Emily, those booze purchases sound like a fine and wise investment!

Also, I have to pout just a bit about Teppy's old car Sherman, who died just in time to kill her budget for the year and prevent her from coming to our wedding. Sherman, Sherman, you couldn't have hung in there for just a couple more months? Six lousy weeks? Phooey on you!

I know! Having my beloved Sherm die on me was bad enough, but to do it at the exact time that it did, in such a way as to screw my finances for literally a year (maybe 18 months) was *crushing.* Very seriously. Not going to your wedding just about killed me.

But then you came to the DC F2F, and it helped me get over my crushing disappointment. (Although it's possible that what *actually* helped was that amazing corset you were wearing -- was it the Trashy Diva one? SO. COOL.)

I'm the wrong audience for this rant

How did he react? Sometimes I just can't believe people.

How did he react? Sometimes I just can't believe people.

Yes.

Yeah, the Trashy Diva corset. Which I haven't tried on since I had the first inklings of Matilda's presence.

VW, that's ridic, did your brother rethink? Or just in a "oh, sorry I said that to YOU, it's OK for you but not in general" kind of rethink? Eesh.

My dad was threatening to vote in the democratic primary in Indiana today just to be an ass. So annoying. But my sister is all up on teh intarwebs!

They used government money to give people jobs like working on our crumbling infrastructure.

See, now that would kick ass. But I guess the issue isn't really unemployment, now...

Eventually I cut him off and said, "You know, you have a sister who is functioning (healthcare), living under a roof (social security), and going to college (MassRehab) thanks to government-funded programs, so I'm the wrong audience for this rant."

Go you!

Having a safety net is a *good* thing for society.

Is she the one who asked the question, meara?

Timelies.

I hope Erin has had a good surgery. Laura, I'm really sorry you and your sibs have to help stepdad see your mom would not travel well. Financial windfall-ma for everyone.

I feel badly. I have a client I hadn't checked on in a while, and I knew he was sick but I got busy with life and forgot to check in. He passed away almost a whole month ago, and I didn't see the obit in time for the memorial service either. He was a neat gentleman, and I will miss him. Rest in Peace, JJS.

How did he react? Sometimes I just can't believe people.

He said, "I know. I'm trying to be very careful how I say this because I know that."

We ended our conversation shortly after I laid into him for about 20 minutes about the *actual* problems with government-run programs.

I wanted to say, "Dude, I'm happy to let you fund all of these things for me personally so the government doesn't have to, but I don't think you alone can afford it. So, maybe just stop."

I do understand, to a certain extent, what he's saying. The programs are inefficient and full of bureaucratic nightmares. I make no kidding about the fact that I have access to these programs because I am well-educated, well-spoken, and a self-advocate. I mean, just now, I had to justify the need to take my summer classes for MassRehab to agree to pay for them. I rattled off at least 10 reasons why they should pay for these classes, and she said, "Well, you've certainly made a good case for us to pay for these." I think a lot of people in my position would get rattled and end up saying, "Um. I don't know, because I think you should." It's hard work, and a lot of people who REALLY need access to these programs don't have the knowledge, energy, etc. to get what they need. So, yes. There are problems. But, the answer IS NOT to make them go away.

I'm sorry. Sore subject.