Fuck this year, man. One of my friends got Covid from his dad (it's a little unclear to me on whether his dad knew he had been exposed before he went to Friend's house for Friend's daughter's birthday), and his O2 level was so low today that he went to the hospital. I know the hospital is the best place to be if his O2 level is low, but it's still scary. His wife also tested positive for Covid, but her symptoms have been mild, and now she's at home just stressed out and worrying.

[edit] Friend's dad is ALSO in the hospital.

Yikes! and sorry about your friend. hope they get better kitty~ma, for bat cat, Shir so many losses and illness! {{{{{{{Buffistas}}}}}}}}

well, my holiday cards might get out by or before New Years. I had plans, I tells ya, Plans! But, the reality is that I've been feeling sick the last few days and lower GI troubles are keeping me housebound an my low-grade fever is causing me to nap at the oddest times. so no groceries, no mailing, no taking out the trash.

I got a surprise invite from my sister to come over for Christmas dinner, hope I feel well enough.

I've been catching up for a while, so I'd also like to note that the Zoom with sprogs and pets was wonderful, though I couldn't stay long. To see some of your faces and hear your voices is a treat.

Health~to peoples and pets!

I need to spend more time here.

I can’t believe it’s already 5pm on Sunday. Ugh. At least this week will be a short one, but I fear it will be a very busy one too, trying to finish things up before the holiday!

I’m sorry, Steph. I hope your friend recovers quickly.

I got holiday cards but I'm blanking on who from - dcp, Barb and... they are on the Christmas tree since I don't have any other place to put them where they will stay.

I have 2 written and need to get the rest out.

Today I went by Aldi's before I came home, I ate dinner and watched SNL on Hulu and was like "ok I guess I better go to bed since it's late...wait what time is it?" (It was 7:15).

Tomorrow I need to: get wrapping paper, figure out stocking stuffers for Mom , wrap Mom's presents, get them to her (because I want her to have stuff under her tree and in her stocking for Christmas) , finish grocery shopping, finish shopping for M, finish writing cards, mail cards, call my car insurance. I possibly could do ... some of that before work on Tuesday.

Usually after the holidays they wait a week before they cut our hours but next week I have 29 hours, which is going to be hard after having weeks of 40 hours. Since our last paycheck of the month was going to be on Jan 1 they moved it to Dec 31 and they aren't deducting for benefits since it's right on the edge so that will help a little.

But I get 3 days off next week. I don't think I'll be seeing 40 hours a week again for awhile.

I'm sorry about your friend, Steph, and am sending health ~ma.

I hope you get to feeling better, too, quester.

I hope the hours work out for you, askye. I'm glad it sounds like you're getting to stay where you want to, though.

We went holiday light visiting, and we were not the only cars in front of the houses we saw! So it didn't feel as creepy as it might have. Though, those folks are decorating to be seen and appreciated, so, not actually creepy.

Now I'm having mac and cheese for dinner and probably just going to bed. Tired.

Cat~ma and human~ma for health and recovery all around.

I've been writing postcards for the GA runoffs, and my hand hurts! So I'm taking a break.

I've done postcards and vote forward letters for the runoffs, and I'm now working on a set of postcards for a special election for a Virginia state delegate race. Because Democrats need a deeper bench at every level.

I'm taping every holiday card I've gotten, even including ones from nonprofits I support (thank YOU, Southeastern Raptor Center and UW School of Public Health!) on the side of the bookshelf in my office because I will take every little bit of festivity and brightness I can get this year.

Democrats need a deeper bench at every level.

Truth.

Batcat~ma! And also ~ma to those with friends or family in the hospital.

Some of our friends just returned to the US after being stationed for 3 years in Australia and are having a really hard time adjusting to a nation that hasn't dealt well with the pandemic and doesn't seem to want to. They've decided to stock up on whiskey and brownie mix and hunker down.

Thank you, all. And Steph, I'm sorry to hear about your friend.

Batcat made it through the night. Vet told me she is looking better, but we're not out of the woods yet. She'll remain there today and if she's stable enough, will go through another procedure to check her stomach tomorrow. Because of COVID I can only see her and enter the clinic for ~ten minutes a day to give her pep talks.

Again, we're not out of the woods, but I was quite certain she won't make it through the night. And now I really feel the consequences of ~4 hours of sleep in the past two nights and constant stress over this. Cats, man.

Friend and Friend's dad both have Covid-induced pneumonia. Worst gift with purchase EVER. Friend will be in the hospital for at least 1 more day, but maybe 2, while they start him on steroid and antibiotics for the pneumonia.