TEACHERS - in the past, we've given Dylan's daycare providers Amex gift cards for the holidays. Is this appropriate for a preschool teacher?

It would be lovely. Frankly, anything is lovely. As a jr. high teacher, I don't really get presents, though, so I may not be the best person to ask. In the past, I've gotten gift cards from Dunkin' Donuts, Barnes & Noble, Chili's, and Starbucks. All very much appreciated. I've also gotten drawings that I really liked.

Hmm, I need to get a gift for my mother's caregiver. Not sure what.

Dental work isn't cheap and it's very often not covered, or covered well, even for people who have "health coverage" so I can see that it's where people let things slide. Plus people put off dental work or checkups and cleaning because of fear.

All of which reminds me that I am overdue and need to reschedule mine. Drat.

If it gets clients into the office and it's something honestly usable by the doctor, I am going with innovative and good.

Totally. And people get things like gift cards from work and places and if they are really in need of dental work it's a great thing to be able to repurpose that money.

It's almost like barter! I like it.

Timelies all!

My boss took the lab out to lunch. Waaay too much food.

Alyson Hannigan announced her pregnancy on Twitter! More pretty babies!

Alyson Hannigan announced her pregnancy on Twitter!

Good thing they set up that plot line on HIMYM.

Alyson Hannigan announced her pregnancy on Twitter! More pretty babies!

Congrats to the happy family. I love seeing families where the kids are so clearly loved and wanted and just enjoyed.

Had a really weird encounter with a co-worker today. Apparently whatsisname is a particular stripe of claustrophobic. He can't go into an elevator with too many people on it. Not a full elevator, that might disturb you or me, but with more than two or three other people. He was pacing the lobby and freaking out for fifteen minutes, apparently, because all the elevators that showed up either had people in them, or other people came and got in after he did. Which meant he got out.

He had to ask us to stop people from going in after him, and he was on the edge of panic.

I'd never seen him before. Apparently he works in a closet that's been converted into an office because of his phobias. I thought that would trigger claustrophobia, but it seems that if he's alone, he's okay in small spaces.

I can't even imagine. He was so distraught.