thank you, everyone for your perspective. I know this subject is pretty tiresome, at this point (probably from the get go), but it is so emotionally wrought that it's hard to talk about with non-invisible friends/family. So, very helpful.

BTW, the screw you lady vibes, were jokey though. although I do "grr" at her a little bit. she's just doing her job, which is getting as much money as possible for her client. well done, agent person. it was the being left hanging all. damn. day. that made me insane.

Robin, we can get one through Flexcar, so we're going to (once we have an extra carseat base) check one out so that we can see if Paul likes it, too.

I suspect that by this time next year, if I've been working, we'll be needing to replace the Civic (if not, we'll still be needing, just not able). I figure that even a year from now, we should be able to get at least $3500 for it, and we normally get a few thousand back at tax time (yes, we overwithold like a mo-fo), so it might even be doable without adding a lot to expenses.

They have a new SUV called the Tribeca that is much larger and can seat seven, but it still is a unibody not a frame and body like a truck.

Thanks, Gud. I didn't think the Outback was the one either because it too looks smaller than the average SUV.

Anyway, it's all fantasy stuff right now. We can't buy a car unless someone drops a huge, mysterious wad of cash in our laps.

Nora, I'm so sorry you just heard back and that you had to raise your offer. I do hope that you get the house, though. It would be so lovely, and I was already imagining all the wonderful parties we're going to have there.

Also, if the real estate talk is getting old, I can only imagine how old the school talk is getting. It's stressful and all that stuff. Don't be sorry for needing a place to talk about it.

Plei! You're going to have a tickybox tomorrow! Eeeep! It's so weird with an induction to actually know (more or less) when you're going to have the baby!

Do you (or Paul) have someone to call that will post here? Because I am selfish and want to know as soon as possible.

Do you (or Paul) have someone to call that will post here? Because I am selfish and want to know as soon as possible.

In case we didn't make it clear, you or Paul are more than welcome to call myself or Pete, and we will post here.

Yay vw!

{{{Nora}}}

Today I went to Costco and spent less than $100, if you don't count topping off the gas tank. This was a first for me. In fact, I'm not sure I've ever spent less than $200 before. It helped a lot that Annabel is transitioning nicely to milk now, so I didn't have to load up on formula.

I was hoping for that, without actually volunteering you, Jilli.

Or, for that matter, being pushy to Plei.

It's so weird with an induction to actually know (more or less) when you're going to have the baby!

t laughs and laughs

But Plei will have her baby within the next 48 hours. I so decree it.

ooh, tickeybox! Yay! that is some really great news. I can't wait. More of Plei and Paul's genes in the world now, please.

I am rocking out and getting work done. whee! (I like getting stuff done when I am alone in the office)