I'll admit, I've been an intermittent reader for a while now. Today, however, I had spare time at the office and I read a LOT of your archives. (There was not a lot of work to be done, honest.)

In short, you've inspired me to have hope. Career, money, home... all of that's in place but now, through this post and so many others, I'm reminded that I have hope for a reason.

Thanks for reminding me that this really can happen, even for me.

P.S. The whole two covers and binding thing can be done, promise.
I think it's also something that comes along when you're not expecting it.

That was beautiful! It's so good to remember that, no matter how caught up we get in the rat race, the things that matter most are already there. Thank you for that post.

That is pretty great place to be, isn't it? Good for you! Beautiful post, as usual.

Right there with you, kid.

Deb, your post made me grin. I love hearing that people are happy and loving their lives. Enjoy!

Lovely post, Deb.....reading it made me realize that even though I seem to be in a continuous financial struggle, and my job makes me crazy, I still have many things (my fiancee, family, friends, etc.) that are far more important and make me feel blessed beyond belief. Thank you for reminding us all that while striving for to be "better" is good, it is also ok to just be grateful for the things we already have.

wonderful.

I'm telling you, I have those sitcom moments a lot. I've got a great family, an awesome circle of friends, my own place, a dream career, etc... and the last piece of that puzzle is someone to enjoy it all with. Thanks for reminding us to be happy with what we have, not desolate for what is missing. I am a lucky girl too!

Congrats to you! What a wonderful realization to start your year with!

I seriously feel you on this. I'm at a point in my life right now where I'm as happy as you are. In this world today, it's nice to know others are that happy as well. Whatever you've done to make yourself that happy, keep doing it. As for Karma, I worry about her too but you kind of made me realize I've gotta' just live my life thankful for what I've got and try not to worry about Karma coming into play. Thanks.

long time reader - my favorite quotes

Don't cry when it rains if you don't smile/laugh when the sun shines

and

Just laugh! It's free.

Snowkatz

After having a not so great day at work (I teach middle school), I came home to my wonderful boyfriend that made me stop talking and just sit with him and relax..no talking, just sitting.
Reading your post right now made me realize how lucky I am to have him here to come home too...among other things. Thank you!

Thanks for bringing me back down to Earth, where I'm happy and safe and loved and blessed.

Here's to an even better 2006!

Recently married in Sept I realize that the bills can pile up and everything else can go downhill as long as you have family and friends life is good :) Thanks for reminding me to go back to this place! Long time reader love your stuff makes me smile alot because I think the same stuff!

well you definitely appeal to the iVillage fan base

I just got engaged on Christmas day and I am quickly learning that you can get wrapped up in the details of life (and planning a wedding). I love this post.

I've read your post for the last month or so. All i had to read was one entry and i immediately became addicted and just HAD to read all your archives starting from 2003 or 2002 to jan 200 6to reading your blog during the "slow" hours at work. You're so witty and funny. Thanks for always keepin it real. Your blog is the best!

Loved how you threw the jeweler's loupe in there - what an unexpected visual to an already sensory-involved piece!

Hey Deb! I hear what you’re saying. I moved up here just this past May, and met the most fabulous guy. I have to continue to remind myself how good I have it, and I too keep waiting for the other ball to drop. Even I've lost ten pounds, and that just been in the past three months. It's truly amazing what endorphins will do.

On another note un-related to this post, I read that you had taken some dancing classes before your wedding. My boyfriend and I have 3 weddings to go to in the next 3 months, and in an attempt not to royally make an ass of either him or myself I wanted to look into taking a dance class. So, I was wondering, where did you take your classes, and do you recommend them?

Deb and I took our classes at a place called Dance Manhattan (dancemanhattan.com). It's on 19th between 5th and 6th.

We just took a sampler package, so we, uh... "learned" three different dances in three weeks, but I'm sure there are more comprehensive classes if you know what you want to learn. I'd recommend the school over all, though.

Thanks for the input! I'll look into it.

The January/February issue of Saveur magazine has the avocado guac recipe from Tabla on page 48. :)