On the outside, it looks like there wasn't much change in 2013 for me. Still employed in the same place, still happily married, same house, same car, same cats.

That doesn't mean that nothing happened.

Work: I'm in a different lab than I was at the end of 2012. The head of that lab, after I had helped her set up her lab, decided my skills didn't fit with the direction she was taking her lab. I ended up in another lab on a six month detail, which seems to have turned into a long-term gig.

I got to London and Paris for the first time, thanks to my parents wanting to go on a big family trip for their 50th anniversary. It was great getting to see all sorts of places, but I got tired of family about halfway through.

Speaking of family, I am worried about my mom's health. Her mobility has been worsening, and the two bouts of cellulitis in her legs seriously weakened her. She has also been a bit more foggy, mentally. My dad has been running himself ragged taking care of her. They have appointments with various specialists coming up.

Other than being annoyed with my continued weight gain(and catching more colds so far this winter than usual), my health is fine.

2014 should be interesting, what with both Gary and I being guests at (separate) cons. Worldcon is in London, and we hope to go, but that will depend on what life has in store for us.

2013 was one of the worst years of my life for a whole slew of reasons. But good stuff happened, too, and I've decided to be proud that I survived it. No idea what's coming in 2014, other than the usual, but I've also decided to try and make changes that will get me through it more easily.

I like what Austin Kleon says about routine rather than goals (or resolutions), which is "something small, every day." I'm going to try it anyway, and write something small, every day, no matter what, but I also want to make this a year of doing instead of *not* doing, in other words focusing on things I want to add to my life rather than stuff that needs to be axed. Like, more fruits and vegetables, even if I'm still eating too many carbs or too much sugar. Like that.

We'll see how it goes. As always, though, I'm very grateful for this community, which has saved me in many ways over the years, way more than once. Love and good wishes to everyone for the new year.

We had a really good financial 2013 after a couple of years of holding on tight. We sold our house in Georgia with a smallish loss but nothing too terrible, and finally got out from under the mortgage + rent burden we'd been carrying since Oct. 2011. I started a job in April (after un- and under-employment since Oct. 2011) and am finally using the professional degree I got in December 2009. So now we're saving up for a new house in this city, and we'll probably buy this spring. That bring up a whole lot of issues - I am still missing Georgia and community and don't feel I've found the place I want to live here yet - but damn, do I want a garden.

My job is an "okay for now" job, but it's a first step in this city and unless an offer I can't refuse comes along I'm planning to stay in it for a couple of years. mr. flea got sequestered and furloughed this year, plus pissed off his boss because he's a stubborn butthead, but overall seems to still like his work and feel secure in his position. The kids are happy in school and Dillo got into the magnet section of the school (which Casper now attends), and all should be quiet on the schooling front until Nov. 2014 when we have to investigate HIGH SCHOOL for Casper (they start in 7th grade, and are all magnets).

We are all pretty healthy (the kids very much so, mr. flea and I feeling like we're in our 40s, a little creaky). I feel a little blah about things, but overall we had a good year.

My resolutions include starting yoga again, because oh my back misses it; planning and saving for a family trip to France for June 2015 (I am writing one french word a day on my 2014 France calendar); and getting a document to Jim and Mary.

You guys! Secret Santa came by my house again. With more fabulous tea, an a for able little bracelet with owls, and a bunch of other goodies. Thanks, pinch Santa!

If anyone has not received a package from their ABalGENSTABSEA gifted yet, please let me know. I know some people have already sent message to expect things by Kings Day so I am in NO WAY shaming, I just want an idea if anyone is hanging unknowing.

Now, my own little trickster gifted. I have had more than my share of mail and gifts and awesome and yet no reveal. I have very scientifically look through the cards and I got more cards from 2 people than from any others, so I am guessing one of you. I have not even double checked that both of you were in the exchange. Should I start guessing, is a reveal coming? hmmmmm.

Haven't got mine yet, but I knew it would be early January and I'm not concerned about it. Also, my own giftee will probably not receive hers until Tuesday because UPS is expensive and slow and I'm just slow.

Yep, haven't gotten mine yet but my elf told me it's on it's way.

I have very scientifically look through the cards and I got more cards from 2 people than from any others, so I am guessing one of you.

Now I wish I had sent msbelle another card.

Also, this sounds like me going through teaching evals. I wonder if you figured out which one is from me.

Everyone who sent a card should send another card exposing Santa. Or maybe just with clues.

That would be hilarious.