In order not to argue with him all the time , I flipped a switch in my head and said to myself "This is not a conversation, this is a show. I am not part of this, I am watching this." When he is not expounding, that's when I talk to with him. When he is in a rant, I literally just nod and smile.

This is a very good strategy, Scrappy. Wise.

Hey, MFN! Good to see you around.

Scrappy is, yet again and still, wise. I need to try that next time I visit my granddad.

Made it back to Nora's. Yay for easy-going peoples I just met going ten rather bumpy blocks out of their way to brig me here. Saw Mack and Smitty and some other folks, met new folks, heard gospel and r&b and rap and brass band and poetry and soul. Did not eat shrimp, I don't know why. Did buy yet another book and a t-shirt. Talked to B in KC... crush still unabated.

Lost pronouns somewhere between L9 and IC. Sleep now. Happy here.

I've gotten better at it. But not entirely. My dad was an attorney so there's more than the usual amount of arguing and attacking. Still, ugh!

Lots of deep breaths.

I'm trying to get my pennies together to take a sort of "farewell to the Bay Area" trip that I couldn't do when I was still up there because I had to babysit the house for selling. My mom asked if I was sure I wanted to spend the $ on the trip but at this point I think I need a break away just for my sanity. Even though, yes, spending $ makes it that much harder to save to move out of here and on my own again.

Hi Cass! Nice to be seen.

smonster is having the kind of vacation I would have liked to have had this year. Socially relevant and fun. I love to read just how much you and Nora have fallen in love with NO.

Maria! I've missed you.

I should, however, be in bed. The dog has much better sleeping habits than I do. He tried to drag me to bed at about 11, gave up on me and is occupying the exact center of my bed, snoring slightly.

Come back, Maria.

Maria! I've missed you.

ME TOO

When are you coming to visit us?

You know, I think everyone should keep a Ginger and Perkins around for ego boosting. IJS. I've missed you guys too.

Perkins, before the end of the year, but unfortunately not for your birthday shindig. That potential scheduling conflict with DH is now most definitely a conflict. Once you have a better idea of your schedule, let me know. I don't want to come out when folks are otherwise occupied.

I WANT MFN VISIT.

I am working. Again. And kind of got snotty with the boyfriend and said something about well at least I've got something to do on Saturday nights. This is not a knock on my friends, but I am really, really missing dates. I frakking am sick of my own company, but I'm not really seeking out the company of friends, either. I have tons of friends and could go out every damned night, that's not the issue. The issue is I want DATES. Damn it.

So.

Back to work. I am almost done with this meeting package (you create a "Meeting Package" when you have a big meeting with FDA). Our meeting is in [redacted, forgot this place was public], so this gets sent tomorrow in email. Then on Tuesday in an eCTD submission (P-C and Meara will understand my gobbeldygook), then 40 tabbed (each volume has 100+ tabs) hardcopies get shipped on Friday. Almost done!

Once you have a better idea of your schedule, let me know.

Will do. I may not know for a month or so, but with any luck, once we get past September, I'll be able to make plans.

Maria! I've missed you.

What the clever and talented ladies said! Maria, it's wonderful to see you.