~ma to all.

I just submitted an abstract to give a talk at the Joint Mathematics Meeting in January. Eek.

{{{Anne}}}

What sj said.

Anne, add me to the list of people thinking good thoughts for you. Anything I can do, I am more than happy to.

Cash and VW, I'm sorry. Eff it, indeed.

Sean, you're in my thoughts.

Vortex, you are in my thoughts, as well.

***

I totally appreciate that! Today I had my English 3 students tell me that they shouldn't have to learn vocabulary because they will never have to use words like embellish, connotation, affluent, banter, novice, brevity, imbibe, nostalgic, stipend or reiterate.

(I know that this is not news to anyone, I just feel the need to be all up their grills... or something. Long damn day.) They are wrong. Those are all perfectly serviceable words that they need to learn how to use. Well, maybe except for imbibe. If I had to chuck one, that would be it. But the rest? Perfectly modern and normal vocabulary, which, frankly, by English 3 they should know already, so they just need to QUIT THEIR BITCHIN'.

My friend who moved to Cairo started a blog. Interesting stuff. She said that they got falafel for dinner, and her two older kids both started crying because it was "too spicy." I'm a bit confused by this, since I've seen one of these kids eat pickled jalapenos.

Anne, may your mind be fully aware of the love so many people have for you, here and elsewhere, leading you to sweeter thoughts and healing dreams, as your body rests and restores itself for the rigors of the coming day. Sleep well.

So much this. I hope this passes quickly, Anne.

Also, I feel compelled to point out that Andi rocks.

Also also, FUCK CANCER.

My friend who moved to Cairo started a blog. Interesting stuff. She said that they got falafel for dinner, and her two older kids both started crying because it was "too spicy." I'm a bit confused by this, since I've seen one of these kids eat pickled jalapenos.

Different kinds of hot hit you differently. When I was growing up I could eat (and enjoy) Chinese spicy far hotter than I would eat Mexican spicy.

(Also, the pickled jalapenos aren't really that hot, comparatively.)

Suzi, I totally have been sending health-ma to your mom and calm-ma to you. I meant to actually post that earlier, of course.

Thanks Jen, no worries. We are back into our usual holding pattern of what has become our everyday stress (the house, CJ's behavior problems, my insomnia, mom's rocky but non-critical health issues).

What the heck is up with boys and hating to bathe?

I'll keep people posted on how things are going. I finally had to sit down and admit to myself how bad things have been of late.

Yes, please keep us posted and don't hesitate to ask for whatever you need.

What the heck is up with boys and hating to bathe?

Ha! Right? I remember both of my nephews going through this phase. Dudes, I love you like nobody's business, but... take. a. shower. Now.