Never been to Charleston. Alcohol sounds nice, though.

We got furniture back! My parents had been getting the floors refinished, and so all the furniture was out in a POD in the driveway, and we basically had to live in just two rooms. Four adults in two rooms is not good. In fact, it's crazy-making. Especially when one person (me) absolutely NEEDS alone time and quiet time, and another person (my mom) is talky and huggy.

(And my mom does understand my need for along time, usually. Or if not understands it, then at least respects it. But it's kind of difficult to get alone time when there are only two rooms with furniture. But now! Actual furniture! I don't have to sleep in my sister's room anymore! I can go into my own room and lie down on the bed and close the door! I can sit in the living room or the dining room or the kitchen or the family room!)

So. Yeah. Alcohol sounds very nice, after the week I've had.

Oh, Suzi! I'm so glad for you. I hope it all goes smoothly and your closing goes as planned.

Suzi, closing~ma for you.

Kristin, Grandma~ma for you.

~mas to Suzi and Kristin.

she followed me in here, climbed on the bed, and began looking over my shoulder again

My first thought was "is her mother a cat?". And yes, I understand very well why it's driving you crazy, and it should be. How about the "I love you and happy that you're here, but it seems like we have differences about what privacy is. I'm a grown up person, I have my own life, I don't bring you to work with me and it's very not OK for you be involved with the things in *my* life I don't want you to be involved with" approach?

I hear jet planes flying over my house. One after another.

On a Saturday.

They never fly on Saturdays. Mom thinks the Gaza operation began, I don't think so, at least until I'll hear reports on the radio.

Stupid Middle East. Don't you know that there are no wars during the winter?

Edit: it's on. Internet and radio reports IDF started bombing the Strip.

Oh no Shir. I'm so sorry.

On a cheerful note, my Mom was just as thrilled as I was by my secret santa gifts. She also pointed out you gave me a shawl, which is way more awesome than a scarf. It kept my head warm for the 40 degrees fahrenheit walk to my car tonight. Mom is probably the biggest fan of the buffistas who doesn't actually read the board. She's even asked me to ask the hivemind for advice on occasion.

"At least" the government is saying that they don't plan to bring in infantry into the Strip. I guess they have learned something.

I wouldn't be so worried if not for my mom. She's really concerned. It's usually the opposite.

Edit: Glad you and your mom love the gifts.

calm ~ma for you and your mom. I wish I could think of something comforting or helpful to say. I can think of a lot of lame & hollow shit but I keep deleting it.

IDF are saying the first wave ended, more to come. Palestinians reports on 8 casualties and dozens of wounded.