Susan, this may fall into the dumb question category, but would it be doable to take Annabel to the same nurse practitioner? Or is pediatrics such a specialized specialization that it wouldn't accomplish anything?

Also, thanks to all for the thoughts on our vacation dilemma. There's a little more background that I think gives us cause to be upset with the bosses (though not Hubs's co-worker). He had been in another division with a pretty busy (and rather attractive) travel schedule coming up (including a very nice foreign trip next week). We'd penciled in a late vacation for various reasons. I'd also scheduled some time off next week to just vegetate by myself. Then last week, his bosses told him that he was being transferred to a brand new, just-being-formed branch, effective immediately -- just him, pregnant co-worker, and their boss. Causing that planned travel (including next week's trip) to go away. He then decided to take off the same days I'm taking. Only then did his boss tell him that he and pregnant co-worker shouldn't be out at the same time. So there are other things going on.

I think what we'll do is discuss tonight what we want to do, then see what bargains we might be able to get.

I totally did the spacing out thing, unfocused eyes and all. When I began to grow out of it, I'd actively try to go unfocused like that but could no longer.

It's a skill I wish I still had now that I recognize meditation as an impossibility for my fevered mind.

Congrats MM!

Susan, this may fall into the dumb question category, but would it be doable to take Annabel to the same nurse practitioner? Or is pediatrics such a specialized specialization that it wouldn't accomplish anything?

You know, I could ask. I need to call my NP anyway (because it's looking probable that I have fibroids, sigh, and I need to find out if it's true and how they might impact my being able to have another child sometime before I'm 40), and I can ask her if she does pedes. I know the MD in her practice does, but I don't like her quite as much.

"Dear" Cow-irker:

So glad you enjoyed your vacation. And I do understand the temptation to extend it. HOWEVER. The idea behind scheduling a vacation is that the rest of us will know when you'll be in so we can plan our own work accordingly. Since you extended your time out of the office for two days, this has meant some problems for me and, I assume, other people in the office.

And, yes, I understand that you have a lot of work piled up; things that were supposed to be done on the first two days you were scheduled to be back are probably somewhat more than you can handle in one day. And I can understand that you're still in vacation mode. HOWEVER. Since you came in late and I do have some pressing projects, do you think you could cut your usual two-hour lunch break a little short and handle the request that I needed yesterday?

no love,

me

While it's not the fries or guacamole I was dreaming of earlier, my lunch of extra sharp cheddar on everything crackers and veggies dipped in peanut butter is teh YUM!

And I finished it off with a chocolate-covered Jo Jo (TJ's version of an Oreo). Mmmmm.

congrats on the job MM!

I did the spacing out thing growing up and it still happens to me sometimes as an adult. Usually I can snap out of it right away. Once in a blue moon I have to go with it for a few moments and let my eyes come back into focus on their own.

Next time I make guac I am definitely trying shallots instead of onions and/or garlic. I am a freak who adds tequila, too.

Congrats on the job, MM!

In defense of too-mashed guac, Tito's Tacos (corner of Sepulveda and Washington Blvd in Los Angeles) has amazing guac. That they can pour from a pitcher. It's more like guacamole sauce.

Of course, the high amounts of crack in it probably help.

Is refusing to potty train a sign of autism? Or just bull-headedness? Mal's adamant refusal to consider using the toilet is getting ridiculous.

Raq, I had the EXACT same problem with O prior to my weekend. I went away for three days and DH ended up getting him dialed in on the last, great hurdle of the process. Owen, will, however, periodically refuse to wash his hands. Then there is the mom-blocking-the-door-until-the-hands-washed-crying-screaming fit.

My house has seen a procession of repair men today. Roto Rooter Dude fished out a wad of squished up cardboard out of the master bath toilet. Heating/Cooling Dude found the problem with the A/C--a tripped circuit breaker. D'OH! It only cost $85 for something we could have found ourselves.

Still waiting on a call back from computer repair and lawn care guy.