Sumi, I wouldn't have pegged you for weather-nerdism. But you're sounding committed to your calling.

I'm thinking it's either an ethical issue or I'm overthinking things and being an idiot.

Allyson, you're overthinking. Would Tim even be doing the Expo were it not for you? Um...no.

Besides, how are we going to go out after and dish if you're not there?

my apartment welcomed me home after a two day absence by dangling a black spider with what must have been a three inch legspan in front of my face

Nothing quite says "Welcome Home!" like eight legs waving at you.

On the bright side I don't think it's a poisonous variety. But I could see its mandibles distinctly from six feet away after I jumped out of my chair.

It escaped my attempts at swatting, though it can't be enjoying the Febreeze bath it got whilst retreating into a crevice.

So I'm not the only one who does this?

Though I tend to use Windex.

Daily Kos update, as of 11:11 PDT on the California props. [Note: "No" votes are a big fat fuck you to Arnold]:

He's looking rather less popular these days. Has California tired of him? Have there been any recent opinion polls? Oh, and I understand his wife dodged supporting him on these votes.

Kristen, I skipped, but I hope you're better now and fainting-free.

Has California tired of him? Have there been any recent opinion polls?

His numbers are way down. He made the mistake of trying to gain political leverage by slamming teachers and nurses. That didn't play at all. Plus, he's played the usual power-grab and fundraising whoredom. So he doesn't really look like the alternative to politics-as-usual that he promised.

Oh, and I understand his wife dodged supporting him on these votes.

Oh yeah. Maria was having none of it. Not that I like her much more, but she was not campaigning on these, and it was clear there had probably been A Talk on the matter.

On the bright side I don't think it's a poisonous variety. But I could see its mandibles distinctly from six feet away after I jumped out of my chair.

Technically, they're all poisonous, unlike snakes. But most aren't dangerous to humans. You're right, though, there are spiders whose venom is no great concern but you'll still notice a bite.

Fortunately, most spiders are also not very aggressive. With two particularly noteworthy exceptions, the Brazilian wandering spider and the Sydney funnelweb. So the two most venomous also have relatively short fuses. (Especially the wandering spider.)

Anyway, you've Febrezed it now. You'll know it's coming by that new house smell.

Thanks, Nilly! I had a mini-'sode this morning (no actual unconsciouness) but I'm trying some dietary changes and am already feeling much better. (I also have a doctor's appointment on Friday, just in case.)