Getting an email this morning from every company that’s every tried to sell me anything advertising their day-after-Christmas and last-few-days-of-the-year sales was a pretty good indicator that retailers are trying to push a few more dollars through the register in 2007. It must be working, too, because all-time-high online shopping volumes are apparently crippling even the stoutest of virtual brick houses:

I’ve been waiting for almost 30 minutes to get into virtual Macys and in internet time, that’s an eternity. Year-end sale or not, that’s poor technology management and a good way to lose customers to Nordstrom (whose site seems to be working fine).

It's a beautiful sunny day in Montana, although not as snowy as usual because of the 30-degree warm streak. I've spent the week so far lounging around with Mom, Dad and Danielle, sharing laughs, feasting heartily, counting our blessings and toasting our future. It's been relaxing and recharging in every way.

I hope you all are having just as joy-filled, blessed and rewarding a Christmas as I am. If not, maybe you should come home with me next year – this place works wonders.

All the hardcore gangsters wear free tmobile headbands

I took this shot of the Cascade Mountains while lying in bed this morning, the first day after the big move-in. They look much brighter and snowier in person.

John couldn't decide if he wanted pizza or a cookie so he's eating both simultaneously. Everything got moved without incident thanks to my awesome friends. And then we feasted in celebration. :)