I've been away from the forums for the most part because things have been a mess. In the past month I've had two small parts of my house flood, a major appliance go out and the hard drive on my laptop call it quits. There are also three family members who have been injured or in and out of the hospital (I don't know what it is with my luck). I still am not working, but I have finally heard the good news that the funding got approved and there should soon be jobs to interview for. I've also been having problems with near-chronic migraines and other issues with my heath. I feel badly because I haven't been around and dropped the ball on follow up with pictures and other things on threads.

Still, that isn't the point. Despite being really down lately, a couple of wonderful things have come in the mail these last few days and cheered me up--- all because of YLF.

Last week I received a package from forum member Celia with a beautiful black and white jacket. Celia took the time to reach out to me and offer the jacket specifically to me because she knew I had been struggling to find something to wear for my interviews. Not only is the jacket lovely, but Celia also included a handwritten note that made me smile. This just proves that YLFers are truly wonderful people, and I can only hope to get to meet some of you in person someday. The jacket doesn't fit perfectly, but it is truly gorgeous and might work in a pinch-- after that I hope to carry on the YLF spirit and send it to someone that can truly use it often. In that same spirit, I also hope to be able to pull a few unworn things out of my own closet sometime soon. (Hi Celia! waves!!!!)

I was feeling a bit down today again when I got another package in the mail. Yesterday it had started snowing again and the forecast calls for temperatures below freezing for the rest of the week. I couldn't imagine what was in the box. I opened it up to find the Marrimeko umbrella I had won through YLF. I was shocked it arrived so fast. I was so excited when I had found out I had won a competition on YLF, as I can't ever remember winning anything in any sort of raffle or competition my whole life. The umbrella is beautiful as well, finely crafted, and cheery. The raindrops on it are bright purple and light pink!

Of course, it isn't all about the things that have come in boxes. I just wanted to thank everyone, all of the ladies on the forum at YLF and Inge, Angie, and Greg. YLF is truly a wonderful place. Over these past two years YLF has got me through some really dark times. I feel like I have a home here. YLF is a wonderful place to come when I need a smile or to escape. At the same time, everyone at YLF has helped me deal with some really hard things by feeling good about fashion and about myself. I feel like I have learned so much about style, friends, and myself here (and the best part is that there is more to learn) I am so glad I found YLF when I did, because I really needed some fun--- which fit perfectly with Angie's #1 rule.

Now that I've gotten all sappy, I'll wrap this up. I was just touched tonight and want to give everyone at YLF a big hug and let them know what they have done for me and how much you all mean to me.

On that note-- hopefully I will be back sometime next week with a computer in hand, as not having one that is mine to use is killing me, especially since I can't post pictures! There should also be some WIW and interview clothing posts I promised . . . but only if I can find a bra.