Interestingly enough, I was planning on doing a follow-up "Ten Minutes" post, about exactly what you're talking about: gradually setting your alarm earlier in 10 minute increments. I think small steps and gradual change work best for most people, don't you?

Yup, mom. And the date thing, I'm not sure if it's better or worse. At the least, it makes grieving more efficient.

No worries. Chris is pretty awesome.

FWIW, I'm choosing to view the "empty" aspect as a clean canvas. And odd coincidences of dates notwithstanding, I imagine this time of year in general is tough on many folks (you and Dorian/coffeesister included). It's good to remember that.

And who's to say your fur kids don't cherish their own memories of "teh odd tree wif toys on it dat da hoomanz putz in da howse when it gets cold." :)

Matt - Thanks for your thoughts.

While total disclosure on what went wrong would be great, I'm betting it's probably not going to happen. And honestly, I'm not sure fans need to know all the dirty details of what went wrong. I think the fact that they're openly acknowledging that they dropped the ball, and need to make it up to fans, is a good sign.

I really like your idea about engaging the fans directly, and getting their thoughts on the suckiness. They've clearly got a passionate fanbase.

I think the content of the emails is going to be everything. One big complaint about the game was that folks were just waiting for weeks on end to hear anything--so getting communication from the creative team behind the show might actually be a good substitute.

I received a second email today, and it's promising a sneak peek at the season premiere. I would consider that a pretty "way inside look." I'm off to sneak my peek. :)

This is the reality that people can't see until they see it. Like one of those old 3d posters from the 90s. That we're all connected, and we all need each other desperately. And that we need to give, to practice giving, much more often than we need to receive (although we're often awkward and bad at that, too!)

Like you, I lost my mom too soon. She died December 10, 2003, on what would have been her 51st birthday, two months too soon to see my daughter born. Although I find it harder to live without her in the everyday than the special occasions, I can relate to everything you've written here. Beautiful, honest stuff. Thanks.