Paula! Yay!! So glad you liked it!!!

And I have no idea if you have any affinity for Disney-related things, but Disneyland had so many neat ornaments I couldn't resist the shiny.

I love it. It's so sparkly.

I just finished burning the 2011 calendar. Yes, it made me feel better. [link]

I have received an Amazon box that msbelle tells me is a collaborative effort.

Honestly, I feel bad that extra effort was made on my behalf. I would have happily waited for the original package to be re-posted, and even helped with the postage!

In any case, many thanks to the Consortium of Care.

In the box, I found a packet of bath bombs and the Neutrogena sesame oil I especially wanted. I scrimped by buying the CVS equivalent. Since I am horribly smell averse, that turned out to be a super-error.

Now, my itchy, itchy skin will be so much happier this winter.

There were also pink earbuds...a nice boon...given that I listen to audiobooks almost 24-7 and seem to be death to earplugs.

Lastly, someone remembered my love for intricate coloring and added a Dover coloring book with Indian designs.

Thank you all.

I just been informed that there's a package waiting for me in the post office! Woo-hoo!

Sadly, post office is closed tomorrow, and it'll be few days till I'll be in Jerusalem again in post office opening hours.

Thank you, Buffisanta!

ChiKat, I'm sorry to hear about your dad. That's so hard; I can't even think about losing my dad -- it wrecks me so.

OTOH, 65 pounds?! GIRL. Awesome. You should post a before and after pic, if you're comfortable. I wanna see your sexy self!

Sarah, thank you so much for your gift! It's both wonderful and thoughtful. If last year I got Christmas in a box, this year it's been New Orleans!

I came back after a pretty bad day in a hectic time of life to find, and I hope I didn't forget anything, a book I wanted, two great CDs (one that was on my wishlist, the other didn't but I can't wait to give it a try), candies! (maple candies and glazed pecans), Mardi Gras beads, calendar, a local seasoning, and a kick ass sticker which says "fight the stupids". All very wonderful, and very, very appreciated.

Thank you, Sarah, so much. Opening this gift today was receiving a healthy doze of love, sanity, and trust in the human kind. I do need all of these at the moment, especially item no. 2.

I love and cherish this place, and glad to be a part of it. I wish I had more time to participate.

Last but not least, my yearly warning:

Guys? Ladies? Even if you're slackerishly late, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT, send me stuff in priority mail. It's pricey!

(Short for being very tired at the moment, sorry!)

Yay!!! I am so glad it got to you intact. I mailed it 12/27 and was a bit anxious until you said you'd got a notice.

Guys? Ladies? Even if you're slackerishly late, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT, send me stuff in priority mail. It's pricey!

Eh, it was a conscious decision. And one I don't regret!

(Now, after a night and bus-on-the-way-to-work's sleep): Yes! Everything's got intact. Last night I was too tired for coherent typing, but I saw how carefully every item was packed, and the beautiful wrappings.

Again, thank you, so much.