Oh, Deena. I think you broke all of the Bitches.

Timelies. I'm edging toward juliana sapiens this morning, but Neanderthal!juliana is still with us. Cave good. However! I might get to see Robin tonight, which would KICK. ASS.

Awwww Deena. Is it wrong that I would love a picture of Aidan on the bus?

I have an odd etiquette question that I suppose is best asked here.

Hee. Not quite the same thing, but DH has a similar thing that happens to him all the time, and yet not. He is remarkably often approached by guys at the parks where he plays ball that want to fight him. Really. Apparently it is some macho thing to challenge the big guy. Over the years he has perfected a dismissive "ain't interested in that" approach. Your friend is probably not going to give up quickly, but a short consistent response might help.

Of course, that's DOD, but I think State has the same rule.

State does, but so many things have changed under Rice, especially for European posts, that they might have recently altered it to not pay for seats for kids. Or spouses. And I expect we'll have to take roommates soon.

He's so tiny and the bus is so big. I had to hand him up to the attendant, then she carried him to his carseat and buckled him in, and then waved his little fist at me through the window.

Wuh.

I have an odd etiquette question that I suppose is best asked here.

Why did I immediately assume the professional in question is Filipina?

I'm not sure I have cross-lingual (um.) advice; last time this happened to me I spoke the same language as the prostitutes, and we ended up chatting amiably. Whenever I had to go to that hotel afterwards they would always wave hi to me.

One of my friends would get chased down a street in Singapore by the same prostitute almost every night. He finally told her "NO MONEY! NO MONEY!" but I'm not sure that would work for you either.

I didn't mean to break anyone!

Is it wrong that I would love a picture of Aidan on the bus?

Oh! I hadn't thought. That's a good idea. I'll take one next Monday when Kara's riding too, assuming the bus driver will let me, and I'm pretty sure she will (I'll have Greg ask. She seems to like him).

I have no help for Madrigal either. I'm still trying to imagine the whole thing.

awww... just a l;ittle broken.

advice:say " no, and I'll say no tomorrow too."

At first I was surprised at the power of the anger in the voices of Smoosh - then I remember the very young kids that I see every day have it. I keep forgetting I was sheltered and calm as a kid.

Ugh. Bad day. Don't know if my marriage is going to make it a whole lot longer.

{{{Gud}}} I'm so sorry.

Oh, Gud. What a rotten situation for you. I wish I could do something to make it better.

Gud, I'm so sorry.

I'm not sure how to fix the situation. It's hard for me to imagine what the fixed situation would be like and to be happy with it. That makes feel like it's all my fault, but I don't feel like I'm that bad a person and it just ugh, I dunno.