All I know is that Brother is a big brand for sewing machines.

However, I think this would be better....

Dammit, now I want that.

Also, it includes this for free! Which if there is a Cute Overload for sewing machines, must surely be featured on it.

So apparently I am waking up early on Monday mornings. 3 weeks in a row translates as a trend, not a happenstance, right? Doesn't apply to the rest of the week, though.

I went to complain about the lack of a/c. To my shock, they have an Actual Maintenance Manager now. Who was there at 8:15. And his office at least LOOKS organized, with whiteboards and ticket numbers and statuses. And he entered the request on a computer using the same call tracking software I use! Y'all, this is huge. Before, it was a dubious-looking notebook with pages ripped out. Time will tell, of course.

I get weirded out that the security guard on the back stretch of roadway that I maybe take once a week recognizes me. But he's not taking care of my kids.

Okay headed to the hospital. Is it a bad sign when the nurses just see you on the monitor and buzz you in without you having to say anything? Or when the valets recognize you on sight? Or when the other ward nurses, not where your kids are, stop you and ask about your kids?

I listened to a This American Life once that was about hospital politics. These sons had a dad who was sick and they were trying all these different strategies to get the hospital staff to see their dad as a person and not just another patient. I think if the staff knows you and so on, it can only translate into better care for the babies.

I'm with Stephanie on this -- not that NICU nurses would ever treat newborns worse but it never hurts to have them think positively of their charges' parents and prod their subconscious instincts to think a little more often about your babies. I'm sure chocolates and other treats for the adult care-providers wouldn't be out of line either.

signed, My Sister-in-Law Is an ICU Nurse

I'm sure that's all true. It's interesting to me that the way staffing works is there is one nurse per two kids or so. Sometimes one nurse per kid. And on big days, like the day of Grace's surgery, there were two nurses just for her. So I'm not sure that they need extra prodding.

I left this morning before they put a new IV in Grace. I hate IVs.

According to the AM news this morning, the average sexual encounter lasts 24 minutes worldwide. I wonder what that means. Like penetrative sex? Very interesting and odd.

It's interesting to me that the way staffing works is there is one nurse per two kids or so. Sometimes one nurse per kid. And on big days, like the day of Grace's surgery, there were two nurses just for her.

Wow. That is intensive care.

I am feeling good about my week so far. The weather is gorgeous today, and my Big Boss just came to ask me for something that I already left for her on Friday! Phew.

Bloody Fucking Hell.

The assistant principal at my school who is in charge of facilities (gates and gutters basically) has been asking K about when I'm coming back. I have 20 days before I HAVE to file a request for leave. Tomorrow is day 19, I think or day 20.

Anyhow, she released the sub I had. Seriously. Because she overheard I was coming back but never spoke to me directly. Not even when I was at school last week and saw her.

Somehow, it's not my responsibility just because SHE released the sub. Plus I don't have clearance from my doctor. It hasn't even been 4 complete weeks since I had major abdominal surgery. Sure. I'm pretty positive I could get a release if pressured. But honestly, I am not ready to go back.

I'm so annoyed.

According to the AM news this morning, the average sexual encounter lasts 24 minutes worldwide. I wonder what that means. Like penetrative sex? Very interesting and odd.

I'm wondering what they use as the starting point. Like, kissing-but-clothes-still-on?

(And, for that matter, what the end point is. Orgasm for both? Just one? Falling asleep?)