We'll have a good time, I'll try to steer the convo away from work, and at some point as things develop see if there's any way I can prevent it from being a total blindside. Best I can do, I think.

"sand cat" - isn't that a derogatory name for a leopard?

Why would that be derogatory? I mean, in a cat context.

Why would that be derogatory?

Was it a joke?

So your cousin is on the court facing the Williams Sisters right now?

Yes. The black one, for the record.

The commentary is pretty nice about them, but cops to not knowing much about her, and they did mention this would be easier if she were taller.

I can't imagine being a doubles player who doesn't have a set in stone partner. I'm not sure who she generally works with, but it's not this woman. Sometimes she just travels--shows up at the tournament, hoping she can get in, and hoping she finds someone she can play with. Yikesy.

Brenda, that's remarkably uncomfortable.

K is a phenomenal worker who is nonetheless somewhat abrasive and simply cannot stop railroading people or pissing them off.

Oh, I remember you having this problem before. How awkward. And how awful for her--at least you could offer to be a reference? Is there any way she can convert to working where somehow more only her output matters? Eesh. I sometimes worry about this for myself (but other times just am annoyed by how stupid some people are..)

Eeeeeh, cousin of ita on my TV! Serving!

Artist Explores the Sea in Her Wheelchair

Sue Austin, an artist in the UK, can see the wonders of the ocean without leaving her wheelchair:

To move through oceanic depths, the wheelchair uses a propeller and fins positioned at the back of Austin’s legs that allow her to steer via an acrylic strip attached to her feet. According toSmartPlanet, the design originally proved challenging since most propeller models rely on hand movements, but Austin lacks the strength to maneuver them properly. Instead, the team worked to make her wheelchair more buoyant by modifying the heel plates into fins and tweaking the seat to cope better with underwater pressure.

At the link, you can watch a mesmerizing video of Ms. Austin moving easily through the water.

Eesh. I sometimes worry about this for myself

Trust me, no.

I'll definitely give her a reference, and hopefully (if she's not too pissed off to be interested) give her some freelance work unless/until she takes another position. What we do involves a lot of personal interaction, but at least right now I know that my stakeholders are likely to be more tolerant than her current team, since they know how good she can be.

Also, yay cousin ! of ita !

Threepeat:

Okay, time to put on outside pants and go have fun. Compartmentalization ahoy.