{{amyth}} I'm so sorry to hear the bad health news, but very happy that you have so many good people to support you.

Laura, my condolences in your losses.

My sympathies to those of you fighting with your insurance providers. So far, I've had no major problems and I think my plan is pretty good (the state of WI is very good about managing these sort of things, we have one of the best employee retirement funds in the country), but I still live in the fear of something catastrophic happening. While insurance will cover bills, if I'm out of work for any significant time then long term disability and income continuation kicks in, which is nice, but at 75% of my income, I may as well be bankrupt. I'd have to sell everything.

I'm sorry to hear of all the woes that the world is dumping on the Buffistas. Wish there was something I could do that would help.

For Sophia, you might like this: 500 Years of Correcting "Historical" Halloween Costumes. One comment: Do you know where I can get a "Slutty Plague Victim" costume? Asking for a friend.

Just catching up after the wrong few days off the board...

{{amyth}} my dear friend and nearly-name-twin, I'm assuming you're at the hospital associated with your employer? In which case you're basically down the hall from me.. please let me know if you're up for (or even allowed to) guests or visitors or secret Buffista contraband? I'm at the Starbucks downstairs from the cancer hospital at least daily, and I will HAPPILY sneak some extra time onto all my coffee breaks to bring you some joy and relief. Wishing you all the strength right now.

Amych, info insent to your contact info.

separately, msbelle, I'm in favor of either or both of a card exchange and a charity gift; and TOTALLY in favor of you not having to manage a whole exchange in the middle of all the life stuff you have this season -- and (as I never say it enough), great gratitudes for all the work you always put into it!

I like the card and charity combo, too

I'd definitely be in for group charity, and possibly even new year cards?!?!?! (I will never get it together for cards before that....)

New Year's cards are fabulous! Secular/cross-holiday for those of us who don't really christmas, plus handy for the procrastination-oriented!

Timelies all!

I am at Philcon, as is Gary. Mr. S is at home with Gary's parents. They offered to watch him for a weekend, so here we are. I'm not sure how well this is going to go, so I am nervous.

New Year's cards are fabulous! Secular/cross-holiday for those of us who don't really christmas, plus handy for the procrastination-oriented!

I do also like that part.