Oh, Karl. So sorry. Many virtual hugs to you and a raised glass to her spirit.

Zen - comment about something you have in common and/or ask a question about something in his profile that intrigues you. It sounds obvious and yet weird to contemplate, but I've found that people are much more likely to email back if you ask a question.

{{{Cashmere}}} I'm sorry to hear about your mom. Much ~ma to her and Fuck cancer.

Also, for what it's worth, academic geeks.

Deepest sympathies to Karl and Cashmere. I'm so sorry for your sadness.

Sorry Cashmere.

My grandma had it in the 1970s (with operation) and survived for decades afterward. Congenital heart failure took her out - which I think was due to her diabetes. Here's hoping your mother's can get dealt with quickly and successfully.

But since bonny gets by without a car most of the time, I'm guessing she's not going to be using the car anywhere near daily.

smonster knows me. Except for driving her to and from the airport, I might use the car once in the two and a half weeks. I suppose I should be embarrassed about how little I travel any further than I can walk on a regular basis.

Yesterday, she mentioned that she's like me to manage her appointments calendar while she's away too but she's done me the favor of finding someone else to water the yard.

Oh, and about the car. I can use it, but the air conditioning is broken, so I'll have to take it to the repair shop for her while she is away.

bonny, I am a last minute forgetful favor-asker, and I still think that's shitty. Sounds like a talk is in order for you to lay out how much notice you need and that you may not always be available. I assume you give her fair notice for use of the car? Could you use that as your departure point?

I have never, ever used the car when it was not totally convenient for her. My efforts to avoid inconveniencing her are legendary. The only time I ever I needed last minute help was when I took Bartleby to the emergency room and could not get a zipcar.

smonster, you are right about the needed convo. I'm calling her to have that conversation in about a half hour.

Honestly, it isn't that the tasks are that hard...except that I DO stress about taking care of a living thing...it's that I feel totally taken for granted. A Please and thank you would be nice. That's all I'm saying.

Thanks for the good thoughts peeps. I've been away from the board all day or I'd have said so before!

Oh, Karl. Oh, Cash. Sending you both all kinds of love.

Oh Karl - I'm so sorry to here that.

And Cash - that just sucks.

Karl, I am very sorry to hear about your mom.

Cashmere, I am hoping for the very best outcome possible. I'm sorry to hear the news.