I just drank a Coke Classic for the first time in years. Now I feel gross. Why did I think that was a good idea? It's too late for caffeine anyway. I'm a dummy.

Sue, no dog until you are in your new place and a wee bit settled.

But I'm moving in a week! I'll be settled in no time.

Sigh, not having a car makes me wary of getting a dog. Too hard when I travel to not be able to take him with me or to even get him to a kennel.

Sue, you can have one just as soon as you move to Newfoundland.

I was born in Newfoundland, does that count.

I love Newfoundlands. My family had one before I was born and I think it's the most loved of all the pets my family has ever had. But I do like all big dogs. My friend's had a Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog and I wanted to take it home with me every time I saw it. I saw someone walking a Landseer a few weeks ago and I almost mugged him for the dog.

A friend of mine has two Great Pyrenees. What awesome dogs.

It's too late for caffeine anyway

It's never too late for caffeine. I'm a true addict, because I find it soothing and conducive to sleep.

I'm so hungry. I ordered a pizza. But that means I'll have to put on some clothes and go get the pizza. But on the bright side, then I will have pizza.

What to do... what to do....

They do have this newfangled thing where they bring the pizza to you. Might be worth looking into next time? Because pizza vs. couch is a choice no one should have to face.

Yeah. But then I'd have to pay an extra couple bucks to avoid walking a block away.

Yeah, it seemed like a good idea at the time....

Actually, not having a car doesn't make a dog a bad idea. I mean, s/he has to walk anyway, right? I know there are pet taxis here in B'more, I can't imagine they aren't elsewhere. t /enabler

My aunt: it's funny, I haven't seen here in probably 8 years. Last time was when I went up to Long Island for TG after being employed only a wee bit. She and dad are very different and my dad, bluntly, sucks at keeping up with her. I'm kinda sad I haven't made more effort, though I call her at least once a year. When I was wee, she'd come visit when her ex had the kids. She was the exotic divorcee (I took that as a sign of decadent independence. Hey, I was wee) with a life in NEW YORK. She had hair down to her hips and a foreign accent (new yawk) and was just the coolest thing ever.

In adulthood, well, she's someone who like her mother, bucked the odds, carved a happy place for herself... and I'm forever grateful that she explained my grandmother to me. Her words when I was fighting with an 80 year old woman and confused by that, I still hold them today.

So let her just be ok. Please. I need more time to know her.

I look at my brother and I's relationship and just can't imagine why dad sucks at it so much. My brother is essential to me.

Anybody else having trouble with gmail?

Sara, you have a great relationship with your brother. My mother can't understand my relationship with my sister--I think it's hard to step outside your own experience to something that seems so visceral.

I hope you do get more time with your aunt.