It's almost time.

My extended, forced Christmas vacation, during which I am banned from the office until January 4, 2010, starts in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Christmas is kicking my ass. Again.

Saturday, I worked in the bookstore, then I had to go to K-Mart and buy another Crockpot, because I forgot and left all my others ones at the office. That's okay, though. I can always use another Crockpot. Then I came home to cook, because my book group women were gathering for our annual Christmas party that same night, and it's a major food and gift extravanganza. I made a Greek terrine, chicken and rice soup, and homemade chocolate sandwich cookies with vanilla cream.

I didn't get home from the party, until after 2:30 a.m.

Then I dragged my sorry butt out of bed on Sunday morning and made it to the 11:00 a.m. service. I stuck around to work in the bookstore for a little while, then I came home and finally got my Christmas tree up. It isn't one of my prettiest trees, but, by this point, I ain't picky.Then I headed back out to meet my other women friends for dinner and gift giving. It was very nice, and I ate my weight in fried pickles, a fact for which I will certainly pay today. I begged off driving around to see the Christmas lights, because I have entirely too much to do tonight. I stopped by K-Mart on the way home and bought a gift card for my mailman and a couple of Christmas movies.

I came home and messed with the tree some more, stuffed assorted stockings, set out my Fitz and Floyd Santas, addressed Twelfth Night invitations, wrote thank you notes, and otherwise tried to get a handle on my remaing list of Christmas tasks. I have a party tonight, and I don't expect to be back from it until around midnight. I have to find time to take Mike's gift to him, and I have scads of packages to wrap on Tuesday night. God only knows when I'm going to have time to bake.

I'll be so glad when Christmas is over, and I can finally start to enjoy the holiday.

I love almost everything...

...in Zac Posen's new pre-fall collection.

http://projectrungay.blogspot.com/2009/12/zac-posen-pre-fall-2010.html

Except the cats. Not crazy about the cats.

I'm off to Knox-Vegas.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

I am preparing to do something gauche.

I am going to go Christmas shopping in my own house. I bought tons of stuff at the after-Christmas sales last year, and I have baskets of never-used bath and beauty products, shelves of never-read books, boxes of never-brewed Gevalia coffee, and a bunch of wooden doodads that Daddy made for me while he was practicing his lathing skills. Plus, I have stockpiled baking ingredients--3 different kinds of flour, chocolate chips, butterskotch chips, Heath bar chips, peanut butter chips, peanut buttter, Nutella, butter, margarine, and spices. I could put together a dozen gift bags and never break a sweat. (I also have a closet full of unused gift bags, tags, ribbons, bows, and decorative boxes.)

So, I'm going to do it. And if that makes me a tacky sort of person, so be it. There's a recession going on, you know.

Now, sing with me...

I'll be gauche for Christmas.
You can count on me.
I have stuff
That's good enough
For presents under the tree.

Free Books!

Simon and Schuster UK is giving away free books again, and there's a big honkin' bunch of them to choose from. Go here and select one for your very own self.

I hate Facebook so, so much.

Here's my latest email exchange:

Hi,
We were unable to find an account associated with the email address you
submitted your question from.

If you have a Facebook account that is associated with a different email
address, please email us from that email address and copy and paste this email
into the new email, so that we may confirm your account ownership for security
purposes. Please include your name and date of birth (month/day/year).

If your issue has since been resolved, no further action is needed on your part.

If you're experiencing other issues with your Facebook account, please visit
http://www.facebook.com/help.php

Thanks,
The Facebook Team
************************************************



Facebook Team:
I don't know how that is possible, since I signed up with that address, and you sent me both a confirmation email (see below):

Hey (my name),

You recently registered for Facebook. To complete your Facebook registration,
follow this link:

(link deleted)

Facebook helps you communicate and stay in touch with all of your friends. Once
you join Facebook, you'll be able to share photos, plan events, and more.

Thanks,
The Facebook Team

And a welcome email (see below):

Hi (my name),
Your account has been created — now it will be easier than ever to share and connect with your friends.
Here are three ways for you to get the most out of it:
Find Friends
Find people you know on Facebook using our simple tools.
Upload a Profile Photo
Personalize your profile and help your friends recognize you.
Edit Your Profile
Describe personal interests, contact information, and affiliations.

If you have any questions, reference our New User Guide.
Thanks,
The Facebook Team Sign in to Facebook and start connecting
Get Started

...to that very same email address, which is (my email address). Plus, I keep getting invitations to add Facebook friends at that very same email address.

So obviously, the problem is on your end. And I've been to http://www.facebook.com/help.php several times, and it's pretty much useless for dealing with my issue.

BTW, this is me:

(Facebook link)

My birthdate is October 6, 1960. Please fix this, because I'm getting pretty damn frustrated dealing with the issue.