Thing the first: Skyler's mom bought me this amazing three wick candle tin for Christmas-- all it says is "State of Mind Spa Candle" on it, and I haven't gotten ahold of her yet to ask where it was that she purchased it. It's burned absolutely beautifully on my altar, and I like the tri-wick symbol as well as the simplicity of the tin itself. It's almost gone, though. Since I have lots of savvy e-shoppers on my list-- are there any retailers/e-tailers that produce something similar?

Thing the second: Time to order myself Saffron & Brimstone by Elizabeth Hand. I know I've already read a goodly amount of the stories collected here in Bibliomancy, but I absolutely cannot resist the lure of new material and an addition to my Liz collection. I am eager to read "The Lost Domain" and "Echo". Also, her new novella, Illyria, looks fascinating, but can only be ordered from the UK. It's pricey, but signed-- which would make... um, three signed Liz books? And a postcard. I'm sure it'll be worth it. Next paycheck, probably.

Thing the third: BPAL of the day, fron the Lewis Caroll's Alice In Wonderland "Mad Tea Party" collection.

Eat Me: Three white cakes, vanilla, and red and black currants.

Wow, this is sweet. This is sweet white cake-- like a wedding cake. Chock full of sugary vanilla, and a little brighter than I'm used to. There is a little bit of a currant-y tang behind the frosting very early on, but my skin chemistry eats it up pretty quickly, leaving just the tinest amount of fruity spice behind all the sweetness. Nice, but not really me.

Thing the fourth: Argh, my direct deposit didn't go through, and my paycheck stub was missing from the pile of checks. And my boss is away on business until tomorrow. Sara says not to worry, that if it comes down to it, he'll just write me a check tomorrow morning, but still. That makes me unduly nervous. ETA: Yay, it was just a clerical error, and the money is being wired into my account. Yay for our H/R department!

Thing the fifth: Man, it's cold. Flurrying, actually. If I had testicles, they'd be retreating into my body cavity right about now. Gotta say that I'm feeling a little achy and run down at the moment. Not really looking forward to bellydance, but I guess this is one of those "commitment, dedication, persistence" lessons that the universe is teaching me right now. At any rate, I'm doing Supernatural with Agnes tonight, so my reward will be Jensen Ackles. I could do worse.