So msbelle contacts me this afternoon to see if I can run an errand for her in Brooklyn. She needs me to pick something up for her at the Walgreens photo counter. I figure that it’s something for Uncle G. So I go there and pick up the poster-sized print, and then msbelle asks me to open it up and check the quality for her.
I open it up, and it’s a montage of a whole bunch of Buffistas holding hearts. (And also Jon Bon Jovi, for some reason). Thanks, msbelle! I especially needed to feel loved today. Perfect timing.
Oh! And I also received this print in the mail today! Thanks again! msbelle is the best Secret Santa ever!
Tom, that's a great gift!
I love reading about the buffista gift exchange, even though I don't partcipate.
Aw, Tom, those are great presents!
The variety of gifts and sheer deviousness displayed by some of the Santas is a joy to behold.
msbelle is the bestest secret santa-ette ever!
Aww, that's wonderful Tom! And go msbelle, organizing that in her not-at-all-spare time!
Yay! Msbelle is the BEST! Can we see a picture of the poster?
YAY! I just got back from Christmas Eve service. Most people involved with the poster had no idea why I was asking for the pictures. And I am sorry I did not contact everyone for pictures, but to keep them a size that made sense I had to draw the line at some point.
msbelle is the nicest and the sneakiest!
Oh msbelle, that is the best.
Tom, are there any career counselors around that could help you figure out an exit plan?
I wish 2012 treats everyone better.
I wish 2011 had been as good for everyone else as it was for me.
The big news (which was news last year) - I moved to VERMONT! From Florida to be with my wonderful sweetheart Will. (Who occasionally lurks on the board). I moved in April. I live in a little town, in northwest Vermont and so far I love it. The town is great, I've met some wonderful people and I'm really happy here.
The job search hasn't been so easy, no full time job but with I've found some part time work and made some good contacts, my goal for 2012 is to find, if not a full time job, then 2 part time jobs that will be almost full time hours.
I can't even express how positive and wonderful this change is. I lived in Florida almost my whole life, in the same town and I always felt like there was this shadow, or weight on me, just dragging me down. I was constantly stuck with reminders of my past and it seemed like every week I ended up spiraling into regrets and coulda/woulda/shouldas.
That's not part of my life here and it's been really freeing. I took up crochet again, almost learned to knit, I've been reading more and feel more creative juices flowing. I may try to at least take 1 class at community college next fall.
This year has not been without sadness or stress. My sweet tabby Maddie got sick and passed away unexpectedly. But at the same time my ex neighbor couldn't take one of her kittens and so Penny, a little tuxedo kitten, came into my life.
I've also hooked up with a great therapy team and in the spring I'm going to adjust medication and hopefully I'll lose weight and do well on the changes.
