If Kristin doesn't answer her phone, you can totally call me.

"She does have to say something eventually, right? Given that she can hear and make sounds, she won't spend the next 18 years just babbling, right?"-

When I was a kid, we had a pediatrician, Dr. Burr (who's hands were always freezing), who used to give a piece of advice to my mother whenever she was concerned about some developmental guideline, "I promise you that by the time she starts kindergarten, she..." whatever it was.

My little sister didn't have any hair until she was 3. I mean, bald as an onion. When she was 2, my mom asked Dr. Burr about it. "I promise you that by the time she starts kindergarten, she'll have hair."

I didn't talk much as a kid. My mom asked Dr. Burr about it. "I promise you that by the time she starts kindergarten, she'll talk as she sees fit."

His advice wasn't handwaving a mother's worry. Dr. Burr knew me and my development and knew that I just didn't see the need to talk much. He knew that I had 2 older sisters who would talk for me. He also knew that I was introverted and would probably never be chatty. Especially in a family with 3 chatty sisters.

So, I guess what I'm saying is, I promise you that by the time Anabell starts kindergarten, she'll talk as she sees fit.

billytea, I am very glad to hear that (a) you had a nice time on your date and (b) you are not falling into the trap of trying to make every date be "the one". Not that I was worried about that spepcifically, but it's just kind of, I don't know, refreshing. Some of my friends have not been so wise. More about me than you, no doubt, but still, kudos.

We are off to the pet store to get something to bribe the cats into not eating us while we sleep, and possibly something to sharpen their claws on that isn't the carpet or furniture. I am debating picking up some canned goods and bottled water, just in case, assuming the store shelves aren't all bare. We are waiting to buy a new garbage can (our old one got blown away) until after Dennis does whatever.

askye and anyone else on Gulf Coastish, good luck!

Oh, I reallized why the "Be good" sign off bugs me. It's what I say to my dog when I leave the house, meaning "don't crap on the carpet or eat the furniture". So I probably don't hear it in the spirit the sayer intends it.

When my folks left us kids either alone (in my older brother's care) or with a baby sister, my dad would always say "Don't burn the house down". Still good advice.

It's started raining here. Dennis isn't expected to hit here until tomorrow. I don't think I have enough water but I really don't want to go to the store.

Everytime I meet somebody, ANYWHERE, these days, part of me is wondering if we're meeting-cute. My next doctor's appointment should be a million laughs if I don't let that bit of crazy go! People need to stop telling me "When you stop looking..." Honest.

Dr. Burr (who's hands were always freezing)

Dr. Brrrrr

But I need to have my car smogged today so I am going to shower and go do that.

Anyone else read that as "snogged" and wonder exactly what Cass was doing? I hope it turns out to be a good day, Cass.

Thanks, Kristin and P-C. I appreciate the offers.

My car has easily passed the smog check; I just need to do the registration which I can do online. The snog test, Ginger, is more of an ad hoc thing. I suspect my car snogs well. Maybe with an import... The convertible and the sports car...

I also picked up some comfort food that can get me through the weekend and got a lovely French pedicure on my way home. I am thinking of just curling up and getting though the rest of the day whatever it takes now.

My divorce is final, final, final today. In theory. We signed the last papers six months ago and the courts were supposed to send us each a copy once they were officially entered. Then it was just a case of waiting the six months (thanks State of California) out. But neither of us ever got anything from the court. So not only am I dealing with the “piece of paper has today’s date” signaling the last death throe of my marriage, I don't actually have the paper. Fuck.

I don't think anything will snog my car until I get it washed.

My hair is all blonde(r) streaky now! I look like I've been to the beach!

Also, I have chocolate all over me, because I made chocolate-dipped strawberries for a party tonight. Messy.

And now I have to jump in the shower so that I no longer look like a chocolate monster.