I work out at the community recreation center (partly because I am a cheap-ass and the cost works out to about $11/month, and partly because it's very low-key and suits me perfectly). When I went up there today, the parking lot was packed, and I remembered that they have kids' basketball games all day on Saturdays.

Turns out, yes, there were basketball games -- but there was also a ping-pong tournament in one of the gymnasiums. With official banners and t-shirts and a concession stand and everything. It was excellent -- 6 or 7 tables of people playing ping-pong for blood.

Our lists are similar, msbelle.

I would like to decorate the outside (with two whole light strings), but I can't figure out the electricity issue.

We have snow flurries!

I am mainlining caffiene, and still taking meds, so if I a loopy, please forgive.

I fly to Allentown at 6:30 am the 21st. I am a little unhappy with this, since I scheduled all my flight times to be considerate to E, but spilt milk, and all that.

Is it petty that I am getting my new Xmas coat early from my mom and borrowing some of her diamonds for the trip? Because I am. I kind of want to be casual but gorgeous and gracious for the WHOLE DAMNED DAY and a half I have to spend alone with the ex. I know this is petty, but I can't help it. Anyone have a spare Valium?! Barring that, I hope she has wine.

I'm also kind of delighted I've lost 40 pounds since the last time she saw me. /petty

I just hope that the last of the ick is out of my system before I fly to Allentown. It really knocked me on my ass.

Now, to brush up on my Hebrew.

Just say "l'chaim!!" as you raise your glass of wine and turn 3/4 to show off your figure and diamonds.

The funny think is? I don't even love diamonds! But my mom is lending me her jewels and giving me my Xmas coat early. She gets it.

Dan was all "But what if she thinks we have money she thinks we've been hiding from her?"

Well, the bracelet with be a gift from an ex-doctor BF, and the earring were my grandmothers. I always fly with them, for luck.

Oh, god, I AM petty. But I feel the need to armor up.

Almost all the errands have been done. The only thing I didn't get done wasn't my fault.(I need to bring a specimen from the cats to the vet, and they didn't provide one since the litter box was cleaned last night.)

Dont know if it's petty, Erin, but I think it's unnecessary. You're more than enough awesome without bling. The only person you care about, when it gets down to it, is M, and he doesn't give a rat's ass about bling. He loves you for your effirts in being an awesome stepmom and pancake-making skills. Kids can pick up on adult politics very easily, and he might notice a "different" you. Be yourself, don't worry about sending messages to the ex. You don't need to.

(I mean, not that you asked. Sorry!!)

I think there's no problem in presenting yourself as awesome, Erin. Or, do whatever you like if it makes you happy.

As for me, I'm going to the bank and then off to do some shopping, and maybe pick up a Christmas tree. For once I don't have to be out with my folks this morning so I slept late and took the dog for a long walk.

Later I might make ginger snaps or decorate while I listen to the latest (and possibly last, sniff) Pratchett novel.

CJ passed his probationary test and his e-care test, so he is now officially an Advanced First Responder with the Arapahoe Rescue Patrol. I'm VERY proud of him. He has put in so much hard work.

Update on the kiddos - the elder has a huge pile of blankets/throws and I'm not sure what he is doing. Maybe a fort? The baby is so close to standing. When do kids start popping teeth? She is almost 11 months old and has nary a tooth.