It is official. I just signed and posted my new contract. I am moving from the fine Republic of Texas, back to the State of California. My last day of work here in TX is April 23rd. My first day of work in SoCal is May 17th.

Hi, just a drive by to say I am off to have a baby! :) My due date wasn't until April 5th, but at this morning's appointment she was measuring over 8 pounds, and the doctor is nervous about me being able to handle that big of a baby. (I know, I know, has she not SEEN these hips???) So we're off to check into the hospital for a scheduled induction. By this time tomorrow I'll be a mama! I'm doing just fine, my husband could use some bravery ~ma, he's pretty nervous. :) I'll have internet in the hospital, so will try to update you all in the next couple of days! Wish me luck!

Um.

So, I am getting married next Friday, unless there's a snafu with the courthouse scheduling. Due to house issues, I really can't hammer down a date, or pony up money for an off-site wedding, so there's no practicality in waiting till September.

We'll still have a reception in the fall, and I will keep you all posted. But as far as doing the deed, I'll be an April bride.

*ohgodohgodohgodWHEEZEohgodohgodBREATHEBITCHBREATHE*

Thank you.

Luna Doris has arrived! 8 pounds 3 ounces and 19 inches! She is of course the most beautiful baby ever born!

I labored for 17 hours, and it wasn't fun - I vomited up blood several times, and my epidural was troublesome for a couple reasons. After an hour of pushing in the delivery room, the doctor realized her huge head was stuck and I had to have an emergency c-section. And I do mean emergency - not even time to wait for the spinal block to fully kick in. So I had some pain killers, but I felt the whole surgery (and I swore profusely the whole time). It turned out it was good I got the c-section, the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck. Every single minute of agony was worth it!

My husband was AMAZING. He who was worried about passing out when I needed him most went through every minute with me, and didn't even blink when I puked on him, twice. And he's been amazing with Luna so far. We are both completely smitten!!!

Could I please, please request some of the vaunted ~ma at 11AM board time? Lewis got called back for a second interview, F2F, at the company he really would like to work for.

Hey Seattle people, I know this is out of nowhere, but I'm down at the Pan Pacific Hotel and am actually done with work for the day. Anyone want to come join me for a quick drink? They have a nice little bar downstairs.

Small favor that will take 3 seconds of your time and cost nothing? Some of you know that a year ago, I adopted a puppy who nearly drove me insane (and broke) with her special needs... And now Cayenne is a superstar puppy, in large part to our working with an awesome trainer and dog walker. Shasta is still growing her business and I'd SO appreciate it if you guys could help me help her. A quick vote on this little "best of bay area" would do it.

Thanks, y'all! Link is here.

Final version of my new cover! With awesome cover quote!

[link]

I am wed. Weeded. Wedded. (There was copious sangria and vodka crans.)

Married.

AIFG!!

I am going to kill some people at my post office, as slowly and painfully as possible.

Some of you have probably been wondering in the back of your head if I ever received the Japanese maple that was sent as a sympathy gift back in late Feb, since I hadn't posted a thank-you note about it.

Well, funny story. Though the tree was delivered to my post office on March 5th, they did not at that point deliver it to me, as I understand is customary for the postal service to do.

No, instead of delivering the package, they did not even LEAVE ME A FUCKING "WE HAVE A PACKAGE FOR YOU" NOTE ABOUT IT until YESTERDAY. April 9th. Over a month after they'd been holding a package clearly marked "LIVE PLANT MATERIAL - KEEP COOL - DELIVER IMMEDIATELY."

(On a side note, the notice that I got yesterday? Was marked "FINAL NOTICE." Implying quite strongly that it was not, in fact, the first notice. It was also dated 4-7. Which would be a FUCKING LIE.)

So the tree is currently recuperating (I hope) in a bucket on my fire escape with some potting soil I had leftover from last spring. I'm headed out now to buy a proper planter for it, and some fresh soil and plant food. I sincerely hope I can nurse it back to health, as it was an unbelievably thoughtful gift and I would really love to be able to thwart my post office's numerous attempts at planticide.

Short version - thank you all so much for the lovely Japanese maple!

Kensington Station Post Office? You can die slowly cut into a thousand pieces, you fucking incompetent motherfuckers.