I agree, call back Stephanie.

Give 'em hell Susan.

I'm trying not to escalate the situation. I expect lots of people feel the same way, because the silence since she posted has been deafening.

For a minute there I thought Susan was tlaking about me and I was thinking "crap, they all think my baby's dying." Then the context hit me. I have given up fighting about the war. It just wears me out and upsets me too much.

eta: ymmv, of course, if you have the energy, I say tell her off. You can use Joe and I , too, if you want.

HI, all. I finally have a couple of minutes to stop by...Have been so busy, but in a good way. Working my ass off as a teaching, staying after two days a week for two hours to tutor (hey, extra $120 per check) and also working for the theatre part-time for the last 8 our of 10 weekends.

But things are going REALLY well. I am happier than I have been for a long time -- I freaking LOVE teaching. And I'm really fucking good at it. Today all of my freshmen are taking nature walks to find material for a 3-D art project were doing for the novel we're reading (Speak, FWIW) and my sophomores are going to just reading quietly in the park. It's GORGEOUS today.

Erin! So happy to hear that you're loving teaching and it's loving you. As we all do.

Oy. Much get well~ma to you, Joe and Ellie, with a dose of it's-nothing~ma thrown in for good measure.

{{{juliana}}} We love you very much dear, and we're here to help in whatever way you need.

Maria, how is the house hunt going? Is it a better time to look in the DC/VA/MD area? I know here the housing market has cooled appreciatively and interest rates are only slightly higher. They say it'll be till 2007 till the housing market starts going up again. Insert my standard guilt here about buying at the top of the market, but, hey, I love this house and that's when it was for sale!

Sorry it took me so long to respond, Nora. This is the first I've been on the board all day. (Why am I so freakin' busy when it's a federal holiday? None of my people are around, yet I still have to be at work.)

The house hunt is going well. We've changed course a little bit though. His parents want to sell their place and get something smaller. DH (yay!) and I have discussed before about having them near us because they're getting older, and they both have some physical ailments. Now, it's pretty much settled that they're going to sell their home, and give us a good chunk of the proceeds to use as a downpayment. In return, we're looking for a place that has a guest cottage or in-law suite. It's a good thing I get along with them quite well.

Right now, is a great time to be looking for a house in this area. Most of the listings I'm seeing have been on the market for at least 30 days, and sellers are giving concessions without being asked. The Washington Post had an article on this today, and they said the same thing: interest rates are only slightly higher, but it's a cool market right now. DH has noticed a change in his business too. People are looking for good deals in mortgages, and refinancing is on the up-swing in case interest rates continue to rise.

Don't ever feel guilty for buying at the top of the market. That's only a factor if you and Tom were planning to flip it immediately or move out in 3 years or so. This is a long-term investment for you and you will be better off in the end. Besides, you love it, and that's really all that matters.

Most of the "Why Emeline shouldn't have her own Stargate" discussion has been COMMed.

Oh, Susan, that's a tough one. While I understand the urge to go off, I also understand the urge to hold back. Sometimes it's just not worth the battle.

Stephanie, I'm glad you called the doctor. That's totally what I would have done.

I'm feeling kind of sad right now. My little brother just called to talk about Christmas presents. He's working two jobs right now...as a teacher, and also at Best Buy. He's been given the opportunity to buy some $800 speaker sets for 70% off, so he wants to get them for my parents and brother and SIL for Christmas. He wondered if I wanted to chip in anything. I already bought my SIL's present, but I haven't gotten anything for my brother or parents yet, so I can chip in a little there, but not a lot. My Christmas budget is limited this year, to say the least. And it makes me sad. I like being able to do nice things for my family and loved ones. But, this year is just really tight with the decrease in income, and now the not working for two weeks.

Erin! So good to hear from you and hear that you're still loving teaching. I'll bet all the boys have big crushes on you. And some of the girls.

"Why Emeline shouldn't have her own Stargate"

Because we have a one bedroom apartment, that's why.

Yay for loving your work, Erin!