That sounds pretty intense, Omnis. I hope his recovery goes well.

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I have gotten two tolerable nights of sleep in a row, sj. May that radical turnaround be contagious. I'm blowing sleep cooties in your direction right now. Shit, maybe that would work better if I hadn't washed my hands since I woke up almost not tired...

And some eye roll at my sister for her definition of "all is ok".

They're trying to make it so you can get all the news in context at once and not alone where you may freak out or turn to Dr. Internet and then freak out. And sometimes people find stuff hard to say over the phone, one way or another.

I'm not saying I don't hate it when it's done to me, just that I understand most of the motives. And they were planning to inform you! It's the "No one mentioned the colonoscopy to you? Despite his doctor's concern we're sure it's okay." or worse yet, when they deliberately are holding back information on a planned permanent basis that drives me screaming up a wall. I feel conflicted enough about my (pretty inviolable) call to live time zones away from my immediate family. But that doesn't mean I don't want to be involved.

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And some eye roll at my sister for her definition of "all is ok".

They're trying to make it so you can get all the news in context at once and not alone where you may freak out

Yup. I've done it myself. I've also had it done to me, so I *do* understand the reaction of "What do you mean, 'okay'? How does that qualify as 'okay'???"

But what it really means is, "The current crisis situation is over and resolved in as good a manner as possible and no one is dead. Details are forthcoming."

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Say, do you find yourself want to headdesk within 60 seconds of communication with them

Oh yes. Quite often. And my eyes hurt while talking on the phone from all the eye rolling. And my tongue hurts from the biting of my tongue. Which might explain why I haven't been as good at calling them this year. (since it seems only I know how to dial a phone in my family). Maybe it's for the best that we are on opposite sides of the country.

Also, I hate to be That Person, but it's a stent, not a stint.

Ha! No worries. Wasn't sure how it was spelled. Besides, you need to keep your editing skills up. No worries, I'll give you plenty of proof reading exercises. Do you have red pen ability for reading Buffistas?

:: ducks n covers ::

That sounds pretty intense, Omnis. I hope his recovery goes well.

The fact the idiot is drinking beers already shows he's not *feeling* bad. Doesn't say much for his judgement. I think his words were along the lines of "Well, I have all weekend to see how the drugs and the booze interact, so I'll be ready for work next week". It's shit like that, which causes my eyes to hurt as they roll back in their sockets.

Is anyone here well versed in reporting tax for the vesting of restricted stock when shares were withheld to cover said tax?

P-C, my sister is an EA (Enrolled Agent with IRS). She prepares taxes for a living. When it comes to doing taxes, they are better than a CPA, which just do the math really well, but generally don't know all the rules very well. Although, the EA will also be very strict about the rules, and less fudge factor to "cheat" on your taxes. (OK, that's the commercial, and the schpiel my sister gives). If you want, I can pass along her email. She's happy to answer questions and help you out, especially when it's not April 13 and she has 2,000 last minute taxes to do. Shoot me an email, and I'll pass on her info.

Have I mentioned how much I love seeing you around, Shir?

Just echoing Andi sentiment from way back, because it is worth repeating.

Thanks, everyone. I slept about 5 hours last night, but I'm somewhat awake and the brownies are in the oven for today's gathering.

SJ, glad to hear you got 5 hours. Hope you are feeling better.

Aims, how is the Miracleborn house doing today. Specifically, you and Joe? I just want to echo what some have already said. Please get it out of your head about "worst parents ever" or however you phrase it. You are NOT! You love. You nurture. And if you need proof, just look at your Facebook posts. See how you are with her at Girl Scouts. See how SHE is emulating you two with adorable nerdy things! If you were the worst parent ever, neither of those would happen. You both are caring, loving parents, who want the best for their daughter. No matter where you move, as long as you have that, then you are doing good. Loving family, who cares, shares, and participates is far more valuable to a good upbringing than tons of money, and want for nothing. As for the move. Yes, it will be difficult. Yes, it will be emotional. So. Here is a challenge for you and Joe. Make it a game. Make it an ADVENTURE. Spend the month packing (so you can take your time). Play hide/seek with the pets in boxes. Label them with goofy pictures. "Hey Em, these are DnD books, draw a cool picture on the box, to help us remember that". Something like that. Everyone knows it sucks. No need to beat the dead horse about it. At the risk of sounding cliche, "turn that frown, upside down". Just because it sucks, doesn't mean you can't have fun with it. Then, hopefully, it won't be as traumatic for her. Who knows, she may look back it as a fun time, "remember when we...."

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If you want, I can pass along her email. She's happy to answer questions and help you out, especially when it's not April 13 and she has 2,000 last minute taxes to do. Shoot me an email, and I'll pass on her info.

Thanks, omnis, I'd appreciate that! I feel like this should be simpler than it seems to be. I will still look into an accountant, but I have to get this IRS issue resolved in the next two weeks, so I just need some questions answered!

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P-C, insent.

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Do you have red pen ability for reading Buffistas?

I edit everything I read. In my head, but...yeah. I am 100% serious. I can't help it.

"Well, I have all weekend to see how the drugs and the booze interact, so I'll be ready for work next week"

Depending on what drugs they discharged him with -- and since he had a blood clot, I'd be willing to bet my severance that he was discharged with an anticoagulant and/or Plavix or the other drug in the Plavix family -- he's not just an idiot; he's doing something extremely dangerous, especially if he's still smoking.

It's only funny when it's Hank Hill who says "Toss me a beer; it's time to take my anticoagulant."

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That was funny, Tep. But you shouldn't do it in real life. So sorry about the tough times, Aims.

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That was funny, Tep.

I had it as a tagline for a while. Because it made me laugh my ass off. But mixing beer and anticoagulants isn't a great idea if you don't want to bleed out.

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Aims, how is the Miracleborn house doing today. Specifically, you and Joe?

Emeline and I spent the morning taking bottles back and taking coins to the bank.

I am angry. At myself. At Joe. At the decisions we've made together and separately. I have a massive headache. Joe's at work so I would imagine he's got a headache as well. Fortunately, Joe and I spent a lot of money on therapy this year - both individual and marriage - that I am (mostly) not holding it in and talking calmly and communicating in an effective manner. I think. I hope. I'm trying. I am spending a lot of my mind and energy on self-recriminations and beating myself up. So that's fun. I am having a bit of a crisis of faith both in myself and the one that bothers me more, God. I'm paying lip service to accepting His plan in the hopes that I really start to believe in it again, but ... I don't know. Joe told me just now that "We will get there." My response was, "So we keep saying." I know my attitude right now is shitty and defeatist, but right now it's how I'm feeling.

I had the conversation with Emeline about not going on vacation and moving. It was rough and it was hard. She asked where we were moving and I told her I didn't know yet because she has to help us find a place. How could we move without her helping us find a new place?!? Silly girl. Her requirements are a pool and her own room. In that order. At Debet's suggestion, she's going to have control over what she culls for the MASSIVE moving sale we're going to have and she's going to be able to keep the money from the sale of her stuff as well as hold a lemonade stand and homemade cookie and/or cupcake sale during the moving sale. Letting her have control over some part of her life. Hopefully, this will help alleviate at least some part of her apprehension and sadness about moving away from her friends and the neighborhood she has come to love.

I know, somewhere in here, that we are great parents and we take of Emeline as best as we possibly can. And she knows she's loved and she's sweet and smart and takes care of her friends and she's amazing and I, quite simply, adore her and wouldn't trade a hair on her head. I just wish we could give her a stable (physical) home sooner rather than maybe, possibly, I don't know if we ever will, later.

I called my friend who works for TJs. I can start getting boxes from her at anytime. We'll start packing/culling this week.

And cancel Christmas!

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