Stephanie -- it's Evan. Which I think we'll still call him, although Mom is thinking of calling him Van.

Twin cuteness, indeed. Just adorable, and both asleep at the same time. Yes, that is a precious thing too. Something about car seats. When mine were bitty I wanted to create a fake car that vibrated with windows and car seats to trick mine into sleeping.

I don't know what mistake would lead to this effect, but whenever a big rainfall is on the way, my brother's IRELAND tattoo actually *raises up* slightly, like a topographical map.

Holy crap, Tep - how awesome is that? It's like a superpower! ...I mean, grsnted, it's not the kind of superpower that would get you into a big crimefighting gang with your own cape, but still - impressively weird.

Kristin & Drew - wishing you and Zoe all the good vibes I can. I'm so sorry this has happened. Strength-ma to you guys.

And ditto Maria - sorry about the asshats.

On a mememe note, I have now opened my various Christmas pressies from the kids (or rather, their parents, really) - and I'm really touched, and indeed rather humbled. Must be a good teacher! Must merit this generosity!

Well?? What'd ya get? Share the joy! I think the crew could use some.

Blech. I suck at this whole being religious thing. Tonight, I wanted to go to synagogue, but late this afternoon was the only time my advisor could meet with me, so I thought about it and realized that I really needed to meet with him, so I could skip tonight's services and go Saturday morning. Well, advisor didn't meet with me, so that was a bunch of wasted time. And now, I just had to take Flexeril, because I know I won't be able to get to sleep without it, but it'll also knock me out until really late tomorrow morning.

I know that I can get to synagogue if I make it a priority. I'm just not so good at that right now.

I got:

• a beautiful box with six lovely hand-decorated Christmas cookies (2 gingerbread men, 2 frosted shortbread trees, 2 frosted shortbread santas);

• a box of 'Tiramisu Chocolates' (actually almonds coated in white chocolatey stuff);

• a pencil decorated with candy corn (this is the only obvious 'chosen by the kid' present I got, and it's from a little boy I taught

• a big silk gift box containing a gorgeous array of candles, incense, ceramic incense holders etc;

• another box of swiss chocolates;

• a gorgeous (and huge) dark wine-red pashmina shot through with gold thread;

• a gorgeous silk pashmina woven in various shades of vivid green with a pattern of flowers and leaves and butterflies;

• a lovely gift-box of aromatherapy bath/shower products;

• two boxes of Belgian chocolates (carefully hand-wrapped by the child in question, and decorated with a gorgeous artsy 3-fold Christmas Tree gift tag that I didn't initially realise she'd hand-crafted - VERY professional artsy crafty looking, 2 of the tree tags decorated with little 'baubles' made from hole-punching coloured card, and one with strips of 'tinsel' cut carefully from paper doilies. Bless bless bless);

• a cute little pretend chocolate cake thing - it's actually a little face flannel (and I could do with a new one!) but it's packaged like a little chocolate cake, complete with pretend cherry and pretend sliver of decorative chocolate - v. adorable!

• a startlingly large gift voucher for a swanky department store;

• a partridge in a pear tree.

...okay, no, I was lying with the last one.

Right. This morning's mission: secure Daniel a place to stay whilst I'm in the UK.

but whenever a big rainfall is on the way, my brother's IRELAND tattoo actually *raises up* slightly, like a topographical map.

My tattoo does that as well sometimes, but I always figured it had more to do with allergic reactions to something I ate or drank (...it seemed to happen when I drank certain beers, specifically). Though it hasn't happened much lately, that I've noticed, so it may have been also part of being newish.

Small EXPLOSION on the plane?? Good god. That's scary.

I am at home, after being at Barnes and Noble or Panera for most of the day. Target for a bit. And now it's cold and blustery and rainy out, and I don't really want to walk a mile in it to get to the dancing. Hrmph. Also there's a birthday party later that I feel obliged to go to, but I only know the birthday girl, and don't really want to go. Grump grump. Just wanna curl on the couch instead. Why can't I reschedule these things for another evening?

Aw, I never get to go back to the UK on holiday!

t /Cat Daniel

Well done, Fay. Good to see you get some appreciation.

{{Kristin}} I wish there was something that could be said or done to make this any easier. Loving thoughts and all kinds of ~ma for a better than anticipated outcome.

This could explain some things:

Fullest moon in 15 years tonight