I hereby to report that a. I did manage to take the TOEFL at a testing center, and b. There was a mini F2F and I got to meet Nilly after it!
Well, look who just popped open a fresh can of venom.
Xander ,'Empty Places'
Natter 78: I might need to watch some Buffy for inspiration
Off-topic discussion. Wanna talk about corsets, duct tape, butt kicking, or physics? This is the place. Detailed discussion of any current-season TV must be whitefonted.
Shir - Apr 17, 2026 12:10:46 am PDT #12340 of 12473
"And that's why God Almighty gave us fire insurance and the public defender".
-t - Apr 17, 2026 12:13:26 am PDT #12341 of 12473
I am a woman of various inclinations and only some of the time are they to burn everything down in frustration
Aw, so great, Shir!
Happy Noise Day a little late!
Laura - Apr 17, 2026 6:12:43 am PDT #12342 of 12473
Our wings are not tired.
Today we celebrate Sheryl's birthday! I hope you are being spoiled today and that the year to come brings peace, tranquility, and an abundance of joy.
Laura - Apr 17, 2026 6:19:59 am PDT #12343 of 12473
Our wings are not tired.
In, yes, the world has gone mad news. My newsfeed this morning says -
U.S. considers $20 billion cash-for-uranium deal with Iran
It is a release of the $ from frozen funds, and they hand over their enriched uranium. I just can't even.
meara - Apr 17, 2026 7:19:27 am PDT #12344 of 12473
Yay Shir!!
I am so glad it is Friday.
Laura - Apr 17, 2026 7:54:17 am PDT #12345 of 12473
Our wings are not tired.
I hereby to report that a. I did manage to take the TOEFL at a testing center, and b. There was a mini F2F and I got to meet Nilly after it!
Double win!
Matt the Bruins fan - Apr 18, 2026 8:22:13 am PDT #12346 of 12473
You have to remember that being a 5-time Olympic medalist means Hilary Knight has been playing hockey at an elite level at least 16 years. It's impossible for her to be a teenage girl less than 16 years old, thus the President's complete lack of interest.
Not the best week for medical appointments in my immediate family. Mom's cancer screening didn't come back clear this time, so she's going to have to go back in for surgery next month (she did get twice as long between surgeries as the last few times though, so that's a positive).
Meanwhile, the electrophysiologist I saw Thursday seems to consider my heart arhythmia much more concerning/urgent than my cardiologist or GP do, and is trying to get me into a nanopulse ablation clinical trial in the next few weeks. It kind of made my head spin with the rush of it all, but her reputation is sterling so I'm going to trust her opinion.
I also found out that my psychiatrist is moving away with no replacement found as yet by the clinic, so I'm kind of up in the air there with a placeholder appointment for his possible successor. I might have to switch to my GP prescribing my antidepressants, which is probably okay since I've been on a stable dose since 2018. But he's not comfortable making changes to metal health meds, so I'd prefer to have a psychiatrist on the books in case I need to do that at some future point.
Laura - Apr 18, 2026 9:29:02 am PDT #12347 of 12473
Our wings are not tired.
Sending an abundance of health~ma your way, Matt.
Laura - Apr 18, 2026 9:43:49 am PDT #12348 of 12473
Our wings are not tired.
Bonny and beth b have birthdays today. Hoping they are well and are having good times.
One of my neighbors started a Mahjong group here at the condo so I am learning the ropes. Right now, it seems incredibly confusing, but I am enjoying learning something new and the socialization aspect.
DavidS - Apr 18, 2026 9:53:39 am PDT #12349 of 12473
"Look, son, if it's good enough for Shirley Bassey, it's good enough for you."
Not the best week for medical appointments in my immediate family.
I had three medical appointments this week, including my Dermatologist taking six biopsies off me, and another doctor saying my blood pressure was elevated.
Whee.
I woke up this morning, remembering the few times I had to attend Catholic church with Jacqueline (Matilda being in the xmas play being the usual occasion) and the part where you stand up and shake hands with all your neighbors and say "Christ be with you" or "Peace be with you."
And I thought, I need an exchange with strangers where we shake hands and say "May the Executive Function be with you." "And also with you."