Some words, some phrases have the power to change the universe. Or at least my universe.
Magic is, in my definition, the ability to inflict change on the physical world using means that, on a purely physical level, should not effect the physical world in any major way.
Waiving a wand should not make a rabbit disappear.
Saying magical words should not change the world. Yet they do every day.
A judge says the words Guilty or Innocent, and a person's life is altered. A minister says, "By the power invested in me..." and two people are considered a couple, linked by binding chains of community and faith. A man stands in front of a crowd and vows, using the sacred words, to protect the constitution and the people of this country, and the whole world may feel this change.
Words are powerful.
The smallest words can make the greatest changes. The word "Only" has the power to reduce the size of a number. While $50.00 is a high fee, paying only$50.00 somehow seem easier. This is a trick we are taught in sales, the power of Only. Watch the adds from now on and notice how often this word appears.
Words and numbers are how we organize, comprehend, and analyze the world we live in. Numbers are hard and fast and unyielding. They are the blocks of science. Words are soft and fuzzy, moldable to fit into our pre-concieved ideas and philosophies. That is the magic of words.
I believe that the universe is only 1% real. The other 99% is assumption, deduction, prejudice, belief, theory, hypothesis, faith and illusion. This is much like the walls in my office are mostly space, when you get down to the Atomic level. They are hardly there. This is scientific fact. Yet if I try to walk through what is hardly there, I will not make it through. Words allow us to work wonders with that 99%.
Personally, words spoken and words written have a solidifying effect on me. Things happen to me constantly, but its only when I put those events into words that they become real. Oh, mentally I know they happened, but when I say the words, I begin to really believe it happened.
My grandmother died when I was in College. She had helped raise me, as both my parents worked when I was a child. She had always lived near by, and is still a role model for me when I think of personal strength. I perfectly understood what happened. I attended the funeral. I looked at her in the coffin. I helped my father and aunt and cousins and brothers through this time. I helped carry her out to the grave site. All this I did without the reallity of what was going on sinking into me. It was only the first time that I said, "My grandmother died." that it hit me. I couldn't get the last word out.
I still have trouble saying that sentence.
When I proposed to my wife, I had the whole scene worked out and rehearsed. The evening started with a good meal, a game of mini-golf, and a showing of Revenge of the Nerds II. Our first movie together was Revenge of the Nerds. Yes, that does date us, and yes, those are not particularly romantic movies. We were supposed to be part of a nerdy group seeing the first movie, but only us two showed up. We think our friends planned it that way, but I digress.
After the movie I took her to my house, went out to the lake, stretched a blanket on the grass and stared up at the stars.
"The stars are beautiful tonight." I said. She agreed. "Almost as beautiful as you." She disagreed. "On nights like this it seems you can almost reach up and touch the stars." I reached up. "Oooh. Look. I caught one." I produced the ring I had palmed. Its diamond reflected the moonlight. "There is only one thing this star could possibly be for. Cindy, would you marry me?" I put it on her finger.
She cried. She said yes. We kissed. It all went perfectly according to plan. Walking back up to my house I was feeling the adrenaline, but something was missing.
We went to my parents. I started to tell them what happened, and I couldn't. "Mom, Dad, Cindy and I...Well.." I was blocked. Suddenly, with the words coming out of my mouth I realized how big and how important this change in my life was. It hit me then like a truck, like a lightening bolt. My life, the universe as I knew it was changing. It was changing for the better, but it was changing hard.
Cindy just showed them the ring. I don't remember the rest of the night, except I kept repeating the words, engaged, married, love. They just felt so scarey, so powerful, so good.
I can name other times, when other words changed my reality, my universe, my world. I have come to recognize them for what they are and the power and magic in their sounds.
I have come to say some more magic words. I have come to change my universe again.
Father
Daddy
Dad
In other threads I have mentioned that my wife and I are adopting. I want to thank everyone for their support and encouragement. However, the reality of the adoption is soon to be forced on me. In 15 days (yes, this will be my countdown thread too) I will fly off to Russia, to Astrakahn, to meet my children. I do not know yet if I will have two sons, two daughters, or one of each. Honestly, I don't care.
I don't know their names yet, or what they look like, or who they are. Is that so different from other parents?
In little more than 2 weeks, two visits of the trash man, two more nasty Monday mornings and wild Saturday nights, I will be on my way to meet the two wonderful people who will change everything.
We will walk into a room where few speak the same magic words as we do. We will find in that room two people, strangers in a strange land. Words will be spoken. Documents will be signed. And even though we will not be able to take them with us right away, those strangers and my wife and I will become one family.
I will become a father. I will become the daddy. I, who will be 40 in July will suddenly have two smaller people depending on me for their future, their food, their lives.
If you still do not believe in magic words let me say that when I read the previous paragraph out loud, I feel the magic, the power, the fear, the hope.
Father
Daddy
Dad
My hands shake.
A smile comes unbidden to my face.
Father
Daddy
Dad
Pop, Pa, Pater, Mr. Davis.
My back straightens.
Father
Daddy
Dad
Fears swim in my mind. Doubts creep up into my thoughts, as doubts like to do.
Am I ready?
What if?
Only 15 days.
Father
Daddy
Dad
If I repeat that magic mantra, perhaps the reality will sink in and I'll be ready.
I doubt it.
Father
Daddy
Dad
Me?
Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :
I think all new parents feel this way. I know I did...and I do this time too.
Love you, Man. Those kids are luckier than you know.
Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :
Let's have 6000 more magic words like that, Dan.
Thanks for being such a classy addition to our Hatrack community. You're insightful, thoughtful, humorous and serious, and we wouldn't be the same without you here. Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Wow. I know you will both be great parents and you in particular will be a father any kid would be proud to have.
It is the saying of the words that make the stepping out into the unknown that much more real. Until you have the children to hug of course!
AJ
Posted by T. Analog Kid (Member # 381) on :
Oh my... congratulations and what a ride you are in for!
You're never ready for it, but I am sure you will do fine... pops.
congrats and nice post
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Dan, I always enjoy reading your posts. I have been following your adoption adventure with great anticipation. You will be a great dad!
Congrats on 6000, and here's to 6000 more! Posted by T. Analog Kid (Member # 381) on :
*raises galss of Dalwhinnie, on the rocks, with a twist*
hear, hear, Rivka
Posted by lcarus (Member # 4395) on :
The second landmard to bring a tear to my eye in just the last week . . . that was beautiful. Your words magically described sensations I have felt without being able to find words for them myself. As I read this, I thought about the day Cor and I went to pick up our new daughters, and all that was running through my mind.
Thank you.
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
*completely entranced*
Dan, I think that's the first post I've ever read that has actually made me cry. That was absolutely beautiful. You're a treasure to have here, I've enjoyed every moment of being associated with someone as awe-inspiring as yourself. Thank you for those 6000, and here's to millions more! *clinks glass*
I will always see magic differently now... every instance of it will make the world more beautiful. Posted by tt&t (Member # 5600) on :
Great post.
I'm sure you'll make an awesome Dad. Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
wow.
Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
Congratulations! There's nothing cooler or more wonderful than becoming a parent. Nothing. And those are magic words...Daddy....Mommy. I drink in the sound of them, especially from my almost 2 year old, because from her baby lips the words are so new. They aren't chipped away by my mistakes yet. And I think when my son becomes a Daddy, it'll be new again, because he'll know that love that surpasses all understanding.
(((Dan and Cindy)))
Posted by hansenj (Member # 4034) on :
That was very beautiful. I couldn't help but feel excited, nervous, and amazed right along with you. Congratulations on this big event. Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Dan, that post demonstrated beautifully the power and magic of words. It was a pleasure to read, and has made me start my day on a lovely mix of thoughtfullness, hope and happiness.
From what I've seen of you here, I have no doubt that you will be an awesome father.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Posted by eslaine (Member # 5433) on :
I couldn't think of a better father.....
Congrats, Dan!
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Congrats on the impending parenthood. You'll make a great father.
You are a man who truly feels - both for himself and for others. The world needs more of you.
Dagonee
Posted by larisse (Member # 2221) on :
Dan...
Those are beautiful words. I have tears welling up in my eyes as I type this. Don't ever have any doubts that you deserve to be called 'Father', 'Daddy', or 'Dad'. Nor doubt that Cindy doesn't deserve to be called 'Mother', 'Mommy', or 'Mom'. You two prove every single day that you are beyond worthy. Such a lucky family -- a pretty magical word in itself.
Good luck on your trip.
{{{Dan&Cindy}}}
Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
Daddy in only 15 days. Powerful words.
Congratulations on embarking into the adventure that is parenthood!
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
Beautiful Most romantic proposal too...
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Thanks Dan, that was magical!
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
That was beautiful, Dan, as you are.
Welcome to the magical world of parenthood.
Liz
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Dan, I don't have the words to let you know how moved I was by your post.
I've been following your adoption journey very carefully, both because I'm interested and happy for you and because Andrew and I hope to make the same journey ourselves. I like to think of you paving the way for us and I couldn't have hand-picked anyone better.
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Dan, I too believe in the magic of words, and you have spun quite the spell. You and Cindy will be fabulous parents, and I wish you all the joy in the world as you travel to meet your new family.
Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :
Dan, I've said it before, and I'll say it again:
You totally rock! Posted by fiazko (Member # 5812) on :
More often than not, your posts make me laugh. You're so good at inserting humor into tense situations. It's nice to see the serious, sensitive side of you as well. I'm so excited for you and your wife, and I'm extra-happy that you're adopting from Russia which has a very special place in my heart.
Congratulations on your post count, on the joy in your life thus far and that which is to come. You're going to be a great father, and I for one, can't wait to see pictures. Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
That was a powerful post. You and Cindy will be great parents. Good luck and God Bless.
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
That was beautiful, and so true ! (((((Dan and Cindy)))))
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
Dan is a bad man. He made little ol me cry...
Thank you, Dan. I'm sure you'll be exemplary at being a father. Babies!!! Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
((((Dan & Cindy)))) When words are not enough: Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Dan, congragulations! It is a special moment when you think or say those words, but wait until you hear them spoken by your new children for the first time....now that's magic (or so I hear )
Mrs.M, you do realize that childern need shoes too, right? You'll be in heaven!
Kwea
[ April 02, 2004, 08:27 AM: Message edited by: Kwea ]
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Gorgeous. Thought-provoking. Hopeful.
(((Dan and Cindy + 2 children, soon to be named)))
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Dan, you do wield magic well, both in words and life.
Those are some lucky kids that are going to get to share in your life. And we're some lucky kids, too, for what you share with us.
Travel well, be safe, keep spreading the magic.
Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
If anyone needs to replenish the earth Dan, it's so you. Congratulations and best of luck, not that you'll need it.
Hobbes Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
14 Days
Last night Cindy ran to a few doctors appointments while I arranged for a friend to drive us to the airport and pick us up for our first trip.
Cindy also ran to the bank near her work to get the hopefully last document notarized. I ran to our agency to get an identical document, but with my signature, notarized there. Three days ago we had done this together, but the notary used her middle initial instead of her whole middle name, and the state rejected it.
This morning, before work, I ran to the state office and dropped off all the papers to be apostilled (to have the state confirm the Notaries are good). They called already. Cindy will pick them up tonight on her way to meet me for dinner.
Thanks for all your good words. I really appreciate them. As we are getting into crunch time, and so many of you have shown an interest, I will try to update this daily.
Posted by skillery (Member # 6209) on :
Wow Mr. Davis, that's a bold endeavor.
Being childless, my wife and I once considered adopting Russian kids, but we chickened out. I look forward to seeing how things work out for your family.
Good luck!
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
11 Days
The almost final form is being faxed off to Russia. Next week we go to our doctor and get an new physical (the one 4 months ago is too old) and then get a notarized, apostilled note from the doctors saying we are healthy.
But that is next week.
We have enough to do this week.
I didn't post this weekend because I was too busy getting our house ready, doing taxes, and generally, going crazy.
Cindy does have one correction that I promised to put on this page. When I described the romantic engagement scene above, I left out one small part.
I proposed. She stared at me and just as she was about to shake her head yes and kiss me....
My father yelled down from the house, "What are you two doing down there. Its getting late!"
It scared the daylights out of both of us.
[ April 06, 2004, 04:29 PM: Message edited by: Dan_raven ]
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
10 Days
Spent last night getting pictures of the last few relatives that we need. We are putting a book together of pictures of friends and family for the kids to keep while we are away. They can look and try to figure out who all these strangers are.
Started packing. There is a 45lb weight limit on baggage on Russian airlines. That doesn't leave a lot of room for coats and toys.
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
(((Dan))) Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Just think - all the craziness you have to go through to get the kids is nothing compared to what they'll put you through once they're home.
Ain't it wonderful?
Dagonee
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Dan - I think the photos is an excellent idea.
I hope it keeps going well. I'm thinking of you both (but in a non-creepy-internet-stalker way ).
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
9 Days
Having big open house at my office today, so no time to write.
Since I have the most clients coming, my boss walks into my office last night and says, "Congratz, you won our secret contest. You get 2 tickets to tomorrow nights Cardinals game."
Great, except I have a dozen things I'm doing tonight. I had to turn them down.
One final thought--less than 10 days, OMG!!!
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Even in the madness of preparation, try to enjoy yourself as much as possible. Remember, all that you're going through is because you want these children so much. It'll make a great war story someday. Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
4 Days
Much has happened since I've had time to update this.
We spent the weekend packing, shuffling stuff, and repacking.
I set up a Yahoo Group for our trip, DadCat This will be a centralize location where we can dump pictures and give updates.
If you want to join the group, and have a Yahoo ID, just sign up. I have asked to authorize joiner to keep the spammers out. If you don't have a Yahoo ID, get one and join. Its free and easy and opens up a lot of games you can go play.
I will send pictures for everyone to see once I get back and have some time.
Speaking of pictures, we are making picture books for the kids that have pictures of everyone in our family (Grandparents, uncles, pets, etc). That is how I spent most of Sunday, and I still have more to do.
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Good luck Dan!
I hope you have a fantastic and safe trip. If I was a little kid, I'd be happy to gain you and Cindy as parents.
I really do hope it all goes well.
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
3 Days
Vampire day.
I left work yesterday and ran with my wife straight to the doctors.
Russia has a requirement that you must pass a physical before they allow you to adopt. We passed back in October. However, they say the physical must be no more than 3 months old. We need it for this trip, and for the followup trip in two months.
The answer, get it done close to your first trip.
So we rushed to the doctor. Then his assistant came to us and drew blood for the tests the Russians demand. Then the doctor talked to us and decided he wanted more blood tests done, just to be safe. So Mr. Assistant came back and drew even more blood.
And my veins were not in the mood. He poked and prodded and basically left me sore. Worse, he covered up my wounds with a very good quality band-aid. It took off about a pound of hair when I removed it later.
Now for the difficult part. The blood tests need to be completed, then the forms signed and notarized, then I have to rush the forms down to the state office where they have to be verified, all before our plane leaves at 9:45am on Friday.
It is the last nerve wracking thing left before our trip.
It will be ok. It has to be.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
It will be OK. Don't worry.
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
2 Days
Cindy hit the nail right on the head. Everybody asks us how we feel, or are we excited.
My answer has usually been, "Duh."
But Cindy explained it better.
Think back to your best christmas ever. Think about the night before. Remember how hard it was to sleep, or eat, or move because you knew there were great presents just sitting there underneath the Christmas tree. In shiny boxes that you were not allowed to touch or shake, was something that you had wanted so bad that it hurt.
And the following morning you would be allowed to open those boxes play with that thing for ever.
Yet that was tomorrow. On Christmas Eve, all you could do is watch the box and the clock.
That is how we each feel.
Except inside the boxes are not some silly toy, but two children that will be ours. Can there be a better gift?
Except that our Christmas Eve still has days to go before it ends.
Except that, next week, after we've seen our present and held them and made them our own, we have to put them away for a month or two or three.
Yes, Cindy. You got it right. That is exactly how we feel.
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
Awesome! I'm so happy for you both!!!!!!
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
One day to go
And an emergency run to get more last minute paperwork.
I like to look on the bright side of this.
It used to be only the mother could guilt her children with phrases like, "Do you realize I had to suffer through 18 hours of painfilled labor to have you, so that you could treat me like this?"
But I, the husband, will be able to guilt my children with, "Do you realize that I had to suffer through 5 months of beaurocratic h@#$ to get you, so that you could treat me like this?"
Still waiting to hear about our last medical pages to be apostilled, and two more forms I have to pick up.
Then we have to run home, grab my dog, and take him to the kennel.
And finish packing.
Meanwhile I am trying hard on concentrating on work and wasting what's left of the day.
Nervous? No. My body just decided that the best way to avoid jet lag tomorrow and Saturday, is to avoid sleeping last night, and eating today.
That's it.
Not nerves at all.
While I'll post a bit now and then today, I don't know if I'll have a connection once I get to Russia. So, if I don't post until I get back, have fun all.
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Christy and I wish you two the best of luck. Posted by Jenny Gardener (Member # 903) on :
Go Dad! It seems we should have some sort of initiation for new dads. I did a magical sort of baby shower for one of my girlfriends, but there was nothing for her husband.
Daddy is a very magical word. It changes your perspective so much.
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
All the paperwork is in and approved.
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
Wooohooo! Have a safe trip and congratulations.
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
I'm so excited for you Dan!
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
quote: All the paperwork is in and approved.
Yay! Have a safe trip, breathe deeply, and CONGRATS! in advance!
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Yay Dan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
The Long Day
So much happened. So little time.
We woke up at 5:30am, finished packing, dressing, arranging all the details. The previous night I left work early, after getting their late and taking a long lunch to take care of paperwork. The boss is OK with it, since I couldn't get much work done anyway. He just wants to make sure I write in if I get locked away in a Russian gulag or anything that will keep me away past next monday.
We drove into my work, which is near the airport, and made sure we had everything about 18 times.
There a friend of ours met us and drove us to the airport. This 5 mile trip was the most dangerous part of the journey. Greg is not what we would call a safe driver.
We got there in plenty of time, waited for the plane. We finished making photo albums of all of our family for the new kids. Using my trusty translater we wrote out things like "home" and "doggy" in Russian. No translator for Great Grandma. ratz.
First flight, to Detroit, ok. We were in the second to last row. Thanks to the system they used to serve drinks, I was the very last person to be served.
Got off plane, crossed entire airport to our next flight, only to be told that due to a mechanical problem on the plane at the gate, we had to go all the way back to a gate near where we got off the plane.
Had lunch at an airport A&W. My wife had never been to an A&W. And she claims to be a mid-westerner.
Second flight went ok. We were near the back again.
Got lost trying to find the Aeroflot check in in NYC. It is in Terminal 3. We arrived in Terminal 4. There is no easy walkway between the two, and thanks to security additions, the enterance is in the back, down a ramp where vehicles zoom by.
I wouldn't say it was difficult, but 2 people asked us for directions, and one was a police officer.
We met up with a nother woman going to Astrakhan for an adoption. Being a single mother to be, she brought a friend of the family with her, an older woman who has a back problem. (The problem just popped up). THey have all the details about her new son. #$@#$@#$@#$@.
Boarded the Aeroflot. Back of the plane, very last row. The last few luggage compartments on most planes is where the cabin crew stores their stuff. Sure enough, no room for our two bags, which were a bit too big to fit under the seat. The steward reached up and threw all their stuff into the back of the plane and made room. The folks near us had little luggage, but tossed whole armloads of coats and clothes into the bins as well.
I decided I was going to sleep for the entire 9 hour flight.
Then they brought me fairly good food, free slippers and stuff, and started playing a movie--The Last Samuria.
That is a real good movie. Unfortunately we were in the last row of the plane. I couldn't read the subtitles. Plus my headset was only half working.
The plane left at 8. I probably finished all the food and movie and tried to sleep aroun 11.
Three hours before we land they woke us up with breakfast and turbulence.
I looked down and saw icebergs and frozen water.
They were playing a russian movie. I ignored it.
We came in for a landing and I noticed all the bright houses below. Not brightly lit, but lots of houses with bright blue, or green, or red roofs. There were long bright fences of the same colors. IT was all very up-looking. Then I looked and saw snow in the trees and around spots on the ground.
We landed with a bump, as if we blew a tire, or missed the middle of the runway, or landed on one tire and skidded till the next one landed. I don't know what it was except guaranteed to wake us all up.
The passengers applauded when we safely stopped.
Then through immigration. I have read horror stories about russian immigration and customs. I was prepared for the worst.
Instead, while waiting in line Sansung had a large display up where they showed a fashion reveiw on vidoe. This soft-core porn helped the time pass quickly for me.
They changed Customs. Before you had to declare everypenny you brought into the country as they searched each peice of luggage for contraband and valuables.
Now, if you don't bring in $6000 worth of money, you just get your stuff exrayed. And as I was waiting with our bags, a lady in a uniform motioned me to go around, she opened up a gate, and we went through without even that much of a search.
OUr representative from CHI was waiting for us and we were rushed off to the Marriott.
Then came the bad news. One of our forms that was a last minute addition, needed to be translated. She asked it from us. We went to our luggage to find it.
It wasn't in two of our bags, and we had locked the third one.
Cindy said, "Our dossier is in the third bag, right?" Our dossier is all the papers we need to adopt.
I said, "I don't know, you packed it."
She said, "I don't remember. Quick. Open it."
My keys were missing.
I had taken them out of my pocket for the first metal detector, and I don't know where they ended up. They might be at the lost & found in stl. They might have fallen out of my coat pocket at any time after that.
We asked the hotel to cut the tab on the bag that would let us open it.
Cindy was in a panic. Without the dossier, this whole trip is a waste. If it is sitting on our table at home she would never forgive herself.
I rushed the bag up to our room.
I unzipped it.
There was our dossier, right on top.
I got a great hug out of that.
We then discovered our free internet access. I collapsed for a few while Cindy ran down here to use it. Some guy was on it, and taking his time. Cindy started talking to him, in order to hurry him up.
He is with CHI, adopting from another region.
He lives in PEoria Il, but grew up in the same town that she did.
They went to High School together, him one year behind her.
They both remember the same people, including my wife's best friend other than me.
Later we all had dinner, where we discovered that Stholi Vodka, the good stuff, is made in Peoria IL, then shipped to Russia where it gets a Russian lable, before being shipped back to the US for sale.
More good stuff later. Much to do today.
Thanks for all of your good wishes.
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Cry]](graemlins/cry.gif)
![[Group Hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
![[Taunt]](graemlins/taunt.gif)
![[Hat]](graemlins/hat.gif)
![[Party]](graemlins/party.gif)
All the paperwork is in and approved.