And then there's melatonin. I hope there's nothing against mixing them, because on the bad nights I totally add them to Ambien.

My shrink gave me anti-anxiety meds (Clonapin) to help with sleep. None of the OTC things that people generally use - Benadryl, Nyquil - have the least effect on me. But I don't think I'd told her that.

ION, huge relief, my sister is on board for the dog sitting. She'll come stay at my place while I'm in Mexico, hang over the weekend while I'm there, then take the girl to her place while I'm in NY. That's about the best possible arrangement Darb-wise, and good for Gracie too. I won't be able to spend extra days in either place, but still.

Plus I got a dog-sit offer from a friend I probably wouldn't have thought to ask, so for future last minute needs it's good to know she might be an option.

Lucy I could just take her to my dad's or sister's and leave her for however long, but Darb has such issues that I can't go there, not for this long a time.

ETA: Melatonin should not have any interaction issues with Ambien. [Not a doctor, but daughter of a board certified sleep medicine professional.] How dark is your bedroom? Ambient light can really fuck with natural melatonin production.

My sister called. She's packing the car. Will be here tomorrow.

I'm glad we've sold the farm, but I dread everything that's involved with actually completing the process. Mostly the driving to Tennessee part.

Dave Matthews Band covering "Burning Down the House" with Mardi Gras Indians on stage is pretty fucking cool.

With Kermit and Trombone Shorty!

Read your new post, Nora. Well said.

Zenkitty, I wish you safe travels and for the love of all things holy, I don't care how bad you have to pee, DO NOT stop at The Bean Pot.

Manicure done. Let's see if I can get through the weekend without fucking it up. My pedicure didn't last through Monday (paint stripper casualties and I don't know what the fuck.)

Got extremely dopey this afternoon. Actually had to stand up during a meeting to stay awake. Thankfully everyone just laughed when I explained and one other person joined me. I needed to be alert and engaged in the meeting, so needed to BE AWAKE.

Aw, thanks, smonster! It took me like 2 hours to write.

Seriously, though, that was like the first thing my uncle said to me: "What's REALLY GOING ON IN NEW ORLEANS???"

Uh, your FACE!?

t high-five

(OK, I'm drinking beer and have post-blogging high)

I did not take them out before roasting, but I just oven broiled them and not too long.

I got grades for mac thus far today. He's doing great overall. All A's and B's, but the grades by assignment clearly show when he is overloaded, a 30 on one assignment and 60 on another in a sea of 100s, 90s and high 80s.

I've sold 2 of my old college books. Happy-making. I may do another cull this weekend.

All right, good grades!

I don't actually know if the roasting makes any difference, but it might. I'd dry them, if only because by the time they'd sprout if you planted them right now, it'll be cold and peppers don't like cold.

I don't think I'd plant those. Growing from seeds is dicey enough without putting them in the oven first.