Well that was different!

[crashcmb]

Hi all,

I'm back in New Orleans, having traveled for the past 3 weeks prior to ...Christmas. And, I'm sure it's no surprise, but this Christmas just didn't even come close to feeling like Christmas.

Comments

[cinnamongrrl61]

I simply can't imagine how difficult this must be for you and your family. Unreal that it takes so long to get assistance. My children (like so many all over the country) raised a bunch of money for the Red Cross, but it's hard to feel like there's any way to actually help get comfort to the people that really need it. And since the plot really doesn't matter in the OC lately, don't worry about getting spoiled. I'm sure you'll enjoy the same things (ie cute boys, etc) whether or not you know what's happening next. And yes, read my story, because at least you can be sure that Chino!Ryan has it worse than you--unless of course your drunken mother's drunken boyfriend likes to beat you up. {{hugs}}

[crashcmb]

Oh, I think the heart-felt efforts of the good citizens have been the most helpful for everyone. Red Cross was very visible in the weeks after the storm and provided much needed food and relief to those in need. I know how fortunate I am not to have needed those services, but it's still been a struggle for us other, not-so-needy folks.

Do you have a title or link to your Chino!Ryan story? Is it in your Memories? I'm always eager to read about my boy's struggles (misery loves angst)!

[cinnamongrrl61]

I just started it--it's called Scarred. I'll probably post Chapter 2 later today. Have fun!

[crashcmb]

Excellent! Thanks for the link. I will check this out a little later tonight when I have more free time. Here's my pitiful plea (and guilt trip) to entice you to post Chapter 2 for those of us in dire need of escapism (especially of the Chino!Ryan kind).

[fredsmith518]

It's really hard to come home but not home, my sympathies.

I am further behind than you having seen only the first couple of season 3 episodes, but the third season is finally starting in January here.

I'm not sure if you will want to read it:)but I'm writing a sequel to the summer story, A rock and a hard place, called A rock and a harder place - I'm really original with titles! I'll link chp 1 and then the rest are tagged
http://www.livejournal.com/users/fredsmith518/13595.html#cutid1

[crashcmb]

Lovely Fred! Thanks for the link - can't wait to sink my teeth in and get reading. I may want/need to re-read the earlier story as well. Is it on LJ too? Sorry, I may have read it this summer, but all is a blur...

And thanks for the sympathy. I'm just feeling so out of sorts and unable to express the disorientation.

[fredsmith518]

The disorientation is completely understandable, especially when one has been away the thought of one's own space is extra desireable.
I think you have every right to be out of sorts.

I'll link the summer fic too, this one makes more sense if that is read first, sorry I didn't think of that, you are clearly more alert than me, which is never hard:)
This link is to memories, fingers crossed they stay working. I don't have this tagged, I don't think. Took me awhile to get used to tags.

http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=fredsmith518&keyword=Between+a+rock+and+a+hard+place&filter=all

Trust you manage to have some downtime to readjust.

[crashcmb]

Oh, thanks for that link as well. I'll be back to read a little later on this evening - I can't wait!

[60schic]

You know you've been greatly missed---right? I'm glad to hear that at least little bits and pieces are falling into place. Next Christmas will be better, God willing.

This is the Ryan/Seth ---no not that way! friendship piece I started in the summer...what if Ryan and Seth met first as 12 year olds? There is some angst and some intrigue. It's about 2/3 done.

http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=60schic&keyword=Fresh+Air+Kid&filter=all

And The OC? I like to watch the pretty boy/man and fantasize....so it's still cool by me!

[crashcmb]

Thanks so much for saying I've been missed! I don't really contribute, just soak in the goodness of my flist, so I don't generally think I'm even noticeable.

Thanks also for the link. I'm getting ready to go over and spend my first unofficial night in the 'sub-leased' FEMA trailer, so I'm not sure if I'll get to surf tonight or not (we haven't had time to connect everything up), but I'll surely be looking at this soon.

And The OC - there's only one pretty boy I'm interested in seeing! Very cool for me and my fantasies (considering the incredible age difference, but we won't even go there).

[60schic]

Honey, there's 2 things I'm sure of: 1) you contribute and are missed 2) the age diff between me and Sir Ben beats anybody's and I don't give a shit!

[famous99]

I can't begin to imagine how hard this holiday season has been for you. I'm glad some bit of normal is starting... even if it's less than desirable. I look forward to seeing you around again.

[crashcmb]

Thanks for the lovely thoughts, and... I love your icon. Yum.

[famous99]

Thanks. I have lots of sleeping icons... and I just got together with a bunch of librarian friends... we were discussing our June conference in New Orleans.

[brandywine421]

I'm a little late to the non-party but I have been thinking of you and I'm glad you checked in. Not so glad that the suckage continues for you. But at least the holidays are almost over and 2006 is a new year. I hope you get to go home in 2006, for real

[crashcmb]

Aw, thanks for joining in on my brooding.

Fic - just for me? You are most awesome. I can't wait to gobble it up. And the others as well. I'm so excited to feel part of the fold again.