I HAVE A PERMANENT JOB!

Nico...the closer you get to home the more desperate you are to arrive, am I right?

Oh my dear, I am so so sorry this has happened.

Oh my dear, I’m glad the big announcement is out of the way. I was thinking about you this morning (it’s 9.13am here) and I guess I got angry at the possibility of people responding to your family situation with “Well fuck ‘em!”

Because the thing is, they SHOULD LOVE YOU. They should be kind to you, and share…

This looks divine! I’ve been making a veggie chilli lots. A dear friend died a few hours before Christmas eve and it was his favourite, I’ve found comfort in enjoying it. (It's also what I made for the meal at my wedding, but despite the domestic violence and divorce that followed I've never held that association too…

Happy new year Maya! I really mean it. Happiness, healing and wholeness to you for 2020 and beyond.

I had a swedish friend at primary school who gave me a tshirt featuring Calvin and some swedish text. I wore it well into my teens without ever questioning what the text said, I think I assumed it was just made-up-Calvin-language.

I feel this, and my boobs (such as they are) pose little to no obstacle in the application or removal of a sports bra.

1: she has a bunch of food in plastic packaging in the second pantry

Same!

I have a shit spine (that is, I believe, the medical name for my condition) and am not allowed to do burpees. I'm not that mad about it. 

This sounds so good! I have a friend who belly dances and credits it with saving her life. Also walking is amazing for building bone density and lots of other things.

I agree with the exception of press-ups-with-shoulder-taps which I do instead of burpees and side planks because the doctor told me I mustn’t do burpees and side planks. Maybe they're still stupid, but I've become fond of them.

They do not deserve you. As my friend says to me sometimes; you’re strong like a lion and I’m furious that you have ever had to be.

Oh my dear, that’s horrible news. That cat loves and is loved, this is good news.

That is impressive, do you work on commission? People would pay good money to have you get them out of ridiculous scrapes. (I would. I am people.)
Also, YES to the dressmaking patterns and also to the “Oh me? I couldn’t possibly.”
I say you can and you must!

It’s all going on. I’m back at work on Monday, and looking forward to it (that’s what almost two years of unemployment’ll do for ya kids.) They have asked me to interview for a permanent contract (paid holiday? WTF is that?!) on Friday.

Before anyone knew gluten was trying to kill me if only one or two of us were staying with my grandparents we’d have the regular choco leibniz as a special treat. I miss my grandparents, but thank you for the lovely reminder.

And to you Maya...we've survived, now let us thrive!

Happy new year kids, 2019 has been wild fucking ride but it's ending better than I could have expected. Here's to light and life and love in 2020...whether it comes through luck, hard work or radical, costly generosity.