My new niece, Esther Mary, was finally born at 8:30 pm last night! My SiL ended up having to have a c-section but she's doing well and the baby was great. She was just chillaxin' in there.

Can I come with you? Auckland sounds like fun.

Wow. I have an actual snow day today. I heard that classes were cancelled pretty early this morning but I found out around 7:30 that essential personnel only 'til noon and after that - nothing. And I'm not essential personnel. So, I've been sitting on my sofa, knitting and watching Take Home Chef On Demand. It's very relaxing.

I hate wintry mix. HATE.

I love chicken thighs, I use them more than any other meat. They are inexpensive and flavorful. I can give you a million recipes. What’s in your fridge right now?

I love chicken thighs too, and as they are inexpensive, I will probably be cooking with them a lot more in the future! I just haven't done much cooking with them as of yet, so I feel like I need more information. Would love your million recipes.

Um. In my fridge? Not a ton. Pine nuts, celery, onion, green onion, carrots, broccoli, heavy cream, butter, tomatoes, peas, edamame. I also have potatoes and garlic and a variety of pastas.

Got any recipes for soup/stew? I realized upon looking at my credit card statement that I only can afford one more grocery bill this month, so I'm trying to make stuff stretch.

Esther Mary

I love the name Esther! Congrats on the niece!

Aww, welcome to the world Esther Mary - congratulations on Auntdom Lisah!

I don't know about all that, Steph, I'm having a hard time letting anything scary through.

My choices last night were between a black man and a woman, and they both have a great shot at being the POTUS.

I got chills looking at the ballot. And more so looking at the numbers of white red staters who came out fighting for Obama.

Mostly, even if I try, I can't shake the feeling of hope that brings, and the very simple idea that I can again feel pride instead of shame every time my President opens his (or her!!!!) mouth.

If I think about it even a tiny bit, I believe that an Obama/Edwards ticket is unbeatable.

Welcome, Esther! Congratulations, lisah! Have a great time spoiling her rotten!

My choices last night were between a black man and a woman, and they both have a great shot at being the POTUS.

Don't get me wrong; that's something that still blows my fucking mind every time I think about it.

If I think about it even a tiny bit, I believe that an Obama/Edwards ticket is unbeatable.

I want to believe that, and a lot of me does, and I think Obama can take it all the way to the White House, but after 2004, I will never ever ever EVER underestimate the crazed religious right and their voting power.

Ow. Ow ow OW.

Stupid meeting in 45 minutes.

Thanks, guys! I thought she'd never get here!