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.

Yeah--where is she anyway??

maybe if we put our ~ma powers together, cross the beams so to speak, she'll feel our love and show her pixels again. ~Steph!~ma

Job~ma to you, Maria. It is scary to think about what will happen without an auto rescue package.

{{{Kristin & Zoe}}} I hope you get the best possible news.

All the ~ma in the world t those who need it, PK&ND&Z, VW, MFNL, ETC.

Some days it feels like the whole Buffista alphabet needs a little ~ma.

ETA: Not that I'm saying "Bring it on, universe!" But Buffistas have more than enough ~ma to deal with it if I did.

(((((Kristin, Drew, and Zoe))))) I haven't seen Zoe since she was a puppy, but I remember her being such a sweet dog. So much -ma that it's nothing.

(((Maria))) -ma for you and for everyone affected by the auto industry crisis.

Many, many hugs to Kristin, Drew, and Maria.

Job ~ma, Maria. I really believe those people on the hill know they have to do something and today's vote was something of a show for the people back home.

Kristin, dog ~ma for Zoe. May there be good news soon.