Monkbot Has Moved

Come over to the new place and join the fun...

Our new address is monkbot.wordpress.com.

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Nevermind...Registration Off

I don't like it. I can't stand it.

Sooooo....no more registration.

However, I think we need to all be vigilant about letting folks know they are welcome...but they need to comment with some kind of name.

Anonymous comments aren't cool!

This is your brain.

This is your brain on Anonymous comments.

Any questions?

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Let's Play da Fun Game dat Helps Us Learn Each Udder's Names

For those of you who haven't seen Disney's "Heavyweights"...
it's Monkbot Assignment time...
GO TO BLOCKBUSTER RIGHT NOW!
(I secretly am in love with Lars)

Wow...our little site is really growin'!

I've noticed in recent days that there has been somewhat of an increase in regular site traffic to Monkbot...this pleases me.

And all the new faces in the comment section has me thrilled. Please allow me to formally welcome...mouser, spaceytracy, SoulPatrolShari, Chaos, Hatson, Karen (or have you been around these parts before?), NoTaylorObsession, and jcitysoul.

I've also noticed quite a few Anonymous commentors...and y'all are welcome, as well.

However, because having more than one Anonymous makes things confusing...and because I like to know a little bit about the folks coming to my site to comment...I have decided that (UPDATE) ALL BOLD MONKBOTS SHOULD ENCOURAGE SHY MONKBOTS TO AT LEAST MAKE UP A NAME FOR CLARITY SAKE Monkbot needs a registration process.

Okay...before anyone panics...let me assure you that this isn't my way of censoring anyone. Rather, I think it's a good way for me to keep order on the site.

Anyone who has posted at Gray's knows you have to include an e-mail address before submitting that nerve-racking FIRST POST! This will be much the same (I think).

At least let me try it out and see how it works before y'all start throwing wet fish at my head. Okay?

And I don't want anyone to worry about encountering any difficulty in registering. I'll implement the "body system" (see Lars reference above) to help in times of crisis. The system works like this...if anyone has a problem...e-mail me at monkbottalk@gmail.com and I'll be your "body" (buddy) and try to help you through it.

If it causes too many problems for too many people...I'll remove the process.

Thanks to all for your patience...now...go register so you can comment on what a pain in the butt it is to register!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR A GOOGLE ACCOUNT.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR A BLOGGER ACCOUNT. (Which is basically the same thing as above because Google owns Blogger.)

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UPDATE: Okay...y'all let me know if this is worth the effort. I know it's easy...but I was hoping to get more information on everybody through their profile information. Since that ain't happenin'...I guess it's still good that folks are required to at least post under an actual name...instead of anonymous. I need feedback from everyone. Let me know if this is too much of a pain in the @$$, 'cause I'll remove it if so.

Thanks.

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A Quick Weekend Hello

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Congratulations, KD...Welcome, Baby!

Our sweet KD gave birth yesterday, Feb. 12, at 2:41 p.m. to a 8-pound, .5-ounce, 21-inch baby boy.

Congratulations, KD!

We love you!

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Igor the Scottish Monkey

Last week I received the most wonderful care package...it contained...

Tomato Ketchup Crisps
Brown Sauce
Shortbreads
Tartan Beanies
A Crown
Beautiful Postcards

and

A Monkey

The package was from our dear little Rowan...who obviously has a healthy sense of the ridiculous (all the reason to love her more and more).

I cracked up as I opened the box and started fishing out the contents.

I immediately dove into the shortbreads (Walkers) and now...a week later...am sad to say...they are entirely GONE! So delicious! I loved them.

The potato crisps were a bit of a leap for me. I'm a traditionalist when it comes to potato chips...maybe add BBQ flavor...but mostly...I prefer them plain.

I took a deep breath and dove in.

They tasted like French fries with the ketchup built in! I finished off the grab bag with a smile. Can't wait to share these with my folks.

I don't know what quite to use the brown sauce for...Rowan...help me out.

The beanies are hilarious. They come fully equipped with a pom-pom atop and a shock of red hair at the bottom. Hilarious.

The postcards are from Dundee and the River Tay. And they have the sweetest messages.

The crown fits perfectly on Igor the Monkey's head.

And speaking of Igor...

He's a chatterbox, with the prettiest green eyes. And he certainly will keep me company while Traveling Monkbot is out and about. I have to say, though, Sadie didn't really love him as much as I do. Ha.

Here's a clip so everyone can enjoy Igor.



Rowan, thank you so much for my care package. It was truly delightful. Oh, and thanks for sending two of the crisps, sauce, and hats so I can pass them on to Bama. I know she'll love them all!

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A Post for Hickschick4soul

Here's a little get well gift for you, sweetie. Feel better soon.




I'm trying out a little freebie pop-up audio player....excuse the lack of sophistication.


Click to Play Messsage for Hickschick4soul

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Comment to Your Heart's Content

Wooo!

Comments have been fixed...kind of.

I know y'all are used to the pop-up window comment box...but Blogger is experiencing some kind of "comment bug" right now and the antidote is putting a "2" after the "www" in the comment address bar...something that can't be done with the pop-up window.

If all that sounds confusing...ignore it and just...

DANCE WITH JOY!



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By the way...I have a couple of issues with last night's Grey's.

First...what on EARTH did Chief Webber EVER see in Meredith's mom? She's the meanest, most twisted person I've ever seen. I don't get it...at all. I think he really did make the best decision by staying with Adelle.

Second...does anyone else have a problem with Izzy giving away all her $8 million for that clinic...especially to Bailey? I can't believe Bailey accepted it after she had told Izzy that she needed to deposit the money and NOT use it to get personally involved with patients.

But Izzy said she would ALWAYS get personally involved...and then she walked out on the first and only patient the clinic saw.

Weird.

Plus...did it really take ALL $8 million for that little clinic? And what was with it being built in 8 days? How convenient....pffthhh. If they were going to "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" the whole process...they could have at LEAST given us a little Ty or Pauly (I have more than a little crush on Paul Dimeo...too bad he's married).

I also HATED how "Callie O'Malley" (giggle) was back to irritating the ever-lovin' crud out of me. I was just starting to like her...then she WALKS AWAY FROM HER NEW HUSBAND WHO HAS BEEN POISONED BY TOXIC BLOOD?!?!?!?!

I wanted to drop-kick her in the face.

Stomps foot in irritation of cheap shots Grey's writers took with this episode

(I did love how Christina accepted Burke's proposal...and I loved how yummy Karev was looking last night.)

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And I can't put this post up with the mention of one, tremendous event in all our lives...

Dwight Schrute in a bra.


Life is a good.

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P.S. Do you use Tide detergent?

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Sorry about the Comment Problem, Folks

I have NO idea what the problem is with the comments...but I do know it's not just with Monkbot.

Quite a few folks have posted complaints and alerts to Blogger's Help Message Board about this situation (which has now gone on for about 24 hours).

I ask that y'all please remain patient and keep checking back!

And for you diehards...don't forget about Monkbot Chat (click the Monkbot)...it's still working.

Thanks and...Viva le Monkbot!

o--{:8)}=

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UPDATE: Just got this message in the help forum from Blogger...

"Hi all,

Sorry for the recent difficulties with commenting and thank you for
reporting these problems. We're aware of the problem and actively
investigating the cause. I'll let you know when I've got more
information.

Thanks for being patient!
Jordan"

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Just to keep y'all posted.

One Small Step...

After reading yesterday's comments...I thought maybe we should take things a little slower in our effort to change our wanton ways.

Instead of trying to tackle all our impediments, I think we should should each take on one new challenge each week...and work on just that.

I'll go first...

This week, I'll not eat between meals more than two healthy snacks a day.

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P.S. I got groceries yesterday...so I'm back to eating only stuff I cook.

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P.P.S. Happy 26th birthday to my brother, Ben!

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Monkbot Convention Update

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN THE FUN!

I checked online and, as of last night, tickets to the Taylor Hicks House of Blues New Orleans concert on March 14 are still available through Ticketmaster. To purchase tickets, click here.

According to my records (which are wonky at best), so far nine people have registered for the Monkbot Convention in New Orleans, March 14-15.

Those nine people are:

1. Shelley
2. Quossum
3. Quossum's hubby, James
4. Bamaborntxbred
5. Shrewspeaks
6. Double D
7. NOLAgirl
8. Wompuss
9. Taylorsgirl

Have I missed anyone? If so, let me know a.s.a.p.

For details about the Convention, click here.

Also, I've tried to secure some superstars for the Convention.

I've confirmed that singer/songwriter/harp wailer/and all-around hottie Taylor Hicks will be attending.

As for blogmaster extraordinaire, Gray Charles, I have bugged the mess out of him, but I don't think he will be gracing us with his presence (though I really, truly wish he would...yikes at my desperate tone).

However, there is a slight chance that Brad and Angelina will be able to come...if they can find a sitter.

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You may also use this post to discuss the dual marriage proposals on "Grey's Anatomy" and/or the controversy brewing OFF the set of "Men in Trees." (Does everyone know that Anne Heche is leaving her husband for her co-star? So very sad.)

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Monkbot Convention Registration

This is the official sign-up for the Monkbot Convention in New Orleans, March 14.

A head count is needed for planning purposes. NOLAgirl may be able to shuttle folks from the airport to the hotels, but those plans are still in the air (go ahead and plan to bring cab fare).

Regardless, send the following information to monkbottalk@gmail.com if you plan to attend:

Your REAL NAME
Your ONLINE NAME
The names of any people you are bringing
When you plan to arrive (for folks flying in)
Where you plan on staying
A cell phone number you can be reached at

This is a no-frills convention. Here is the schedule once everyone is in town.

March 14
Meet at The Gumbo Shop in the French Quarter at 4:30 p.m. March 14 for dinner.

Walk to House of Blues at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Party and sing and dance while Taylor performs (beginning at 8 p.m.).

Go back to hotels (or where ever) when concert ends (around 11 p.m.?)


March 15
For anyone up to it, meet for breakfast at yet-to-be-determined time and yet-to-be-determined restaurant.

Go home.

Everyone is responsible for getting their own ticket, making their own travel arrangements, securing their own lodging, and paying for their own food. If possible, NOLAgirl and I can tote people here and there. (Anyone else bringing a car can do the same.)

If you haven't pre-registered at the Houses of Blues, do it by clicking here. Ticket pre-sales begin today, Jan. 16, at 10 a.m. Tickets cost $28.50. The concert is general admission and, from the online pics of the House of Blues, the venue is similar to the Workplay...open space and relaxed. I, personally, am NOT going to worry about standing on the floor in front of the stage. I'll be happy to sit at a table. (I stood at Workplay and it proved a frustrating situation.) However, to each his own.



For those needing to book a hotel, click here.

House of Blues website

Map and directions to House of Blues

Event detail page

I'll keep everyone posted on who is coming.

The most important things right now are to buy tickets and let me know if you're coming.

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Happy 25th NOLAgirl!

Our little NOLA turned 25 Jan. 12.

Let's all wish her well...'cause it's all downhill from here.

Right?

I kid. I kid. Happy B-Day, girl! Love ya loads.

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NOOOOO!!!!!!! Don't Take My Dwight!

Evil. Cruel. Hateful. Brilliant.

The writers of "The Office" have broken my heart.

We get two back-to-back episodes of Dwight actually having warm and fuzzy moments.

Then they give us an episode with Dwight and Jim as an AMAZING sales team together...only to have DWIGHT RESIGN??!!??

I mean, I know he won't stay gone...but still.

DWIGHT K. SCHRUTE RESIGNS???

I'm riveted...can't wait for next week.

Brilliant episode.

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Didn't watch "Ugly Betty." Will download from iTunes tomorrow.

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"Grey's Anatomy"...great show. I cried. I laughed. I dreamed McDreamy was kissing ME and loving the way I snored.

And...sorry, Bama...but Callie is growing on me. I REALLY liked her last night.

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Now...on to more important items...

Gray Charles announced Thursday that Taylor Hicks will be performing in New Orleans at the House of Blues.

This means...

THE MONKBOT CONVENTION IS ON!

I will start working on plans this weekend.

For now...here is information sent to me by NOLAgirl (thank you, ma'am).

Presale starts Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. to HOB members, Jan. 20 to public.

Concert is WEDNESDAY March 14. Doors open at 7:00, concert starts at 8:00. Ticket price is $28.50. I BELIEVE all of their shows are general admission seating, but I have e-mailed them to ask specifically about this show.

Venue main web site

Map and directions

Event detail page

To create an account, and thus be able to buy tickets Jan. 16

Random thoughts:

- Pay parking lot is about a block's walk away from HoB. I've never had a problem finding a spot, plus it's a Wed. night so it'll really be fine.

- There is an upstairs (no smoking) and a downstairs at the venue. Bars and bathrooms on both. Upstairs there are maybe 10-15 table at the most, and I'd imagine they'd get taken very early. I plan on wearing comfy shoes and standing the whole time.

Everyone should go ahead and create an account in order to get tickets.

More details will follow later.

Yeah!

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Please, Stop Me from Doing This

After getting little-to-no sleep last night...I'm really punchy, folks.

I just got the e-mail from "Taylor Hicks" about voting for the Soul Patroller with the most soul (see above image).

Um...does anyone else but me think this is a HORRIBLE idea?

Don't these marketing people read the boards? Don't they see...and quake at...the back-biting and ugliness?

Why on earth do they want to promote MORE competition within the walls of the Soul Patrol? More petty jealousies? More snarkiness? More division?

This cannot end up well.

As my own small way of protesting this and showing the utter ridiculousness of the project, I want...oh so badly...to post this as my image...

Please talk me out of this and save me from myself.

I pray I get sleep tonight. I really need it.

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Monkbot Holiday Recipe Exchange

Between all our Southern cuisine, HicksChick4Soul's Goop, Squeebee's Ukranian goodies, and Ivoryhut's lurvely gift box to me of scrumptious Filipino treats (which may NOT make it home to Biloxi as I originally intended)...I thought this might be a good time of year to share our favorite holiday or family recipes.

Be sure to include all ingredients and amounts and directions!

My mouth is watering already at what y'all will come up with.

(Um...no fruitcake recipes allowed.)

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Shelley's Candied Peanuts
These are easy and tasty and cheap to make!

2 cups shelled raw peanuts (leave the hulls, they make the finished nuts a pretty red color)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
Salt to taste
Shortening

Dump the peanuts, sugar, and water in a shortening-greased skillet and cook until thick and gooey (this takes a little time...keep burner on medium heat). Spread out over a cookie sheet and salt lightly. Bake at 300 degrees for 15 minutes. Stir (this may seem awkward...stirring on a cookie sheet...but bascially you are moving the nuts around so there aren't any wet spots). Bake another 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. You may need to add a smidgen more salt...but taste before adding!

Enjoy!

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Spreading Monkbot Holiday Cheer

I know we've all gotten these "Getting To Know You" e-mails from friends.

Well...I got this one from my mom today and thought it had just the right mix of sentiment and generic questions so that we could share about ourselves...without giving away any details too telling for an online vehicle.

So...just for fun...here are my "Getting To Know You" answers...

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot Chocolate

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree?
Both

3. Colored or white lights on the tree and/or house?
Colored lights on the tree. We've never put lights on our house.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
No, but I once stubbed my toe on a missile. Does that count?

5. When do you put your decorations up?
The day before any company arrives.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
At Easter it was G'ma Millie's gumbo. For Thanksgiving and Christmas, it has to be squash casserole.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child:
I didn't have memories when I was a child...I was too young. My favorite memory now from my childhood is every Christmas morning...running past the living room with my eyes covered so as not to ruin any surprise until I could go wake up my folks and my brothers. Another good memory was sitting with Mom on this old itchy gold and brown flowered couch in the living room with all the lights out except the tree lights and listening to the light filaments tinkle and "sing" to us.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
What truth? What do you mean?
(Actually, it was when I had to help Mom make a castle for my brother, Beau...and it ended up coming from "Santa" the next morning.)

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
No...never!

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
With just me and my mom because all the guys skate out the door once the lights are on. Ha!

11. Snow! Love it or dread it?
What is this "snow" you speak of?

12. Can you ice skate?
I tried once...and...no.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
My bamboo hanging chair (which I still have). I had asked for it for YEARS before I finally got it. Other favorites are the dollhouse that Dad made for me when I was 2 and my Cherry doll with all the clothes my mom made for her. Oh...and my Shaun Cassidy album and Alice in Wonderland record player...and my innertube trampoline and moon shoes...and the stilts my dad made for me and painted my name on in red down the front of each one.

14. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you?
Christ our Lord and family

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
The cookies Mom and I would make and then frost...and slap the boys away from until we could get them all made. Ha.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Loo looo looooo lo lo lo looooo loo loo loo loo loo loo loo. (This has to do with my brother, Ben. We're kind of freaks.)

17. What tops your tree?
An angel playing the violin that my Aunt Lyn gave me years ago.

18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving?
Giving...by FAR!

19. What is your favorite Christmas song?
Silent Night

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or yum?
Meh

Now it's your turn.

Copy the questions below, paste them in the comment box, and fill in your answers!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree?

3. Colored or white lights on the tree and/or house?

4. Do you hang mistletoe?

5. When do you put your decorations up?

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child:

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?

11. Snow! Love it or dread it?

12. Can you ice skate?

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?

14. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you?

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?

17. What tops your tree?

18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving?

19. What is your favorite Christmas song?

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or yum?

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Put Your Monkbot Presents Under the Christmas Tree

Are we ready for the first ever Monkbot eGift Exchange!?

Below is the list of who is "shopping" for whom. Put your message and "gift" in the comment section of this post.

And don't forget to "buy" something for Taylor and Gray!

1. NOLAgirl is buying for Squeebee
2. Double D is buying for Claire
3. Shelley is buying for Mind Doc
4. Shrewspeaks is buying for Libby
5. Squeebee is buying for Texan
6. Claire is buying for Double D
7. Holeigh is buying for Bamaborntxbred
8. Mind Doc is buying for Holeigh
9. Texan is buying for Ivoryhut
10. Leejolem is buying for Baby Duck
11. Bamaborntxbred is buying for Rowan
12. Libby is buying for Quossum
13. Ivoryhut is buying for NOLAgirl
14. Jax is buying for Shelley
15. Rowan is buying for Jax
16. Quossum is buying for Leejolem
17. Baby Duck is buying for Shrewspeaks

Merry Christmas!

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Monkbot eGift Exchange

Tex had a wonderful idea for celebrating Christmas...Monkbot style.

A Monkbot eGift Exchange!

This is how it works. Everyone who wants to participate should say so in the comment section of this post. By 7 p.m. Thursday, we should have everyone's name in the hat who is participating.

I will then take the list of names, number each name, and print two copies of the list. I'll cut one of the lists into separate slips of paper (each slip holding one name). I'll fold these slips separately and drop them in a hat, bowl, or on the floor. I then will randomly pick up the slips and, as I do, will write a number on the back...until all numbers in the list are used. Then I'll unfold the slips and see who they match up with. Finally, I'll post who is "shopping" for whom Thursday night.

You will go online to find your assigned Monkbot a great gift. And the best part is...you don't have to spend a dime!

On Friday, I'll put up a Christmas Tree post for you to put your gift under.

To give a gift, just find an image that would make a great present for your Monkbot buddy and put a nice message to them in the comments as to why this image made you think of them. (Be sure to include a link to your image...remember to use your all-important html skills!)

For instance, if I were to "draw" Quossum's name...I'd say something like:

Dear Quossum,

You have brought so much joy to my Taylor-Hicks experience that you're like one of those warm and cozy quilts you create! To show my Monkbot love...here is your gift!

Merry Christmas!

Love, Shelley

And, because we're all about the Taylor and Gray lurve here...everyone can feel free to find "gifts" for these wonderful guys, too. Just be sure to put a message and link in your post.

That's it!

Who's game?!

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Oh...don't forget to check out the newest installment of our Monkbot Progressive Story below.

Bamaborntxbred has really sunk her teeth into the story. Things are heatin' up!

Also, I've put a permanent link to the Progressive Story in the right-hand column, so folks can find it a little easier.

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And this has nothing to do with our gift exchange, but information about Taylor on Go Fish just went up at Gray's this morning...and I think it's about the coolest thing ever...had to share...Go Fish and Soul Patrol! (Be sure to check out the behind-the-scenese clips while you're at Go Fish.)

How funny would it be if we all submitted questions and said, "I'm So & So...with the Soul Patrol/Monkbot Division. My questions is.....? Viva le Monkbot!"

Get up close and personal with Taylor Hicks

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Let's See...Something's Supposed to Happen Today....What Could It Be?

I know, I know...we're all filled with glee beyond comprehension that this day has finally come.

Taylor Hicks...the unassuming guy from Alabama who had us riveted to our televisions every Tuesday and Wednesday night last winter and spring...the guy who we emptied our bank accounts for to make sure he would win American Idol...the guy who had the biggest concert tour all summer (I think he was accompanied by a few other singers)...the guy who we all lurve...finally saw the fruits of all his hard work (and ours) with the release today of his national debut album, "Taylor Hicks."

How good does that feel!?!

We're all so very proud of Taylor and wish him well on the sale of his new album.

And I know we could recount story after story of all we did to get him here...and all we're doing to booster the sale of this album (which I've YET to hear).

However...I'd love for us here at Monkbot to share something a little different today.

Instead of saying how wow'd we are by the album...or how proud we are of Taylor...or how heartily we wish him well (which I'm sure we could all say TONS about)...let's, instead, look at what goodness we've encountered through this entire adventure.

Let's applaud Taylor by sharing how his journey has led to MORE than simply a wonderful album.

Allow me to go first.

In March I began sharing myself with total strangers at a little blog called GrayCharles.com. I nervously put myself out there (like so many of us did), fearing ridicule and public shunning.

But ridicule and shunning were the opposite of what happened.

I was embraced by a community...a community that was rich and vibrant and smart and funny and irritating and challenging.

It made me feel great.

As time wore on...I began to drift toward certain names on Gray's blog...Holeigh...Quossum...FLJerseyBoy...Double D...Ascme...Hope...and so many others.

These people would welcome me warmly in chat...they'd e-mail me...and, with some, we'd chat on the phone for hours.

I was having so much fun...but I didn't realize that I still had more growing to do with these folks and others.

In July I met up with NOLAgirl in the Big Easy and she escorted me and my family around the Quarter.

In August, I was privileged enough to travel with Q and her husband, James, to the AI concert in Birmingham. It was on that trip that Q presented me with the most beautiful handmade quilt I've ever seen (plus, it's purple...my favorite color).

At WorkPlay, a friend with a little pull tried to get me a meeting with Taylor...it fell through, but the gesture was very much appreciated.

Jan of Soul Patrol Relief managed to get Q and me to a special presentation at Lynn Park in Birmingham...which got us up close to Taylor.

I was able to return Jan's kindness at Lynn Park by giving her a place to stay when she was stranded in Jackson on her way to a LiMBO event.

I've received cards and letters and phone calls and e-mails and photos from so many of my "Taylor friends" that I hesitate to try and recount them all...for fearing of leaving someone out!

And everyone here at Monkbot has given so much to make this little site so very special.

From Bamaborntxbred helping me post when I'm not able...to MindDoc's concern for my well-being when I posted a video of my drive home...from Shrew making Monkbot fliers to pass around in San Jose...to everyone who signed up for Traveling Monkbot and everyone who is contributing to the progressive story...y'all's contributions have been amazing.

Plus...just yesterday...I received the most fun (and unexpected) care package I've gotten since college.

Sweet, precious little Ivoryhut sent me a box filled with all kinds of Filipino goodies inside. (I now know what Coco Jam is....yum!)



Of course the bag of Monkey Chocolate Banana candies grabbed my attention first...however, I then spotted a bag that said "garlic" and I had to rip it open (I'm convinced that it's my insane love of garlic that has kept me single this long).

Everything in the box looks delicious...but none of it compared to the letter that accompanied the gift. Ivoryhut, your words meant so much and summed up how I feel about you and each of your Monkbot siblings. Thank you!

I'm proud of the last 12 months. I'm proud of myself. I'm proud of Taylor Hicks, and I'm proud of Gray Charles.

But I'm also proud of each of you...for proving to me that there is so much goodness in the world.

Today really is a day to celebrate.

Excerpt from Ivoryhut's letter...

Just sending you a little something as a token of gratitude for giving me a reason to look forward to hanging around online again. You've created a warm, inviting place where others like me can feel welcome, and I feel like I've gained all these great and cool new friends that I can't wait to hang out with every day.

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