I've been busy at work, so I've had to post in spurts. Anyway, in addition to all the good things that have happened in the past few days, I also got a fantastic comment from Mary Ellen, the naked mole rat-needer:
Hello Joolie,First, I'm totally stunned! This whole thing has mushroomed into a community event bringing together enormously talented and slightly touched folks bonded by NMRs and justified self pride ...we live in a miraculous age. Never in my wildest dreams.
Anyway, despite the frustrations, your sharing the search has turned into big fun. I would like to also offer a reward to whomever can reconnect me with my 'reincarnated' Garbanzo (although I do expect that he will resemble his last incarnation closely.) I am planning on creating another calendar featuring Garbanzo in Thailand. I will gratefully send one to you and whoever ends up locating our buddy. I also want to send you a copy of the Garbanzo in Italy calendar pictures (very limited edition). What state do you live in?
I would also encourage you to go to Thailand. Do it! You could teach there. I know a school in a great town that would hire you. Let me know if you want the inside scoop.
Peace,
Mary Ellen
Then she sent me a really cool follow-up e-mail. I'm gonna have me a naked mole rat calendar.
Now it's Friday afternoon, and I have a bunch of fun, productive stuff I want to do this weekend, not the least of which is hanging out with my boy. And to think this week started out as total shit.