away message last night:
tired, drained, and in need of about a million hugs

response:
valpo sara: How about an e-hug for neighbor lara---
valpo sara: {{{{{{{LARA}}}}}}}}

next away message:
Auto response from lkp 42 42 42: Auto response from lkp 42 42 42: tired, drained, and in need of about a million hugs
valpo sara: How about an e-hug for neighbor lara---
valpo sara: {{{{{{{LARA}}}}}}}}
after that and real hugs from ben and colleen, we'll make "that tired, drained, and in need of about 999,994 hugs"

response:
alliswan42: .....BEEP....uh, hello, this is Chuck from the Hug-o-matic e-hugs delivery service...I received a purchase order for 999,994 hugs...I do believe that we have only about half that in stock right now...I sincerely hope that the 99,999.4 hugs per week over ten weeks installment plan is agreeable with your people...if you have any questions or complaints, call (419) 571-3811 and ask for Chuck...have a good day....BEEP

conclusion:
yay for friends. :-)

i've also determined that i have the ideal study buddy right now... a year ahead of me, and thus has already passed quals, can answer all my questions, and isn't spazzing like the rest of my friends actually taking the qual... also gives good hugs and makes an excellent pillow... and makes good rootbeer floats :-) ... and watches chick flicks... and explains math stuff in little words that don't confuse me. :-) yeah... yay for friends who are good at helping me cope with life right now indeed :-)