We have been busy bleaching the hell out of the house, though if it's norovirus not sure it'll make any real difference it makes me feel like I'm doing something to avoid the ick. Supposedly we are making a nice dinner tonight but it may get canceled.

My mother lost my husband's present. Fortunately it was only a printout, and not the actual gift. But still. I think the rain of frogs is next.

Timelies all!

Sitting in my parents' house, piggybacking on some unknown person's wi-fi. In a little bit there will be an open house so my parents' friends can see the little guy.

I have made my annual Buche de Noel. Yum.

I have a bonus unexpected cold trying to get a good foothold. I felt fine yesterday, but I woke up with a scratchy throat and I've been feeling progressively worse all day. This is not okay, damn it. Tim is going to go over to his Dad's early to help set up, and I'm going over later. Plus, 2 cars means I can leave early if I need to.

I used the neti pot, took extra vitamin C, and (per Tim's strongly held belief) ate chocolate. So I am awaiting the miracle healing to begin.

I swear I'm not saying home to watch the Minions movie, which Dad gave us yesterday. (Though I want to.)

amyth, while I am so sad for the years and years of stress, I am so glad for you that you found support and the courage to do what you needed to do to have clean hands.

Really, all you did was take care of yourself in a different way than expected. But you persevered and are now triumphant. I consider that winning at life.

Blessings to all here on this day, whatever it means to you!

Oh, Steph. BOO for the Christmas cold. I applaud your process and bid that nasty germs to AWAY with their accursed little selves.

I had one a couple of weeks ago and am SO pleased to be beyond it. Ugh to the max.

I've had something this week. Not quite a cold, but not quite...not, either. Was glad it wasn't worse--still glad to see it through the rear-view. #All Lives Matter is one of the "nicest" things to make me go "Argh" since "My daughter has made me a feminist."

The last of the Midwest family xmas ritual is done. Today's installment was probably the best day of the trip, but the whole thing has been a long exercise in not my home, not my family (some of whom I frankly just don't like much), not a holiday I celebrate or have great love for, inedible food, pointless mansplaining and shouting matches, nonstop Christian privilege, and general I don't wanna. At least we get to go home tomorrow.

(Thank you for the whining space; can't really do it anywhere else)

At least you get to go home tomorrow, amych.

I want to make a buche de noel. Not this year, obviously, especially since I'm leaving town tomorrow, but maybe next year.

Dana, you have really had a cavalcade of crap! Ugh.