Can't they just use another type of bear? I just worry that the poor bear is being euthanised, or forced into somnolence. They're nasty buggers, but I don't associate them with the solitary concept of pain.

"Qi" is "chi," for the record. I think if you don't already have a strong tai chi preference taking the class is the best way to make up your mind.

I think if you don't already have a strong tai chi preference taking the class is the best way to make up your mind.

True. And the closer the class is, the more likely I am to actually make it there.

Speaking of Matilda and "Motherfucker" she had an interesting moment the other night.

On Monday she'd had a bad time of it during her doctor visit, getting held down for the nasal spray vaccination for seasonal flu and then a shot in the thigh for H1N1. She was really upset about being held down, particularly the nasal spray.

Then on Tuesday night she had a hangnail on her thumb that had ripped almost down to the quick. We just needed to trim it off before it got worse, but coming so quickly on the doctor appointment she was wild with anger about being held still to have it clipped.

When we released her she was shaking with fury and pointed an accusing finger at JZ and spat out, "You!" Now I've seen lots of angry, furious and out of control little kids. Emmett had some epic tantrums.

But this was different. If lightning could be generated solely by fury JZ would've been incinerated on the spot.

I wonder what was so distinctive about it, and I guess it was Matilda's self-possession. She wasn't out of control. Her fury was all contained and concentrated and her death glare was molten.

We were a little taken aback. If she had super powers we would've been dead.

Did you know the word hideosity is first attested in 1807? Love.

Or in the cornfield.

My brother just called and asked to borrow $300. He's raising his ex's son. NOT his son, mind you. He's raising the son of a woman he dated. She sent the boy to live with my brother at the boy's request. So he chose to live with a mentally ill schizophrenic instead of his mother. She pays no support but they live with my parents who help out.

Joe said he needs money to pay for the escort service for R to fly to Texas to see his mother for Christmas. WTF? If you want to see YOUR child, wouldn't you come up with the money yourself?

I'm seething with anger that he put me in this spot. I already do a lot for Joe and R. I've given him money, bought clothes for R and other things. But this is just too much.

I love you guys and yer mad etymology skillz! I don't even have to look it up now!

And now that I've had coffee, my brain remember that Scotland was Caledonia. All by itself! Brain, I'm proud of you.

Hec, that story is awesome!

"You!"

Hee.

Or in the cornfield.

Exactly! She totally would've jack-in-the-boxed us.

If she had super powers we would've been dead.

I guess it's good to know now that she doesn't.

I'm seething with anger that he put me in this spot. I already do a lot for Joe and R. I've given him money, bought clothes for R and other things. But this is just too much.

Yeah, that is too much.

Joe said he needs money to pay for the escort service for R to fly to Texas to see his mother for Christmas. WTF? If you want to see YOUR child, wouldn't you come up with the money yourself?

escort service? I didn't know that the airlines charged extra for that. And $300? that's the price of a ticket.

I'm seething with anger that he put me in this spot. I already do a lot for Joe and R. I've given him money, bought clothes for R and other things. But this is just too much.

Yes, it is. Bank of Cashmere is closed.

Cash, I can totes see why it would bug.

I apologize as this is probably inappropriate of me, but I'm having a visceral reaction to the kid's mom. She's letting someone who isn't even related to her child, let alone someone who has issues of his own to cope with, raise her kid?! I am having a failure of empathy here.

Why can't she pay to have her own child come visit her? I assume she's in financial straits?