Do they still sell Jolt Cola?

Pepsi's marketing a super-caffeinated version now too, if you can't find Jolt. (I have to confess I'm kind of in love with the commercial.)

((((Designs)))) ((((Sean))))

Maybe we should take up a collection to get Sean here at the next house party or cookout. We could put one of those jars by the grill and everything. Get a burger; help pay for Sean's plane ticket! (I'm only half kidding. Sean says the word, and I'm totally doing it. I think just among our crew and the regulars alone, we could raise it).

When does your show open, omnis? You know my crew and I will totally come out.

School Supply shopping has been accomplished with a minimum of fuss and pain other than very nearly winding up with the trunk of my car somewhere in the vicinity of my front seat due to stoopit driver not paying a damned bit of attention on I-295.

Note to stoopit driver-- when you very nearly ram into someone who's already driving over 70mph, you are going TOO FUCKING FAST.

Thank goodness for sixth gear and good reflexes. I'll be having some tea now in order to calm down the stomach upset and 800mg of ibu to deal with the sudden adrenaline-rush headache.

(I'm only half kidding. Sean says the word, and I'm totally doing it. I think just among our crew and the regulars alone, we could raise it).

Doooo eeeeeeet!

(Though Sean is going to be crazy busy working for Drew for the foreseeable future.)

Barb, so sorry about the stupid driver. Very glad you're okay.

Laura, are you around? I left you a voicemail and sent you an email. Let me know if you'd still like to do dinner. I sent you my cell.

DH's mom has been in a nursing facilities a couple of times. Surgery leaves her weak -- and there has been way too much of it.Can't say she loves it, but they really help her learn how to deal with injuries - and /or weakness. They actually help her back to a normal life.

and because it deserves a separate post. While we putting in the floor- I got a large splinter in my ass.

Not as good as Erin's Knife story, but pretty funny.

In response to someone's question (I did a massive skim), my birthday was the 16th. It was the first time in several years that I lived in the same place for 2 consecutive birthdays.

Todd and I met up with my family down in Indy. the women-folk went shopping (Mom got me some pants and 2 fitted vests that I think will work under my blazers for a slightly more polished look, especially at school this year. I'm still looking for 30s-esque pants, especially ones that are washable.) Todd and my brother went to Star Wars (they were unimpressed) and then Dad joined us for dinner once his class ended.

We saw a sign on the drive down, advertising, among other (grammatically-correct) things, nacho's. Which was particularly humorous as it make the "you can't have that, it's nacho's" joke grammatically correct.

I am in lesson plan hell. In addition to everything else, they changed the way we do our lesson plans at the school and have forced us to use a "once size fits all" format. Let me just say, like clothing, one size does not fit all.

{{Design Family}} much healing to your mom.

We are back home - this was an excellent weekend. Some high points:

1. Mal & Iris were likely separated at birth. Much cuteness was perpetrated.

2. Raq and family are most excellent hosts and have a wonderful new home.

3. I am not allowed to play guitar on Rock Band. Not. Allowed.

4. Sparky and DH are fantastic family & hosts and good friends. We had Tasty Chicken, which is most excellent. Sass is truly teh best puppy.

5. Many photos will follow.

the low point:

6. Came home to find the freezer completely defrosted all over the floor. Picspam and thank you notes will be deferred for a few minutes. Anyone want grilled chicken/fish/shrimp? D?

Is there a repair person in the house?

Drew, much ~ma toward handling the many aspects of your family situation. Skilled care in an environment designed to enable it is a blessing, and I hope your mom will come to see that.