Last week I had a massage and the therapist was all, "Does that hurt? You should tell me if it hurts," implying she'd go less hard. But I could tell she had found two muscle knots and I was thinking, "A little pain now will result in less pain later...."

Thanks, Steph. Does sound like your surgery was different from what she's looking at, but you've phrased everything so well, I'm still going to forward you pretty much verbatim to her. I tend not to be a worrier, but she is. REALLY is. It might help if someone not me also reassures her a bit.

Aimee, I don’t have any other thoughts that haven’t already been offered, but still wanted to send some love.

Emily, I hate ants. I’m sorry. Ick. I hope they go away soon.

Not anything too sweet/cutesy, but something that represents Ellie and Frisco in some way. Amy suggestions?

I LOVE Pandora Jewelry. It’s charm bracelets and necklaces for grownups. [link]

The cost for our beagle-mix puppy is about $230/year for accident/illness coverage, not routine care, with a $200 deductible. They'll accept bills from any licensed vet in the US.

That sounds fair if you think you need it. We seriously considered insurance for Toto when he was on his I’m-going-to-get-into-all-of-the-dangerous-stuff-that-I-can phase. But, we didn’t. I think it’s a good idea for puppies, though, since they can really get into so much stuff.

I achieved the trifecta. Not only do I have tonsillitis AND the flu, not only did half the lights on my car fail, but my credit card number got jacked.

Raq wins for worst day ever. Ugh, you.

Oh, Laura. Poor Brady.

Me: "Tomorrow, you guys get wood." (Did I just say that?)

Bwah!

That reminds me, I was going to tell this story last night, but I forgot. I was trying to get the last four kids to help me clean up a few things last night. There was a soccer team practicing in the gym, so there were other people around (including parents of those kids). One of my four-year-olds informed me that he wasn’t going to help clean up, because he doesn’t like cleaning up. After going back and forth with him a few times I stooped to his level and said, “Well, I don’t like cleaning up either. That’s why I make you guys help me.”

There was barely a beat before I heard two moms laughing in the hallway. The little guy heard them laughing and said, “Miss Val, you’re funny. Of course you like cleaning up. It’s what big people do.”

One of the mom’s from the hallway yelled in, “No, actually we don’t. Go help your teacher.”

One of the mom’s from the hallway yelled in, “No, actually we don’t. Go help your teacher.”

Hee.

Emily, I hate ants. I’m sorry. Ick. I hope they go away soon.

It made me think of the food of Toto's that attracted ants so quickly. I was really grateful that they didn't seem interested in climbing the side of Bastet's bowl, just eating whatever got to the floor.

One of the mom’s from the hallway yelled in, “No, actually we don’t. Go help your teacher.”

Reminds me of Carol Channing telling my young self, "Your mommy hates housework, your daddy hates housework, I hate housework, and when you grow up, you will too!"

vw - do you know the Clean-Up song?

the tattoo talk reminded me that I need to find something to make with Jason Gaylor's tasty tattoo brushes. loves them I do. [link]

Oh Raq, what a crappy day! I'm so sorry. I hope it gets much better soon.

vw, I love that story so very much.

Emily made me snorfle. Then again, I taught my ninth-grade girls about phallic and yonic symbolism today (amid much giggling and blushing), so I'm not really one to talk about awkward classroom moments.

I had more to say but have forgotten what it was. To be continued.

It made me think of the food of Toto's that attracted ants so quickly.

Yes. And it made me so crazy. I haven't had that problem here. (Though, I probably just jinxed myself.)

Reminds me of Carol Channing telling my young self, "Your mommy hates housework, your daddy hates housework, I hate housework, and when you grow up, you will too!"

Oh, yes!

vw - do you know the Clean-Up song?

Well, not the same one the kids do. I'm sure I'll learn it, though. One of the girls was really trying to teach it to me last night (actually, she's the twin of the little boy that was refusing to help).

Pictures later

No, pictures NOW! Want see brunette Teppy!

And Vortex is me on the massage front. If I have to be constantly directing the masseuse, the purpose of getting the massage in the first place has been defeated.