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.

Dough is chilling. My house smells lemon fresh! I'll probably be baking all damned morning tomorrow.

OK, time to tackle the upstairs.

Hooray on CJ.

In theory, I am tidying up the house. In reality, I am farting around on the internet and occasionally putting something where it belongs.

I say if wearing a little bling makes you feel awesome and confident, do it, Erin. If you are doing it to make her feel littler, less cool. But a little honest amour doesn't hurt.

As long as you don't set your heart on frames that Are Obviously Wrong for you AND try to argue your case? There probably wouldn't be any crying.

Well, I am thinking it's worth a shot. I like both pairs I own but they don't fit as well as they should.

I love New Year's cards and next year is the year of the Dragon!

And I have a dragon niece and a dragon brother so I am v. excited.

Hooray for CJ!

Also - drunken Amy is funny and adorable.

Kate P- your day sounds hectic but fun. I need to knit, knit, knit to finish my (dragon) niece's arm warmers now that I've finally detangled the mess I made of the yarn.

I am very much Suzi wrt cleaning the house.

ION, today I am also making weekly responsibility charts. good times. They include definitions of chore, responsibility, favor, bonus, privileges, and consequences. Trying to build on the idea that responsibilities & chores are just the normal stuff that has to get done. Above that is favors, things done out of kindness and bonuses, things done for reward (usually cash).

Without Chores and Responsibilities being met to a certain level Privileges will be lost, and below a certain level, there will be addition Consequences.

I feel like we've gone back to Kindergarten.

On the upside, I bought myself a awesome set of Sharpies to use for color-coding the charts.

I am still sick, but you guys maybe right. I am still going to borrow my sister's nice coat and carry-one bag, because I don't have either. I might wear mom's earrings just to have a connection to my mom while I'm there.

She make me irrational; thanks for pulling me back from the edge (STILL glad I lost 40 pounds though; THAT petty ain't going away!) I will go, be gracious, be helpful and spend time being awesome in a natural way. You're right; being worried about projecting the right image is HER gig, not mine.

Thanks.