Shutting up now. And hoping for one helluva second half.

I'm expecting a plague of locusts.

Hope for the best, prepare for the plagues of locusts.

Well, that didn't take long.

Really, the urge to take a nap is strong just now. But it would be nice to Get Some Stuff Done that doesn't involve driving.

Up, showered, dressed, ate a healthy breakfast (at noon), put more decorations on the tree, cleaned up the kitchen, and now I'm...playing on the computer and watching stupid movies.

I think this is my favorite use of the western PA "needs verb-ed" construction ever.

I'm always surprised when somebody is baffled when I use "needs verb-ed". It's so useful and emphatic. It's probably my most invisible regionalism.

co-worker in eastern Washington

My maternal grandfather moved there to join his uncle from western Pennsylvania in the early 20th century. Perhaps my relatives infected the speech patterns there.

That sounds pretty good, Suzi. I haven't really figured out how to approach the day yet - slept for 12 hours last night and haven't entirely woken up, I think. No elves took care of my laundry and dishes while I hibernated, more's the pity.

I am feeling excellent about my day! Slept in, but not too much, went to see my dad, who was in great spirits, took myself out to lunch, did a little Christmas shopping, did a little baking supplies and grocery shopping, and am now ready to stick to the sofa for the duration. My mother is out of town for work, and man, I like running my own schedule, even when it's still tied to my father's. The only problem is the supermarket was out of peppermint extract, but I don't actually need it until next weekend, and maybe my mother has some, anyway.

Nice!