-t, even when you know the Communist invasion is imminent, sometimes you still can be unprepared for the all-out engagement of hostilities that lead to stain remover errands.

Very true. I am living proof of that this month. Damn Communists.

Damn Commies! Though mine were fairly cooperative this month, timing-wise.

I am so irked by the people I'm working with today. They are idiots who haven't done anything I asked. And it's hard to keep the "omg why is this so hard for you???" Tone out of my voice. And then they're pissy. Argh.

Jeeeesus. Husband got water in his passenger headlight thanks to high water on Tuesday, and it's over $800 to replace.

At least we just got rid of a mortgage payment?

I am living proof of that this month. Damn Communists.

The trick to stain remover that I tend to forget is that you need to pre-treat right before you do laundry, not when the carnage occurs.

Husband got water in his passenger headlight thanks to high water on Tuesday, and it's over $800 to replace.

Now I'm wondering if alligator damage is covered by insurance.

The trick to stain remover that I tend to forget is that you need to pre-treat right before you do laundry, not when the carnage occurs.

Hydrogen peroxide works better earlier, I think.

So I was looking at Google Maps for the easiest way to drive from work to the cancer center, and I notice a geographic name. The gulch right next to the cancer center is called Cephalopod Gulch. Go, 'Pods.

I just got a crash course in working with adult ADHD co-workers. And it was perfect! Well, for me, anyway.

I avoided interrupting, let him have control of the conversation, and happily handed over the repetitive task because he said "Hyperfocus!" I'll still have some tedium when he tosses the ball back, but this guy has been here 17 years and I've never really encountered him (other than once to make sure he got an empty elevator in the people flood after the fire drill, because visible anxiety issues) because they soundproofed a storage closet and made it his office (he still has two ambient noise things going) even though no one at his level (or a bit above) is entitled to one. He doesn't attend meetings in person unless it's only two people.

Fascinating guy--also came out to me as gay, so that was one long conversation, as well as needing ADA from HR (he's scared too). All in our first real convo.

I love you people talking of touchstones and small personal objects, but I actually never take off the pedant hat. Totems are shared by groups--tribes, clans, etc. What I think you're speaking of are talismans, personal objects of significance, no matter their origin.

I have actual fingerstones of moss agate, red snakeskin jasper, and rainbow fluorite, one of them is on my person almost always. And a number of pendants on long cords, carved bone Maori fish hooks, wooden netsuke with beads, a carnelian-set silver pendant with a freewheeling red jasper disc, and the cedarwood teardrop H carved out to inset the agate stone we found on a hike. The fingers find texture soothing, and hopefully the mind follows.

Timelies all!

Used the treadmill three days this week. (I do a reasonably brisk walk for 35 minutes.) I don't expect I'll be able to do this every week, but it is an improvement.

From when the desert was sea bed, Connie?

ita, that's marvelous--that you gleaned all that from your first meeting. He must trust you.