Online is a lot less stressful when you stop trying to engage people who are out to argue.
Staffing: Haven't for over a year now.
Facebook: Quiet.
Hog Pit: Turned off.
It's like taking anti-anxiety medication. I can think, and in thinking I can do more things for myself.
“If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe.”
― Carl Sagan, Cosmos
@Thenomain Now and then I am even reminded of how few people even online, even MUSHing, know of MSB. Not are on MSB... who have been playing MU* for a long time and don't even know what this place is.
For some reason that's reassuring to me. Not sure why.
@Arkandel Probably because it means that no matter what we say and whether or not this turns into an echo chamber, there will always be people with their own opinions who formulate them without MSB, or WORA, or us, as sources or influences.
And for people who value freedom of thought, that's important.
...my state. Especially my county.
Yup, had to go in for jury duty. And am typing from there. Because our county has... a cyber cafe in its jury lounge. There were so few of us called in today, most of the computers have been totally unused all morning.
Getting all the paperwork registration done (and getting to hang out with my eldest for the incoming 10 grader orientation/AP info night) for my oldest 3 kids to enter high school for the first time (our district is moving from a Jr high model of 7-9/10-12 schools to a middle school/comprehensive high school of 6-8/9-12 model for secondary grades--so they all move up together instead of me having to split school again) and starting the process for preschool registration for my youngest...at the same time. 
It is a sweet reminder of how fast time moves and how precious this time is...and how much I love being a mom.
@mietze I've been spending the last few days gathering paperwork and speaking with a Marine Corps recruiter to get my oldest prepped and ready for enlisting. He graduates at the end of May. Meanwhile, I'm also starting to speak with administrators and ESE staff at the high school in preparation for my youngest son's transition into high school in August. I'm still stunned that I'm about to send one of my kids out into the real world in a few short months. He's come so far and had such a hard road, I'm immeasurably proud of him and everything he's accomplished. Being a mom rocks. ^_^
This year it is just going to be my two boys and myself at home for Thanksgiving, so we're going to be simplifying everything. Instead of a huge dinner just for the three of us, most of which would probably go to waste, we're going to do a small roasted chicken from Walmart's deli department, some stuffing and gravy, mashed potatoes and so on and so forth. Not a conventional Thanksgiving dinner but I am more than fine with this.
About a week ago, had a bruise show up on my knee. Whatev. Went about my business. In the last few days, bruise has worsened, knee has swollen, and last night it began to hurt. In the 'can't sleep and can't function' sort of way. Went to urgent care today.
Doctor there sent me on to the ER because he wanted to make sure I didn't have a blood clot. However... after xrays, ultrasound, etc... knee is clear. Diagnosis is just a bad muscle strain. So rest, ice, tylenol, etc. Sucks, but it could be a helluva lot worse.
My turkey farmer had all his birds grow monstrous huge this year, so I have a 24 pounder and an 18 pounder this year! I'm thinking I'll freeze the 18 since while I do have a huge crowd this year I don't think we will need 40 lbs of turkey, even allowing for generous leftovers sharing! Driving out to the farm is one of my favorite tgiving traditions and I will be too excited to sleep much tonight because I love cooking big meals!
After a really 'meh' day full of nothing working the way it was supposed to and going to bed pretty bummed, I woke up and don't feel as bad.
That's something. Things might still not work the way they are supposed to work but hey.
I feel like this could be half-anger and half-love thread, but I'll remain optimistic and put it here.
My parents voted on the Trump ticket because they like Pence.
I've been slowly educating my mother on the exact kind of things Pence wants and has tried to make happen in the past. She's resistant, but she's slowly starting to come 'round and understand that no, he is not for 'Christian values' (at least not legitimate ones as Jesus taught). I can only hope that the work I've done over the past week doesn't go up in smoke after I leave on Wednesday.
Does it count as a double-pose when it's 5 days later?
Today was a long day. Super long. But flying cross-country will do that.
The cat handled it well. There were times she'd cry a bit, but it was quiet and never for long. On the plane, I could barely hear it over the ambient noise.
We've been home barely an hour and she is already marking everything with her scent (cheek rubs!) and is legit happy-purring. We're talking kneading motions and cuddling on me. I think she needed me as bad as I needed her.
Thank you so much to the folks here who contributed to the costs of getting her to me and for sharing it. 
All told, donations covered about 50% of it and it really, really helped.
Saying the quiet parts out loud since 1996.
I am so happy for you both.
@Auspice That's the best result. Well done to the both of you.
Thanks, guys. I was a bit worried about the day when we sat on the tarmac for an hour... But all told, everything went much more smoothly than I expected.
Thanks to the kind guidance of people here I was able to slip edgelord into a comment to one of my teens as they were trash talking with friends over Xbox. (Their headset is broken so it was just the room mic/speaker. ) so I got to hear silence for a few minutes and then an adolescent voice say "Whoa...was that your /mom/?!?"
Mission accomplished!
I love doing that kind of thing with my youngest. 
... we ordered our wedding rings. 15 and a half years, and we are finally doing it.
I AM SO EXCITE.
Congrats!
@Bobotron It must have been difficult to wait for 15.5 years to finally have sex!
@Arkandel Probably because it means that no matter what we say and whether or not this turns into an echo chamber, there will always be people with their own opinions who formulate them without MSB, or WORA, or us, as sources or influences.
And for people who value freedom of thought, that's important.
