Just caught up - hugs and -ma to Teppy and Lilty and families. I'm glad Steph's dad just had a scare, though an ill-timed one (like there's ever a good time).

Now to see if I can salvage what's left of my long weekend (yeah, I know, but I didn't have any fun during the rest of it, really, except for the new HP, and I hate wasting vacation days on nothing; I just couldn't quite drag my carcass into work this morning so I took the day anyway). Maybe a movie.

The big old suitcase computer is out of my house. There is a clear space in my house that did not exist before. I believe I may have found a place to stand on which to move the world.

Seriously, though, she's comfortable most of the time. It only seems to bug her when she's already bugged by something else.

Emmett didn't have much trouble teething either, and it came a bit early. I wonder if that makes it easier. He sprouted his bottom two front teeth, then his top two front teeth for a nice, rabbity declension.

Though as I've mentioned before, at the time I resented the disappearance of his very big gummy baby smile. Then again, I didn't like it when he lost his front baby teeth either so apparently I don't like change. Is this news?

Disappointed I don't have new pictures of Ple as a 50s femme fatale as that is my favorite style decade, and Ple is one of my favorite models.

Steph, allow me to second (third? sixteenth?) - you were absolutely not overly whiny. Given your circumstances - big scary plus being nibbled at by ducks (of the closed cafeteria, glue-tuna variety) on top of it - the only thing about your posting that upset me (beyond being concerned and empathetic for you and your dad) was how much you seemed to be beating yourself up. You were being completely normal and stressed out and we all completely understand. Please go a little easier on yourself - 'cuz that girl you were beating on last night - we quite like her.

{{{Lilty & Fam}}}

I have nothing to add to the teething discussion, except that the teether in question did look very lovely.

My sistahs! *hi-fives* I too know the pain of the high instep. Once considered a sign of elegance, now merely a sign that you have to be careful when buying anything strappy to be sure the straps will have sufficient give.

Tep, I know how you feel, I get into those cycles of reacting to stress, and hating myself for reacting to it, and feeling like a failure because it feels so hard. I seriously heard myself say pretty much every terrible thing you wrote about yourself, I have felt and said that stuff all spring/summer long. Yikes!

Many other people have said some really excellent things about how your reactions are not indicative of any sort of moral failings, so I'll let those stand; I just thought I'd let you know I think I understand what all those voices in your head are saying, and it sucks, and we are both better than that. And, see, you don't suck. And you're not whining. And I'm hoping you get through today.

Back to VT: (I wish) we spent most of our time in Southern Vermont (Wilmington, Brattleboro, Bridgewater Corners), which may be a bit of a hike for you. We are hoping our next trip will be exploring the northern part. I can get some stuff together in an email for you, though. When are you leaving? You should try to get some BBQ at Curtis' place in Putney. Right off exit 4 on I-91. Blue schoolbus. thick BBQ smoke cloud. Can't miss it.

In mememe news, we have survived a terrifying yet exhilerating bout of IKEA shopping, which occured yesterday. Our house looks like a giant flatpack exploded, leaving millions of little flatpacks in its wake. OK, that didn't make much sense, but my brain is a bit taxed, with the being back at work and all.

I am also hoping the weather is nice next weekend, because we are hosting 2 social engagements and it looks like we've moved in all over again. Sigh.

Tep, I know how you feel, I get into those cycles of reacting to stress, and hating myself for reacting to it, and feeling like a failure because it feels so hard.

I just -- you know how, if (for instance) you know that your parents really know how to push your buttons, like, they'll *always* mention how you should have majored in business/bought a Toyota/married that nice boy from down the block/etc.? And since they *always* bring the same things up, you can usually prepare youself ahead of time, and build up defenses of some sort against that?

I have no defenses against my own brain, and I don't even know how to go about building them.

Back to VT: (I wish) we spent most of our time in Southern Vermont (Wilmington, Brattleboro, Bridgewater Corners), which may be a bit of a hike for you. We are hoping our next trip will be exploring the northern part. I can get some stuff together in an email for you, though. When are you leaving? You should try to get some BBQ at Curtis' place in Putney. Right off exit 4 on I-91. Blue schoolbus. thick BBQ smoke cloud. Can't miss it.

An e-mail would be great, thanks! We leave Wednesday morning. I still have a lot to do before then, oh joy.

Will you have time to vote tomorrow, Steph?

And since they *always* bring the same things up, you can usually prepare youself ahead of time, and build up defenses of some sort against that?

Wouldn't it be nice if this were so. (It's certainly not in my case)

I'm working on trying to control my time with them, and having an exit strategy before going in. My brain, she cannot be controlled. Put Tom in charge of an itinerary though? Whoa, Nelly.

Oh Steph, I was thinking of you on Saturday. We were at the Padres vs. Reds game and ended up with an extra ticket. I kept thinking "If only Steph were here, she'd really enjoy this game." The Reds WALKED ALL OVER the Pads this weekend.

I am EVIL.

Just thought I'd make that clear in case there was any doubt in anyone's mind.