I am suspicious that this restricted diet is more about paranoia and mental hangups rather than actually determined by medical stuff.

It sounds like it, but I don't want to judge your dad based on no info. (Also, never let him meet me. I am his nightmare. I am fat and I eat fatty foods. LIKE SALMON.)

(Okay, I think I need to see if there's a salmon burger [thank you, TJs] in the freezer for lunch, because this conversation has made me want salmon big time.)

My father is a cheapskate, but he is also a retired doctor! (And in context, it was clearly a dietary rather than financial indulgence.)

Oh yeah, disclaimer: I am currently snacking on reheated bread pudding left over from last night's office party, so do not take nutrition/lifestyle advice from me. Fatty carbs FTW.

I think the main thing to take away from the convo? He'd like you to make a nice salmon dinner, thank you.

Heh, they are feeding us, actually. I was going to bring them pumpkin bread, but even if I make it with splenda it still has a cup of oil and 4 eggs, so I guess I will skip it.

My husband's office party took place at a bowling alley yesterday. Apparently this is a longstanding tradition and the best bowler gets a trophy made out of copper water pipes. Government employment is weird, yo.

Maybe the takeaway is to bring a veggie tray?

So,you know how they say not to use a heating pad with the topical capsaisin pain treatment? Well, I did not, but I woke up last night with a cat laying directly on the treatment area, and a very disinct burning sensation. They do not warn about cat heating pads!

I vote for bringing a luxe veggie tray AND making the pumpkin bread. That way, if they feel like they deserve an indulgence, it'll be there, and if not, you'll get their portions.

My husband's office party took place at a bowling alley yesterday.

Which one?

I pretty much don't miss having a Christmas office party, except for the part where it was the most expensive meal I ate all year (oh, Germano's and their scallops, my god).

Uh, the same bowling alley he went to with Dillo's first grade last year? Which is to say, I do not know, but probably a big/famous one.

Well family drama blew up again last night. Guess I won't be seeing K-Bug this holiday season at all. This latest blow up was my fault, but when she tells me not to tip toe around stuff and to give her a straight answer - don't be too shocked at what I say.

I'm not quite sure how to heal stuff from here but for now I just can't deal anymore. She has made her choices and I'm not required to support every one of them.

This parenting thing is hard and it doesn't get any easier when they get older.