It's 36 degrees here, and I'm cuddled in sweats on the futon. I should get some exercise, but I'm still full from late-night fries and drinks with my sister & father, and see above re: 36 degrees out.

I do need to get to the post office today, and do some Christmas cards. And some wrapping, even.

Tomorrow I get to celebrate my birthday by ... taking my dad to the urologist. I'm hoping I won't need to talk to the doctor with him, because I suspect whatever the issue is, is one I don't want to hear about.

Speaking of Dad, yesterday he decided that the best use of his time on a Sunday afternoon two weeks before Christmas was driving to the mall. Which he did, and then he forgot where he parked the car. And he didn't have his cell phone on him, so he called us from the security guard's phone at B&N. So my sister & I had to spend half an hour driving all over the parking garage looking for his very nondescript car. Dad was sure it had been stolen.

We eventually found it in the 15-minute parking zone ten feet from the first-floor entrance to the mall. With the window open. Parked askew.

I really wish we'd gotten a year or so of Dad being fully functional and able to enjoy his life after Mom passed; but no such luck.

This Christmas will be the year of trying to get Dad to give up the car. That'll be fun.

Here's some really good news.

My friend Frances went home to Cincinnati for Thanksgiving with her Keeshond (think small collie who just got a blowout). On T-day, Esme somehow ran out the front door. They've been searching for her ever since, setting out cameras and live traps, tracking dogs, the works.

Last night Frances gave up. She'd already taken an extra week off from work and had to come back to Chicago, sightings had dropped off, none of the food had been touched for several days. Cinci has been having snow and cold and freezing rain.

And somehow, as of this morning, Esme is found! I don't know the story yet, but they're at the vet getting checked out - and getting a bath.

Consuela, all I can say is that I really understand what you're going through. So, SO much.

Oh, and he bought raunchy Christmas cards to mail out to his friends and relations! Seriously: it's a card with some cartoon scantily-glad female reindeer on the front, and a blow-job joke inside. This is my dad? There is not enough facepalm in the world.

Oh my lord, Suela. Strength and humor to you.

I am actually doing the MOST onerous task first.

Good for you!! Very impressive!

I have multiple onerous tasks to do, but at the moment am trying to enjoy the first "I'm not going anywhere today and didn't get back late last night from somewhere" day I've had at work in a long time. ...uh, which means it's 9:07 and I have glanced at my emails but not started doing anything and instead made myself a poached egg on a crumpet, and another crumpet with pumpkin butter, and hot cocoa from scratch. And emptied the dishwasher.

I think my plan/hope will be to do the two big onerous tasks, hope someone else has their shit together on the one I'm waiting on feedback from, and then try to get some non-work-related holiday stuff done (stamps, go to the Catholic store hoping to find an awesome gift for my dad, etc)

Seriously: it's a card with some cartoon scantily-glad female reindeer on the front, and a blow-job joke inside

Whoah, did he already mail them? Or were you able to stop him in time? Jeez.

Also, YAY Brenda's friend's doggie!!

Ugh, that sucks, Consuela.

I have to write up my annual review today. ONEROUS!

Uh-oh Consuela, it does sound like it's time to give up the car. I feel for you, such a rough few years you've had. The universe needs to cut you a break.

Also I know it was a typo but I like the phrase 'scantily glad'

I hate that this is an almost daily refrain but FUCK CANCER. A second friend, within a week, has shared their cancer diagnosis with me. And I'm not allowed to tell anyone. The second gal hasn't decided what she is going to do, it got caught early and I think she is weighing the options. I offered to go out for tea and be a sounding board. I just....FUCK CANCER.

With a side of FUCK MONDAY. If I were wearing pants, they would be my cranky pants. Yet I'm too cranky to change out of my jammies.

I have to write up my annual review today. ONEROUS!

I just found out I have to do this too. so much ugh.

Since I have to be out anyway, I am going home for quick lunch & to check on mac, THEN I am running an errand while still on lunch. I doubt I make it back to work in an hour, but too bad. Apparently I was supposed to work from home on Friday. Yeah, no. I did one thing. it was a closed office day - that means pay and no work, right?