His needs have completely changed, and my talents don't suit those needs.

I think it's a good thing the two of you realize what caused this shift from your past relationship to your current tense one. Either way it'll go in the end, I think it's a good thing.

I want that more than anything.

That is what I wish for you, then, too.

I learned that from This American Life as well, so you know it's true.

Not to mention Homicide:

"A detective does his job in the only possible way. He follows the requirements of the law to the letter -- or close enough so as not to jeopardize his case. Just as carefully, he ignores that law's spirit and intent. He becomes a salesman, a huckster as thieving and silver-tongued as any man who ever moved used cars or aluminum siding -- more so, in fact, when you consider that he's selling long prison terms to customers who have no genuine need for the product."

Oh, and I want to buy a gift for my office, too. I don't think organic wine will suit them.

My plan was a chocolate pizza, but we ate our way through one of those last week, so it's kind of redundant now.

Allyson, glad things have been sorted out at work. Finding your niche, or at least recognizing what sort of niche you want, is a good step.

And Sam sounds adorable - you will, of course, post when it's in print.

The local zoo has - or at least HAD - a bat exhibit where the building it was in was kept dark so the bats would be active during the day. I remember once I saw a bat going through its grooming routine; it was a very modest bat, so it was hanging by the toes of one foot, completely wrapped in its wings, but you could see it moving inside the wings grooming itself. Very cute.

A Mexican Free-tail bat, to be specific.

That's a great idea! You can watch them fly out from under the bridge.

Did you tell him that all the grownups are on Facebook now?

Yes. That didn't sway him. He looked at me like I was in danger of losing my grownup card.

Allyson- I am glad things seem to have worked out. When did your job change-- I guess I still thought you were keeping away the bureacrxy while replugging routers and proofreading press releases!

That was the reaction my son gave me about Facebook. "Really, Mom, don't do it."

Heh, I get the opposite from my daughter. "Why haven't you friended V yet?", "She is one of your friends, honey", "Yeah, but she treats you like a mom - go friend her".

What if, say, you're a witness to something, but not a suspect? Or is it possible the cops might pretend that you're not a suspect, but you really are, so you still shouldn't talk to the police without a lawyer even if you're just a witness (as far as you know)?

Erin! It's been forever since I posted with you. How are you doing?

Nilly!! Hi, sweetie. Yeah, my internet is what we would call...sporadic, so I dash on and off like a married boyfriend.

I am doing well. I am looking frantically for another teaching position before the school year starts (loong story).

Laundry is my least favorite chore. I hate it. Which is probably why I have a wee Mt. Everest of dirty clothes a-building on my closet floor. It will form a little island in a while.

Sounds like you are super busy! Drink water. Stay hydrated.

Nobody has any colour palette answers for me? Yay? Nay?

You know, I should just not be shopping instead. That's much more sensible. I should go iron today's skirt.