I'm sorry for your loss, Juliana.

My sister had her mouth washed out with soap when she was wee for say 'Jees' because it clearly was abbreviated Jesus. We were often baffled by what was considered cursing.

And I'm impressed you're keeping a separate mug for a friend who comes by just once every few years.

I was illogically tired when I wrote the post. The mug was when we were in high school. When I see her now its paper cups -- I'm not nearly the environmentalist my Mother is.

My condolences, juliana.

Also? LOVE the name Otto.

It's the (original) name of my grandfather, too (though it was changed when he escaped to then-Palestine in 1942 from Hungary).

My normal 15-minute commute took 45 minutes this morning due to two inches of snow. This wouldn't normally be too much a burden--it is Utah, though each year's new crop of California refugees has a steep learning curve--but none of the roads were plowed. I know the state is having budget issues, but the road I commute on is a 4-lane state highway, so a little more attention would be pleasant.

re: Otto.

I have a (long dead) cousin who's name was Otho. Is that a form of Otto?

Shir, I would talk to her in the evening when you're calm. Something like 'hey, I love having you here, but I've been having trouble getting to sleep the last few days. I really appreciate serious quiet tonight, like no talking or cell phone or TV. I've got a great book you can read!"

I have no idea, connie, but I can tell you that otto in Hebrew means "car". Which always got me giggling.

Then again, my Grandfather's uncle (or great-uncle) was called Arpad, which is Hebrew (OK, with spelling, but still!) for vampire.

I love Hungarians.

Thanks, Vortex (and everyone else). I got an apology this morning, but later I still wasn't convinced she understood she was the factor for my lack of sleep.

I'll remind her again tonight to be quiet. I really need 7+ hours of sleep tonight, or else I won't function through the rest of the week.

I'm so sorry for your loss, juliana. I also think Otto is a kick-ass name.

So, this morning I basically walked away when our admin assistant tried to tell me the story of her horrific delivery and how the doctors had totally screwed up everything. When she spoke the words, "ripped a hole this big" I interrupted her and told her I wasn't listening to these kinds of stories because they were not helpful, constructive or supportive to me and walked out of the room.

It's two hours later, and she just cornered me in my office to supposedly apologize, but actually to finish her story because she thought I should hear the end.

I'm so mad at her I nearly threw her out in front of a bunch of people.