I didn't file any claims with insurance on the vehicles, and the cops didn't charge him with anything. Basically my position on the driving is that he has proven 3 times that he is a reckless driver by wrecking vehicles I purchased. Perhaps he will be more cautious with a vehicle he purchases. As a loving and responsible parent I can not justify giving the keys to a kid that has this driving record when I have every reason to believe he is going out partying with his friends. I honestly believe lives may be at stake and I won't change my mind no matter how pissed he gets.

We will probably meet with him this weekend and see if we can come up with a plan. Maybe living with one of his aunts or uncles. Near a bus route. I told him I would call him later after I talk to his father and brother.

I really do appreciate the support and positive vibes.

Thoughts and ~ma for the situation with B, Laura.

The filming went great! We loved the couple doing the road trip and interviewing, and the project is fantastic. They told us about the people they met in Northern Ireland from across religious communities, and the couple who live in the remote lighthouse in the north of Scotland, and the people from Liverpool who had an arranged marriage. Very cool. Plus, they liked us (even my story about how we met through a mutual interest in Buffy and then The Girl spurned me for eight months). If they make a webisode of us, or we end up in the final documentary, I'll link to it.

What a fun project, Seska. I would love to see the final product.

I saw an interview with an Irish gentleman years ago who was being asked what he attributed his successful marriage to. His wife had just passed and they had been married for something like 70 years.

His answer was beautifully elegant:

"Every day...we had a laugh."

I hope we get to see the interview, Seska!

Seriously, today was so great. W (the new social programs manager) took us all to lunch, she talked to them each one on one, we cleared the air this morning, I got to tell them that they're being extended for two months, and everyone worked together really well today. After W talked to each of them, she was like, OMG, I am going to go home and have a drink for each of them, just because of the shit they're going through. I was like, welcome to my world, girl. I'm glad they brought her on. She strikes me as highly effective and empathetic without being a softie, and she will go to bat for these kids. Hell yes. It's going to be hard to leave.

Later tonight, my roomie and I are taking Frankie to our local dog-friendly bar, which is of course owned by a New Orleanian. WHEE!

That interview sounds fun, Seska.

I'm going to be going to Florida with the family over spring break. Beach! Sun! Lack of snow! Warmth!

Where, Hil? I think everyone should come to Florida for Spring Break. Just stay off the highways during rush hours. We don't need the extra traffic.

Sarasota. Siesta Key, I think.

I have lost all momentum to pack my office. And the bitchy woman from my boss' office called to ask if I could meet with this annoying guy next week, after I've left. And I said "I don't want to make any commitments until I know what's going on at the law school" and she says "I talked to them and they said it was fine." I said "who did you talk to?" (since I know that my new boss is out of town) and she stammered and said "I talked to Dean X" I replied, "well, I don't work for Dean X, I work for Dean Y (Dean X's boss). Best I can do is an early meeting on Tuesday after they pick up my boxes at the old office." she was really pissed, but I didn't care.

Good news, smonster!

Seska, that sounds so great. I hope we get to see the finished effort, too.

Laura, hon. Oy. That's a good stance to have, though and a good line to draw. All strength and courage to you. And a world of let-him-get-it, sooner rather than later.

Ooh, Vortex, I don't care either. I just said something excessively rude in her direction. Ptui.

sj, two seems about the age when they do that. It's both self-reassuring and orienting for them, I think. And also cute.