Oh, too sweet, Barb! They asked me at work if I would be ok with a pet therapy group coming in for the kids during school time, and I was all "Hell, yeah!"

Tep, you talk all you want. B.org has gotten me through some pretty fucking awful times, personally, past and recently. I think that's true for lots. So talk if you need to, don't, if that's what you need.

Also, yay, Tom! Not having a job is scary, and segue to...

Karl, good to see you! But BOO on the circumstances.

Ginger, what hair color are you looking for? You say you've been getting colored -- full color? highlights?

Personally, I like Feria. It's permanent and I like the reds. If you just want root touch ups, the Clairol root touch up kit is pretty easy.

Advice to first-time dyer? Read instruction carefully. Take off all jewelery, including rings. Apply a 360 degree layer of something to the hairline -- I've used body oil, lotion, I've even used olive or veg oil if I was in a pinch. That way, you can swab it off with warm water and soap after you apply the dye and won't have colored ears or back of the neck.

Color you hair in the bathroom. Wear crappy clothes -- something you can take off without pulling it over your dye head.

Don't use nice towels. TAke up the bathroom rug. Wipe any spills up immeditely, on body or bathroom.

Hmmm. That's what I got right now.

Apply a 360 degree layer of something to the hairline

vaseline works well. Stays put and stops drips.

Wipe any spills up immeditely, on body or bathroom.

This. I have a washcloth that is specifically for when I color my hair. Before I start coloring, I dampen it with a mix of shampoo and water so that I can wipe up drips or spills quickly and easily.

Thanks guys-- I like when I have these rare inspired moments because it's something that's got set parameters and again, direct consequences.

omnis, I figure letting him choose gives him SOME agency. This time. Plus it gives me leeway-- if he screws up yet again, then I get to choose or the number of games goes up. No need allowing the hammer to completely fall this time.

Love the parenting, Barb. It also makes me want to put some of the $ I send in to BestFriends.org in Nate's name. He shouldn't have to be bad in order for animals to be treated well. When he's good, I'll donate the money on his behalf--does that work?

Happy Birthday, Sparky!!

Trying to come up with something nice. Like, pressure is what makes diamonds.

Maybe keep it succinct like that.

Or say "Pressure is what makes diamonds. Of course it also makes toothpaste squirt out of a tube, so there you go."

Barb, clearly you are wise. And this is why you are a parent, and not I.

Thanks Daniel, dunno if that would make him feel better.

I love Bitches' parenting, and I love how Bitches got Bitches' backs. I swear by all that is holy, it heals some of what was messed up in me, seeing and hearing you get stuff right that wasn't so right when I was young.

Omnis, that is a tough situation. Here's to you and your coworkers weathering this with sanity in tact. Or at least, no further compromised than it already is.

t sneaks in to quietly wooo that Tom has another job offer! Tiny woo.