I think you've got to have a strategy to get through winter.

Drinking.

Actually, my strategy to get through this winter is indulging in elaborate neo-romantic goth fashion. Long skirts with ruffles, lace cravats, velvet everywhere. It seems to be working so far.

Carnival season. Drinking + fancy dress + parades = win

Carnival season. Drinking + fancy dress + parades = win

Also a winner! Go NOLA.

I'm with Allyson in finding the taking down of decorations depressing, but also kind of purging in a way. Starting the year and all that. My plan is take down next week, before my semester starts.

But the most important thing about today? I met my Dad's lady friend, and she is wonderful. I was predisposed to like her anyway, because she's made my Dad so happy, but she's a really good person. (Our version of good person, that is: kind, smart, and very snarky.)

That is wonderful! I am really happy for Dad. And really glad you also like her. Because, honestly, that matters. To him and to you. Kind, smart and snarky sounds very good.

"He kills naughty spiders."

Are there any other kind? Spiders all go to timeout. Some go to an outside timeout of their own free will. Others are squished into a more existential timeout.

Which may not work for everybody, but I think you've got to have a strategy to get through winter.

Rolex 24 and then the Daytona 500. So, yes, I have a strategy.

My tree is down, but everything isn't put away yet. I helped move furniture for an extremely pregnant friend this weekend and went to her baby shower, and I did a bunch of cooking, so time just sort of got away from me.

I like winter. This past weekend aside, I tend to feel sort of quiet and contemplative, which is often a good head space for me.

Are there any other kind? Spiders all go to timeout. Some go to an outside timeout of their own free will. Others are squished into a more existential timeout.

The daddy long-legs in our garage can stay. They prey on redbacks. For some reason, it brings this Community quote to mind:

"A six year-old girl could tell you off!"
"Yes, because that would be adorable!"
"No, because you're a five year-old girl and THERE'S A PECKING ORDER!"

Skipping oh-yeah-again because, according to the Buffista Calendar, today is Miracleman's birthday.

Happy birthday, MM! With lots of wishes for a great day and a wonderful year!

Okay, DH is off to the dr. Fingers crossed they can get this under control/it's not more serious than reflux.

Many happy returns, Joe!

Medical~ma, Sox!

I am enjoying the wintriness of this winter. Getting up before dawn means I get to see the sunrise (sometimes, when I am not already working, but today I am getting a good one), and so much darkness at night is helping ms sleep better, I think.

It helps that many of my plants are still lush and green and my bird feeders are seeing a lot of action.

work is a bunch of mini-clusterfucks today.

I think my boss is changing times of meetings on his calendar directly without sending a change to other people and/or changing the times of meetings that I am the originator of, NOT HIM. Our staff meeting time was one thing on his calendar and another on mine and everyone elses'. The invitation was sent from my calendar, so the time on mine should be for everyone. Him messing with stuff makes me look unorganized.

Another Director grabs me this morning to tell me that big boss wants in on a mtg and that "he knew nothing about it", said so accussingly. The meeting in question has been set up for weeks and I invited everyone the Director told me to. If the boss didn't know about the meeting, it is because you did not tell me to invite him and you never told him about it. NOT MY FAULT. Also, check the invitations you have me send out, have some responsibility for stuff. This Director is FOREVER having last minute meetings and wondering why things aren't done that he never told anyone about. I informed him that the Big Bosses day was full and that the invitation had been sent weeks ago to everyone he told me to include. pisser.