I don't know why it's taken me so long to embrace the adult view that my time has worth as well as my money. I have a pair of pants that need hemmed, and I hate hemming, and it would be a pain to organize doing it myself. Then I remembered that there are professional people in the world who will do this for me, and probably not for much. Between professionals being able to do it much more quickly than I could, this saves me the frustration of figuring out the right length and having it be a half-assed job. Aside from the Mental Puritans (which would be a good band name) harumphing over Paying Good Money for Something I Could Do Myself, there's this weird class thing going on about how I'm getting above myself paying money for something I know how to do.

The mind, an amazing amusement park ride full of strange corners and bizarre things jumping out at you.

Did they? That's pretty silly.

ETA: that was inre: Sherlock, not Connie. I totally get where you're coming from, Connie. Part of the problem, I think, is that our time is not treated as valuable in many many circumstances.

Well, it was on in the winter, at least. Edit: OK, the website does have Sherlock under Mystery, so that's something.

Connie, I wrestle with the Mental Puritans m/ a lot, too. I counter by telling them that I'm contributing to the local economy. Wish I could justify hiring house cleaners!

Grinding done. Acid wash done. Showered off an insane amount of grime. Need to scrub down with mineral spirits at some point tonight. Then tomorrow, painting surfaces of splits, clamping and bolting. And then final painting.

And my house needs cleaning and I think maybe I can't. Though painting won't take long. But my hands are pretty shaky now, so I'm not sure how much more they can take.

I counter by telling them that I'm contributing to the local economy.

Excellent point! Plus by wearing nice slacks instead of the jeans I'm permitted to by the revised dress code, I look like a classier employee.

Sara, take a freakin' break!

sarameg, you're a superhero.

Connie, double win!

Loki agrees with you, Connie. He's tucked under my chin. Well, as much tucked as a cat who reaches down my whole torso can be.

Successful Parenting Gambits On A No-Plans Labor Day:

1. Take Matilda with me grocery shopping. Take Muni to enhance adventure element. Let her ride under the shopping car for Indiana Jones stuntman effect.

2. Stop at Out Of The Closet near Safeway and score a big sketchbook with quality drawing paper for only fifty cents.

3. Get two-for-one coupon for Jamba Juice outside Safeway. No line. Smoothie for her, fresh squeezed juice mix Citrus Blast (OJ, Apple, pineapple ginger) for me.

4. Buy chicken tenders at hot counter at Safeway. Lunch for Matilda: hand her chicken tenders.

5. Swing by Davi's house on the way home to see if maybe she or her family are around just dying for a playdate. Find Davi's Dad and brother poking around in the garage. Initiate playdate! Matilda off to play with Davi for the next three hours. Woot!