With the miniaturization of cell phones the Star Trek NextGen communicator isn't far away.

For all I know there could be a Bluetooth one already in production.

headscarf (can't remember the proper name)

Hijab, and I've seen that too. Excellent use of materials at hand.

fuhgeddaboutit.

How the heck can they attach a scarf firmly enough to their heads that they can tuck a phone in there and not have it fall out? I can't keep a bandanna from sliding backwards off my head.

I'm glad the surgery went well, Brenda.

I'm have trouble with my dog patient, because I'm supposed to have him do slow walking, but since he is completely clueless about the leash, I don't know how to do that. The incision is healing well, but he's really favoring the leg. Also, he has fur on his feet and he slips on the floor. He really dislikes my attempts to trim his feet.

I don't know if I want a sanity check or just to whine. I have played trivia with the same people every Tuesday for eight years. Every year we've had a gift exchange and brought cookies for Christmas, and we'd normally do that next week. Some of the people have been friends since high school, and there have been several instances in the past in which they've been talking to each other and made decisions about the whole group. Apparently a husband and wife and one other friend were talking about it, and they decided not to do presents. The couple just announced tonight that we're not doing presents.

One, I've already bought a present that I thought would be entertaining, and it's not returnable. Two, I think the whole group should decide to change something we've done so long. The woman who announced we're not doing presents said, "I'm tired of hearing about people who complained about what they got." I've never complained or heard a complaint. It's not always something I want, but it's the luck of the draw. Anyway, now I feel depressed and like I'm still not really part of the group after all these years.

How you tie and tuck the hijab actually has religious significance. Different ways of folding are indicative of belief or adherence. Which is more interesting than relevant, except that it's not like throwing on a bandana, which I can't manage either.

That's really shitty, Ginger.

I concur with brenda.

can we organize a gift exchange with you? I know the secret santas and slacker santas are doing their thing, but I'd be more than happy to enter into a Ginger gift exchange.

Fuck them.

The last thing that was said was, "Well, bring your present and maybe someone else will bring one."

It's not the presents; it's once again feeling like I'm on the outside looking in.

damn. way to get into the Christmas spirit.

I think you need to talk to them about this.