Oh, Shir. How much of a friend can this person be, if you don't feel close enough to tell her how you feel - or is there simply no way to do that which is not disloyal to your parents? I know you this has been your safe place to vent your thoughts and feelings, but are you able to let your true feelings on the matter show at all to the people around you?

I don't know about not feeling close enough to her, Andi. In most friendships here we try not to bring the political questions, since it's a delicate matter and can be a deal breaker, so to speak. It usually gets left behind until something too big is happening which can't be ignored on daily talks. But no one will start a conversation with "what a a-hole X or Y is" (X/Y being a political figure) without knowing the other's agenda first.

I don't know how to answer the last part of your question. My parents know how I feel about this and how hard this is for me. But I know that this is the better option for us as a family. I let most people around me know how I feel, but I keep it on a low flame - most of my friends, again, since politics is a delicate subject here - knows I'm not too happy about it, but they don't know just how much.

This whole summer was a long chain of struggles, and I lost most of them. I just want to rest now.

Literature review (chapter 2 of the dissertation) now at 1700 words. Aiming to get to somewhere between 2500 and 3000. Suddenly quite pleased with my progress and finding the point of all that pre-writing reading and planning. Hurrah.

Shir, continuing best wishes for your move. When do you actually relocate? I hope it's as straightforward a move as possible under the circumstances.

Buffistas aren't Yetis.

You don't know. Some of us might be. The computer screen could hide a multitude of interesting physical and/or species diversity.

The move should be in about 2 weeks.

Buffistas aren't Yetis.

You don't know. Some of us might be.

I'm telling you! Trying to get a brush through my hair in the morning pretty much confirms my Yeti-American status.

Jeez, I think it looks really pretty, Tep. Although I get the 'no shape" thing--with fine hair you gotta be vigilant and you know your head best. Still, I like the longer hair on you.

Awww, thanks! I'm going to tell The Boy that you support him in e-mail online.

Her doctor is out of town, and she doesn't feel comfortable with a different doctor, so they just decided to do a home birth. I don't know much about birth, but deciding on a home birth on that day seems like a bad idea, yes?

Er, yes. Home births need more planning than the hospital kind, not less.

Simon Pegg on Twitter:

Read the Twilight books on hols. Really enjoyed them in a sort of 'creepy old man reading delusional, horny, daughter's diary' way

For a slightly more adult skewed werewolf novel, read Toby Barlow's, Sharp Teeth. Utterly brilliant.

Oh come on, the Cullens are so up themselves. Pretentious much? You're vamps for frick's sake, drink human blood and stop crying! (help)

I'm definitely team Jacob. I much rather have good abs and burst sneakers than liquid topaz eyes and a fear of hand jobs.

I &hearts Simon Pegg!

I'm really paying today for my klutziness yesterday. So sore.

what would you say to a student of yours about a B?

You attempting to apply logic to the illogical. :)

In all seriousness re: grades...I will not be a grade nazi with Em and/or other kids. A B is a good grade. I just need to remind myself occasionally that I am not perfect and that if this were all that easy, everyone would do it.

This whole summer was a long chain of struggles, and I lost most of them. I just want to rest now.

Oh, Shir. This makes me so sad. I just want to curl up next to you and snuggle. If this idea freaks you out in a personal bubble kind of way, take heart that I meant it well and am entirely too far away to implement it.

I can has new Lucero cd! I'm loving the horn section. I may go burble in Music at some point, if I can get beyond flailing and exclamation points.