Goodness, Kate, that's horrible news. I'm so sorry.

Thanks so much for the birthday wishes, Laura. I had a very nice day in terms of my birthday, though not so great in other respects, as coincidentally yesterday I received a rejection for a position I was fairly certain I had got. This is the third job in a row I've lost to people who have prior connections to the post. It's all a bit dispiriting. Still, on we go.

Anyone annoyed with hugging and family joy needs to be annoyed. Lovely that you had this nice family time.

DH left very early this morning to head to FL and I will head out very early tomorrow morning. It just didn't work out to leave at the same time. I'll probably arrive Saturday evening, unless I decide to be lazy and take 3 days instead of 2 and maybe even visit someone along the NY-FL corridor. I'm both excited to get home, and not looking forward to 2 15 hour long driving days. It is probably just as draining to drive 3 10 hour days, but I'll decide later depending on how tired I am.

I'm sorry about the rejection, Fiona. There really isn't much you can do to beat out inside connections.

Timelies all!

Mr. S is being awful right now. Refusing to take his meds which he clearly needs. Apparently this started because he wanted a large Pokemon card, which is not available for free, and Gary wouldn't pay for it.

Meanwhile, we're supposed to go to Columbus for the weekend, but this isn't boding well.

Have any of the mental health professionals given you strategies for when he holds you all hostage like this?

Mac used to do similar, refusing to leave stores unless I bought him something, or throwing tantrums which I often just had to wait out.

Kate- I am so sorry.

Oh, Kate. I'm so sorry.

Laura is on her way south, so she asked me to drop in and share that it is aurelia's birthday today!

Many happy returns of the day, aurelia! Enjoy your day!

Happy birthday, aurelia!

Happy aurelia day!