I am considering getting a Christmas tree. Which I dint think I have had for 20 years, but I have ornaments.

The appliance thing is hazy in NY. I have had both, current landlord will supply them, but if I want better than a 40 year old fridge,or if I want a dishwasher it is OK and I can take it with me when I leave. I also have to point out that my rent is $525. Which I am guessing is really low compared to other parts of the country.

You'll also notice a lot of difference in your electric bill with a newer-than-40-year-old fridge, so there's that, too.

However, if your rent includes electric, that would really be a great deal.

Yes, here you have to spend at least twice that for rent. And it certainly wouldn't have an attic!

My salary is also commensurate with our cost of living here, but I have been at $525 with no increase for about 10 years. I started at $495. If I wanted to buy a tiny house on a highly trafficked street,my mortgage would be less than that. We are an outlier.

I grew up with real Christmas trees, but now I have an artificial one and some Frazier fir-scented candles. Less bother and expense.

One of the great benefits of having a cleanish house is taking pictures of my kitty. I am enjoying that today as she totally destroys any attempt I make at straightening boxes or bags.

I was sort of thinking I only have Aidan for this year, because he is planning to go off to college. So Ihave one year to have a real tree and get it hauled up and taken out.

Sophia, do you think the kitten would leave the tree alone?

Hmm. Probably not. She jumps on anything! And knocks everything off of anything, because kitten. I still have a pink fake tree in the attic that I could set up with plastic Hello Kitty ornaments. Maybe when Katie comes over to deal with the attic, we can talk about what makes sense.

oh, fuck football. This is the worst hobby ever.