I've Got A Lovely Bunch of Coconuts...

Actually, I don't have any coconuts. Haven't seen one in ages, either - something about the climate in these parts not really supporting them... Funny stuff, that.

What I do have is a super-excellent-awesome package from the lovely ladies of Sigma (and a few extras, I believe). Even the part where I had to deal with the postal service yet again, in order to obtain it, went smoothly. They'd butchered my last name on the slip (yes, it's foreign, but it's not that hard and Chelsey wrote clearly...), but they didn't hassle me with the box, so yay!

Bigger yay, though, to the letters and suprises! I've already sat down and read all of the letters over a cup of coffee au lait (I thought Ashley'd approve) - it was like having all you there for a little bit. I need to reread and take notes, but just the quick stuff for now:
-Is Ashley married yet? It's been a few weeks since the letters were written, so you never know...
-If they're still planning the wedding, can I be the flower girl?
-I hereby promise that I am still alive, and intend to remain so, despite Ashley's apparent desire for my immenient demise...
-Lulu, you and I can celebrate Christmas all break if you'd like - do you have somewhere to go for Christmas? You know you're welcome with us.
-Chelsey, that was a very well-drawn turkey and I love the card - I think I'm going to show it to my hozhaika - I'll let you know what she says.
-H, try to avoid having too many scary stories, okay? Continued survival is good. And nice choice of sticker - do I want to know why you have one of those?
-Sarah and Chelsey and Ashley and everybody else - when I get back (from Russia, not the dead), we shall have a party of sorts and spend lots of time talking about our grand plans for the future without having to make any sort of commitment or serious plan, so that everyone can stop stressing...
-Please don't die with finals, all of you. Good luck!
-I'm already three chapters into the book - good choice, Sarah (and good timing - I just bought The Pickwick Papers yesterday, and now I can put it off some).
-I'm wearing the socks right now, and I'm planning to back some of those cookies for my trip to Elets tomorrow.

In conclusion, I have amazing friends, whom I <3. Thanks so very much for brightening my day, y'all!

...and then she spat out her tongue

start music: Blowin' in the Wind - Peter, Paul and Mary

First off, I have wonderful friends. I <3 y'all (even you, Ms. She's-Out-Of-My-Life). I really needed the fun last night - I've been within an inch of eating my hat or something from all the stress of getting ready and trying to get everything together (and other things...)

Take-off draws ever closer, and the ulcer in my stomach grows. I trust that everything's going to be alright, and I genuinely appreciate and cling to the prayers I know are being lifted for me, even now. At the same time, it's so hard to let go and cast your cares upon Him. I fight an eternal battle to cast off my burdens and leave them at the throne, but sometimes it seems like a hopeless struggle. But nothing is ever hopeless in Him, is it? I need to learn to keep that ever before me.

In other news, the Bourne Ultimatum was good, if a little nausea-inducing in places. Also, I finally bought boots. Cowboy boots, no less. They're warm and comfy and pretty, so all is well. (I really should've been a rodeo queen - sparkles and livestock - what's not to like?)

Y'know, I should probably start packing...

End music: Beautiful One - By the Tree