My company gives us a block of holiday time to use as we wish, rather than specific days off. This is kind of a pain when we don't automatically have Christmas off, but it is nice that I can work on July 4th and save that time for actual PTO.

I'm trying to use this time to complete my peer reviews, but I have a cold and my brain is not functioning. (Also, the company changed the way feedback works again this year, so there's no automatic "here's what you said last year" to crib from, which, I mean COME ON.)

What I really want is the option to leave a star rating but no review for the people I think are generally great but haven't worked with closely enough to write a paragraph about.

Meara, whatever choice you make is the right choice.

Christmas with the Booths was... piecemeal. At no point has everyone been healthy enough to gather but we've achieved small bites at togetherness. Last night was my turn - I'm fine now but asthma in the ER is never fun.

Trust yourself on this meara. You don’t want your last memories to be fighting with him about getting care. Your brother can handle this. I’m sorry it is so hard.

^^ I think this is the best advice.

Asthma solidarity and hugs if you want 'em, Trudy. The ER is never a hopping place to spend the holidays, but I'm glad you're ok now.

Subreddit talking about "leftover" devilled eggs. As if.

ION, I'm about to head to the library to get a jump in my 2026 reading. Listening to various fiction podcasts (starting when Steph got me addicted to Midnight Burger, for which I am eternally grateful) has stolen my reading time for the last several months, so I'm going to try to restore some balance.

The ER is never a hopping place to spend the holidays, but I'm glad you're ok now.

Thanks :) We were there the Sunday after Thanksgiving with mom and then I was the patient the Sunday after Christmas. I've been there so many times with mom I could draw a scale map of the place. It was weird being the patient.

Hug is very much appreciated - I'm imagining it counteracting the 'roid jitters.

I'm happy to be breathing and getting my voice back! I'm grateful that I'm remote this week and no one gets to see the show. Fingers crossed "clean all the things" kicks in soon 'cuz this place is tr-ashed.

Subreddit talking about "leftover" devilled eggs. As if.

Seriously. In my veggie days they were my go-to to roll up to events with. I knew I'd be fine on protein no matter what was being served and even if someone else brought some more were always devoured.

My sister called at 530am to inform me we are orphans. Now I’m awake. I’m not planning to hop on a plane right now, though I’ll need to go eventually, but it feels weird to just be like “ok” and then wait for my new couch to be delivered today as planned?

Meara, my condolences.

You were your father's daughter your entire life, this is a couple of days. You'll do the things you need to do and all the decisions you make are the correct ones.