Meep! Our offer on land was just accepted! The SO & I are about to be landowners! Vagabonds, we thought we'd never see the day, but we're very excited and hopeful and terrified and we're embarking on what I'm sure will be an epic tale of housebuilding. I don't know if we'll really be able to afford it, but our supporters have been very generous, and since I'm sure I won't be able to afford to continue to rent at this rate indefinitely, here we go!

We also just got word that our major grant was, well, granted, so our organization will continue in relatively good health (although we've been trying to wean off them gradually) for the coming year.

So, we're getting up at 4:30 and off to the airport and 13 hours of flying and then, Holland! I will try to post from over there in that Europe, but may be too busy absorbing culture and eating lots of fab food. Have a great week, Buffistas!

Awhile back I asked for some mysterious wisdom~ma, and I thank any of those that gave it.

The mystery is over. Come mid-June of '07 I am going to be a father.

This was completely unplanned and was really unlikely to happen, statistically-speaking, but sometimes life laughs at statistics.

The mother and I care about each other very much, and are looking for a place to live together and raise our child, but we're not planning to get married yet. We don't want to get married just because we feel like we have to, but because we both want to.

We don't know the sex of the child, the GF's first ultrasound isn't until next week, but we both intend to find out as soon as we're able.

Asking for a little financial ~ma. I just applied for a loan that I hope will help me get contol of my debts. I am totally inept when it comes to money, so any help is something I need.

A heartfelt request for best possible outcome ~ma.

I've written a letter of resignation to the day job that has alternately given me healthcare and sucked out my soul for the last 15 months.

Seconds after doing so, I got an email from someone who wants me to do what I am really called to do for good money...and that seemed like a sign.

What I need is the confidence that submitting the letter tomorrow is the right thing (as opposed to the cranky, foot-stompy thing...which of course appears NOwhere in the letter but shrivels my heart) and a quick infusion of cash...clients...projects, etc. to keep me afloat and move me toward my dream/goal.

I just can't see entering 2007 dragging this albatross along with me...but I'd also like to keep the health care and ya know...pay bills. And have some fun...

Any good thoughts would be deeply appreciated.

You know, I mentioned in Bitches that I'll be moving back to the DC area next summer, but I was holding off announcing it "officially" in case my DH got directed to Iraq. However, if that happens, Mal and I will be moving to DC anyway, so...DCistas, plan for a housewarming party next summer!

I'm posting this here, because so many people are involved.

Buffistas are wonderful. At the moment, I'm overwhelmed by just how wonderful they are. When I posted that Stephen had lost his job, I never expected so many loving, generous people to keep the Grinch at bay this year. An iPod for Jake has already arrived, and I know that other gifts, including money, are coming.

When I say overwhelmed, I'm really not kidding. I feel incredibly loved, incredibly blessed, and so grateful to be part of a community that cares for each other in so many ways. Everyone who is part of this has all of my gratitude. I wish I could send everyone cookies and porn and plot bunnies and new TiVos and additional seasons of Firefly. Thank you all, so much.

I have no words, so I will let Spencer Michael Free say them for me.

‘Tis the human touch in this world that counts,
The touch of your hand and mine,
Which means far more to the fainting heart
Than shelter and bread and wine;
For shelter is gone when the night is o’er,
And bread lasts only a day,
But the touch of the hand and the sound of the voice
Sing on in the soul alway.

You all, and I mean all, have touched my soul and I am grateful and blessed and honored.

Thank you doesn't seem to cover it. But, not being a poet, it's what I have and I mean it with every fiber of my being.

Thank you.

Need -ma

Could have a book contract. In last stage before getting the go ahead and having contracts signed. Need the -ma

(No, I can't talk about details yet, unfortunately)