Stephanie, I hope those kids get better and you can get some sleep.

I just had wayyyyyyyyy too much trouble lighting the stove to make some hot cocoa. It's a darned good thing this is a gas stove with electronic ignition. If it were a wood stove, there probably would not be a happy ending to the story. The happy ending is, the house is still standing, and I have my cocoa, which probably has a modicum of caffeine.

Vortex all of our thoughts are with you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss. Late to post because of connectivity only.

After I went to bed, in that dark hour where I review everything I've ever done wrong, I felt bad about bitching about my mother, whom I do love and who is still with us. I had just talked to her earlier, and I was still both sad and annoyed at her ability to make herself miserable. I'm pretty good at making myself unhappy, but she's taken it to a fine art. She probably doesn't have too many years left, and I wish she could enjoy them. Selfishly, I also wish I could enjoy them with, but she's depressing to be around. The election doesn't help, because even without the internets or talk radio, she's managed to put together a bunch of half-truths about Obama.

vortex .... I have no words. I love you and so much peace to you and your mom. Oh goddamn.

Oh, Vortex. I am so, so very sorry. Hugs to you and your family.

Though I guess these days any time someone has an opinion, it automatically means that they ALSO are attacking the opposite viewpoint, simply by virtue of holding their own viewpoint.

Yes, I've discovered this by having eloped, not wanting kids, and not liking diamonds. Weird that THESE are the issues that freak people out.

Ugh, Tep. I gotta say, I understand all the points that divorced folks here have made, very logical. I think I would have flipped like a mammal though. Especially since it came about, like, trying to prove you wrong on your beliefs? Anyway, you win at life for not freaking out on him OR your craxy mom. Because... yeah, I don't know that I'd have been so level headed.

I just can't believe it about Vortx's dad. Jesus. Again, I am so sorry. I literally gasped out loud when I read Beep Me.

ImemememeN, I cooked a pulled pork dinner all by myself yesterday! I had to get up at like 8am to get the seasoned meat out of the fridge and get the wood chips smoking. Then the whole process took 6 hours. I also made BBQ sauce from scratch. Mmmm... barbeque.

the phone just ate my Meara.

Teppy - what everyone else said. Grr that your mom still needs to pull moves like that.

Pix - glad you are feeling better and also that you can kick CTY to the curb.

Stephanie I want to fly down there to watch the kids so you can get a nap.

The universe has a puckish sense of humor: DHs family vacation spot for 3 generations is also the axis point for all the trees and grasses that kick up my allergies. I can either spend the long weekend in a gronk coma because the drugs are trying to work overtime ... Or I can not go. Second is not a wish or an option. Feh. Vermillion OH, I bid you a fond farewell until we duke it out again next year.

Teppy, just to be clear, I hope you didn't feel that I was attacking you or diminishing your feelings by my response earlier.

Not at all! I need the perspective from people who have been divorced, because, not having been so myself, I don't understand The Boy's P.O.V. on some things. I *appreciate* and value your response. Totally.

Ugh, Tep. I gotta say, I understand all the points that divorced folks here have made, very logical. I think I would have flipped like a mammal though. Especially since it came about, like, trying to prove you wrong on your beliefs?

I'm still managing to say everything in direct contradiction to him today. Every time I open my mouth, what comes out is something he already knew I had an opinion on, about which he has an opposing viewpoint.

So I'm still feeling like suck-ass Not Right replacement girlfriend this weekend.

Anyway, you win at life for not freaking out on him OR your craxy mom. Because... yeah, I don't know that I'd have been so level headed.

I didn't freak out on either of them, but I'm miserable and weepy still this morning. But whatever. I have to finish up this project for the nuns and then get some housework done. I'm just hoping we don't disagree on the proper way to clean the bathroom.

Hello, caffeine. I know you still love me. Get in my belly.

I didn't freak out on either of them, but I'm miserable and weepy still this morning.

Oh noes, don't internalize, Teppy's brain! You are awesome. They love you but are slightly nuts. (it's what makes life such a WONDERLAND of EXCITEMENT!)

I have a 1 year old's birthday party to go to today. Hopefully there will be Pimms Cup. I will drink one for you, Tep.

When are you coming to New England!?!?!??

the proper way to clean the bathroom.

The wrong way to clean the bathroom is to accidentally bump the shut-off valve behind the toilet with a mop in such a way that it springs a leak four days later, in the middle of the night, and floods your apartment.