I am definitely sending thank-you notes this year. I'm not in the most organically grateful state at the moment. My school experience ended in a less than joyful way. Money is super-tight. We had to plan a reunion for 120 people today that required a lot of effort from my dad's side of the family, all while we are coping with the worst stressor, that my little grandma's health has taken a sudden, serious turn for the worse since Thanksgiving.

Eight years ago, my beloved-boyfriend-at-the-time gave me a beautiful locket for Christmas that he'd had engraved with his own design, with a photo of my dog inside who had recently died so I could keep her close to me. I loved it. It was the sweetest gift a man had ever given me. I cried happy tears. Two days later, on my birthday, nothing. The locket was pricey, and it was Christmas, he said.

Want to help save Polaroid film? You are not alone. 

I struggle with the holidays some, I admit it.  

It is that alleged most wonderful time of the year, right? Sure the news is bad - really bad, I mean, please, so bad I'm easing up on my CNN addiction, because I just can't handle it anymore.