As I suspected, the sickness is getting worse. My throat feels like it's got golfballs in it. My voice is steadily dropping, and I expect to have an adam's apple by late afternoon or so. Feel slightly woozy. This is no good.

At any rate-- marinatempest, last night, we went to a funky diner that you would love. Victorian wallpaper, leopard-print booths, crazy retro bits with creepy twists (dolls heads interspersed with golden pineapples and framed pinups). It looked very Vegas-y, in a way, but way more indie. It was called Yaffa Cafe, and the food was pretty damn good, too.

Tex is out running errands and picking up losenges for me. Before he left, he made me tea. BLAR for being sick. Ah well, brunch in a bit. I want chocolate-chip something. Pancakes, maybe. Or hey, I still have leftover nutella crepe from last night.

-- To get an mp3 player and fill it with new music. I barely listened to any music this year, and I keep catching snippets of singers and bands that I know I'd be into if I could only find the time. Starting points: Regina Spektor, The Dresden Dolls.

-- To take my friends' opinions seriously when it comes to dating. If they unanimously agree he's a douchebag, chances are he's a douchebag.

-- To learn how to cook five more dishes. I'm good at breakfasts and pastas, but it's high time to expand my repertoire.

-- To travel more. This year, I got to San Francisco, and to NYC several times. I vow to continue traveling this year, and perhaps start laying the pipework for a trip to England.

-- To plan my bellydance schedule well in advance. I don't want to miss TribeO this year!

-- To take more time to myself. The last three months of this year have been one big blur. As much fun as it has been, social exhaustion keeps me from being as engaged as I otherwise could be. So I need to learn how to say 'no' occasionally, so I can recharge my batteries as needed.

-- To answer emails more promptly. I'm really bad at this.

Well, that's a good start. I'm sure I'll add more on. As for me, it's time to relax a bit before the big event tonight, then start getting myself together. Happy New Year!