Merry Christmas, folks!

(or in Ozark: "Murra Crissmus, y'all!" )

 

Gotta say though, on our own part here in Chez Aptenodytes forsteri, this year has been really good. It was the first full 12 months that the missus managed to avoid being stuck in the hospital. Employment for skilled folks in the IT industry has been fantastic; because of that I managed to bump my salary very nicely by switching jobs this year, while at the same time cutting back from an insane work schedule. To top that off, I can also telecommute when I'm not traveling, which I intend to do as soon as I move out of the city.

If you'll indulge my beliefs for a moment, I am quite a thankful critter for God's blessings this year, especially after the crap that the missus and I have had to endure for the 3 years previous to it. It's given me a perspective and a sense of gratitude that I will hopefully never lose. 

With a little luck, by this time next year I'll be typing a similar missive from a home office, with a window overlooking the wave-tossed ramparts of the Oregon Coast.

 

Certainly, sometimes on these tired old forums I'm a total dick. I promise you that I do it only in the greatest sense of jocular kindness these days, or to right any wrongs. All that aside, I've been in and out of here - warts and all - for the past decade now. Why? I dunno.. but it's been a fun ride, and y'all are rather entertaining at times. :)

 

At any rate, it's time to wake up the missus. We partied a bit late last night after Midnight Mass, so it's time to see the look on her sleepy face as she opens the first really cool presents that I've been able to afford in years.

 

Cheers!

/P