Speaking as an "old but still got her fingers crossed that she'll pull it off" chick I think its important to hear the "it went fine" side as well. Sensitivity is great and important and I'm all for it, but "problems" aren't the entire story. I've known several people now who were shocked that they didn't have any problems conceiving after 35. Infertility at that point doesn't become inevitable, it just becomes more likely.

My grandmother had her first (and only) child at age 38. This was 1947, so no fertility treatments, and no problems that I know of.

When did "conservative" become synonymous with "Christian"? I just read an article that stated Chick Fil-A is closed on Sundays, a reflection of the company's conservative roots.

I noticed similar things when articles were talking about organizations that lost money to Bernie Madoff, and a bunch of them would say things like "liberal organizations such as ..." and then the list would include a few actual liberal organizations and the rest were Jewish community groups.

It's much higher now, and shouldn't be a problem. I hope. I think a truck took it out, not the wind.

hooray! Hope it holds up!

Happy happy birthday, Cass!

(okay, here's the thing. I first wrote "giant-ass meara" and then realized how that sounded. Followed with "large meara," "long-assed meara," and finally conceded that there's no adjective I can use on the term without somehow indirectly, unintentionally, and incorrectly applying it to the person the term was coined after. So.) meara-ing:

Comfy sox. Er, wishing comfort to sox.

I want to just quote Laura's whole post here. And then give her enormous hugs for being silly and wonderful.

Oh, let us not even discuss gaining weight on a 1200 calorie diet. Done it, documented it, and invited the doctor to follow me around to prove it. Where're my magic nutrient pills, again? Food, such a trial.

OMG, I hid under the bed when the high school reunion people came calling. DNW, ever, under any circumstances. High school IS hell, and I want no reminders. College? Enh. I've moved on. Yes, I keep in touch with a couple of people and keep tabs on classmates that actually worked in the business. But it's a mild interest at best. Why would I want to "reconnect"? I guess it's good H and I wound up together, as he has declined personal reunions with his college roommate and a close college friend--"We're not the same people, and why now?"--and his Battalion reunion. I'd have been up for that one, but he would not be moved even to take the phone calls. Nostalgia is better for being wrapped in rosy mists, I think.

Happy Birthday, Cass! Man, my forties were fabulous. I'd like those forties back again, please. I fell apart at 29, but 30 was easy--early thirties were pretty good, but 33-39 were a hell I'd never want to relive. Forties? Man, the brakes were off and I was lovin' life. H hit a good period then too, and it was a long halcyon period for the marriage. Nice. Fear not the forties!

Vortex, I can smack'em for you if you don't want to bother. Fidiots.

I can raise my left eyebrow, does one count? Can't do the other. Can wink either eye, though. I always wanted to be able to cross one eye at a time, like Nanette Fabray.

Impolite people asking intrusive questions: I usually hope I know them well enough to deflect their question by asking them something hideously embarrassing instead. In a politely interested tone, of course. With one raised eyebrow. I never claimed to be a nice person.

My heirs and assigns have been expressly forbidden to care for me directly in my dotage. Been on the other side of that equation and wouldn't wish it on my dearest.

Yay, Trudy feet! And also yay! cable resolution for smonster!

Wow, that was a bad-ass meara. (See what I did there?)

Hee! Saving that one for later, thanks!

It was a bad-ass meara, indeed.

In case anyone is curious, this is my friend's husband and his new book: [link] As I said, I haven't read any of his books, but they get very good reviews. And he's taking over the Spenser series.

I haven't read any of his books, but they get very good reviews. And he's taking over the Spenser series.

Oh, I've heard of him (lately wrt the Spenser series-- it was in some of my news feeds).

Yeah, smonster, a book purchase isn't a requirement nor is it bad etiquette. I love when people come to signings just to say hi.

And he's taking over the Spenser series.

Hey what now? I love that series and didn't know it would continue past Parker's Death. But, damn, isn't Spenser like 70 years old now?

I just might buy a copy anyway! It sounds all Justified-y. He and A met when they were both crime reporters in St. Pete's, FL. For true. I've seen her since they got married at rugby reunions, but never met him. And she's about to have her second kid in a few weeks! ::plots road trip to Oxford::