I really felt sort of alone while in childbirth. DH was there, my sister was there but it was just me and the contractions sort of working it out.

I felt like they were supportive bystanders but nobody else could really experience it with me.'

I didn't hate it.

So, the saga of my car has come to a near end.

A month ago I went through four alternators in the span of a week or so, in the middle of that, the engine ran horrible and I had to get new plugs, wires, and one set of a coil pack,plus a new battery and fusable link. Oh, and Andi splurged and got my A/C recharged. Total Cost: @ $400

Then they found that I need a new CV transaxle, as the CV boot was ripped. Haven't fixed that yet. Est: $500

The exhaust needs replacing. Est: $600

Then the driver's side electric window died after being replaced about a year ago. Est: $100

Last night? Smelled antifreeze, engine started getting hot, Pulled over, coolant leak. Had it looked at. Heater core in the firewall. Est: $1,100

Plus? they found evidence of a possible head gasket leak. Est: $800 and up.

I paid $1000 for the car. No way am I going to plow that much into something with passenger side damage and a salvage title.

Sigh.

Yikes, that's a lot of fixin in a car. Good luck!

I have nothing to add to the socialogical/anthropological/birth discussion. I will just say "I know nothin' about birthin' babies".

I have two elbow bandages. Yes, I gave blood. The first poke on the right arm missed. So the dude said "eh, rather than prod around in there, let's just give the other arm a shot". Um. OK! I'm all for not prodding around. So I switched chairs to a left arm chair, and the guy manning that station got me with no effort at all. Woot! So I gave (almost a full) pint of blood. Apparently started out going like gang busters, and then slowed down. The guy said "we are well past the minimum, since it's slowed down, let's call it a day for you". Um. Ok.

Pulse rate was exactly middle of "normal range" 80bpm. Blood pressure was right in that average/normal range 120/68. Hemoglobin just made it into normal range 13.7. So, does this count as a physical? (I hate going to doctors).

Since they poked me twice, they have me a coupon for a free pint of ice cream. And the give away was for free angels tickets. My summer TA (who is volunteering her time) has her mom visiting from out of town this week. So I'm giving her the ticket vouchers. I got invited to a game for Friday's game (which means free fireworks!), so I'm good. She's been a great help this summer. Seems the least I can do.

You're a mensch, Omnis.

Beams approvingly.

Go, omnis!

Shir, I look forward to your further thoughts.

DCJ, OMG, I'm so sorry. It's stories like that that make me not that sad that I can't drive anymore. UGH.

I have made it through two days of teaching. When is the semester over? (I do like teaching. It's just exhausting.)

Okay, here's the sitch - guy keeps suggesting that we go out, and sometimes even suggests a specific date, but keeps flaking. He's asked what my schedule is like for next week. Is this response too passive aggressive?

I'm busy this upcoming weekend, but next weekend is open for now. Of course, based on past experience, I won't worry about being double booked if something else comes up.

or should I just be frank and say

I'm busy this upcoming weekend, but next weekend is open for now. For the record, I really hate it when people don't follow through, so if you're going to suggest something, please actually do it.

(I don't always take my own advice but) frank is much better than passive-aggressive.

I prefer Door #2. As someone who is prone to flakiness, I'd rather know for sure that it's to be avoided.

If you like the guy and actually want to go out with him, I'd be nicer but firm. Something along the lines of "I'm open Wednesday but your past cancellations were disappointing. Can we make a firm plan?"