Yeah, Tim just came home from a meeting and gave me Stern Face. I compromised and said I'd go up with him now, and reserve the right to leave whenever I wanted to.

Yeah. Because I get the impression that you're rather like me here, and whether or not you enjoy being around other people in some situation, it's still placing demands on your emotional reserves (as opposed to the more extraverted types, who get a boost from the interaction). So make sure you have an escape route if you find you just don't have anything left for it.

I *am* a total introvert in the actual definition; I'm not shy and timid (as some people [not Buffistae] make the mistake of thinking "introvert" means), but I *do* get drained by crowds and need alone time to recharge.

I went up to the freakshow in time to see the fire eaters do stuff like this: [link] and this: [link] which was SUPAH COOL.

Then it started to drizzle enough that I mutinied and didn't stick around to see if the burlesque troupe was going to perform (on a *wet* stage, I seriously doubt it). Our handful of people was there, and they were full of jollity (and margaritas), but not enough to make me want to stab.

Still, I'm happy to be home and dry. I'm also *exhausted* -- like, all my marrow has been sucked out (gee, I wonder why I would feel that way??) -- and I'm going to crawl into bed with comics and wait for Tim to come home.

Everything all y'all are saying about financial troubles is ringing really true. I don't think the company is going to tank this month (or year), but it's getting harder and harder for *printed* academic/medical journals to retain subscribers in a digital world. (We have a Web site, and an online version on the journals, but it's not working economically as well as it ought. That's no secret around the water cooler.)

Maybe this really is an blessing in disguise, like an early warning system to get the hell out while the getting is good. At least I have the luxury of *some* time to look for another gig.

Now I have to figure out what I want to do. Like, what would make me energized and excited to go do every morning when I woke up? (Right now, all I can think of as an answer to that is "go back to bed.")

Thanks, y'all. I *really* appreciate the support, and I love you all.

Gronk. This wacky work schedule of is catching up to me. I got up way too early for how late I worked last night. I just dozed off on the couch for about 4 hours. And still feel gronky.

Matt was playing to night, which he hasn't done in awhile . My dinner:

Spinach Parmesan Ravioli on a bed of zucchini in a brown butter sage sauce , sprinkled( oh so lightly ) with Mexican chocolate.

Teppy, I am astounded at the crap you are having to put up with at work. Here's plenty of ~ma for finding a brilliant new job so fast you make their heads spin.

Oh, Teppy. That is ridiculous. I don't really have anything to add to what other people have said, but I'd start looking to get out. Get out! Get out! Get out!

And you know what else? I wouldn't worry too much about references. You worked there for 13 years. That speaks a lot for itself right there. Use Boss's Daughter and maybe Big!Boss, and get out.

I'm quitting a bit early tonight. Tomorrow Mom is coming up to start "helping", plus tomorrow night we party at Angels Stadium. I hope she actually throws things away when I ask her to. She is notorious for hording, picking through the waste basket, and saving anything and everything. The final push begins. I'm in pretty good shape. Monday morning between 8-9am the big moving truck arrives. I hope to have everything stacked by the door so the load out is fast, smooth, and I can be on the road to Escondido by 1ish... HA!

Good luck o_a!

And get some sleep!

Gronk. My mother's upstairs neighbor started doing her laundry at 6.

Oh, that's just WRONG on so many levels.

Steph, I'm sorry they're such weasels. I'm really hoping this is a blessing in disguise. I'm glad you've got Tim.

Why am I awake? It looks like it's going to rain today.