Speaking of environmental issues, we had a conference call with firm leadership yesterday, and one of the big internal initiatives they're pushing is for sustainability. Aside from things like getting rid of styrofoam in all our offices in favor of recycled, biodegradable cups, they've also run the math and this summer they'll be resetting the AC one degree higher than has been our standard for all our U.S. offices, for a savings of 215 lbs. of CO2.

connie, great news about the hubby's shoulder! Good luck with the pain reliever thingie. It sounds like a good idea, I hope it works out for him if he decides to try it.

{{Steph}} Good call. As much pain as the back caused the first time around, better to be safe than sorry.

Raq, it's so nice to see you posting at the same time as everyone else 'cause it means you're here, in the States! We can visit you! Hee.

sj, sounds good with the extended release. I'm still trying to decide if I want to get screened for ADD.

Someone tell me to go take my shower. I need to pick up my last paycheck and it's not going to get done at this rate.

Thanks for the advice, guys. This is all so frightening.

In the "could be worse" file for P-C:

KOLKATA, India (Reuters) - Police in eastern India have rescued a Muslim man who had been shackled in chains for a month for marrying his childhood lover against the wishes of his father and village clerics, authorities said Friday. >[link]

Seriously, though, I really do hope things work out better for you on that front, P-C.

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Maybe you'll feel a bit better, PC, if I told you that once upon a time I woulda been kinda jealous of you and wished I could have had a date arranged for me with a prospective mate who had to be polite to me.

Signed, was nerdy in my twenties - and beyond!

P-C, I wish I had some good advice for you. I agree that you should try not to think about the marriage thing and just think of this as an opportunity to meet some interesting people. Good luck to you.

Think of how frightening it is for the girl, too, P-C. Just spend the time commiserating and see how it goes. I mean, if you meet someone cool and attractive, half the work's done for you. Since you get right of refusal, this can't be a death sentence, right?

Sail, go get your money. Then you can imagine telling ex-employer to kiss your ass while you walk out the door, with the wind of freedom blowing your hair about, all sexy-like!

Hey, ita, do you have a quick and easy banana bread recipe?

P-C, I can understand the freakout, but remember, it's just talking at this point. You can do that, I think. Is there bravery~ma? gives you some

Cash, I have a yummy banana bread recipe (at home) if you'd like it. Simple and yum.

No-pain~ma for Steph!

Good news on the meds, sj!

Sail, go shower!

All this talk of diaper choices is just another signpost on the long road of "Dear God, what ever made you think you could have children?!?" for me.

ita, do you have a quick and easy banana bread recipe?

Yes I do. Does it show?

Uh, but I don't have it to hand--remind me this evening and I'll send it to you. Or send me an email now, and that'll serve as enough reminder.

I got the crazy idea that I should avoid xanthan gum at one point. That stuff is in everything! Fortunately, further research dispelled my nascent worries or I'd never be able to enjoy nonfat salad dressing again. It's apparently quite magical: thickening without adding starch, improving mouthfeel and spreading flavor without adding fat, I think some other wondrous effect that I can't quite recall.