's side of the family though. Although, I did get a few really cute pictures of the niece, who is quite possibly the cuddliest baby ever. She is so happy and will sit contendedly with anyone.

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Thanks to everyone for the comfort and support. I heard some “boys are like that” noise from MIL and SIL. That just isn’t acceptable. I’m the least materialistic person you could meet, but they have to learn to think of others and be more considerate. If they had brought me a cup of coffee and a biscuit in bed all would have been right in the world. I’ll try and talk to them today.

See how much nicer you are than I am? I'd be at the point of open threats and hostility. You know how Santa is a house rule? Well SANTA BRINGS COAL, KIDDIES.

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ooo, how about one that says "Hillary/Kennedy 2008"

or Hillary/Obama 2008. a woman AND a black man.

I heard some “boys are like that” noise from MIL and SIL. That just isn’t acceptable.

no, it is not. And, frankly, as much as I love Brendon, he needs to take some responsibility here. Of course, if his family thinks that "boys are like that", that might explain how it happened. But, it will NOT happen again.

I did, however, get a TiVO.

Jooooooin usssssss . . . .

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I just made some tea, using my new tea kettle, my new flavor of tea and am drinking it out of my new green and gold tea mug. Ahhhhhhhhh.

Still sick, but am feeling as though I've crested the worst of it knock on wood.

{{Laura}}

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no, it is not. And, frankly, as much as I love Brendon, he needs to take some responsibility here. Of course, if his family thinks that "boys are like that", that might explain how it happened. But, it will NOT happen again.

This is what dh said (minus the loving Brendon part, because he doesn't know anyone). Brendon needs to remind the boys, or take them shopping, or ask, somewhere during the month, because that will teach them to remember on their own, eventually.

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no, it is not. And, frankly, as much as I love Brendon, he needs to take some responsibility here. Of course, if his family thinks that "boys are like that", that might explain how it happened. But, it will NOT happen again.

This is what I was thinking too.

ION, we've got a bit of family drama here. Not directly in the house, but from my aunt who is supposed to be visiting tomorrow. Ugh. She's insisting on bringing her dog, without even asking. Blech. My poor SIL is furious.

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Oh, man. I feel for all of you who have had less than lustrous Christmases so far.

If you discount my migraine (which I do, because that's all on me) and the tentativeness it induced in my family, the most drama was me trying not to kill my PT cousin who insisted on roughhousing with my newly sprained finger. No actual arguments, and my mother deliberately avoided getting into one with me about said cousin. And I stepped away from a couple myself. Weird feeling, that. Maybe I'm grownup.

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I've been thinking about Laura's situation a lot. I Know B isn't good about gifts on dates. and I understand it. I am horrible about birthdays that are not in my face. Which is part of why I work so hard at christmas. But I just told DH that if his brothers feel preessured by christmas we can scale back, or only kids or whatever. I don't want to pressure people over something that should be fun. So I think you should tell them you aren't haveing fun ( and i mean all three) and that things are going to change. - and it will be a group disscussion that will end in you not doing all the work - which might mean no tree and no presents - because it doesn't really seem to matter to anyone- but just a family dinner. I am actually kind of curious about what matters to them.

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My Christmas actually turned out really nicely. And five days off work, can't beat that.

I like beth's suggestion for Laura.

I got a wonderful gothy dress for Christmas, and now I need a petticoat. Also a waist cincher would look nice with it. Shopping pointers?

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eBay.

Then again, eBay is my answer for anything.

"Where can I find vintage stockings?"

"eBay."

"I need an iPod skin."

"eBay."

"How can we fix Iraq? And get out?"

"eBay."

Speaking of, I need to figure out my costume for the masquerade at the Con next month. Joe says I should do Queen of the Elves again from Lords and Ladies.

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