2014 was a mixed bag. I wound up in the hospital, unexpectedly, but I did finally get a job.

My goals for 2015 are to stay out of the hospital and keep the job.

Thanks, everyone! And Happy New Year to all!

Well, I had a whole long post written then I mistakenly checked the spelling of a work and lost the whole post. So I went to post it on Facebook only to discover that I hadn't friended my Seekrit Santa!

So, my going to the urgent care this morning gave me a chance to stop by the post office and pick up my package from Krampus of New Orleans.

It's Nora! and inside were some New Orleans-eriffic things! 2 ornaments, one in the shape of a fleur de lis, a candle that is Mardi Gras scented, to starkly beautiful photos of doorways with their post-Katrina makings, a bar of soap that I can't identify the scent of, a gorgeous cook book with recipies from all over LA and with wonderful artwork from students. It's just a pleasure to thumb through for that alone! and last but not least, a lovely glass goblet!

Thank you Nora!

2014's big suck was getting laid off at the end of June. Job hunting has been frustrating and demoralizing, as has discovering how much of my self-image was tied up in my work. I've enjoyed discovering the part of the world that isn't in an office 9-5, and whether or not I get hired in the next few months I'm planning on doing more volunteer work. I'm lucky that I live in a walk-friendly area, and both friends and family have been very supportive. My cat's been great company. I might get a job offer next week. I might get called in for interviews in four other states. I have no idea where I'll be by May. 2015 = the year of flexibility for me, I guess.

Man, I can't remember what the soap was! But it was mild.

The glass is made by my friend Andrew, that is one of my favorite pieces of his.

I'm glad you liked everything.

For those not on FB, Tom finally got his Santa present in the mail a couple days ago; so happy he liked his Brooklyn-themed presents! Thanks for those who participated in the postcard project.

Officially concerned about the package I've sent. If it remains in the ether for another week, I will send a replacement. Sorry, giftee. It really should have been there by now.

I got a message on Elfster that my Secret Santa was sending me the second half of my present (even though what I got was wonderful and plenty!) and I just want to let my Santa know that I am in New York until Sunday night, and have been since Dec. 26. However, my neighbor has been getting my mail for me, and she emailed me earlier in the week to let me know that I received a package. I may not cross paths with my neighbor to get my mail until the middle of next week, but if anyone is concerned about package arrival and me, I'm pretty sure it arrived.

I have not yet received a package, and if my elf is just slacking a wee bit please don't feel bad! I am a little concerned because my neighborhood has an issue with packages disappearing, so I'm going to start having packages delivered to a local shipping store. I will change my shipping address in Elfster but wanted to mention it here, too.

I am pretty sure that some of these ornaments were from past Secret Santas, but can remember who goes with what [link] help me so I can label them. smonster? quester?