Matt, we should never travel together, there would be crazy people from other countries hijacking planes to come and talk to us.

Although this pales in comparision to kat's problem, I just found out that I am going to have to answer big boss's phone, two other people's phones, and take care of their calendar's while someone is on maternity leave. I don't even answer my direct boss's phone. I took this job to get out of the phone answering biz. Since I can't answer any questions, can't it just go to voicemail if they are out?

Matt, we should never travel together, there would be crazy people from other countries hijacking planes to come and talk to us.

OTOH, all the rest of us should sync up our schedules with you too so that we can fly in perfect peace.

Mock our pain. Fine.

Kat, I am so sorry that the childcare fell through. Crossing my fingers that it gets resolved soon.

I can be quite gregarious, but within a defined situation. Bars? No problem, I can talk to anyone. Transactions, like chatting with the cashier or taxi driver? Quite easy. Passing each other in the apartment building hallway? A cinch. I don't even mind when people come and talk to me while I'm washing or working on my bike (which happens a lot). But randomly chatting in the street/store/bus? Kind of awkward, unless one or the other has a place to be and it's a short convo.

Kat, vibing you so very hard re childcare. flea is right; if it isn't actually the most stressful part of early parenting, it's definitely the most stressful part that ought to be routine and low-stress.

I'm sure you already have it, but, just in case: UCLA's childcare help page. I used the UCSF childcare helpline after getting totally screwed out of a chunk of maternity leave and needing to find a place for Matilda well ahead of schedule; they were incredibly helpful, with a long and comprehensive list of caregivers with spaces for infants. Be sure to ask the social workers at Grace's hospital, too, as they probably have info (or at least inside lines to the people who do have info) on places that handle high-need infants.

Mostly, I'm just vibing for a solution you can live with, and fast, so it's not hanging over you one second longer than it has to.

And I'd totally join DJ in a rant, but I'm already eyeball-high in work. But I'm positive DJ can ably rant for both of us!

Mostly, I'm just vibing for a solution you can live with, and fast, so it's not hanging over you one second longer than it has to.

yes, this. The only advice I have is to tell EVERYONE you know because you never know who will have some connection or something that could lead to a solution for you.

I'm having horrible mood swings. One minute I'm fine, and the next I want to curl up and die. I think you can guess that right now I'm in the curling up and dying phase.

Jessica, I knew there was a reason I suddenly craved a cheeseburger for lunch.

Kat - wishing you good childcare~ma to the highest degree.

There were luscious cream-filled ganached dipped cupcakes at the student center today.

Luscious.

Mmmmm.