In news of me, I've realized I am within spitting distance of having status on United for next year. If Mexico City happens it'll be all good. If not I might have to take a quick mileage trip somewhere before end of year.

I once flew to Hong Kong to maintain my 1K status.

Fuck if I know. I do know I could mount the best filibuster in the world because I don't go that much.

Time for everybody's favorite game...Recommend! Stuff! From! Trader! Joe's!

I've offered to bring nibbles to a 4 year-old's party in lieu of gifts (because everybody loves finger food and nobody wants more STUFF in their house). What are your favorite frozen appetizer thingies?

Gyoza!

Trader Joe's artichoke dip!

In other "recommend stuff" news, does anyone have suggestions for tequilas I should try? I'm thinking of celebrating my birthday with a tequila tasting at a local restaurant that brags on its 40 different kinds. (There will be a designated driver/cab involved.) I'm thinking of trying 4-5 kinds, nothing that costs more than ~$20/shot. I recognize that probably varies by location a bit. Anyway, I can't tell a $30 bottle of wine from a $60 one, and I've been drinking wine for years. I figure the really high end tequila will be wasted on me. Anyone have any faves?

And, yes, we probably shouldn't mix up the two recommendation threads. Or maybe it would be just the thing for the grownups at a 4-year-olds' party--I'm no judge.

They make an artichoke dip that comes in a frozen cylinder and you nuke it for like 2 minutes and it is ready and nommable. With pita chips. Or carrots. Or a spoon.

I once flew to Hong Kong to maintain my 1K status

I have relatives that do long weekends in Singapore to keep their top level status. I've never had that much to play with.

My neuro's apparently not going to prescribe any pain relief for my shoulder until at least the 31st, at which point I shouldn't need any. These next two weeks should include two procedures and a lot of irritation and over-stimulation of the area.

I'm going to my insurance website and looking around for other migraine doctors. Just, you know, in case.

Or maybe it would be just the thing for the grownups at a 4-year-olds' party--I'm no judge.

Knowing this family as well as I do, I will be shocked and appalled if there are no grown-up drinks to be had. (Tequila would be a surprise only because they usually serve gin.)

I love the little baked potato skin things and the mushroom turnovers. Each of which are easy enough to make yourself, but in no way worth it, with the existence of TJ's.

My neuro's apparently not going to prescribe any pain relief for my shoulder until at least the 31st, at which point I shouldn't need any.

Oh good LORD.

My neuro's apparently not going to prescribe any pain relief for my shoulder until at least the 31st, at which point I shouldn't need any.

Your neuro is ridiculous. Someone who specializes in nerves should understand the need to reduce their aggravation. I'm sorry.