Ah, so I think I am mostly ready to get up at 3:45 am and fly to Allentown via Detroit. E's (D's ex) husband just had hernia surgery so she asked if I could drive him to the restaurant after M is done with Hebrew school. OK.

M and I leave PA Thursday at 5ish; that is a lot of time on my own with the ex. I am glad my Xanax script came in the other day. I am not looking forward to this. I am afraid she is going to want to "share feelings" and "do family bonding" and I will have to go to the bathroom and take an emergency Xanax and just chill.

I admit, though, I AM curious to see the dynamic.

Also, if anyone wants to call me or text me tomorrow or Thursday day with "important details regarding the manuscript I'm editing/project I'm working in after the New Year" feel free.

Yes, it's petty. I accept that. I decided not to borrow jewelry or anything but a decent coat and carry-on bag from my sister. I am being myself. Hell, I'm a Virgo; with K laid up, I will probably do the dishes and clean up. But I am not above the teeniest bit of...well, yeah, it's pettiness.

Oh, and actually, I think I DID just get my first solo editing gig from a YA author! She's going to self-pub, and what from I read from her blog, she's good. Will send me sample chapters after the 27th and we'll set up deets from there. FINALLY that $20 I pay Publisher's Marketplace very month pays off. Hopefully.

Ugh. I have to go to bed soon. Kick in, sleep and anto-anxiety meds!

I hate not being able to take any of my pocketknives or bottle/carotid openers on a plane. I feel naked. I AM going to sneak a lighter or two in my carryon; I KNOW I'm going to want a cig during my Detroit layover. E HATES smoking, and of course I won't smoke in her home, dur, but I am for DAMN sure going to need to take a few "walks" while I am there.

ETA: God, what did I post in Press? I can't even remember, that's how UGGGHHH I am tonight. Thanks for catching whatever it was, ita !, and sorry.

Sweetheart, I feel certain I can come up with an urgent follow up question to that "business discussion" we had in KC any time you need it.

ita,

what you may want to do is start with the FX series "Louie." It will probably give you a good idea if you like him or not.

It is DARK comedy. So prepare yourself. The show is a bit uneven I feel, but when it hits, it HITS.

Feel free! Just not after 7 PM EST tomorrow; she has a meeting.

It would be petty, but tres amusant!

4 applications in this evening. must go to sleep.

I still do not have presents for my parents or from mac to anyone. suck.

Erin, lighters are allowed as a carry-on item.

msbelle, you do NOT suck.

take an emergency Xanax

Seriously, bold this and make it some annoying but impossible to totally ignore font.

You will be amazing because you just *are* that stepmom. I know it's got to be crazy hard, but gosh it's worth it.

I AM going to sneak a lighter or two in my carryon; I KNOW I'm going to want a cig during my Detroit layover.

You don't have to sneak--lighters are permitted. How long of a layover? DTW is smoke-free. You will actually have to exit the building to grab a smoke, and then come back in through security. I think Kansas City flights are on the larger planes so your gate will be in Terminal A. The Allentown flight is most definitely on a regional jet, so you'll depart from Terminal B. Depending on which gate you come in, it could take 30 minutes to get to your connecting flight in the B terminal. Boarding time is usually 35 minutes prior to scheduled departure time, and they can give away your seat if you're not on board 15 minutes prior to departure. A layover of an hour or less probably won't be enough time to have a cigarette. You can only enter/exit DTW through Terminal A. B has no exits or security checkpoints.

(I've probably transited through DTW hundreds of times in the past 10 years. I know that airport as well the ones in DC.)

Nilly, much peace, love and strength to you and your families. My condolences on the loss of your father-in-law, and much ~ma to your dad.

And I'm going for the trifecta as I catch up:

msbelle, you most emphatically do not suck. I'm sorry about the job situation, and I hope you find a position that treats you better soon.