Today is a festive day in Buffista land! We can celebrate Jesse's birthday! May this birthday bring much joy, and may the year to come be filled with treats and delights.

Jesse shares her birthday with Theodosia and Rayne, whom I have not seen in a while, but I hope they are enjoying their day.

Happy birthday to Jesse!

I am also dreading work, Laura. Waiting outside right now in my car for COVID results; big part of me wishes it would be positive but it isn’t looking that way.

Yeah, you would think that being positive would mean a break, but not so much. Sending negative thoughts! I didn't get my positive result until after being sick for a couple days.

Well, my worries about not being able to support my new practice and train this week have been diminished. Shock and surprise - half the staff has Covid! I knew that was were I had to get it. Sigh. At least they won't be upset with me for not being there. DH went this morning to set up their fax server and is trying to get the hell out quickly. We've been good here keeping the windows all open and keeping each other at a distance.

I did go to the dog park a couple times, both times in the rain and at off hours. The park was empty. I washed up and masked for my brief time in the elevator, but didn't encounter anyone.

smonster, may you get a day that serves you well, whatever that may be today.

Laura, that's a relief. Continued good luck to B for staying clear.

Jesse! Happy, Happy Birthday to you!! And a fabulous year ahead.

Happy birthday, Jesse!

Birthday happies Jesse, Theo and Rayne!

I am one of 5 people in the office today. Eerily quiet. I probably wouldn't have come in myself except I left my laptop here over the weekend.

Not many people in our whole office today, but all of my division is in, so I’m getting some work done.

What I really want to be doing is planning out my 2024 vacation days. Thus far I’ve got in one google flight alert set and moved prospective big vacation dates from Sept to Oct due to Olympics and paraolympics.

This morning brought the procurement of a new box of dishwasher pods, so I'm slowly beginning to clean up the kitchen, with a slight detour to feed Matilda and me the world's most posh breakfast sandwich (filet mignon and egg on English Muffin).

Matilda and I went out for ramen in Japantown last night, and then saw The Boy and the Heron. It was a good Xmas left turn from past traditions, leaning into our mutual love of Japantown and Miyazaki, after we were left alone and feeling JZ's absence in the house and the holiday.

(Though Matilda's first comment after the movie was, "Dammit! Why is every story a dead mom story!")

Wishing good health for all in The Lost Week (between Xmas and NYE).

A few more people have come in since, but it is still very quiet.

Ooh, vacations! I have a vacation planned for Feb (time off on the official calendar, flights booked, place to stay, the whole nine yards), still considering taking some vacation time to see the eclipse in April, and also mulling over when to do my month of train travel.