Th biggest thing I learned was to use quotation marks around my colloquialisms. Remember- this was the 90’s. But I wrote a whole paper that was lauded about how Sei Shonagon who wrote The Pillow Book was a “bitch”. And then I deconstructed “bitch” and got an A. And the rest of my life has not gone that smoothly so I would like to return to writing papers.

It was an excellent movie and everyone should see it as soon as possible

Agreed!!!

There was a marketing prof at my business school that was known for grading harshly and ruining everyone’s GPA because he would mark down for every grammatical error or misspelling and I guess they added up. I went into the class thinking I would do badly because “marketing” does not seem like something I would have any natural flair for, and I don’t except that actually includes distribution and logistics which I kind if a good at but that’s neither here nor there. For the class, I was just very careful about proofreading and my whole team did very well. And now I work for a marketing arm of a global company and would also like to return to writing papers. I guess all those power point decks are kind of the same thing, but I never did them in school because I am too old for that and so are all my degrees. I really do feel kind of overdue for going back to school one more time but I can’t figure out a way to make that practical right now. I should take Jess’s experience as a reality check on that urge, maybe.

I want to talk about the movie but I also really enjoyed how much it kept taking me by surprise so I kind of don’t want to talk about it until everyone sees it

I can’t even get the professors to call them “slide decks”. They call them PPTs. And if they are Voiceover PowerPoints, they call the VOIPs.

I always feel like I’m saying “deck” in quotation marks or ironically, tbh

VOIP is making me laugh

I spoke to Todd this evening and her spirits were roughly 140% better than earlier. There is no word on release plans yet, but she was having salmon for supper and was feeling much better.

JenP has been a godsend! Honestly, this community is a gift, y'all. You know that, of course, but I never want to miss an opportunity for appreciation.

I have not been able to get to Todd in person as Cagney and I have been wandering the metaphorical desert for 43 days now. My gorgeous brand-new apartment has turned out to be a toxic waste site. VOC levels (formaldehyde, benzene and other cancer causing fumes) are dangerously high. Verified by an enormously expensive report by a city certified indoor environmentalist.

The building management staff have been very kind but the company has been very slow to respond.

So, we've been bouncing between friends, motels and an Airbnb. Bleeding money and pretty demoralized. It's been incredibly stressful. The Airbnb runs out today and I have no idea where we'll go next.

A resolution has been promised multiple times, but yesterday, I was told, "Monday, for sure." I've asked, if the environmental stuff can't be made safe, if we can be transferred to another building in the company's portfolio. Getting approved here was an actual feat. I'll even move to a new town.

This latest thing has me believing that DC is through with me, and I'm okay with that.

Anyway, I am going to try to get closer to the part of town where Todd is and will continue to report.

If you happen to know anyone looking for a house sitter/excellent tenant, please be in touch!

Hec, I gasped out loud at that rug. It may be the most beautiful floor decor I've ever seen. Something about that style just grabs me. I'm excited to see pictures of the completed room.

Sheryl, I'm sending healing vibes. Roughly 1/3 of my client list has been infected in the last few weeks. While everyone has gotten through it, the reports are that it's no joke, and the word 'mild' is incredibly misleading. Strength to you!

Laura, I hope the procedure resolves easily. And, congrats on the grand new adventure! There was a residential marina right across the street from my most previous apartment and I absolutely adored everyone I met there. The community was so interesting and the stories were fascinating. I hope you love it more than anything ever.

I was briefly tempted to give it a try...completely ignoring the fact that I suffer from catastrophic motion sickness. I'll have to live vicariously on this one!

Actually get to meara this morning. I like when I have an accumulation of posts to find when I have been off line a bit more than usual.

Emmett will join me as we head off to the furniture store to pick up our new Loveseat, then to the warehouse to pick up our new rug: [link]

Loving the furniture porn! The rug is gorgeous.

in any normal non crazy melty land "antique-y looking furniture" is OBVIOUSLY the awesomest choice.

Indeed.

Laura, he was due a freak-out, it will pass. Hoping the surgery was a non-event!

Not a fan of surgery, but I will survive. He is in slightly less freak out mode with actual experts weighing in on potential issues.

So I guess that takes some of the pressure off for the final, but again I have to ask WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCKING FUCK is going on with this class and why do I have to put up with it.

Sofia's thoughts were good on this one. Having more of a clue to what he is looking for maybe helps?

Will visit again tomorrow, always carrying the Buffista love and ~ma on behalf, of course, because it is a powerful force for goodness.

So good you were able to see Todd and send along our love. Thank you!

In the meanwhile I have my laptop, my tablet and plenty of books here.

If you have to be isolated at least having entertainment and not too bad symptoms may be the best. Hope you are able to get renewing rest.

$500 refrigerator parts and labor. Better than $1000-2400 for a new one.

Ugh, but yes better than a new one by far.

Poor L lost the bulk of her spring break (and her birthday) to... a cold.

Yes, the upside of all the hermitting and masking was fewer colds. I'm sorry her break was a bust.

This latest thing has me believing that DC is through with me, and I'm okay with that.

So very frustrating. Sending lots of shelter~ma your way.

There was a residential marina right across the street from my most previous apartment and I absolutely adored everyone I met there. The community was so interesting and the stories were fascinating. I hope you love it more than anything ever.

This has been my experience in marina settings as well. Very social environment with a variety of stories. People very helpful with catching your lines and giving advice and tips when you have issues too.

Arm is just a bit sore after the cutting. I haven't changed the bandage so not sure how it looks. I'll do that later. Inconvenient, but no good time for such things.

VOIP is making me laugh

I die laughing every time. I am not even 100% sure what VOIP is (phones but on a network??) but it sure isn’t voiceover PowerPoint!