Thanks, Laga.

This is interesting. My TV has sound, but no picture. The Tivo menus are showing up fine, just not the actual TV picture. I'm gonna guess it's a cable problem.

Laga, I'm in Pennsylvania.

Also, peace-ma for your family. Tough situation all around.

rats, I don't think I know any Pennsylvania lawyers.

S has had a bunch of stuff stored here at the house since before my sister moved out.

You don't have lighter fluid and matches?

~ma to your aunt, Raq.

I ran my car into a curb really hard. It made a terrible noise. So far, the tires are inflated and there's nothing oozing out of it, but I fear I must have done some damage. If nothing else, I think I completely undid the chiropractic work I had just had. I was on my way to a semi-work meeting and once I got there, they would not get started and when started, they would not stop. There was no beer. My head hurts. My back hurts. I seem to have an adrenaline hangover. Blerg.

I also feel stupid. I haven't done anything like that in years. They have been radically reworking the major street near me for roughly forever, and they finally finished about two weeks ago. I had successfully navigated the new concrete island/lane separator things before, but this time, someone was turning left just in front of it, and I didn't realize how soon I had to get over. The fact that I have done that drive in autopilot for years was probably a factor.

Should I share this news with my mom, knowing it will upset her greatly? I can't decide if she'll be more upset if she finds out I withheld it from her.

Sounds like timing is pretty important on this one, especially if she's still considering asking said sister over for Christmas. Don't know your mum, so I don't know which way to suggest jumping - but I'm going to reiterate the whole 'stick to your guns' party line. Whatever helps with that is what you should do, I think.

Doh, Ginger! That sucks a lot, how even if the car is fine, you're all tense and un-aligned!

d, there's sometimes a minimum temperature, but rarely a maximum one, since they don't usually require air conditioning at a workplace, and nobody thinks that in the winter someone is going to pay to heat a place that much, because that's crazy (even though it happens, clearly). One year we were pissed because it was always freezing, and then we got a newsletter about health that included an article about hypothermia and keeping it at least XX degrees in your house, and we blew that up and stuck it on the wall in protest

Tshirt Hell doesn't have my favorite gift wrap anymore. Does anyone know of sites selling wrapping paper of questionable taste? The stuff I wanted had Jesus on the cross surrounded by presents and festooned with ornaments. Yes, I know I'm going to Hell.

Sounds like something Colbert Christmassy.

Ginger, I hope the damage you've done to yourself is the worst part, and that the car is ok.

Vortex, would it work to develop a formula for discussing your availability with your mom - something like the old "say two positive things then say no" to soften the blow of the refusal. For example, "Mom, I'm happy to help you with ___, and I love spending time with you, but unfortunately I have a prior appointment, so I have to say no." Or perhaps offering a counter proposal, "That particular time does not work for me, but I'm free _____." Also you could combine them. I almost hate to suggest this, because I don't see your relationship with your mother as codependent, but it might do well for you to read up on codependency issues, particularly setting boundaries. I say this, because some of the books out there give some nice strategies for kindly but firmly saying "This is what I can do for you, this is what I can't do. Even though I cannot do everything, I do care very much about you." Everyone has a right to set boundaries, even with our mothers.

Laga, I think Fay might have the wisdom tonight - if letting your mother know about S collecting his stuff will get her upset enough to help her stand firm, then even if it will hurt, it might be important for her to know.

Yikes Ginger, hopefully everything is ok with you and the car.

Laga, no clue what to advise, but hugs for ya from Texas.

So I just finished watching a rather sureal movie. I'm playing with streaming Netflix on the xbox, and came across a title in foriegn films that sounded interesting. "Sex & Lucía", a Spanish flick. Sure I chose it for the title and cute girl on the cover. But wow, kinda trippy storyline. Anyone else here ever see it? It came out in 2002?

We're watching the last season of the L Word to prepare for the soon-to-start season (cheesy gay fun). DW is making a yummy shake of vanilla ice cream, peppermint schnapps, chocolate syrup, chocolate chips, and ice. YUM!