Good-bye 2010

This past year has been a continuously shaken bag of mixed nuts. I felt incredible stress at the beginning of the year as I just couldn't get my act together. The year rolled on and I managed the stress better, though chaos always seem to loom near by. I've yet to develop any true organizational skills and techniques. I didn't write here as much as I'd like, though I fulfilled a lifelong dream of completing a novel. Much to my delight, one publisher wants to see the complete manuscript. Andrew's autism waxed and waned as we weathered both violent outbursts and overflowing love from my beamish boy. Finally, my marriage has peacefully dissolved.

On my FB, I've been chronicling the top 10 events in my life for 2010. As always, I'd rather not grade papers, so I took those events and created a Wordle which I now share...

12 year old boys

Every year, my gym places names of underprivileged children on a Christmas tree in its lobby. The name is accompanied by the age of the child. This year I chose a 12 year old boy because it was one of only three names left on the tree. All the younger ages were chosen because those are easy.

I need some help. Within reason, what should I buy a 12 year old boy? I'm thinking a couple of Manga books. But beyond that I'm stuck. Are board games cool? Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated.