The division I'm part of at UW just announced that they were extending WFH flexibility through 6/30/21, with all the usual caveats about being able to get all necessary work done remotely. Which means tomorrow my department director is likely to announce that our 100% remote work will continue through that date. I'm relieved, but if you'd told me when we all left in March that it would be more than a year before we'd come back...I had to stop by the office in August to pick up a new laptop, and it was honestly creepy. There was a bulletin board that had been decorated with balloons for an office party, and it was still there, but with balloons 3/4 deflated. While I was there I straightened my own desk, just stupid things like putting all the pens away and stacking my post-its neatly, just to make it look less like I'd fled an earthquake or something and never came back.

I'm sad I missed the Zoom call, too!!

Volans - I am so sorry about the employment sitch and KB - I'm so sorry about your Pearlie. She had great humans to love her.

I'm done teaching for the day. Third grade is tackling nice, light hearted topics this week. Primarily, how what we're told about the first Thanksgiving has very little to do with what it was really like.

I usually use a small one that just goes over the front teeth because I’m less likely to spit it out.

Mine moved my teeth, too, and I had to stop using it. After stopping, they moved back into place somewhat, but not all the way. I may get myself Invisilign when my kid starts in the next 6 months or so.

I have a real pain in the neck person at work, who is in the mindset that he and his assistant work harder than anyone else. Which is not true. Do they have to be on campus more often? Yes. However, this is in part because he never wrote the necessary memo for them to be able to take full advantage of the WFH program despite my asking him for it several times. Now that we are in use-it-or-lose-it territory, he's telling me that his assistant is complaining (which I believe to be his complaints, not his assistant).

The supposed increased risk factor due to obesity is tied to the fact that larger people just get shittier health care overall. Which is nice and cheering.

The supposed increased risk factor due to obesity is tied to the fact that larger people just get shittier health care overall.

Definitely true. And/or fat people put off seeking medical care because they don't want to subject themselves to the shitty treatment.

Cass I did not get anything, did you Messenger or email?

Ugh. I probably need adult braces for my bite, but don’t want to. Never had them as a kid but I suspect my bite is messed up and not helping the grinding and migraines. But I don’t wanna!! Also not sure how to go to an orthodontist and pick a good one who would actually tell me if it would help or not. (My own dentist was kinda like “meh most people’s bites aren’t perfect” which...maybe?)

My teeth came in perfectly straight ... but my jaw was crooked - lower jaw was slewed sideways a little, enough that my upper and lower teeth didn't meet properly. I had braces, and it pretty much took care of the issue, although it was a painful process.

That is really interesting, Steph. I hadn't looked at the mortality studies in depth at all.

Got my latest missive from my doctor on Covid and other stuff today. Also, I am in big trouble with him, but more on that later. His latest letter to his patients was to thank all for good wishes sent when he just had belly surgery. Amusing part was his expression of admiration for the truly stronger gender, his words, who go through childbirth, hysterectomies, and so forth. Apparently it was harder than he anticipated. His new Covid letter included many bold type references to masks always, and the usual safeguards. He also added taking zinc lozenges twice a day, or zicam, and Vit D3 1000 units, and gargling twice a day with CPC mouthwash. These all for the preventative actions.

Now for why I am in big trouble. DH got nipped by a dog at the dog park a few days ago and we kind of ignored it. Today I didn't like the way it looked so I snapped a couple pictures and texted it to the doctor. He proceeded to read us the riot act. Should have called him immediately. Giving him script for massive antibiotics and may send him to ER for an IV blast if he isn't pleased with response. Anyway, he made me feel all bad. I know doc is an alarmist by nature, but it didn't look that bad.

Oooh, dog bites are never a good thing, Laura. Sorry the doc yelled, but yay for antibiotics.

Also? I've been meaning to send you love and support for what's going on with your youngest. It's just sort of inconceivable to me based on your relationship until now, and I'm so sorry he's putting you through this. I just want to smack him, to be honest. But I'm very happy that your older guy is taking to his new life up north so well! So, just lots of love to you, and you've been in my thoughts.

Hugs to everyone. I am another who can't really keep up, and can't manage a lot of regular communication right now, but I'm always here reading and everyone in this place has my love.

Does anyone know if amyth has any food sensitivities or restrictions right now? Or just stuff she flat out doesn't want, or wants?