(OOC: Val is a very organized, but I'm not, so let's pretend everyone got their stuff last week on their desks.)

Don Cragen: A Christmas card and a mug filled with candy.

John Munch: A Hanukkah card and a mug filled with candy.

Olivia Benson: A Christmas card and a mug filled with candy.

Fin: A Christmas card and a mug filled with candy.

Brian Peluso: A Christmas card and a mug filled with candy.

The Logans: A Christmas card and a mug filled with candy.

I took my first swing class last night and it was a lot of fun. A really nice way to unwind and just let loose. And my partner is a cute ballet teacher named Lu.

( Private )

*This post is only can only be seen by the ladies*

Is this just me or should a guy take some responsibility for a relationship? Like take me out to dinner or a movie without me suggesting it or giving me a call once in awhile. Is this too much to ask?

I've never been so happy to see Cragen.

The nice thing about coming to terms with my cooking ability is that I can watch cooking shows without feeling like a failure.

In New York City adultery is not a crime and this means that in New York City your husband can't be arrested when you catch him in bed with your best friend. It's just not gonna happen. And no, I didn't sleep with him, either. So just act like a normal women and slash his tires (of course as an officer of the law I can't condone this) or something.

Some days I love my job.

"Meeoww," Val woke up with a start.

"Meeooww," A quick glance at her clock told it was 11:32. She'd been asleep for maybe twenty minutes.

"Meewwooww," She didn't have to see Maggie sleeping next to her to know it was Nala.

"Meeeoowwooowww," She finally figured out that the meowing was coming from her closet which she vaguely remembered closing earlier.

Val reluctantly got out of bed and opened up the closet door. Nala jumped down from the closet shelf, stopped a moment, gave Val the cat a look that could only mean "'bout time", and curled up on Val's pillow.

I think I'm pretty much caught up on my own and Munch's paperwork, but he could have hidden some more.

Munch is much more difficult to deal with when you have a hangover.

Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Is it sad that the one eventful thing that's happened to me lately it that I'm doing Munch's paperwork?

I so need a life. I just need to get out.

Maybe I'll call up Jamie and see if he wants to do anything.

I'm 33 now and not exactly single. I think that's progress.

*a wrapped package containing a copy of Brokeback Mountain is left on Brian Cassidy's desk inside on top of DVD is a note that reads, "Thought you might want to know what the jokes are really about. Val"*

I really need to stop cooking. I'm not that good at it and it just leads to embarrassment.

First week back has been good, but slow. It's nice being able to stay inside most of the time.

Tomorrow will be my first day back at SVU.

I think I'm ready to go back.  I just needed some time to get my head together.

Got back last night. It's nice being home, but it seems too quiet with only two cats.

Had a little Christmas before I left, so I'll probably just work or something.

( Private )

I'm in Kingsport for the next few weeks. I just needed to get away. Peanut and Boo have come with me and are going to be living at Caitie's. I think she's crazy for taking in two kittens with three kids under the age of six, but it's not place my judge.

Thanksgiving was nice. I spent it at Caitie's (my parents don't really do holidays anymore) and she banned me from the kitchen.

Went out on a date with a guy I barely remember from high school (Caitie's doing) and I think I can say I really had fun. We had dinner and then coffee and made plans to do it again soon.