I'm going to be on JoCo Cruise Crazy until January 8. I thought it was kind of important to stay connected, keep Twittering and blogging and Internetting while I was on a boat, but after much deliberation, decided that I will not be purchasing Holland America's Yes, We Use The Whole Fist internet package. 

I'm not going to lie to you, Marge: the idea of no internet for a whole week makes me a little twitchy, but it's been a really hectic end of the year, and I think that I'll enjoy myself a heck of a lot more if I stay offline, read books, play games, enjoy the time with my family, and get my geek on at every opportunity.

One final thought before I sign off: I looked at my desk a couple nights ago, and told Anne, "I sat there for months and wrote Dancing Barefoot and Just A Geek. That's where I started my blog, and built my first website." I paused for a moment, because I felt a lump rising in my throat. "Remember how frustrated and scared I was ten years ago? How hard I was struggling?"

"Yeah," she said, quietly.

"I don't want to be all 'hey, look how great I am,' but I'm so grateful that my hard work finally paid off."

She put her arms around my waist and kissed me. "Me too." 

I held her for a second. "It all started right here. Isn't that weird?"

"I don't think it's weird. I think it's kind of awesome."

I kissed her face and she kissed me back.

2010 was easily the best year I've had in a decade, and 2011 is looking like it's going to be pretty amazing, too. So happy new year to you all, and thank you for reading my blog and my books, watching me on TV, interacting with me on Twitter, and just being part of this incredible chapter in my life. 

Happy New Year, everyone! Talk to you in a week.