And here is prayer stuff for the Sisters of Mercy [link]

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Glam, sleep is so important. And you are both raising a child and CREATING one. If there is a safe way to relax and sleep, do it.

I woke up super early and could not fall back asleep this morning. I am stumbling through the day.

I also smell like green oil because I sunburned the underside of my arm yesterday from inside the house. Apparently standing by an open window for hours exposes you to sun. The green oil is awesome but the smell is making the sleep dep ooky feeling worse.

Also if I had any idea of when I'm crossing the line into "too little support/restraint".

I changed my mind on what to wear to my parents' Suday and realized about an hour after I was there that I'd gotten the bra/dress config totally wrong. Mentally that was an awkward nine hours until I left. My car should have a setting where it won't start if I've played the boobs wrong.

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A belated idea for meara: The Trappist monastery south of Atlanta makes some good stuff [link] They're pretty devoted to the Benedictine edict that monks should make their living with their own hands. Locally, they sell herbs and bonsai.

The first time I went to the monastery, the monks had just given up the rule of silence, although a number of the monks continued with it. Our guide, however, appeared to be trying to make up for 20 years of silence.

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Hey, I've been there! They are good people.

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y'all.

One of my colleagues at the place I left had a serious mental health crisis which involved a lawsuit. Anyway, I was advised by my department chair and others not to speak to said colleague even though he was among the people I had known the longest.

When I left my place of employment, I left pretty much without saying goodbye to anyone except my students and the administrative staff.

I am still doing quite a lot of biz at former place and needed to speak to previous colleague about some research. He UNLOADED in an email about how he is mad at me for my silence, that I took a research project away from him and blah blah.

I spent 20 minutes how to decide how to respond to said unloading. The problem is his mental health is really not very good (he is really really paranoid among other things). So I cannot engage in his 3 page single space email rant. On the other hand, I do miss the friendly relationship we once had.

I wrote a short but sweet email message. It won't satisfy him, but that was the best way (I think) not to inflame him.

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I really appreciate the suggestions, thanks guys! There is also a Catholic store in Seattle I've been to for gift-buying a couple times, so may see what they've got there for a stocking stuffer with a charity gift. (And hey, if I ever need a "congratulations on the 20th anniversary of your ordination" card I know where to find one...)

Le N that sounds really tough. Fine line to walk. Good luck.

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OMG. my email apparently worked. His reply:

"thank you for understanding."

Damn.

I'm ready for the Secretary of State position, Mr. President!

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Well, there's an opening. You've got my vote.

As an aside, if anyone is looking for gifts on the more hippy-dippy side of religious, Koinonia Farm is pretty freaking awesome. (And not in the way that'll get Teppy on my case.)

[link]

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My car should have a setting where it won't start if I've played the boobs wrong.

I dunno. This sounds like something for the game thread. Maybe you need a good GM. Billytea is AWESOME at BSG. I wonder how he would be as Boob Game Master?? I guess the big question would be, would the back channel conversations be gossipy, or just part of the game?

t /snerk

ION - As I was driving in to work, I had the sudden rememberance, that one of the students hates mushrooms as much as me, but for the life of me, can't recall if that was the guy I drew for secret santa or not. Ugggg. Don't want to buy cool gift to grow food that he might not like. I hate when I over think things, and get vapor locked.

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Find some frozen stuffed mushrooms. Make them, bring them a as treat to work. See if he take one.

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