CONGRATULATIONS Shrift!

I am over here just wishing for some early retirement option to come down, but I doubt I would qualify if one were offered.

My sick sack is currently filled with mucus, but at least I can speak today.

Lisah I refuse to believe you gave me this. Colds cannot transfer while friends are having a good time together.

I turn 55 tomorrow (an age I’ve been claiming for at least a year b/c I like it more that 54). I feel it more days than not now. It’s odd how in just a year things can shift. I understand how people get to where things feel like so much more effort and things that once brought enjoyment seem exhausting. My brain is catching up to my body in this realization. I want less to have to manage.

This cold virus will not quit!! My head is still all congested

I am over here just wishing for some early retirement option to come down

SAME

I was heartened to learn that once you are over 55 if you are separated from your job you can withdraw from your 401K. My secret plan for survival if I get laid off or fired. Gets me through many days! I know it's better long-term to NOT do that but long-term strategy is a bit of a luxury sometimes

Anyway, I hope you have a good day tomorrow, msbelle! Even if your publicly acknowledged age does not change. Or maybe especially.

I have nothing on my calendar today and I am having trouble remembering what I'm supposed to do if I'm not in meetings or preparing for meetings. Drinking coffee is part of it, and I've got that covered...

ION, I did not realize when I bought it that a Bacon and Egg Pie would essentially rise up like a souffle when baked. This is awesome!

That sounds amazing and I am hungry.

Can confirm, five stars, will eat again

In the latest of many minor annoyances in settling my brother's affairs, my nephew unilaterally decided to wipe out my brother's laptop. I had been accessing it remotely, answering emails and taking care of things. Besides all the things in progress now, I won't get the end-of-year correspondence that we need to do his final tax return. I wrote to Gmail support and sent the death certificate and stuff to see if I can get access to that at least. The password for his email doesn't work, and recovery is on his cell phone, which was turned off months ago. Also, on the second affidavit to get the deed switched over to me on the house, this one a 'one and the same person' to explain that first-name middle-name maiden-name last-name is the same person as first-initial middle-name last-name. Yes, this too shall pass. But I am beyond furious with my nephew.

Ugh, that sucks Laura.

I come to the board with news that has boosted my spirits considerably today: my Mom's 3-month cancer screening this morning passed as clear with no detectable cancer! While I don't hold out much hope that it's a permanent remission given her past history, treatment has at least erased any foothold the cancer had gained in recent months and put it back on a must-regrow-from-individual-cells status.

That is indeed good news, Matt!

Yay, Matt!

Boo, nephew of Laura. Unhelpful.

Today's NYT crossword is pretty clever, in case anyone occasionally partakes (especially Dana, but I think there are others who would appreciate it)