I hope everyone is having a fantastic holiday season. I know that despite a tight budget and a few less Christmas presents under the tree than in previous years, I'm having a great one! I'm just extraordinarily happy to be with my family during this time of year. Still overcoming a chest cold, but it hasn't slowed me down when it comes to our traditional holiday festivities (which include eating lots and lots of delicious food). My sister purchased for me a much-needed portable hard drive, and I got her the Lackadaisy gift package to read on her plane rides Then I cleaned my room and read the 1994 Marvel Holiday Special comic. I love the Nick Fury story, since sometimes I relate to him, especially in that short. Was a very fun and somewhat productive day for our family ^^ But I'll update more on that later.

Anyway, about my previous journal, I chose at random the winner of the subscription contest, but I've been having a little problem making the purchase. I received an error and was directed to FAQ #721. The money was placed on hold apparently, since I just checked my card and it was deducted from my available balance. It looks like I may not get to make the purchase in time for the buy-one-get-one deal, but I will make sure they winner gets that subscription. In addition, I'm trying to purchase one for the person who suggested the randomly chosen winner. It's a very selfless act to speak up and nominate someone else for a prize, and many people pass on the opportunity

Anyway, just popping in to wish everyone a Merry Christmas as the day of celebration draws to a close where I am (though I'm sure no one will see this tonight as you all have lives beyond the internet ). Hope you all are spending it with loved ones doing whatever makes you happy!

Oops... Just wanted to pop in for a last-call for nominations. I meant to do this earlier, but I caught a little cold and was feeling under the weather. Didn't get a chance to hop online until right now. Gonna give it one more go and then decide in a few hours.

First off, thanks for all the candy suggestions! I'm going to try and fit all the recommended candies into the box, even if I can afford only a little of each. Gah! You all have given me a craving for some of these sweets! Curse my cavity-prone teeth :<

Anyway, on to other things. I was planning on purchasing a three-month subscription for myself, but I see that there is a "buy one, get one" deal thing. I can't decide who to purchase one for, so I'm going to ask people to nominate someone other than themselves to receive the subscription Who do you think is deserving? [Closes on the 23rd when I log on again]


And finally, R.I.P. Brittany Murphy. Wow, I didn't see that one coming at all! Really, can't 2009 just pass without another celebrity death? And though to me she's just another famous name I never knew personally, I did have a cousin who worked on her team and knew her and her family and said she was a sweet and amazingly fun person. And in the blink of an eye, another life has ended. Makes me sad


I need a little help for the Secret Santa my friends and I are holding. I ended up getting the name of a friend I don't know all that well. In addition to some other items like beer, gift cards and band tees, I figure I'll send a big ol' bag of candy over since he and the other guys always eat the ones we have stocked in the house. But... I don't know what kind of candy to give! I kind of want it to be an assortment of people's favourites, and I don't care about the price. I just need a decent list of what to purchase so I can send it off and make sure it arrives in Houston before Christmas :<

I'm bad at coming up with presents for people.

I hadn't realized until this minute that today is the second anniversary of this account, haha. I know, what's the big deal about that anyway? I don't really know, myself. I guess I've just never kept an account for that long before. In a way, it's kind of a big deal for me. I've also met a lot of wonderful people through this account.



I thought it was still November, actually. I can't believe how quickly this year has gone by. The holiday season has come around again and everything I see is so beautifully decorated. The Christmas specials always fill me with nostalgia. I'm excited to begin the festivities. I just wish the two biggest parts of my world weren't so far away in different states