I am very reluctant to get a new cat because of anticipating the loss. I hope I get to a point where years of company are better than fear.

I don't think we'll get more cat because of my allergies.

And while I can't even think about Kato dying (he's slowing down a LOT, you guys), and I feel like it would be awful to get a new dog since it's just going to die some day, too -- I actually know we'll get another dog. (Which I secretly want to name Hercules Mulligan.) I just want it to be 50 years from now.

t edit Shit, I'm pretty old. We'll say 40 years from now.

Oh, Toke was in my dream last night! I won't even try to explain the setup, except that I had to fight TALKING SHEEP, and Slinky and Toke were sitting on a table, and Toke was actually dead!Toke, but then she came back to life and I was so happy and I just kept petting her, and then *she* started talking and told me "You really need to fight those sheep."

I don't even know with the sheep, man. I just don't.

Hercules Mulligan

The Stuff You Missed in History Class podcast has a couple episodes up on him right now.

I miss all my dogs, and my heart breaks every time, but family just doesn't feel right without one.

Awww Toke came back to say goodbye! Now I'm all sad too because she clearly loves you, Steph. Good kitty

You gotta stay on top of those talking sheep. Good of Toke to come back with such an important message.

But what do the talking sheep MEAN

I don't even KNOW, y'all. But I had a big-ass katana, so that was cool.

I am slightly panicked about this Idaho thing, and I'm in that state of mind where I'm working myself into more of a panic the more I think about it.

(Possible job offer for my husband in Idaho, for those of you not following Natter.)

There's a lot that's good. It's a big self-esteem boost for my husband, who's been out of work since August, to be pursued so vigorously. It's around a 15% bump in salary, relocation covered, great vacation and benefits. (Presumably it has to be, to get people to move to Idaho.)

I would probably not be able to get a job there, unless something opens up at the same place hiring him, which is somewhat of a possibility. I'd have to find long-distance work of some kind. It would get me out of this job, which is a positive.

It's far from family, again. My god, the crap I'm going to take from my mother. But it's 2 hours from a major airport hub. So it's not totally isolated.

I'm just torn. I was totally against it before he talked to them today, but there are so many positives, especially for him.

Man, that's a lot to think about, Dana. Preemptive hair pats for the costs incurred either way.

But what do the talking sheep MEAN

I'm gonna say societal pressure to conform trying to be a voice in your head telling what to do