Simple acknowledgement that this is a tough time of year for me is very soothing.

That's good. A little simpatico goes a long way.

Jack is better than Jed as dog names go. Way to go, Suzi and K-Bug!

AND I bought tickets for 4th of July baseball. What's more iconically American? I'll have to scare up a slice of apple pie.

That is awesome.

So I'm guessing she has a crush on you as well? NICE.

Oh yes. She says I'm very handsome, intelligent, funny and kind.

tommyrot, I am grinning all over for her and you both. She's right on all counts, and that makes her AWESOME.

So many vibes to your friend, Theo. That's too much grief for one year, let alone one week. You can stagger through losing a beloved pet if you can turn to your mom and just be a kid seeking comfort again, just for a bit; you have to survive the loss of your mother if you have an unconditionally loving animal utterly dependent on you. It's unbearably cruel to suffer the grief and the loss and the utter absence of solace all at once.

Continuing vibes for Lilly, and love from all Zmayhem.

I barely got to experience Pride due to family obligations, but even riding BART out and back felt like a party; everyone was just buzzing with good feels and smiling and giddy, and every time anyone caught the eye of anyone else wearing more than three colors at once there were smiles and bouncing and what I can only describe as the polar opposite of eyefucking - eye-squeeing, eye-hugging, eye-swouncing. Palpable delight.

And, man, there were so many straight allies being sincerely and glowingly supportive. I have never seen so many straight families all decked out in rainbow garb, dad and mom and flag-waving baby and all.

Yay for makeouts, tommyrot!

Yay for puppy, Suzi!

I was looking for moving checklists earlier and went into a panic spiral when the lists started at "8 weeks out" because I have 4-6 weeks and I don't even know where I'll be living yet. To avoid thinking about that, I logged into work to make my life easier tomorrow morning. Now I think it's time for wine and a movie.

tommyrot, the woman in question has good taste.

and I don't even know where I'll be living yet.

Not sure if it's worthwhile, but you might consider finding a sublet to arrive here. I'd at least check Craigslist because it is summer after all. Or long term stay via Air BNB or something. Easier to look when you're on the ground.

Or long term stay via Air BNB or something. Easier to look when you're on the ground.

I'll definitely keep it in mind. If I can't find anything while I'm out there, that would be a good option.

I just need to remind myself to breathe. I'm in a good spot with moving prep because I've already done a ton of work getting rid of junk. I'm already working on eating from the pantry and freezer. I am a reasonably functional human being who can do this.

I am a reasonably functional human being who can do this.

You can totally do this. And you have a lot of support here. Even if you just want to come over, ring our doorbell, trudge upstairs, watch Winter Soldier while we feed you and hand you cold cocktails and then drive you home.

Also, scenic landscapes on my new tv? Kinda amazing. Imma gonna appreciate PBS so much more. Technology improves in 20 years, doncha know?

I think my 19 year old TV may not last much longer. I think the brightness has been fading lately.

Not sure if it's worthwhile, but you might consider finding a sublet to arrive here. I'd at least check Craigslist because it is summer after all.

FWIW, this is exactly what I did when I moved from NJ to VA. I sublet a townhouse off Craigslist for 6 months. The person listing it was a realtor, and my niece scouted the area, so that added confidence that I wasn't getting a craphole. I ended up buying the place, so it worked out well!