The fucking lock is broken. I am locked inside my apartment. What the fuck?

Oh god, I've had that happen, and it SUCKS. Well, I was stuck in the building, not the apartment, which was actually better, because people in the building could unlock the door with the buzzer, but still. PITA.

Brenda, what kind of pizza do you like? Should we wait?

What are you doing?

Taxes and laundry.

Wheee.

Oh sheeesh, brenda. I hope the janitor responds soon.

Motorcycles have no seatbelts! Yay imminent death & destruction!

My friend the trauma nurse calls them "donor cycles."

I get weary of having the same argument with her every time we get into a car. I will not move until everyone is buckled up, including her. Unfortunately that means at least a 10-minute discussion.

On the rare occasions where my mother is riding with me in my van, she brooks no argument because the new models have a truly annoying dinging alarm when the passenger seat is occupied (there's a sensor) and the seat belt not fastened. Other than that, she doesn't wear one. And she's going to get killed someday because she's hit at least a half dozen deer in the last seven years.

As a short person, I'm constantly irritated by the rubbing of the seat belt across my neck. It never stays across my chest like it's supposed to.

Oh, brenda, that's awful! Do they know it's sort of an emergency?

ION, I gave myself a home mani and pedi and my toenails and fingernails are a fetching, deep, bloody red.

Hee! All of our product people eagerly anticipate his new reviews. He's got a reputation for being unbiased in the import v. American debate.

That's awesome. Yay Robin's DH!

brenda, that really really sucks. I had the deadbolt do that once when I was inside. Luckily, it is external hardware, so I was able to take it apart with a screwdriver and just not use it until it was replaced.

I am pro-seatbelt even as it resulted in me having to listen to a rant about The Man from my friend's husband of 26 hours when I insisted he wear one (Which, believe me, was onerous. Of course, at that point, even if I wasn't that strict, I would have made him wear it, just to torture him.) But he wore the damned thing, which is good cause I got stopped for speeding. Insert obligatory full roll car accident surviving thing too.

It was a Rule in our house, and it's to the point where I don't feel safe and can't feel safe without one. Even if it is a pinchy, throat-sawing one.

I had palaak paneer and naan for dinner. Then a nap.

I think not, Tom.

I just took all the damn locks off (with my trusty new electric drill, yay!), left a note on the door, and took the dog out. The guy's finally looking at the lock, and I'm so frustrated and pissy right now. And, I still have to do my damn work.

Worst part? I was going to take the dog over to the cupcake store when this all happened, and now they are closed. How is that fair?

Not fair at all.

There's a marching band somewhere nearby. I'm kinda mystified. The drums and rhythms are unmistakable. There isn't a school with a marching band anywhere nearby. Who knows?

That is not at all fair, Brenda. Is there any chance you can go meet up with Tom and the others, just for a little while? You deserve some fun.

The Riches is marathoning on FX right now for anyone who was intending to watch and wants to catch up.