I really need to get a new mouse for my computer upstairs so that I can stay more connected to my online life! I keep meaning to post here and to check the few message boards that I post regularly on, but I’m not spending much time downstairs at this computer these days. I must get reconnected to the internet upstairs, and fast! You wouldn’t think that I’d have trouble getting online in a house with five computers running … sheesh.

Today we had dinner at Olof’s parents’ house, for Tjugondedagen Jul (the twentieth day of Christmas and the official end of the Christmas season in Sweden). It was a nice evening, and what was even nicer was that the kids and Mette went there at two o’clock in the afternoon, so Olof and I were home almost alone for three hours! I got a lot of writing and editing done for the ‘zine I’ve been working on (our launch is only days away!), and I even got an unrushed shower. It’s the small things that mean the most.

I also managed to get a package together for my secret sister in the exchange I’m taking part in. I’ll mail it tomorrow, so she should get it the first part of next week. I’m really excited about this — I love getting mail, and I love to pick out little surprises for other people. It’s a win-win situation for me!

Oh! Speaking of mail, we got an amazing package from my friend Monica yesterday! There were toys galore for the kids, a beautiful necklace and candleholders for me, a t-shirt for Olof, and three boxes of yummy American cereal (plus a few other assorted goodies)!! She really spoils us (maybe a little too much, but I won’t complain). The kids were thrilled with their presents and have been playing like maniacs since yesterday afternoon. One of Tage’s toys has little animals that make sounds, and he’s positively in love with it.

Oops, Lydia just came and asked for a bowl of cereal for her bedtime snack, so I’m off …