Huh. There's a new show that's like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, except they renovate schools. I'm uncertain about it so far. The stuff they're doing is good, but almost all of it is stuff that shouldn't have to rely on private donations at all. And they're redoing a science classroom and lab, but they haven't said yet whether they're going to provide anything for restocking the supplies.

I am now 0-for-2 in finding black pumps at Easy Spirit. I asked about 6 or 7 different shoes, and only 1 was available in my size. It was too tight.

Zappos!

I will make sure you have excellent handlers traveling through the mazes with you.

Thank you? I think? Because I know this statement could have a couple of different meanings.

I did a couch-to-5k thing. It went pretty well and I was in much better shape at the end of it. Then I slacked off and rejoined it the next year. I think I ended up doing it three times, and stopped when I wrenched the hell out of my ankle. On a walk. Now I'm hitting the stationary bike instead.

I can't believe I'm celebrating a $550 outlay, but it's a $1500 savings, so you know, I'll take it.

Any chance you can take advantage of the delayed opt-in thingy and not lay out the cash? You know, have the paperwork and only send it in if you end up needing the insurance during that window.

(I realize that you of all people cannot assume you will not be needing your medical insurance, but since you can pay COBRA retroactively there isn't a risk if you're still in that window and you need to use it.)

ION, sister is not yet in surgery she is still in pre-op. Turns out her surgeon is behind schedule. Surgeon! Take your time! Seriously, do what you need to do with the patient you have, take whatever break you need -- sis is dosed to the gills and waiting comfortably. The fam can sit here freaking out for a while.

Trudy, I think the $550 is her Cobra payment.

I wish I was doped to the gills and resting comfortably.

A commercial informs me that, if Joe Sestak wins, the government will take away my rights. The only right they actually specify is owning a gun, but most of the commercial is just talking about how Joe Sestak and Big Government are going to come take away our rights.

Trudy, I think the $550 is her Cobra payment.

I know. But you have a "deciding" period with COBRA -- so you can have the paperwork in hand and have 60 or 90 (can't remember) days to send it in. When you send it in with the check, it goes into effect retroactively.

So what you can do when you have a short window you need covered is just not pay unless you end up using it.

The odds of ita having to use it are, sadly, high -- but she doesn't have to pay if she doesn't end up using it.

(Obviously this needs to be discussed with her actual HR person. But its true! It's true!)

Oy. New sister news. The gall bladder is inflamed enough that they may not be able to remove it laproscopically.

Every prayer in the WORLD that they can. Various health issues make full abdominal surgery on the kid particularly risky stuff.