luisa party & xmas shopping poll

Did some e-mail catchup yesterday. From 2124 e-mails, I'm now down to 1254. Answered 83 e-mails yesterday. During that time I received 137 new ones. Trashed a bunch. Unsubscribed from about half a dozen mailing lists. It's not even 8:30 a.m., and I've already received 24 e-mail messages today. Augh. (Yes, I know some of you out there get way more e-mail than I do, but let me whine for a bit, willya? :-))

I feel like I'm trying to pour water in a bucket with a big hole in the bottom.





It was my friend Luisa's birthday on Saturday, but since she was away for the weekend, I asked if I could take her out last night instead. She foolishly said yes, and I turned it into a surprise birthday dinner. :-)

I booked the party room at Ampeli, and things turned out pretty well despite a slip-up by me that nearly gave things away last week. Great food, great service. People at the dinner: Jeff and me, Kaarel, Reid & Luisa, Andy, David Barker, Craig, Peter & Laura, Scott & Karin, Harald & Micki, Tom & Michelle, John & Kristen. Andrew called from California during the evening to wish Luisa a happy birthday.

Poll: Christmas shopping?

Do you celebrate Christmas? If so...Have you started Christmas shopping? Have you finished (in which case I hate you)? Do you randomly shop for gifts, or do you make out a list beforehand? Do you get presents for everyone in your family, or do you draw names from a hat? Do you have any Christmas shopping rituals? Have you ever re-gifted? What do you like about Christmas shopping? What do you hate?

Answer here

Links/News:

Condolences to Kathy Cogswell, whose father died on Saturday morning. :-(

One year ago, I went to a Paramount LOTR Line Party gathering.

Four years ago, I received a questionable 'Net award.

Five years ago, I burned dinner.

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Today's Blatherpics:

Last night at Ampeli.

	Luisa and Reid.
	Part of the table last night.
	Michelle and Reid.