I am back at work, and mostly better. Occasionally the mass of mucus concreted into my sinuses throbs. But I'm not coughing and can talk, mostly.

After we dealt with a Matilda crisis last night (from 3:30 to 5am) last night I dreamt that you came to our house and made everything better.

Such is the esteem my subconscious holds for your flea mom superpowers.

If I can make it to lunch without passing out, I'm going home early.

If you do pass out, do you have volunteers lined up to carry you home?

I figure as long as I don't injure myself going down, they're welcome to just leave me there until I wake up.

I'm a little less wobbly now that I've had caffeine, but I suspect that the world could tilt over at any moment.

Emaryn did just fine at school. She still likes homeschooling better because, according to her, she had to write too much, it was too easy, and she didn't like the idea of going to school every day. My wife has determined to start a more rigorous schedule at home. Probably a lot will also ride on how well Emaryn does on her proctored end of term exams. While Emaryn reads though books like a buzzsaw and breezes through worksheets, she doesn't have very good study discipline which hurt her in the last set of exams she took. She got A's but only because she had done really well in the first set of exams for the grade.

Am I alone in saying WTF? I mean this seems mean, rude, and prejudiced. Also doesn't that count as shaming someone?

No, you are not alone. She should quit. If he recruited her, he needs her, so he shouldn’t be a jerk to her or single her out.

Me, I'd be inclined to put my (empty) purse inside my carryon suitcase and claim that the computer bag is my handbag. (I actually have a backpack for the iBook.) And was totally prepared if the airline decided to check the suitcase -- it helps to arrive early because they've not yet "filled up" the airplane.

My laptop fits inside my carryon bag, so I usually put an empty purse into the suitcase for use at the destination, and put all of the stuff I need from my purse into the carryon bag.

I'm paranoid about my luggage getting lost, which is why I'm anti-checking.

Me too. I was traveling with a colleague once, who said “you’re going to have to wait for me at baggage claim, why don’t you just check?” I explained to him that it wasn’t about the time.

It used to be that you had to be all hardcore about getting on the plane to make sure that there was overhead space. Now, with the new liquid restrictions, more people are checking, so it’s easier now.

Yeah, I have my quart-sized ziploc down to a science.

Me too. All of that hoarding of hotel shampoo came in handy when I could empty the bottles out and fill them with my own stuff.

Since we're talking about planes.... would a messenger bag (8 1/2" by 11" or so size) qualify as a handbag? Or will they get snippy with me if I try to carry it on the plane?

It’s a “personal item” as long as it’s slightly smaller than a suitcase, you’re fine.

she didn't like the idea of going to school every day

Smart kid.

Good luck with staying conscious shrift. I hope it works out for you.

Smart kid.

Yeah, she hates to get up early and doesn't like the idea of going to class regularly. It's like she's already working at a college attitude.

I see the ick has departed me and found new hosts. Hope everyone feels better soon.

I'm glad you're feeling better Matt.