I found myself doing the IKEA breakfast club this morning (though I only had the free coffee) while waiting for the store to open (got my rug and duvet, forgot the antislip pad...) I had no idea it was aThing. Like 50 seniors who all knew each other, a bunch of moms with littles and 10 or so grad school ageish folks working the free wifi. Wild.

Parents gone. I'll miss them. Surprisingly little chafing, I must be mellowing.

That's great, sara. I've enjoyed your reports!

And I'm definitely looking into immigration if Trump wins. For serious.

He's not going to win.

Even though I doubt he'll win, knowing how many of my fellow citizens like what he represents is deeply depressing. It's like living somewhere for years, and opening a drawer that you rarely go to, only to find rat droppings. You may have suspected that rats have been around for a while. But now you know.

I don't know, I've been reading complaints from Canadians about the quality of their healthcare system lately. Yeah the price is right, but at least some people are finding they got what they paid for.

Define complaints about quality.

You may have suspected that rats have been around for a while. But now you know.

Fucking rats pooping everywhere.

I'd be curious to hear from folks who have used both Canadian and US systems. Because, you know, I used to bitch about my health insurance at the University, and there were issues, but I had no idea how good I had it.

I had no idea it was aThing. Like 50 seniors who all knew each other, a bunch of moms with littles and 10 or so grad school ageish folks working the free wifi. Wild.

I love getting glimpses like that into routines I had no idea existed.

Sara, I'm so glad your parents' visit went well. One of these days I'll get to meet them, and tell them that they raised a helluva daughter. (Not that the affirmation is needed, but I want to tell them.)

ION, it seems I will be doing business with the City of Las Cruces.

I now share a cubicle wall with someone new, but who works for a different division. So far there's been a lot of sneezing, coughing, burping, and worst of all, audible smartphone notifications. I will go introduce myself when he sounds less contagious.

I worry about that, but then -- stuff *has* changed under Pres. Obama, despite all the obstructionism and racism. I believe things will change under HRC as well.

Look at the courts alone this past year. They're starting to roll back some of the most, uh, deplorable actions taken by some states to restrict voting, gerrymander districts, hamper abortion and marriage rights. Under HRC, that continues.

Look at the policy choices in housing, the environment, labor and employment rights, gay and transgender rights that are being put in motion by executive agencies. Under HRC, that continues.

The Republicans in the House and Senate will do everything they can to obstruct progress on these and a range of other issues, as will some states. But there are areas that even if they held the power in statehouses and Congress, can still be moved forward and have a real impact.

And if the Senate or House flip, even more space opens up, particularly in the window between now and 2018. A lot can happen, will they nil they.

And really, if Congress does what McCain and McConnell are threatening and refuses to consider a Hillary-nominated SCOTUS candidate, shit will get real.