Xpost with Natter:

Le sigh. We are gonna be without internet/cable for a week or two, between the plane tickets and another unexpected has-to-be-paid-NOW bill. Our cable's already out; I dunno why internet hasn't been cut off yet.

So if/when I go grey, that's why. E-me, call me, text me if you need me; I can check my messages via phone, and will be heading to a friend's house every day to get wi-fi and get work done, until we get paid again on the 15th.

Debated about posting this, but what the hell.

I'm participating in this year's Shelter Shiver, a fundraising event for Project Rescue Chicago. These are the folks who pulled Darby out of the animal control pound where she'd been for at least six months, got her into a foster home, and eventually to me. They're a tiny organization run by basically two people and a cadre of volunteers.

Here's 200 reasons to support PRC if you're so inclined. Here's how: [link] [Whoops, link fixed]

I know it's the holidays, and we've a lot of folks in need around here too. So please, no expectations at all. But if this is a cause that resonates with you (or alternatively, if you'd like to see me go jump in a lake), then Darby and I thank you muchly.

I'm going to reach out and ask for a little health~ma and coping ~ma for a teammate. Her girlfriend just got a cancer dx and they are terrified and trying to deal. They are amazing people and I just hope everything is going to be ok for them.

My dog Betsy is having dental work on Friday.It may not be a big deal, but she's thirteen. I guess I'd like general Jack Russell -ma. I already feel bad about some of her other teeth...hate to see anything happen to that cute little "smile"

Hey Buffistas – I’m here to ask for some health~ma for myself. Tomorrow I’m going to have some vascular surgery done to have a fistula created in my arm in anticipation of my starting kidney dialysis sometime in the future. (A fistula is created by connecting an artery to a vein.) But since the ultrasound mapping showed that I have really small veins and might require an artificial graft be implanted instead, it might turn out to be just an exploratory surgery. (My nephrologist said if the surgeon can do the fistula to do it, but if the choice is to do the graft then we should wait a few months and go back and do it then. Yay.) Either way it’s supposed to be same-day surgery. But if you have a few moments around noon, eastern U.S. standard time, I’d appreciate whatever good thoughts you could wing my way. Thanks.

I have an interview today--wish me luck on both impressing them, and on the job/company being awesome enough that I want it?

My horrible day yesterday. [link]

Please send ma~~~ towards Matt and his family - just peace for his family and Mom

I’m not going to be online much this week because of crazy end of semester work, but I wanted to let the Buffistas know that I have an appointment to take Byron in to be put to sleep Wednesday morning. His cancer has progressed to the point that the tumors on his side are quite large and making him uncomfortable, and it’s a bit of a miracle that they haven’t moved into his internal organs yet. I have had my wonderful boy 17.5 years and know that he has had a rich, happy life, but it is very hard facing that final goodbye. He’s been my constant companion for my entire adult life--the only thing that hasn’t changed. He’s also just an amazing cat--smart, dignified, affectionate, and so very handsome. I will miss him a lot. I don’t really feel up to talking about it, but I wanted to ask for a little soothing ~ma Wednesday morning for us.