Also, if you don't use the whole 16 weeks of that, you can use what you haven't so far IN ADDITION to the 12 regular maternity leave.

Does anyone know how to cook some snow crab legs? I bought some today and I want to cook them for dinner tomorrow night. Is steaming best (and can I do that in the microwave)? Or should I broil them?

They're usually pre-cooked, so you're just heating them up. I like the oven or a broiler because they're easier to break open. I have microwaved them when in need of immediate gratification.

JZ looked so wonderful today, as always. It was such a pleasure visiting with everyone.

K-Bug and I are going to have fun decorating the onsies we brought with us. I love injet iron on transfers!

Drew is really, really sick. He's also completely fucked up his back to the point that he's only sleeping about two hours at a time before it completely seizes up and wakes him in agonizing pain. If he's seemed crabby today, that's why.

I've made him soup and a sandwich, given him more cold meds and painkillers, and put him to bed. I don't think it's helping much. He's miserable.

Oh dear. Restful and painless sleep ~ma Drew. A little extra sent your way too Kristin as I'm sure you could use a nice restful night.

And I need to get to bed because it all starts again in a little over 6 hours.

G'night

Thanks on both accounts, Laura. Tomorrow is the first day back to work, and I'm a stress-case, though, so I doubt I'll sleep much anyway. When will I learn not to read things like new employee handbooks, even if I'm told to do so? All they do is scare me and stress me out, and most of the time the reality is nowhere near as stringent as the written contract. Still.

Ick. Step away from the employee handbook. No good can come from reading this. Read something relaxing or watch something mindless.

Have a wonderful first day back. My boys love their teachers so far this year. Yay! I've been so lucky with the caring teachers I have had to date. In particular Brendon liked Mr. Dickerson who offered a prize for any student that could come up with a joke about his name he hadn't heard. He loves zombees, vampires, and scifi, so Brendon figures he is ok.

Really going to bed now.....

Put down the handbook and walk away slowly and no one will get hurt. You'll be fine, plus, I hear you know a former teacher from the school that will reassure you.

~~~ma to Drew's back and the sickness. Patient Zero sends her regards.

I have to decide, before I write my mini paper tonight, if I am going to switch subjects or continue on with this one.

I really want to quit, I'm that frustrated.

Much healing-ma to Drew, Kristin. My face contorted just reading that.

Patient Zero sends her regards.