I'm just going to countdown the minutes until ltc goes back to school tomorrow. She is adorable and delightful most of the time, but I swear she has not stopped talking for a week unless she's asleep.

My son Bobby is still a non-stop talker. He was the best travel companion when I was driving to NY and back because there was no falling asleep with Mr. Chatterbox. Also, he will sing along with classic rock songs. When he gets on a roll I now turn to his wife and advise her that he just makes all this shit up. Actually he just watches a lot of Discovery, History, and other informative type programs and remembers everything, and shares.

Announcement: 47 is too damn old to still be having a period.

I had one my 48th year. At the beginning of it. And now at 49, I am FREEEEEEEEREEEEEEE!

Boy, I couldn't claim freedom till my late 50s.

Dear Harvey,

My glasses are neither a handlebar nor a grab bar. Please stop trying to use them that way.

Much love, me

P.S. just in case you were wondering I do not plan to stop playing with your toe beans any time soon.

2015 was my year of freedom! I went to the doc in July and realized when filling out forms that I hadn't had one since April, so just shy of my 52nd birthday.

Just had my annual review. I was expecting it to be less than stellar because the company that bought us is so screwed up and backwards - so I promised myself I wouldn't get upset and wouldn't argue. Except it was so much worse, I did argue. And cry in frustration and anger. My current supervisor is retiring in April, and I had previously promised her I wouldn't leave before she did, so I won't. But I had planned to wait and see whether it would be as bad as I feared before looking for a new job. But screw this place. Gonna start networking in earnest so I can hopefully leave soon after she does, then I'm gonna fiddle while this place burns because they will be so screwed without the both of us.

Oh Epic, I'm sorry. If you find a better option starting sooner than April I hope that your supervisor would understand why you can't stay.

I had an interview for a job today. It would be working as a parapro in an Autism center in a middle school. I'd be one-on-one with a student but as part of a small team. The kids are not functioning well enough to be part of the gen ed classes, so the Center is self contained for the most part. I interviewed with the head of ASD programs, the head of the Center and the principal. Seemed to go well—I'm going I. Tomorrow and spending the day in the classroom so they can see how I do. The school itself is brand new and just six minutes from my house. I am very excited!

Sounds like a wonderful opportunity, Scrappy! Good luck!