I don't believe some guy got my writing feedback and didn't come back to class. People don't listen to what I say. Not that I told him to do that--what a snowflake.

Ooof, I am sorry meara about your friend's news. That does not hit well.

Y'all, I literally had coffee on my monitor this morning. From opening a can of cold brew that sprayed a bit, but still,

Heh!

So, Matilda's friend, Isabella, has finished the painting I commissioned from her and it's amazing. It's truly gorgeous.

I told Isabella I would fly her out from Florida (where she's living with her dad) to SF to deliver it in person and she could stay in the Garden Apartment. That seemed safer than shipping it. (Though I've had paintings shipped to me before.)

So that will probably happen in the summer time.

[Reminder: Isabella got into RISD and her father reneged on his commitment to pay his share for college. Isabella's mother Lola died of cancer last year. Isabella wound up going to Berkelee School of Music in Boston for her freshman year. Aside: Yes, she's that talented as a painter and as a musician. But now she's not in school anywhere and living with her asshole dad in Florida.]

Oh, man, I'm sorry to hear Isabella's father is that much of an asshole. Saw the painting on FB and it's amazing

I am pausing my Prime membership on Saturday when it would otherwise renew. It looks like the Audible, Comixology, and Kindle Unlimited subscriptions are totally separate as their renewal dates are, for some reason, a week later. So I have time to think about what to do about them. I suspect Prime Video is the only thing I'm likely to miss from the actual Prime membership, but we shall see. I do have a gift card from work burning a hole in my pocket, maybe I should use it up while I can get free shipping? Hm.

Doctors really have to pay attention to women more. poor meara's friend. Why does her dad want her living with him if he doesn't want to support her growth? Some people just would rather "win," I guess, even if everyone ends up miserable.(The portrait's good, but that's quite a backstory. Sad.)

I'm sorry, meara. I hope your friend responds well to treatment.

The painting is just beautiful, David. Has Matilda seen it?

We have been burning the candle at multiple ends lately. Having my MIL here has been exhausting, but manageable. Mostly non-stop meal prep and dishes. She sleeps on the couch, so I make up and break down the bedding daily. She is getting around better and can do much on her own, but is very noncompliant with PT. Also, she listens to reels on her phone at a loud volume. And of course, believes everything she sees is real. We have explained to her that most of what she is watching is AI-generated or otherwise fake. Crap like multiple times reports of Mom Guthrie being found, or suspects arrested. Sigh. DH has been renovating both of her bathrooms, handling basketball, and preparing yearly reports for all our doctors. He is exhausted.

So... I planned myself a weekend birthday escape! Saturday night, a friend's band is playing at a hotel in Boca Raton. The guitar player and his wife live in my building, and she is in my book club. They are a Dead tribute band, as well as other rock of that genre. Anyway, old hippie friends of my age. I went ahead and booked a small balcony suite at the hotel so we can spend the afternoon by the pool and at the spa, partake of drinks from the poolside bar, have dinner, watch the band perform, then just go upstairs and crash without having to drive home. Pretend I am on vacation and not just 10 miles from home. My SIL is picking up MIL to take her to her house Saturday night, and my son is coming over to stay here and take care of the dog.

Of course, I have not told Brendon any of this, except that he is mine from midday Saturday to midday Sunday.

Oh, fun plans, Laura! Hooray for a little escape