My cat just started playing with a gift tag that was next to me on the couch. She had been sleeping on top of it, and she just sat up and started playing with it. Then, she picked up and pranced off with it as if it were the best Christmas present ever. One would think she was a kitten instead of 12 years old. How perfect is that?!

Oh, it came! That's good. I wasn't sure it would get there in a reasonable amount of time.

Dana, I'm glad it got there! I lovelovelove Laura Veirs, so when I saw that you had requested new-to-you music, she was the first one I thought of. (Yeah, I found out about her through fandom too; have you seen the Doctor Who vid set to her song "Don't Lose Yourself"? That song is on the album I sent you, and it's gorgeous.) Her new album is really good too, but Saltbreakers is my favorite. I hope you enjoy her!

Just popping in here at the wire to say the only thing that is really important to me about 2010. It's the year I got married to Kristin. It's a good year, and it always will be.

have you seen the Doctor Who vid set to her song "Don't Lose Yourself"?

I have! Have you seen the due South vid "Icebound Stream"?

One would think she was a kitten instead of 12 years old. How perfect is that?!

Awww. Pretty darned perfect, I'd say.

I've been trying to craft a cheerier than not post about 2010 but to quote Rex in Toy Story, "I'm just not feeling it."

I'm fine. Bartleby is fine. So that's all that matters.

Oh, wait. My house did not burn when it easily could have in May. I did not die in September, when I easily could have. People were awesome in taking care of me when I was sick for so long. Niki did not die when she easily could have...three times in one year. Gordon died in March, but on his own terms. Having my best friend leave town in April was really hard. Letting go of her altogether in October felt like a horrible divorce, but I'm a little bit relieved, despite the pain.

Yeah. Not horrible. But definitely not my best.

I am cozy and warm and safe, so I should not complain.

May 2011 be better for all of us...Even if 2010 was a good year for you...may the new year be even better!

2010 was great for me because I finally walked across a stage in a silly graduation robe, and my San Francisco Giants won the World Series. You might be surprised to find out which was actually more important to me.

You might be surprised to find out which was actually more important to me.

Just for the record, I would not be surprised.

But congrats on the other thing!

2010 was incredible. So much love and so little sleep... I love being your Mama, Shanie Pants!