If you want to, do it. If you don't, he lost the right to tell you how to handle stuff. Besides, you're not responsive enough, right? I'm sure his next gf will pick something tasteful AND expensive. I say, let it be her problem. But then I'm not nice or beloved and I haven't been a girlfriend in ages.

I've been absent. What's going on with Zoe? I adore that dog.

Tons of job~ma, Maria.

Oh, sweetie. All my Zoe~ma is, clearly, Zoe's. And yours.

And job~ma, Maria.

Kristin, I'm so sorry. Zoe is a lovely dog.

Just got a call from the vet. Zoe's blood work came back clean, so that's a positive. She'll have an ultrasound at some point tomorrow and then we'll have a clearer picture on what the situation is.

2008 had to get another kick in on my little family this year.

Maria, I meant to say earlier that I am crossing fingers and toes for you that the bailout goes through and your job is safe. Hang in there, sorella.

And thank you for your kind words. Cass and billytea, it especially means a lot coming from people who know her.

Thanks, everyone. I'm just really scared right now. If one or more of the Detroit 3 go under, it's going to have far-reaching effects. There are suppliers, suppliers to the suppliers, and dealers, not to mention all of the support jobs that will be lost: restaurant employees, the people who clean the office buildings and plants, and who knows how many others.... For every one manufacturing job lost, 7-10 other jobs go with it. And don't forget the lost R&D dollars.

I know the domestic auto industry hasn't always been the most efficient or the most forward thinking, but things were beginning to change. The restructuring plans given to Congress demonstrated a bigger commitment than I've ever seen to changing the way they do business.

Kristin and ND, much dog~ma to the both of you and Zoe. I'm sorry you're going through this so soon after being reunited with her.

Sparky, CONGRATULATIONS! I can't wait to meet the sparkplug. However, I must say phooey on my alma mater. No maternity leave? Way to set an example. @@

{{{vw}}} I'm sorry about the breakup, but I'm amazed at how you're handling it. You've come a long way.

Pix, insent.

And Maria, I really hope the bailout goes through in some way or shape soon. I keep thinking of Aimee and Joe, too, with all of the ramifications for Michigan if no bailout happens.

vw, hon, I'm with the others: do what feels right to you, wrt the present thing. I mean, yeah, it's hellishly hypocritical of him to be all 'don't be so generous...er, except to my family!' But this isn't about him, it's about you - so if you want to give them the presents, because you dig them as people you happened to meet via CBD, that's cool. If otoh you would rather keep/sell/otherwise gift said presents, that is also cool. But don't feel obligated to worry about what he'd like you to do. Not that I think you are - once again I'm impressed with the way you're dealing with the situation.

Last day of school today, and my little buggers were adorability on a stick. Also, I made out like a BANDIT in the present stakes! I've got, I don't know, like ten pressies or something - and they're nice! (...not, alas, something one can neccesarily count on, when it comes to gifts from kids. I mean, it's always touching and flattering and whatever, but sometimes it's also '...and what the hell am I going to do with this gilt-edged ceramic clown figurine?' Whereas this year, so far, they all seem to be nice! Yay!) Also, I even got pressies from two kids I don't even teach this year!

Also, our performance of The Twelve Days of Bangkok Christmas (complete with hand-watercoloured illustrations) was hailed by all and sundry as the highlight of the assembly, so that was cool too.

In conclusion: my kids rock! As do I!

t /self-indulgence

Meanwhile - I hope Teppy's doing okay? I miss her pixels.