I know the Kool-Aid phrase came from the Jonestown suicides, but as with most things, I do believe it's been softened over the intervening time.

Actually when I thought about it further, I think the phrase may come from The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, in which case the ref fits more with Steph's initial "must be drugged" reading.

I'm pretty sure it came from Jonestown. I remember first hearing it in a very clear "unquestioningly following someone else's agenda even if it led to your personal harm" context.

From juliana's link:

Before you leave for the airport, look at yourself in the mirror, and think: Could I meet and IMPRESS someone who would change my life while wearing this? And if the answer is "No," change.

Good advice for any time you leave the house I'd say.

Oh good god no. It takes enough mental energy to manage something halfway presentable in the morning to begin with, without adding this into the mix. I'm not saying you can't go too far the other side, but no.

My mom sent me a nice email that reads that I take pretty darn good care of myself, that she's never been alone, not even for a minute, that I'm very brave and independent.

She was married at 16, so my life, I think, seems awfully foreign to her.

I once found a notebook my dad kept when my parents were having Trouble when I was little, and it was impressive -- you couldn't read it and not see how he was my primary caregiver. Which I'm pretty sure was the issue at hand. But reading it was kind of depressing. 6:45 make J breakfast, 7:00 feed J breakfast, 7:15 dress J, etc. etc.

Why depressing, Jesse?

I remind myself that The Boy always takes care of dog poo removal from the backyard as well as always cleans the litter boxes

When I'm mopping. Again. I try to remind myself of the same as it pertains to K. And it makes me feel better. Until I remember that the dog and cat are HERS.

If possible I usually wear jeans on the plane. Can I impress someone who would change my life, in jeans? Um...maybe? Doubtful. But can I be comfortable, run through the airport, stuff receipts, ID, boarding pass, etc, in my pockets, and not fear them falling out (like in most nice trousers or skirt pockets), etc etc? Yes.

nd whenever it starts to make me resentful, I remind myself that The Boy always takes care of dog poo removal from the backyard as well as always cleans the litter boxes (that one I had to just tell him I can't help with; between the cat hair and the dust generated by litter, my lungs would collapse, and that's no joke)

Um...right. For...HIS PETS? (Clearly there are other chores besides vacuuming and poo-removal, but...dude)

Why depressing, Jesse?

Just thinking about being in a relationship where you have to make your case like that, I guess. They got through it, and are still married, though!

I'm pretty sure it came from Jonestown. I remember first hearing it in a very clear "unquestioningly following someone else's agenda even if it led to your personal harm" context.

I agree. I originally heard it to describe Republicans (especially those in the current administration) who actually believe all the stuff they say....

If possible I usually wear jeans on the plane. Can I impress someone who would change my life, in jeans?

HELL YEAH!

I think it's important to dress in clean clothes that will keep you warm if the plane is too cold and allow you to sleep comfortably if your flight is long. I can judge people flying for having stupid fashion but I think practical should be the deciding factor for travel clothes.

I dress schlumpy for flight. I look for the most comfortable clothes that can be layered.

I remember as a child dressing in a just-for-travel outfit chosen by my mom. And I miss the romanticism of that notion. But given how uncomfortable I find flights, I go for comfort over appeal.

I think practical should be the deciding factor for travel clothes.

I don't disagree but I'm really tired of all those women wearing tight powder blue velour tracksuits. All ages. Please, make it stop.