So I loaded up on strategically-timed melatonin and valerian (I forgot what all the other suggestions were when I got to the store!) and fell asleep early! Awesome. Except I did wake up at 4, but THEN I fell back asleep! Am feeling 90%, which is plenty.

FWIW, muscle relaxants help me sleep, probably because my muscles get loose enough that my mind follows suit.

Gentle exercize -- earlier in the day -- also promotes better sleep, likewise because the worked-out muscles release hormones or whatever that tells the body to shut it down.

Valerian knocks me out like a light. I'm a little afraid if it. Melatonin makes me fall asleep quickly and sleep hard for three or four hours, but then I'll probably wake up and have to try to get back to sleep.

meara, I don't know, passing the exam doesn't mean I get a job, it just puts me in the running, and who knows what kind of openings they will have (especially since the department in question is merging with another one). I'm in no position to be turning down work, and I could see staying where I am long term, but if the examiner job comes along I probably would jump ship. OTOH, if I knew I didn't pass, can't take it again for a year so no dilemma.

Poking head to welcome Ford to the world - such great news! And, of course, with lots of wishes for him being completely well soon so he can go home and play with his older brother.

Also, according to billytea "If the Apocalypse Comes, Beep Me" Apr 29, 2009 11:40:24 am PDT today is Ryan's birthday (the end of April is apparently a good time for baby Buffista boys to be born), so happy birthday, Ryan!

I was sleeping fine last night until my dream started trying to wake me up because there was real-life pain. Medium story short -- I got bitten on the upper rump by a fucking stink bug.

First of all, get outta my bed! Gross. Second of all, who knew they bit? I didn't. And may I just say, it literally hurt like burning. Like a little fiery poker. What the hell. As if they're not disturbing enough without knowing that now.

Grump.

And on a completely different note:

Happy Birthday to Ryan!

Second of all, who knew they bit? I didn't. And may I just say, it literally hurt like burning. Like a little fiery poker. What the hell. As if they're not disturbing enough without knowing that now.

They bite? I didn't know that either, and we get them in the house all the damn time. I think on the stinkbug internet there's a stinkbug meetup group for our house.

Stink bugs bite?! Great. Also, ow! Sorry you got bitten, Jen.

Happy birthday, Ryan! Wow, four. Doesn't seem possible.

They bite?

Adding injury to insult.

I needed to google* to be sure I wasn't just making a leap because of the carcas, but there is considerable consensus on the pain level and look of the bitten area. Just... they do not need extra reasons to be a scourge. They're plenty scourgey.

Seems like when they get caught up between skin and clothes or bed, they strike out. Makes sense, but, they can still fuck right off.

*Actually, I had to bing. Google.com keeps pretending it doesn't exist this morning. Weird.

Ew and ow, Jen! Yikes.

Happy birthday, Ryan!