Consuela, thanks for the link to the bacteria article!

Man, I would love to do something like xkcd's squirrel-and-bird-bombing of loud-music-playing-drivers. It's a problem here. And that would be a better solution than an EMP gun, which is what I really wanted.

Payroll tax - my paycheck decreased by about $62. Not terrible. I'll tell myself that I'm helping Uncle Sam, and once I pay off my 401k loan, I'll get twice that back to my paycheck, so there's some incentive. 2013 will be the Year of Austerity for me; I've let my credit spending get out of control again, and I mean to pay it all off this year.

I wonder where I can re-claim that money?

I could do this too. I could cancel my gym membership, it's ridic expensive, $80 a month for something I almost never do. I can stop buying clothes, I have everything I need right now and a size down too. Shoes too. Definitely stop buying stuff off eBay, I don't need anything. I could sell some stuff on eBay, I've been putting it off because I don't like dealing with people, but in debt-paying-off mode every dollar I can bring in counts.

Liese, you are a good person for rescuing the fly.

We need to cut some of our spending too. sigh. But at least most of what comes to mind for me really does seem like unnecessary spending, like our Y membership and paying for more cable/modem than we use, etc. But ugh, don't like dealing with stuff.

I just killed the biggest mosquito I've ever seen. Good lord, has that been biting the kids?

Good vibes to you and your DH, Sox.

And happy birthday, Aeryn!

ED is having a 360 review and we're included in the process. He tells us a day and a half before we leave for the weekend that if there are any negative comments, he'd like a heads up so that he isn't blindsided. Which, honestly, I think is fair in concept, but not in the "8 staff members might need to schedule private meetings in the space of the next 14 work hours" reality. I decided that whatever negs I might have in his review are things that would be most appropriate to take up with him one on one, and aren't issues for the Executive Committee to address, so am leaving it at that. And for me, they're issues that EVERY SINGLE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR has if they don't have a hort background, in that they have no f***ing clue the amount of labour or money it takes to make a place look good, and keeps thinking that more volunteers is the answer. Volunteers rock, they're awesome, they make the world go round, but at some point one more dedicated staff person is needed than we have. Especially if he wants weekends staffed (f***er was in food service before, so he doesn't blink at working weekends, and doesn't realize it's a big freaking deal for the only two staff members to be expected to suddenly take to working swing weeks like it's no big). So, yeah, I have issues, but I don't need to cry to the grandparents about it, and yet still take issue that he gave this caveat at the last minute.

I am in a similar boat, Burrell - I have ongoing expenses that are clearly unnecessary, but getting rid of the, would be a hassle. They need to go, though. Next month. I'm too tired for January to have a lot of stuff getting done in it.

I was going to cancel my gym membership because I never used it, but now that gym is closing and my membership has been transferred to a different gym that has a pool and a sauna and a steam room. I do love a steam room. So maybe I'll actually use that? I don't know what it'll cost, though, I assume the price goes up with all these fancy amenities. It's still within walking/jogging/biking distance of home, though,which I like a lot.

A problem for February.

I don't suppose anybody wants to make/go out and get a manhattan and drink it for me?

Oh, Lee, how you tempt me. I almost went out for my favorite manhattan tonight, but the place was really crowded, and I decided that I would wait to see if I was (were to be?) motivated later. is this a sign? Hmmm. Of course, it's like 34 degrees out.

Thanks Lise and Burrell and everyone. DH had bad heartburn indeed. And reflux. Would have been good to check this out at 9am when the pain started, but you know, waiting until 4:30 pm to tell anyone has never hurt, right?

I may be a little alarmed and freaking out at the moment, but your ~ma helped tremendously.

Liese, you are kinder about flies than I am! Or than anyone I know might be.

So, I had to join Appliance Repairs Forum so I can figure out how to disassemble the clutch in my washer. That's nuts, right?

Also, girl scout cookie time is coming. FYI, if you want a girl scout fix, you can go download the cookie locater app and it will tell you where there is a cookie booth in your area. Nuts, right?