First: Welcome, everyone, and thank you for your support and your interest. Your response has been overwhelming, and I'm doing my best to post information and keep up with your comments and emails.

Second: I'm really sorry I've been neglecting my friends list. I've been really, really busy and haven't had a chance to read or comment for a few days. If there's anything you think I should know about or you'd especially like to share, please post links in the comments.

Third: I'm going to take a few days off from the Iran thing. If I hear anything from Fayah and her friends, I'll post it immediately. Otherwise...I've been totally neglecting my real life (ssuch as it is) and I still have a fair amount of work to finish on Sekrit Project Part Two. I should be able to clue y'all in soonish...a month or so maybe? Anyway.

Other than Iran and the Sekrit Project, I've been stressing a ridiculous amount about my birthday. In a little over a month (September 6), I'll be turning 40.

I've been in Austin for over three years now, and I still know no one here. Katrina damaged me to the point where I'm little more than a recluse.

I never envisioned my 40th birthday as being me and the cat sitting around the apartment moping. I always imagined a huge party, surrounded by friends. Not this.

I feel like I'm just marking time, waiting for my life to restart. It's all pretty depressing. Also, embarassing. I mean, here I am, almost 40, whining because I won't get a party and cake and presents. Pretty sad. I'd like to think I'm bigger than that.

Maybe this is my mid-life crisis. If so, I'd rather have a hot blonde and a red convertible.
/end sulk

Since a couple of you have asked, here's my Amazon wishlist, but really...the love and support you all give me is the best gift of all.
xoxoxo