Spinach empanada for dinner. And a fauxshake.

Despite my travel tomorrow essentially not being that much different a schedule than a normal day (I just have to get up earlier) and not really needing to pack anything, I am in travel tizzy. And Weds I'm having a carpenter come out to give me advice on my doors/see if she can manage it. And Thurs, I have someone from [link] to pick up my old Nat'l Geographics and assorted magazines. But I have to figure out which box they are in.

I'm seeing my aunt tomorrow!

There's someone who wants old Nat'l Geo and assorted magazines?

There are a lot of people who want old magazines! I had a bunch of lady magazines I put on the craigslist free section, and the woman who picked them up was going to send them to soldiers! Not to mention artists, art programs, etc.

From last night alone (no bites before this) I have over 40 bug bites! They are all below the waist, too. This happened last summer, but not this summer up to this point. What is eating me? Do I need a mosquito net? And for the love of God, could I just stop itching?!?

Apparently I got canvassed in Chicago the day after I got back from San Francisco, and was issued a voter registration card that arrived in the mail today. That day I took a taxi to work and carried my CSA haul home, and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have stopped to be canvassed when carrying that much shit, especially as I've been registered to vote since 2006.

Oh, Chicago.

They just had their budget slashed, lost half their staff, and are scrambling for materials. They were also looking for ties for interviews and people to teach life skills sessions. It's kind of a depressing list. Ties. Can't even afford ties. For at risk youth.

I was at a consignment store in an upscale neighborhood today and bought JZ a nice dress. (Claude Rene, $8)

I was sorely tempted by a Dana Buchman 2-piece silk suit for Jacqueline. It was only like $5, but it was a size 10 and she wears a size 8.

Should I go back and get it and see if it fits her anyway? It was a cool design, jacket and pants.

I guess I could offer it up to anybody here that wears a size 10 if its too big for JZ.

There was also a really cool jacket that was a size 12. Black, very contemporary looking zipper front. Also $5.

Oh, Chicago.

Hey, at least you're alive and a possible voter!

It's kind of a depressing list. Ties. Can't even afford ties. For at risk youth.

Yeah, I'm sure food and pens are higher on the list. It's funny ("funny") how much attention big funders are paying to Out of School Time right now, and how few are actually paying for running the programs.

That's pretty common, sarameg. The ties thing, actually. We had professional dress day on Wednesday's at the school I used to teach at, and male teachers would always bring in their old ties and belts, and give them out.

Whenever I found a nice one at a thrift store, I used to pick them up. I kept a loaner on hand, and quietly provided them to other boys. Still can't tie one.

It's worth it to ask men in your life if they have a tie or two to get rid of. Most guys do, especially if you know any men who dress more formally in their professional life.

Should I go back and get it and see if it fits her anyway?

Sure! Women's clothing sizes are notoriously unreliable. It might fit; it might need a couple small alterations. If it just doesn't fit, you still have a excellent item for cheap that someone else will surely want.