As most of you know, the Hogwarts Express gift exchange was a huge hit last year, and it's time to start organizing again. For those who missed last year's exchange, we use elfster.com to organize. Only the person who "draws" you will have access to your personal information. If you're interested in joining this year, send me a private message with your email address and I'll make sure you get an invite. If you're under 18 (and I know if you are), you'll need to get a parents' permission before you'll be allowed to participate. Those who participated last year will automatically receive an invitation for this year's exchange.

In an effort to keep things as streamlined as possible I set up a quick survey to make sure we'll all on the same page for spending limits and timing. Please take a moment to complete the survey only if you're planning to participate in the exchange.

Click Here to take survey Please note that all currency is in US Dollars, use Google's currency converter or similar.

Yay! I took your survey bib! Last year was a blast!

Woohoo! Yippee! I love the gift exchange!

Sounds great! I'm looking forward to it. I promise no Sudafed this year.

Thats good espy! That was freaky!

Yay Gift exchange! I am so ready!

I really want to participate, I'll find out how much the shipping costs this week, and when I know for sure that I am participating I will take the survey....

I took the survey! The only problem that JP and I have is that weekends in December are usually very busy, so we might have some trouble getting to the party.

6- Oh, I hope you'll be able to participate, Ron!

Woooo, whoooo! Party time! How exciting!

What a great idea! I'm soo in!

Gosh, just thinking about the gift exchange has gotten me looking at my wishlist from last year and updating it. I really do have expensive tastes...

He really does.

I'm glad people are excited! I should mention that the survey closes at Midnight on Thursday. Once I know that date of the event and the cost restrictions, I'll start sending out the evites.

This was so much fun last year! I just took the survey. I'll ask for time off for the party once the results come in for when it may be.

It was fun. I just took the survey as well.

Yay! I love the HE gift exchange! :D

Sorry I missed the survey, bib. I want to participate again this year. Don't worry I wont give you as much trouble as I did last year. My problem is that I'll be in the Dominican Republic until the 20th of December, its gonna pose a challenge, but I'm sure I can send something to my draw in time for the party. Maybe.

Okay, I finally managed to find time to check the survey results. Looks like the party will be Saturday, December 19th at 5 PM LT time and the maximum spending amount will be $15 USD like last year (NOT including shipping costs!) I'll be sending out the invites in just a minute and I'll set the drawing for next Monday the 16th of November. That will give anyone who hasn't gotten me their info yet time to decide if they're going to join in. Be on the lookout in your email for the invite!

UPDATE: I've just sent the invitations. I accepted for the couple people who I'd already spoken too and can't accept for themselves (LadyN and suge). If you couldn't draw someone last year (i.e., you're related to someone and would be getting them a gift anyway) then that restriction remains in place. Also, I've set it so that you will not draw the same person you had last year.

I accepted!!

I accepted too! Great idea not to have us able to draw the same person as last year. Variety is of course more fun!

Dang! You mean I won't get Cat again?

Don't worry Espy. If you get me, you can pretend I'm Cat. ;o)

Sorry I missed the survey bib, but I just accepted my invite! I am so in!!! Oh btw, do I have to send you my parents' permission again this year, because my mom sent you an email last year.

Yeah, if you could have her send me another one, just to keep the bases covered. Thanks!

I've accepted, too. Can't wait until the 16th!

Ok I'll tell her to do that.

so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There are six people who haven't responded to their invites yet. Remember you need to respond by next Monday to be included in the drawing! I'll be sending PMs to everyone who hasn't responded by Friday to check that I have the correct contact info. In the meantime, if you participated last year and haven't received an invite, check your junk mail or head over to elfster and see if you can join up (or decline) from there!

I'll respond, I promise! Can't get on from work and I haven't had time at home.

Wait! I lied. It's not blocked anymore.

Hi all - Although last year was wonderfully fun, I'm regretfully declining participation this year. Wishing you all super happy holidays though!
el :)

Crap, I'm so out of touch. I would love to knit some sox for another HogXer this year. What do I do? Is it too late?

its not too late. talk to bib!

#31 -- :-( We'll miss you in the gift exchange, el!

#32 -- Check Elfster and see if you can accept the invitation there. It's not too late!

what invitation? ;-(

#35 -- Bib sent invites to everyone who participated last year -- you're on the list; I just checked. You might check whatever email address you were using this time last year, or any junk mail folders that her message might have gotten sent to. If that doesn't work, leave her a profile comment and I'm sure she can send you another one!

OK, found it in my spam filter. I'm in!!!!

yay LG! Hope you get me!:)

Only two people left, I've contacted them via Facebook or Twitter because I'm not sure that they've been around much here recently!

Now I just need everyone to ask what size shoe people wear and what colors they like so it won't be so obvious that it's me.

OK, everyone? ;-)

I have a similar question regarding things like wrist sizes and preferred necklace and earring lengths if anyone would like me to make jewelry for them.

LG, I wear size 8, adore blues and purples, and am allergic to wool. I'm not sure that you can get me, though, since I had you last year. :)

Yeah, and Kerian is a great Secret Santa, y'all.

What are the rules for picking names? Does last year count?

See #18

Yay! I signed up. I haven't been on LT enough lately to realize we were doing this. I'm glad I signed up before the deadline =D

Size 8.5, LG. I love all sock yarn colors. And just because I can make my own socks doesn't mean I wouldn't love someone else to make me some!

Last year I asked a bunch of people their shoe sizes just so no one would be sure.

K, if I'm lucky enough to be drawn by you, my wrists are almost 6" around, I like short-ish necklaces (not quite chokers, but closer to that than long and dangling), and I haven't worn earrings in years. :)

That's everyone! HOORAY!

I am with Lefty on that. Just because I can knit doesn't mean I don't like things knit for me. I have size 8.5 and love all colors except pinks and purples.

Also if people should list colors they like if their ears are pierced or if they like brooches, in case I do some jewelry again or hat sizes since I tend to knit hats as my fun quick projects.

How about this: everyone who is interested in socks, jewelry, etc. put the requisite info in their wishlist. Then whoever draws you will have the information without needing to ask! I'll go do mine now!

I was just playing with my wishlist and unwishlist. Did you know you can up your HoHo points by doing this? I am so going to be the #1 HoHo pointer. :o)

That and 2 bucks ought to get me a cup of coffee!

now I want to play with my wishlist, but elfster isn't working:(

HoHo points? Why does that sound vaguely dirty?

Good idea about putting stuff in the wishlist. Everyone, I need your fav colors, fabric allergies and shoe size. Also, if your feet are really wide or really narrow, it's good to know that as well.

a lot of the info is still there from the questions from last year.

Yeah, I think my shoe size is there from last year...

HoHo points...LOL! My first thought was the Hostess' answer to Drake's cakes Yodel. :o) Apparently you get points for adding to your wishlists and asking and answering questions. Just a fun little competitive thing to show you spent more time on Elfster than your friends.

Is more time on Elfster really a bragging right?

Hey, you play your games, I'll play mine. ;o)

Are you a trickster goddess, JP?

Depends. What am I tricking you about?

Squeee! The drawing is tomorrow, right? I'm so excited!

I just clicked the little button. Names have been drawn, so check your emails or go straight to your elfster account and see who you got. I know who I got!

SQUEEEE! I just checked email and saw the person I drew. :D I already have ideas. The hard part will be choosing just one!

I almost forgot! This year, when you mail your package off, please let the recipient know it's on its way and if the present inside is wrapped or not. That way, we'll all know whether we can open the package or if we should wait, hopefully cutting down on some unwrapping time at the party!

Sweet... now to plan my word domination... and hide the Sudafed.

I will be moving the Sudafed to a secure location as soon as I get home! ;-)

and now to stalk the person I drew, in order to determine the perfect gift.

hahahahaha! I happen to have just the perfect yarn and pattern in mind for my Santee's gift. Don't even have to go to the yarn store. Woot!! I will cast on tonight!

*Snoopy happy dance*

Now to plan... Mwahahahahaha!

my santee should be easy...we'll see!

I know who I got and already have a couple of ideas. HeHeHe HoHoHo!

What evil plotting that shall arise. Bwahaha.

I can't believe I didn't think of this before! In addition to yarn preferences and jewelry sizes, could everyone interested in a (smaller) version of a HP x-stitch put 4-5 of their favorite chapter sketches on their wishlist? Here's a link to the color versions if anyone wants to see those. Thanks! It would be a huge help!

And I want to remind everyone to check that their addresses are correct. I know at least one person has bought a house and moved in the last year! ;)

so, elfster has sent me an email saying someone in the exchange has requested that I enter my address. I'm confused because my address was already there. if the person who drew me could check and see if they can see it and let me know through elfster I would appreciate it.

Side note: only the person who drew you will be able to see your address, so if you didn't draw rissa, you won't be able to see her address.

YAY! I have a couple of ideas already about what to do for my pick. :)

I did remember to update my address, Bib! It was an accident that I saw it was the wrong one, but it comes to the same -- the address is now correct!

Yay! I am pretty sure i know what I am giving my santee already!

#72: Sorry rissa, that was me. *blushing* I saw you had listed Adara's LT page and accidentally clicked the request button while I was there. One of those OMG!TheCarDoorIsShuttingAndMyKeysAreInside moments. I can't even blame the cats...this time.

Oops?

Oh, see? Now I forgot why I even looked here. I'm falling behind in Ho Ho points! catbastet was asked, like, six or seven questions and pulled out into the 900's. So whether you have me or not, whether you know what you're getting me, I don't care. Ask me questions. I want my Ho Ho points. *stamps feet for emphasis, Veruca-style*

as long as I know there isn't some random malfuction with elfster it's fine. :D

Nope. I'm the only random malfunction at the moment. ;o)

I just want to say, I don't think my secret Santa loves me because I have been asked no new questions...

Or maybe she (he?) has just been busy. Maybe it's Mr. A and the time paradox/warp has delayed him.

Oh my gosh this is sooo exciting! I already have one of my gifts planned out....the other is pending! whoo hoo!

hi! i am new :) if it's not too late, I won't mind joining either! I already have an elfster account :)

Oh, I'm sorry, we've already had the draw, but welcome anivyl! Don't lose heart, LT does a gift exchange and info about that should be going up soon.

YAY! I can't wait for the gift exchange. I need to go shop now!!

I've got one gift my my person, but am not sure about the other gift I want to get them. It isn't in stores yet, and I'm not sure if I can get it to them in time when I can purchase it.

@biblioholic29 oh that's all right :) thanks for letting me know! :D hope you guys have a fun exchange :)

I was too busy to check yesterday, but I just checked who my Santee was and I'm so excited!!!!!!!! This is gonna be so fun!!!!

@JugglingPaynes I have thrown down the gauntlet now. I have become supreme HoHoHoer and plan to maintain that standing.

Also, according to the site I am 6,692nd of 993,962 Elfster users when it comes to HoHoHo Points. I certainly have a ways to go.

eeek! I need to go shopping.

Have at it Espeon. It's on!

*lurk*

AHHHHHHHH!!!!! LadyN, why are you lurking? Come out and tell us everything! Welcome back!

I don't think she's actually back back yet, she's supposed to be back this weekend though!

I woke up to 22 emails from elfster this morning. I don't have time to play on elfster right now...

#95 -- If you go to "Update Profile" and click on "Mail Preferences," you can turn the email notifications off. Unfortunately, you can't turn off just certain ones, so you wouldn't get notified if someone asked you a gift-related question. Those whole-group questions do generate a lot of notifications!

So, I'm off on vacation and will be AFK for a few days. If you ask me any Elfster questions, I won't be answering for while, ok?

I will be working on the sox! hehehehehe

ACK! LadyN! Hope we see you soon! :)

Have a good vacation, LG!

Hi LadyN!

It's official. I'm giving Espy the crown. After spending a day oxygen deprived and hitting the wrong keys on Elfster (I hate check boxes), I think I fell behind in points. *sigh* And then Elfster sent a note "here are some tips on using
Elfster" and I thought, they know I suck at this.

Don't mind me, my life is overwhelming me lately.

Anyway, I have to focus on my santee. When do we have to have everything sent by?

jp, I got the message about tips for using elfster too. I bet everyone did.

#99: The exchange is on the 19th, so it'd be good to aim for the 17th or so. When you have to actually send stuff is dependent on where you're sending it and how.

So if I send it by owl....

or sea turtle...

Wow, this whole notification thing is driving me craaazy! I just finished getting through 92 email notifications. Yes, you read right, 92! Well ok, they were from a couople days off facebook too, but it was a bit shocking if you see what I mean. But it's all good *takes a deep breath* my heart rate is back to normal now and I am not in a fainting/dying/suffocating/o-m-g-i-can't-believe-it stage. ;o)

LOL! You sound like catbastet! I don't think she ever had so many emails!

I think for those of us who check Elfster regularly, and Facebook regularly, it's better to just make adjustments on e-mails. I'm more concerned about accidentally deleting e-mails from my instructors. I'm getting better but am not so good on laptop mouses. Er, lack of. I need a mouse. So long as the cats won't kill it!

I have started on my gift, I just need to get a couple of things. I sense a trip to Michael's in my future...

104- I know! I almost had a heart attack when the first batch of e-mails came in!

I've started on my gift too! But I need to get a couple of things also...

I need to get mine in the post! But I remember worrying about it reaching its destination on time last year, and it made it fine, so maybe I don't need to be in quite such a flap...

That's true. It came early enough to keep me waiting. Good thing cat hid it.

Last year mine was sent to lefty's house. It was perfectly fine until she gave it to me. Then it tauntingly sat on my desk for a week.

#109: Realizing that it's going the opposite way, but when I mailed you that book it only took about 4 days to get there.

So I just realized I will not get to participate in the actually chat party (My sister got me last minute tickets to fly down and see my niece for her birthday) I will try and check in at some point. I am so gleeful about the exchange this time too.

I mean I was gleeful last year too I just feel like i haven't been spending much time here lately so I was looking forward to catching up but I am also looking forward to seeing my family!

family is important Mar! LT is a close second tho! LOL!!

I finished sock #1 and started on #2 today. I will be done way before the party this year, so my Santee will get more than a picture!

This is fun!

My giftee's 1st gift arrived today. Now I have to wait to get the next part. Once I have both I'll ship them off!

Is anyone else able to add other people's wish list suggestions? I hit the add button and nothing happens. Is it a thing with my computer?

I just realized that with my work schedule the way it is, I'm probably not going to make it for the first part of the party. I work until 5:30 that day. Luckily, I won't be too late to the party, but I'll miss the first half hour.
So try not to have too much fun until I get there, OK? ;)

We'll try not to! And for fellow American Doctor Who fans, "Waters of Mars" premieres on BBCAmerica that night at 9:00. The party will be well over by then of course, but I think it's important to know! :)

#118 JP:
I was able to add a suggesiton from ejj last year just fine. I think all I hit was 'add'. Elfster has a few changes this year. I wonder if it's something that needs work on their site.

The site has been mildly wonky in that I changed my email preferences (I"m on the site enough that I don't really need an email every time someone answers a question) but it didn't "take" until I emailed their helpful elves to fix it for me. Which they did.

K, I hit the add button numerous times and it wouldn't add! I think I'm just not good at virtual button pushing.

JP did you use your virtual finger? that could be the problem. *runs off, giggling*

What browser are you using? Last year we discovered that elfster works best with Explorer...

124> My virtual finger...My Bronx roots are showing. Certain images came to mind. 8-S

125> Ah! That could be it. I use Firefox.

So I realized that my address was wrong on Elfster today. So hopefully whoever has me hasn't sent anything.
It is corrected now though.

So, I got a very heavily taped package. After peeling away the first layer it says only 5 layers to go! After another layer it says I have to wait until December 19! So cruel! :)

Here's a cruel joke. I couldn't get the gift exchange off work. My shift starts fifteen minutes before the exchange begins. :(

It was so much fun last year! I'm very sad about this. I'll miss being in chat with all of you during the exchange! I will be thinking about all our lovely people in the HE while I'm working. Sadly I'd probably have been able to join you if I hadn't been promoted. This year has a lot more responsibilities. I don't have to say I hope the exchange is wonderful and fun because I know it will be. *hugs for everyone* I will see you all on threads after.

Oh, Kerian!!!! This sucks way out loud. It's not a party without you! Can't you switch with someone??

I may possibly be at the chat. I don't know. My friend is getting married, but if I didn't get the night off of work I'll be going to the wedding...

#130 LG:
I'm trying! It's my hope that they'll let me do a split shift or be a closer instead. I not usually available to close Saturdays (bus schedule) so I'm thinking someone would be happy for the chance to have a free Saturday night from a switch. They all want their Saturday nights free, thank goodness. Will know more tomorrow night.

Το μήνυμα τροποποιήθηκε από τον συγγραφέα του, Δεκ 10, 2009, 12:17am.

#132: I hope you'll be able to join us K, it won't be the same without you there :(

My secret plans are coming to fruition. Soon all the cogs will be in place and my Santee's gift will be on its way… MWAHAHAHAHAHA!

Also, I'm still waiting for my Secret Santa gift to show up. *Angelic Face*

Without giving too much away, I may or may not have sent my gift yet, but if I have not, it may or may not get there on time, but either way, it will most definitely be worth the wait. So if you have or have not received your gift, I may or may not be your Secret Santa, and you should not worry. Either way.

Well, I'm fully expecting to be dropping rapidly in and out of the party, based on my previous track record with my laptop's capabilities.

eta: 135 - ejj - HA HA HA HA!!!

Το μήνυμα τροποποιήθηκε από τον συγγραφέα του, Δεκ 10, 2009, 3:46pm.

I am not committing to having sent my gift yet or not. In fact, I could have sent it weeks ago and just now be posting about it in order to throw off suspicion... or I could have yet to send it off but foresee doing so in the very near future. But then, why would I be sharing my nefariousness with all of you if either of those were the case?

#135 -- Ditto.

#135 -- Ditto....at least I hope it's worth the wait.

I'm so glad people are using the word 'ditto!' I get weird blank stares for saying it and people hit my elbow in public, whispering "don't say that!" I just don't understand why. It's meaning should be simple. :)

I mailed cat's and my presents. Not saying when. With any luck they will get there in time. Or not. If they don't, I take the blame for it. *nail biting and hoping for clear skies...everywhere*

this post may or may not exist.

Speak up, comp. I can't hear you. :o)

SHE SAID (OR DIDN'T SAY) """!

I think that might be ol'fangled txt spk for "ditto"

Cool! I didn't know we were still allowed to use that. It's a copy and paste world. :oP

Clever, compski!

I may have sent my gift one week ago, on Monday, tomorrow, next week, or yesterday. Bwaha.

I could have sent my gift 3 months ago so it might arrive by sea mail. If a pirate or a sailor makes the delivery, you can assume the gift was from me.

PS. Yes I'm admitting that Bib is open to bribes.

PPS. Yes, it is Friday night in Australia

Το μήνυμα τροποποιήθηκε από τον συγγραφέα του, Δεκ 11, 2009, 1:21am.

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! A package has arrived chez moi... It is from the USA!!! I have been a very good girl and ripped the customs label off without reading it, and since the sender address doesn't mean anything to me, it is all going to be a total surprise! Whoop!!!!

I would like to thank my secret santa in advance. Thank you thank you thank you.

*said in a Girl Scout taking their oath(or whatever they take) voice*
I also may or may not have sent my gift already. I might've sent it a really long time ago, or I may have sent it this morning.... either way it may or may not make it on time and if it doesn't, I accept to take full responsibility for it.

I finished knitting the sox weeks ago, but I'm not saying when I mailed them. Or if I did it yet.

maybe I did and maybe I didn'T!

I might have mailed it, or it may still be sitting in my room. I might have already labeled it and am procrastinating. It may have been sent. It's a mystery.

I am so proud to have started the great Secret Santa obfuscation thread. *wipes a single tear away* So proud.

#155 - Always good to have left a legacy. So were you my secret santa?

#156: Yes. Maybe. Or not. ;o)

>156 Did you get the present I sent? Or didn't send? If it's been sent? Or not.

I received a message saying my gift is on the way :). I wonder if it is here yet? MrA - maybe you should check the PO Box.

maybe i already did, and maybe i didn't.

Maybe your present was chocolates, and i ate them. Or maybe it wasn't and i didn't.

doggone it Mr A now I haveta send her some more!......I mean...if it was me who sent the first ones....

I got a message that my gift is on it's way!

>#161: Yes. Send her more chocolates.

I thought it was the crazy customs beagles that eat the chocolate. Or don't. Or will. Maybe. If it is.

I thought it was strange that a huge beagle with a handwritten sign saying 'Customs' was hanging around the post office.

So this could go on the G/B news thread, being some of both, but just bad when it comes to the gift exchange:

I can't be here. I got to work early today to talk to my boss about it. Before I could even speak, she said "About next Saturday..." They've been watching my performance on how business is doing when I'm in charge and I'm apparently doing better than some of the others. Because of this our DA has ordered that I be in longer that day and has assigned specific times to me that no one else is allowed to run. This is really bad and really good news all at once. I'm not sure how to take it!

Can we have a thread after like last time? Please, please.

naturally there will be a thread. I'm not 100 percent sure I'll be able to make it. we're moving the day before

#166 - A shame for the party, K, but congratulations of your performance at work.!

Congratulations K! It is most definitely good news! We'll miss you, but there will be a thread so just be excited about your job. Having the attention of the DM is a big deal!

Congrats K! Of course you must work and don't worry, We will rehash it all afterwards. I have just realised that I may not be there either since my work xmas party came up!

I don't want to muddy the waters, but should we take some kind of poll on how many people can't make the party as it now stands? If there are as many as it's beginning to look like there might be, should we consider rescheduling? (Sorry, Bib, I'm really not trying to make things more difficult!)

#168-170:
Thank you! I'm sad that I won't get to be here, but also happy for the recognition from my DM.

RE rescheduling:
I think there were a few people who couldn't make it last time. Remember, too, if anyone talks to anyone regularly, suge herself couldn't make it to the exchange last time, and I had her on the phone during it so she could still sort of be here in a way.

Well I plan on being there unless something forseen happens.

K: Congratulations!

To all: I may or may not have sent a message saying my gift was on it's way. It may or may not have been sent yesterday (the message). Or I may or may not have sent it (the message) last week or the week before. Saying that, the package may or may not have been sent, and it may or may not have arrived yet.

Now I am utterly confused. I better check to make sure.

All joking aside, be sure to let your Santee know through Elfster that her/his gift is on its way.

i will be there after all! yay! the party is fri not sat!

I think reshceduling would be difficult. everyone is busy this time of year, so there's no way of getting everyone together at once.

Thats okay K. I can't be here either. Everyone should just be sure to post to the thread too so that we can share in the joy. Oh and I had a message saying I a package was sent and I sent a similar message at some point in the past few weeks or days.

#173 --> Thanks, Kirby.

Like Maren I received a message today that my gift was sent yesterday, and at some point I sent a message out myself.

Like rissa said, at this point it would just be too difficult to reschedule. Also, there's just really not a lot of time left in which to hold a party. There'll be a thread like last year.

I cant make it this year either K but congrats on your work! I am very happy for you!

Well, looking at my work schedule, I may be a bit late to the party, but I will be there as soon as I can.

And since I'll be picking him up from work, I'll be there when he gets there.

As soon as I post this post I'll re-remember the time difference, and then I'll be able to let you know roughly how on time I'll be. Ok? Or rather, how much of the party my internet connection will let me drop in and out of...

Ah yes, now I remember. 5 hours ahead.... yep, I should be able to drop in and out of connection for pretty much all of it!

I sent my gift today! I hope mine is on its way here!

I'm not sure yet if I'll be able to make it. It's the day after my anniversary and the first full day my husband will be home in over 2 weeks. So if he is awake I doubt I'll be there unless he is distracted by other people. If he is asleep then I should be there. Unfortunately, I really won't know until 5pm on Saturday.

Feed him turkey and warm milk about an hour before Mandy. That should put him right out! ;o)

Would it be possible for those who receive their gifts to let us know as well? Should I post it as a group question on Elfster?

That may or may not be a good idea.

I may or may not have already received mine. I might have already posted about it here... or maybe i haven't.

I know a few people mentioned it, and that's good. I just feel for the sake of your Elfster's peace of mind, everyone might mention when their gift comes. As much faith as I have in the various delivery services, they have let me down from time to time, especially in December!

I'm...really, really confused. I may or may not have gotten home today to find two packages here. I may or may not have had my kid sister look the packages over to see if anything said anything about a Secret Santa gift exchange. (It's that time of year -I'm expecting a package not from this.) She may or may not have said, "No, but this one's from _________." At that point I may or may not have shushed her. (Bwaha.) We may have gone on a Slinky Hunt and then returned home. :( I may or may not have sent my mother away with a package to investigate further. She may have said "It's wrapped," and handed it back to me. I may definitely be setting aside this whole matter because for one reason, it's not Saturday, and for another, it's finals week. I may or may not have made this whole thing up. Of course then, I wouldn't have a missing cat, now would I?

*SQUEEEEEEEEEE ~~~ I got my gift today! It may or may not have come addressed from Santa in the North Pole. **scrathes head** I didn't know Santa shipped gifts by USPS, whatever happened to in person service?! oh well guess I get all the cookies to myself....hehehehe....

I got my secret santa presents today. The kitties were most interested in an item addressed to them which is now out of reach. If I have to wait. They have to wait.

Oh K I am so sorry Slinky is still missing.

She is found now, Mar! Just this very hour. Thanks. We're extremely happy to have her home. :)

I may or may not have sent slinky as a secret santa gift.

I came to work this morning to discover a mysterious package awaiting. YAY!

Yay! for packages!
Yay! for finding Slinky!

no package for me yet:(

but mail hasn't run yet today! :)

#194 MrA:
What a marvelous gift! I may have to ask Slinky about her journey which we may have mistakenly presumed to be less grand than it may have been! It's no wonder she is more talkative since her return. ;)

Thanks, kirby.

So MrA took Slinky to give to his Santee for Christmas but she escaped the packaging and excess bubble wrap to make an incredible journey back home? Wow!

I may or may not be confused about the whole thing!

She was accompanied by a curious albatross and a pugnacious giant squid. It's a heart-warming tale. Out in cinemas this Christmas.

#201: Is it an international release? Sounds like I would like to watch that movie :P

Giant squid? There are giant squid? What movie is this? I must see it!

I've found the postal system to be outstanding this year so far. I do hope they continue their excellent work to deliver a gift to my draw ... assuming I've sent it already, which I had better because time is running short. Hmm, have I sent it? Has it been received already? Perhaps the giant squid knows.

#201: I remember seeing that movie! The giant squid holding Slinky above the waves on one tentacle as the albatross pointed them in the right direction across the Pacific....the life and death struggle with sharks and whalers...Slinky leaving her sea friend at the beach while the squid waved bye-bye with several tentacles...it still brings tears to my eyes.

My package arrived! Yeah! I'm sooooo excited!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I'm looking forward to sharing all of this with my mother. It's painful keeping this movie to myself until she's home from work. ;)

So this really is a real movie? Seriously, what is it called?

*whispers* We're kidding around, lefty!

But I would call it Incredible Journey: Oceans Apart. If it were real. Which it isn't.

Maybe. ;o)

I'd call it Incredible Journey: This Time It's Personal.

or, Incredible Journey: The Squidening.

or maybe, Incredible Journey: Giant Squids Included.

I just got word that a package addressed to me has arrived.

Squee... a huge box arrived for me today! I managed to resist temptation and look in the box or look at who had sent it. It has been moved to a less tempting location ie, where I can't find it.

I got a notice via elfster that mine is on its way! yippee!

it's 5 feet off the floor. So she can't even see it unless she wears heels.

It was delivered by a giant squid. Go figure.

Thanks, JP. I was about to go spend hours googling a giant squid movie. Maybe I still will, just in case. I'll start with the suggested titles. Perhaps there is one out there we just don't know about!

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!! Love you guys :-)

Try the independent, ultra-low budget, Ed Wood-esque films. ;o)

Umm... I would avoid googling "Giant Squid" if I were you. Not saying why... just saying...

Oh yeah, cause in our group telling us not to do something always works. *extreme sarcasm*

Maybe I wanted everyone to Google giant squid. Maybe there's nothing wrong with that search term at all. It's your decision. Now of course it will be impossible for any of you to not Google it.

MWAHAHAHAHA!

I refuse to Google giant squid.

What's wrong with giant squid? Squids will be squids.

Yes, but you should Never Poke a Squid, so I'm leaving them alone.

I may be rethinking the squid themed gifts for my secret santa. . .

K I am definitely happy Slinky is back!

I think I can say with near one-hundred percent certainty that I won't google 'giant squid.' Nothing to those who love sharks, but I don't care for sea life. Except otters. They're so cute. But they're not from the sea, opps. So never mind. :)

Thank you, Maren! So is she. She doesn't usually like to be touched, but the night she came home, she let me rub her head, ears, and pet her back for almost five minutes. She rolled on the rocking chair and for once didn't keep her eyes on my hands. (Hands scare her.)

Hands usually scare her, but now she allowed you to pet her for almost five minutes.

Sounds like Slinky was replaced by a pod kitty from outer space.

I GOT MY PACKAGE!!! YAY!!!!!

#224: Ummmm....Sea Otters are of the sea, hence the name. There are of course River Otters as well, but they're longer, thinner and not nearly as cute. (Sea Otters have been my favorite animal since I was about 10).

My favorite animal used to be cows. The past couple years it's been giant squid. Obviously, I have a penchant for the beautiful creatures of the world.

What I really came here to say: My present arrived!!!! :D I was very good and hid it quickly so I wouldn't be tempted to peek at the return address. After all, the best kind of prize is a surprise!

Lefty, my other favourite animal is cows! Just sayin...

We both got our gifts today!!!!

I got to the mail first, so cat's is safely hidden. Mwahahahahaha!
I gave mine to cat. No idea what she did with it, I haven't seen it since.

Wait a minute...what did she do with it??? *wanders off to search...*

#227 Bib:
Well there you go. Sea otters. I do like something from the sea. :)

Honestly I would hand my gift to a family member to hide, but in truth it would never be seen again. I'm the neat one. It's a shame because I have it set on top of my radio where I have to stare at it whenever I want to know the time. At least there it's safe from a cat eating the paper. (Yes, we just love paper.)

Not long to wait now though!

Mine is still sitting on the kitchen table where I left it. I might or might not have weighed it in my hand (it may or may not be very heavy) and/or sniffed it from time to time. But I'm not telling.

Postage from Australia must have been murder! Just sayin'.

JP and I may or may not be holding presents hostage. We may or may not be having an exchange of the prisoners on Saturday.

I may or may not be secretly winking to JP's elf, whose identity I may or may not know, because JP will never find her present.

I may or may not be searching the house because JP is not here.

I may or may not be still crossing my fingers that the gift I sent got there on time.

Hahahahaha! You will NEVER find it!!!!!

Catbastet may or may not have left the house for a book group.

I may or may not clean her room which may or may not cause me to stumble upon my present.

Scratch that. I'm not cleaning anything tonight.

too busy searching?

still waiting for mine! Not worried tho cause its on the way.

I've been putting food in the box sent to Andrew - just in case there is an animal in there. *hi hopes*

I'm still waiting for mine, and my Santa never said anything about sending it...

Foggi and I may or may not be late to the exchange...

Sounds like you might be on the naughty list. You can check here:

http://mirror.airservicesaustralia.com/s...

Yeah, I'm on the naughty list... but so are
Mr. A and Kanye West...

Phew! My family is all on the nice list!

I'm on the naughty list too. How did that happen?

It must be by computer. Everyone on my computer is nice, even Espy, MrA and Kanye West.

YAY! I'm a good girl I am :-)

I'm on the nice list!!

Always!!

Okay, so now I'm really confused because the package that came for me on Monday that I thought was for the gift exchange apparently wasn't because I just got another package that says it's for the gift exchange. Not that I'm complaining. I guess I just won't open either of them and I'll find out which one I'm supposed to open tomorrow!

Ha ha! I had a suspicion that folk may be confused like that. Not that I know anything...but maybe I do. Or don't.

I'm on the nice list. It wouldn't tell me what list I was on until I skipped my dearly loved hyphen.

SQUEEEEE!!!! We get to open our prezzies tomorrow!!!!!!

I can't wait for the party. I'm just bugged that Kerian won't be there. *pout*

Is it starting at 9:30 LT time again? I'm estrogen-deficient, so I forget stuff.

Το μήνυμα τροποποιήθηκε από τον συγγραφέα του, Δεκ 18, 2009, 4:18pm.

>#248: MsD says: muwahahahaha.

5 PM LT time. That way LadyN can make it without needing to stay up to ungodly hours.

#254 Glad I asked!

Tomorrow's a hugely busy day so I wanted to drop in tonight to say I hope everyone who may make it to the gift exchange has a marvelous time! My heart will be here while I'm working during it. *Hugs* to everyone! Please, someone give Dobby some properly paired up socks (aka his style) from me.

Kerian, we'll miss you!

254 - I feel very honoured, thank you. I didn't know that ws the reason. Also feel a bit guilty if the time is a problem for others... :-/

EXCITED!!

Well, there was a poll. Choices were 4, 4:30 and 5, Same as last year. That makes it morning in Oz but not so early that it's ridiculous, night for you but not so late that it's ridiculous and afternoon for the rest of us. So yes, you were definitely a part of the considerations!

I'm excited too! So long as we don't lose power (the snow is supposed to get blizzard-like later with strong winds and 1-2 feet of snow) I'll be there.

Whoop!

yay me too!

looks like i should be able to make it!

Don't know if I'll be able to make it, my family may be doing this stupid family tradition thing.

And my mom says she hasn't heard anything about a package for me yet.... I don't know if I should believe her or if it's just a trick. Maybe I should go to the post office, just to check. ;o)

Espy and I will be there around 5:15-5:30 -- we both have to work until 5:00, but as soon as we get home, we'll jump in. Neither of us have gifts to open (unless something fun came in the mail today and is waiting at the house for us!) but we'll enjoy chatting and hearing about everybody else's gifts, all the same. :-)

i've opened chat already but it'll be a bit until I'm really there. :D

A bunch of us are in there, but we're still waiting for people we know are coming, so join us if you're around please!

I just wanted to leave a message through here...even though I wasn't in the exchange this year I had fun with all of you guys in the chat room!! And I felt part of the exchange and that was awesome...I hope to see lots of pictures of the presents in the nearby future! See you around the HE and I will start saving in January to participate in next year's exchange for sure...although I do have some questions about the presents....Have a great day everyone and you are all extremely awesome!

YAAAAARN!!!

Fun! Bib, do you want to start a new thread for posting about what we got? (ETA: Never mind!)

Το μήνυμα τροποποιήθηκε από τον συγγραφέα του, Δεκ 19, 2009, 6:31pm.

Here's the new thread for showing off your haul!

I cannot believe how incredibly rubbish I was!!!! I was excited all day about the exchange, ready to be home at 11pm for the live party. So I was in the pub, telling my friend about how cool it was that we had this global secret santa that was exchanging at 5pm LT time, and he said "That's now isn't it?". I had completely miscalculated by an hour. But you guys already know that. I'm so sorry I was late.

I just want to apologize to pico that her gift from catbastet is late. The post office lady told us it would get there on time (we mailed it on Dec. 8). I hope it gets there soon, cat worked so hard on it!

And I want to apologize to Foggi that hers is late--both are in transit but I had hoped the one from Amazon would be there already. The other one, also in transit, is showing a ridiculously late delivery date, but I hope it gets there sooner as I think it's really cool . . .

And I hope she thinks so, too.

Mine will be here mon I'm sure

can anybody tell me what the name of a short story is about the united states and russia during the cold war, send two groups of men to fight every year and the winner is above any law. i read it about 20 years ago and cant remember the name

send me answer at chefgordo@aol.com

I want to apologize to lefty too for the late gift... the post office lady also told me it would get there on time, but apparently it didn't, which does make me sad. I hope you like it when you get it lefty though!

#274/275 -- No idea -- but you might post this to the Name That Book group, as they're good at finding things like that out.

No worries, Pico! The post is difficult to predict. I'll be sure to let you know when it arrives. :)

My husband told me yesterday that I should have sent it UPS or FedEx to Canada because the regular mail tends to take a while. Too bad I didn't consult him before I sent it. :oP

And then there was that blizzard....

Ya, don't worry JP (cat), I'll let you know when I get it. :o) And that blizzard we got was pretty bad... got about 2 feet of snow in 1 day/night!

huh. is that all?