Well, how about that, folks? *counts heads* We all survived the first month of 2008! Okay, so some of us are a little battered and bruised...but we all seem to still be here.

Hey, you, over there...look at me for a sec...yup, that's gonna be a shiner but at least yer here! You in the other corner, is that a cast? How'd you do that? A what with a what now? Ouch! Okay...oh and I'm sorry for your losses, you three in the back. I'm really sorry...yer good people, you deserve better.

But we all seem to be here, so that's something.

Anyways, let's take stock of the year so far.

*stares off into space*

Yeah, okay, so it's been unimpressive so far. But it's only a month old! It can only get better! That's what I said about 2007 SHHH! I don't want to hear that!

No, but seriously...things are looking up. Or at least, they're keeping us on the surface...we aren't drowning, how's that. I'd like some more stuff to go right for Von and I'd give just about anything to get a cancellation date for the surgery crap (February 20th rather than March 19th)...but at least stuff is happening. Slow and steady, right? Right.

So, anyways, happy February...the last month of real winter before we can see spring on the horizon!

Anyways, here, have a picture of me with a baby...there are few shots like this but this is a mighty cute baby. (Cropped to mostly hide the baby since I'm not sure her parents want pictures of her all over the internet...I didn't ask them but I don't think I'd want it. Too many creeps out there, y'know.)



She's a cutie and she actually likes to sit with me! Gasp! Will miracles never cease?

Good luck with February, folks...lemme know if it needs a kick in the butt. I'm happy to help!

Moggy

p.s.
On a sadder note, February 1st means five years since Columbia disintegrated on re-entry. Where has the time gone?

I'm getting taken to task repeatedly by Mr. Von for not updating this journal enough. Apparently my reputation as a frequent poster is in doubt...he didn't actually say that, but it was implied.

Anyways, I woke up this morning and it was December. How'd that happen!? And it was snowing*...and that, my friends, is a good thing. You see, much as I start to get tired of winter by about mid-February...I'm already very tired of this grey, damp weather we've been having. The trees are all bare, the lawns are brown...we need some snow to brighten the city up a bit. Christmas lights just don't look right on bare trees...and whether or not you're ready for it, tis the season!

And maybe that's why I've been so cheerful this week; tis the season. I mean, I'm normally pretty cheerful, but I've been going around with a bit more of a skip in my step than usual. Though today I've had a few concrete things to be happy about...started the day off with a nice e-mail from a friend, and then a note from my oldest friend (someone I've known for about 21 years...and only met once, well, 21 years ago, which is a story for another time), and then met Bats' and Bobo's new baby at lunchtime (very cute). All in all, that adds up to a good day.

Oh, and...(enter gloating mode)...I'm also mostly finished Christmas shopping. I (we) buy for about a half dozen friends, my parents, and Pickle. Well, I finished Von's shopping last night at about 9:30pm (thank you, internet), Pickle and I are exchanging the same thing, and a couple of friends are crossed off. Aside from being less stressed if I'm mostly done early, it's also best financially. One payday between now and Christmas! Damn, I almost sound like a mature, responsible (yikes) adult, there. How scary is that?

Okay, and now a question...since I'm on track to finish shopping early, and the Christmas cards are already mostly all mailed, I might actually have time to think about Christmas baking this year. So, what's your favourite Christmas dessert? Hit me with recommendations, please!

And, finally, to make you smile...my gal, 8 years ago last week:





Happy Friday!

Moggy

(*It's raining now...damn!)