Bad Secret Santa News

Subject: Bad Secret Santa News
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 30 Oct 01 - 12:35 AM

I realise that is short notice and that it may already be too late... but for this I'm very sorry...

My world is slowly crumbling around my ears... legal battles with my landlord, a car that just won't stay fixed, health that just won't improve and an uncertain employment future... these things I have to deal with..

The Secret Santa is just one of those things that is going to have to fall by the way side... perhaps things can be re-arranged so that the person who had me, can have the person I had...

To one and all involved, I am very sorry...

Take care... hope to see you all again...

Clinton Hammond

Subject: RE: Bad Secret Santa News
From: Blackcatter
Date: 30 Oct 01 - 12:48 AM

Sorry to hear that Clinton.

My financial situation is nearly always tenuous so I know what you're going through. Let us know if there's anyway we can help.

Maybe a bunch of us could be Clinton's Secret Santas?

Any idea out there, wonderful Mudcatters?

pax

Subject: RE: Bad Secret Santa News
From: sian, west wales
Date: 30 Oct 01 - 08:21 AM

Clinton, sorry to hear of your problems. Life can really be the pits sometime. If you have my name, I wouldn't mind a bit receiving only your best wishes by e-mail (and perhaps a suitable emoticon!) and, if I had your name (which I don't) I'd still want to be your Secret Santa. I'm sure the SSElves will sort it all out but, anyway ... Merry Christmas, boi.

sian

Subject: RE: Bad Secret Santa News
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 30 Oct 01 - 08:46 AM

hell Clinton - send your designated person an e-card - or e-mail them an mp3 of you! I'm sure they'll understand. And given the circumstances - I hope your Santa gifts you with something that will lift your spirits. The holidays can be depressing even when everything is going right - take a little fun where you can.

Subject: RE: Bad Secret Santa News
From: SharonA
Date: 30 Oct 01 - 09:07 AM

Clinton: I'm so sorry to hear that things are going so badly for you, and particularly that you are having health problems. I wish I were your Secret Santa so I could say, "The heck with this; you're getting your present, fella!" (But I'm not; I'm *mumblemumble*'s SS) I mean, what better time for you to receive a nice surprise in the mail?

I'm with sian: If I'm your Santee, I'll take a holiday e-mail or PM (perhaps describing the holiday traditions you have where you live; that would be nice). My employment future is uncertain, too, since the future of the company I work for is up in the air right now. Our busy season comes after Christmas; hopefully we can hang on till then.

Anyway, whatever your final SS decision may be, I hope your holidays are happy and that everything will work out in your favor. Wishing you the best,

Sharon

P.S. - I like Blackcatter's idea... though I don't suppose we could pool together and get Clinton a new landlord...

Subject: RE: Bad Secret Santa News
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 30 Oct 01 - 09:27 AM

Been there. It's when EVERYTHING is buggered at the same time when it's hard to cope -- when you feel you have no control at all nor the time to exert any because everything demands to be done NOW.

I like the idea of finding Clinto a new landlord -- if you've got a more or less secure roof over your head, everything else can sort itself out in good time.

Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Bad Secret Santa News
From: alison
Date: 30 Oct 01 - 09:33 AM

sorry to hear that Clinton....... good thoughts and hugs while you work through it....

I'm not your SS either... but I agree with what the others said.... if it was me I'd be happy just to get an email...........

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Bad Secret Santa News
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 30 Oct 01 - 09:44 AM

Ditto all the above thoughts. I'm sending a PM to ya also. Keep in touch.

Subject: RE: Bad Secret Santa News
From: Jeri
Date: 30 Oct 01 - 09:46 AM

Clinton, if you have me, don't sweat it. An e-mail or PM would be nice, just so I'd know not to expect anything.

As the guy who thought this scheme up, you've already given something to all of us. I wish I could do something to help...

Subject: RE: Bad Secret Santa News
From: GUEST,Kim C still no cookie
Date: 30 Oct 01 - 09:47 AM

Good luck Clinton. When it rains it seems to pour, don't it? Hang in there! :-)

Subject: RE: Bad Secret Santa News
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 30 Oct 01 - 10:12 AM

I'll take your person for you if you wish - but I'm with the rest - if you have me just send me a nice e-mail -

Steve

Subject: RE: Bad Secret Santa News
From: GUEST,katlaughing can't get a cookie
Date: 30 Oct 01 - 01:33 PM

Same to all of the above, Clinton. This was your idea and it means a lot to all of us. I vote for us all being YOUR secret Santa and working on that new landlord and/or sending you a sackful of goodies, if someone who has your addy would act as teh go-between.

Good wishes and thoughts for all that you do and are going through.

kat

Subject: RE: Bad Secret Santa News
From: GUEST,Uncookied JenEllen
Date: 30 Oct 01 - 02:21 PM

Ditto all of the above thoughts, hang in there ya knucklehead, we're pulling for you and the missus both. It was wonderful you thought of the Santa idea, and by all means should benefit from it as much as anyone else. I didn't draw you, but if I had....
~J

Subject: RE: Bad Secret Santa News
From: Helen
Date: 30 Oct 01 - 04:49 PM

Clinton,

I can really relate to your troubles because I have just recently come out of what I think has been the worst couple of years of my life. Everything seemed to hit at once, but there were some saving graces at times. Mudcat people have been there with me all through that time. There were times when the only place I felt truly safe was here at Mudcat.

I know how it feels to be squeezed financially and I know the feeling of guilt about being unable to afford presents. One thing I know is that it isn't the present that counts, it's the gift of caring and sharing your self with others that really matters.

Maybe you could compile a list of links to the Santee's favourite topics on the 'Net, or maybe a set of midi files? (Assuming that time is not hard pressed as well as money). Or some other gesture which is free or really really cheap. Or if you can afford postage, then the one thing which seems to show up in everyone's hints is something specific to your home town, like rocks or a postcard.

But above all, I second everyone else's sentiments: if you were my Santee then you would definitely get a lovely present from me. You need it now, more than ever, to be reminded of how much we care.

Helen But above all,

Subject: RE: Bad Secret Santa News
From: Morticia
Date: 31 Oct 01 - 07:01 AM

You can have my good thoughts and best wishes as a present right now, Clinton, and if there is anything practical I can do for you, please PM me and let me know.Hang on in there.

Subject: RE: Bad Secret Santa News
From: GUEST,noreen no-cookie
Date: 31 Oct 01 - 07:22 AM

Thanks for telling us, Clinton. Sorry for your troubles... and let us know how you get on.

I'll sing Dark-eyed Mollie for you tonight.

Noreen

Subject: RE: Bad Secret Santa News
From: GUEST, Cookieless, Allan C.
Date: 31 Oct 01 - 09:22 AM

I think that Helen may have said almost all I wanted to say, Clinton. You have given us each the gift of this idea of the Secret Santa. That, alone, is totally cool! If I were your Santee, I would enjoy receiving a holiday letter from you in which you describe some of your favorite things about where you live or perhaps some family story that you would want to share. That would be a very nice gift and the only cost would be the postage stamp.

Subject: Not So Bad Secret Santa News
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 31 Oct 01 - 12:37 PM

You guys....

*scuffs at the dirt with his boot toe...*

We're trying hard to maintain here... without going into details regarding the landlord, I'm really happy my father-in-law is a lawyer who's VERY familiar with the Tenant Act stuff already... I suspect that a lot of what they are doing right now is blustering and "blow-hard"ing, trying to get us to back off in our requests...

The car is running again *whispered so as not to scare it*... but this is the 3rd electrical problem we've had in about a month or so... Is it true that when one goes they all go?? LOL!!!

thanks fer the songs, the good wishes and the moral support... If I come back here later and write a 30 page post full of cussing and swearing, then you'll know that the landlord has come and gone from the 'inspection' they feel is necessary to do today... Just ignore the ranting o.k...

take ye care one and all...

Subject: RE: Bad Secret Santa News
From: GUEST,Clinton's Secret Santa
Date: 31 Oct 01 - 12:56 PM

I have been watching you for a number of years, Clinton. I know that you have a good heart that once in a while hides behind some bluster and brashness. Years will temper some of that. But, because I am Santa, I can look through this and I can see to the core of you. And I see a good person, a loving person. Why else would you start the Secret Santa?

But it is time for Santa to teach you the lesson that The Greatest One meant to have taught when he created me. It is the lesson that is often ignored these days. I am not about getting.....the Magi taught the same lesson. I am about giving. In this time, you have run out of the physical things to give. That is good. Why? Because now you can give your heart. Troubles have a way of humbling us all. But if you will but give your heart, that will be fine. I am proud of you, Clinton Hammond. Merry Christmas.

Your gift is going out next week. I hope you enjoy it.

Your secret Santa.

Subject: RE: Bad Secret Santa News
From: CapriUni
Date: 31 Oct 01 - 01:02 PM

{{{{ClintonHammond}}}} Huggle-le-huggles!!!

If I was (am?) your secret santee, what I'd really like best is for your favorite story -- either written or heard by you -- in my email.

And the best story of all would be that everything turned out okay for you!!!

Subject: RE: Bad Secret Santa News
From: SINSULL
Date: 31 Oct 01 - 01:12 PM

Clinton,
My spare room is empty - a rare occurrence. Screw the landlord. Get a supply of Cipro and move to NYC. Merry Christmas, love.
Mary

Subject: RE: Bad Secret Santa News
From: Hollowfox
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 09:50 AM

Add me to what everybody's already said, darlin'. If I'm your santee, you've already given two great gifts; the secret Santa idea in the first place, and your vigorous work as Resident Curmudgeon. *g* I have good thoughts for your various "projects", and if I think of something more tangible, I'll send it on, too.

Subject: RE: Bad Secret Santa News
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 09:59 AM

Clinton, I'm not your Secret Santa, but if I was I'd send you twice as much. Heck, more. I've really enjoyed this Secret Santa thing that you suggested. I've got a smashing present from my Secret Santa, but better still was the fact that someone across the world who has never met me took the time and trouble of choosing a gift for me and writing a lovely letter to go with it, and that makes me feel quite blooming emotional. Sheesh, people will be thinking I'm a softie if I keep up this attitude!

Subject: RE: Bad Secret Santa News
From: Kim C
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 10:44 AM

I'll tell you something I did for a friend once, who was moving away. I sat down in the kitchen with my guitar and my little cheap hand-held tape recorder and made a tape of my songs...well, my songs with a couple of my old folk favorites.

I should think anyone would like something like that from Clinton. I certainly would. :-)