Doing 30 problems on a topic that I already understood or writing out the definitions of words I already knew just seemed dumb.

Dictionary words! Blech! When I realized that she didn't know WHAT dictionary I'd be using I started making up definitions. I mean, the definitions were correct, I just made up the dictionary way of saying them instead of going to the trouble of looking it up. I now realize that my 11 year old self probably wasn't fooling her one bit -- but she knew I knew and that was good enough.

***

Could I have some sleep~ma and no-anxiety~ma, please? I am not having a good week, and the direction my thoughts have been heading lately have been scaring me a little.

:::ma ma ma::: And if you need to let someone take care of you go do that.

***

FUCK CANCER

***

Since it's after midnight: Happy Fucking Birthday, Trudy!!!

Aw... thanks! (for all the wishes, not just Teppy's)

(Also Deena's Aidan, right?)

Kara! I've never given much credence to astrology, but I suspect that Deena and my Mom could share some war stories.

***

It's good to see you Vortex. Keep hangin' in there.

***

I have a question. Why do we pledge allegiance to the flag? Why don't we just directly pledge allegiance to the republic? I always feel funny about that, because I don't feel much allegiance to that particular design. Anyone?

I've always felt its vaguely idolatrous.

***

Happy Birthday to Trudy and Kara. Mmm...Kara born on the same day as Trudy...'splains an awful lot.

Sighhh... What's Owen's birthday? You wanna hang out with Deena and Mom?

***

Really? I mean, I don't mind facing it, as a symbol. I just don't feel that I have any allegiance to it. Do you? Is it just me?

After about the age of 12 I felt like flags and flag waving were largely childish and fake sentiment in most situations (not military funerals, "most" meaning things like window stickers, the pledge in class, decorations on various public holidays, etc.). It annoyed me that people either treated it like an asthetic choice or, on the other end of the spectrum, ignored what the thing was supposed to MEAN. The lapel pin thing would have driven me around the fucking bend in sixth grade.

But after the towers fell flags popped up all over my neighborhood. And it was so lovely. There was no campaign or newspaper giveaway, it was completely spontaneous. And since so many people in my area were from other countries it was especially touching. "We're all in this together" was loud and clear.

What festivities are planned?

Tuesday, a package from SJ. Wednesday, flowers from mom. Today, an e-card from vw, then off to school with cupcakes (26 kids! plus teacher, plus aide, and she wanted one for the vice principal, on whom she has a crush. "He's got an awesome voice.")

After school, get ready for the picnic at the park. Fried chicken, potato salad, pasta salad, corn on the cob, chocolate fudge torte and ice cream cake (it's my FIL's birthday tomorrow, so he gets a "cake" too, and it means I don't have to buy a separate bucket of ice cream). Pinata bashing, play, goodie bags, and present opening.

And then we hope we can get them home, into jammies, and to sleep without a major meltdown.

Happy Birthday, Trudy!!!

Happy Birthday, Kara!!!

Kara is indeed 7 today. She's wearing a beautiful dress today and took cupcakes to school. This evening will be a picnic in the park with extended family. She's got a pinata. It's a burro and she loves it. It's so cute! But she's fully prepared to bash its head in to get the candy inside.

Ha! So cute. I hope Kara has a wonderful birthday picnic.

Hivemind hair question: Is there something I can put over a dye job that will make it redder? Because the new hairdresser refused to believe the notes of former hairdresser about just how red I wanted it, and I ended up with sort of dark brown.

Happy Birthday Trudy and Kara!!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Looks like I finally slept, but mom didn't. Today is going to be more of the same, though I'm trying to work from home and take care of her. At least there won't be any net-nanny or overt religious oversight.

Hivemind hair question: Is there something I can put over a dye job that will make it redder? Because the new hairdresser refused to believe the notes of former hairdresser about just how red I wanted it, and I ended up with sort of dark brown.

Go back and tell her to fix it.

Go back and tell her to fix it.

I would, but I really don't want to do another harsh chemical process on my hair so soon. I was thinking more of a gentle glaze or a non-permanent hair product.

Suzi, I'm glad you're home. I hope today is less stressful than you fear. Maybe you'll both get a nap.

{{{Suzi}}} Much calm~ma for you and your mom today.

Go back and tell her to fix it with a glaze and an appointment for a real fix.

Go back and tell her to fix it with a glaze and an appointment for a real fix.

I would trust Plei's word as gospel on hair-color questions.