'tiswas the free thread before Christmas...
December 18, 2023 4:00 AM Subscribe
While we shove tartes of flesh into our mouths and read seasonal food reviews, we note that a week today 'twil be the birthdays of Humphrey Bogart (1899), Annie Lennox (1954) and Chef (1984). While invaluable goods continue to disappear, a new etiquette divider is those who ladle their gravy verses those who pour it from the boat, and the best peanut spread is Pindakaas, the question remains: what are you buying or making or planning to eat? Or ... just write about anything, because this is your Free Thread.
Bogart was an interesting guy who as a kid put on shows with his friends in NY’s Finger Lakes area (Canandaigua). His mother, Maud Humphrey, was a suffragist and a hugely popular Victorian watercolor illustrator of cozy domestic themes; her rendering of young Humphrey was used to sell baby food.
posted by kinnakeet at 4:14 AM on December 18, 2023 [10 favorites]
posted by kinnakeet at 4:14 AM on December 18, 2023 [10 favorites]
The last week before Chrimbo Family Time with The In-Laws Plus My SIL. Shepherd and I booked a hotel room nearby his parents as it was decided a while back that we are too old to be sleeping on air mattresses in the family rec room basement. (My SIL snags the actual guestroom with the two beds because she has CFS and needs to rest periodically throughout the day.) I also look at it as ensuring that we have a fairly harmonious holiday, but alas, my MIL is distressed that we will not be sleeping in the same house.
Anyway, I'm distributing gifts to friends throughout the week, making sure I have enough homemade edibles to get me through the visit (another way to ensure a harmonious holiday), and making sure the house is fairly decent for our friends who are catsitting for us while we are gone. I have eaten much Quality Street*.
*matte wrappers??? GTFO
posted by Kitteh at 4:44 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
Anyway, I'm distributing gifts to friends throughout the week, making sure I have enough homemade edibles to get me through the visit (another way to ensure a harmonious holiday), and making sure the house is fairly decent for our friends who are catsitting for us while we are gone. I have eaten much Quality Street*.
*matte wrappers??? GTFO
posted by Kitteh at 4:44 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
There's a cookie exchange at my place of work on Thursday. Planning on making some raspberry shortbread squares. I will tweak things a bit by a) cutting the raspberry preserves with orange marmalade and b) adding pecan bits to the crumble on top. I also made a batch of cranberry jam and vaguely thinking maybe to make a second pan of shortbread using this as a filling. Hmmm?
Of course, my coworkers are the sort who happily eat cold pop tarts and discuss the nuances of 'flavor de jour' Mountain Dew so possibly I'm overthinking this a bit.
But, fuck it, making the shortbreads will be my pleasure. Not going to rob myself of that!
posted by Insert Clever Name Here at 4:46 AM on December 18, 2023 [8 favorites]
Of course, my coworkers are the sort who happily eat cold pop tarts and discuss the nuances of 'flavor de jour' Mountain Dew so possibly I'm overthinking this a bit.
But, fuck it, making the shortbreads will be my pleasure. Not going to rob myself of that!
posted by Insert Clever Name Here at 4:46 AM on December 18, 2023 [8 favorites]
I have eaten much Quality Street*. *matte wrappers??? GTFO
Hooray for recyclable wrappers replacing two billion unrecyclable pieces of plastic per year.
(Side-eyes tinsel. When's the ban on glitter coming, I wanna know.)
posted by rory at 5:21 AM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
Hooray for recyclable wrappers replacing two billion unrecyclable pieces of plastic per year.
(Side-eyes tinsel. When's the ban on glitter coming, I wanna know.)
posted by rory at 5:21 AM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
Oreo the Orca-Kitty is going to her forever home on Thursday! I'm told she already has "a BUNCH" of squeaky toys and catnip (her favorite things!) waiting for her, and she will have cat-sized dog friends! We're not sure how Oreo will do with the dogs, but the dogs have had feline roommates in the past and got along well.
I hosted our company holiday dinner on Wednesday, and it went better than expected! The atmosphere and food were great, and the restaurant staff were amazing. I looked "pretty spiffy" according to several of my coworkers.
I'll be visiting my family this weekend for the holiday. Looking forward to seeing the nebblings, not looking forward to seeing my mother and her husband. The usual, but at least it's only 2 days.
posted by MuChao at 5:30 AM on December 18, 2023 [14 favorites]
I hosted our company holiday dinner on Wednesday, and it went better than expected! The atmosphere and food were great, and the restaurant staff were amazing. I looked "pretty spiffy" according to several of my coworkers.
I'll be visiting my family this weekend for the holiday. Looking forward to seeing the nebblings, not looking forward to seeing my mother and her husband. The usual, but at least it's only 2 days.
posted by MuChao at 5:30 AM on December 18, 2023 [14 favorites]
Last Friday we had a nice Christmas lunch and were sent home slightly early, with Amazon gift cards in email. So I was feeling pretty good.. when the truck in front of me on the highway skipped a rock into my windshield and left a nasty chip.
Yelp reviews pointed to one particular windshield repair company as being really great, so I contacted them. Nowhere on that contact form was there any sort of scheduling stuff. They wrote back an email that said only "$80."
I wrote back, "Can you do it Tuesday or Wednesday (any time of day)? I'll be parked at (address)." They wrote back "Okay, Monday 8:30 - 10:30."
I replied with "If it's Monday, I will be parked at (location in parking garage at other address)." Haven't heard back from them yet... I'm in suspense.
posted by Foosnark at 5:49 AM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
Yelp reviews pointed to one particular windshield repair company as being really great, so I contacted them. Nowhere on that contact form was there any sort of scheduling stuff. They wrote back an email that said only "$80."
I wrote back, "Can you do it Tuesday or Wednesday (any time of day)? I'll be parked at (address)." They wrote back "Okay, Monday 8:30 - 10:30."
I replied with "If it's Monday, I will be parked at (location in parking garage at other address)." Haven't heard back from them yet... I'm in suspense.
posted by Foosnark at 5:49 AM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
I just realised that i am travelling around Vienna with a medium size glass jar of goose fat in my left jacket pocket. The reason this is possible is that the inner lining of said jacket ripped a long time ago so really the jar of goose fat lies inside the lining.
I will make roast potatoes with it.
posted by 15L06 at 6:08 AM on December 18, 2023 [7 favorites]
I will make roast potatoes with it.
posted by 15L06 at 6:08 AM on December 18, 2023 [7 favorites]
Hooray for Oreo! Paws crossed for good integration with the dogs. One of the kittens I fostered two years ago went to a home with a Pomeranian, and they rapidly became besties. The now-grown cat is significantly bigger than the 5-pound Pom, and when the dog gets too rowdy for her liking, she settles the issue by lying on top of the dog.
posted by notoriety public at 6:16 AM on December 18, 2023 [7 favorites]
posted by notoriety public at 6:16 AM on December 18, 2023 [7 favorites]
the best peanut spread is Pindakaas
Hard disagree on any peanut butter containing anything besides peanuts and salt. Gross. Teddie is the best brand and I will brook no argument to the contrary.
We are still hammering out the Christmas menu, but probably it will be lasagna (Italian-American style, natch) and maybe some little personal pizzas. I really love a good rib roast, but it always goes to waste because it's just too much meat. I'll have to make some bread, because that's the thing I do, but I don't know whether I should make loaves or rolls or some kind of whimsically-shaped monstrosity.
posted by uncleozzy at 6:17 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
Hard disagree on any peanut butter containing anything besides peanuts and salt. Gross. Teddie is the best brand and I will brook no argument to the contrary.
We are still hammering out the Christmas menu, but probably it will be lasagna (Italian-American style, natch) and maybe some little personal pizzas. I really love a good rib roast, but it always goes to waste because it's just too much meat. I'll have to make some bread, because that's the thing I do, but I don't know whether I should make loaves or rolls or some kind of whimsically-shaped monstrosity.
posted by uncleozzy at 6:17 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
A house for Mr 'Tiswas?
posted by chavenet at 6:21 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by chavenet at 6:21 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
The continuing voyage...
I had to rip out part of the novel and expand it, like the addition on a house, and honestly, it improves things tremendously by giving a secondary character more development, and a primary character a bunch more screen time. I still need to figure out a few more beats, and write three more fight scenes, but I also patched something from an asspull into a reasonable thing.
Looks like our Christmas dinner will be pot roast.
Couldn't walk over the weekend, but getting back into that today.
posted by mephron at 6:38 AM on December 18, 2023 [4 favorites]
I had to rip out part of the novel and expand it, like the addition on a house, and honestly, it improves things tremendously by giving a secondary character more development, and a primary character a bunch more screen time. I still need to figure out a few more beats, and write three more fight scenes, but I also patched something from an asspull into a reasonable thing.
Looks like our Christmas dinner will be pot roast.
Couldn't walk over the weekend, but getting back into that today.
posted by mephron at 6:38 AM on December 18, 2023 [4 favorites]
Seconding Kitteh.
This stranger on the internet gives you permission to stay at a hotel and not try to pretend to be comfortable sleeping on an air mattress at your age (whatever that age is).
I wish I had made that decision several Christmases before I actually did.
posted by wittgenstein at 6:45 AM on December 18, 2023 [7 favorites]
This stranger on the internet gives you permission to stay at a hotel and not try to pretend to be comfortable sleeping on an air mattress at your age (whatever that age is).
I wish I had made that decision several Christmases before I actually did.
posted by wittgenstein at 6:45 AM on December 18, 2023 [7 favorites]
Pulled an abdominal muscle coughing with RSV. Don't recommend it. Or getting RSV.
posted by seanmpuckett at 6:45 AM on December 18, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by seanmpuckett at 6:45 AM on December 18, 2023 [3 favorites]
Once again trudging 200 km for 2+ days of extreme Christmas waste and boredom, but no other family member will step up for my Christmas-freak mom. The old dear wants a roast this year, so we've dropped near the cost of an appliance on a prime rib. First-world/WASP/privileged problems i know, but i am truly miserable every December. Its been the same every year for nearly 30 years. We so wish to do just about anything else, from Christmas on the beach, to serving Christmas dinner at the Sally-Anne. Tiny problems, I should stop whining.
The abnormally warm weather has allowed me to do some touch-up painting on our truck where the paint has literally flaked off. Another shitty Honda paint-job.
Had our friend (and cat-minder when we're away) over for dinner last night. Mrs C has baked a ton of cookies and packaged them in little gift tins from the dollar store, for our local friends and neighbours. As a gift to each other, we're going to take the train to either Montreal or Quebec City sometime this winter.
Heartfelt best wishes for those of you with actual problems. I hope that 2024 .... doesn't turn out as bad as it's setting up to be, on many fronts.
posted by Artful Codger at 6:46 AM on December 18, 2023 [9 favorites]
The abnormally warm weather has allowed me to do some touch-up painting on our truck where the paint has literally flaked off. Another shitty Honda paint-job.
Had our friend (and cat-minder when we're away) over for dinner last night. Mrs C has baked a ton of cookies and packaged them in little gift tins from the dollar store, for our local friends and neighbours. As a gift to each other, we're going to take the train to either Montreal or Quebec City sometime this winter.
Heartfelt best wishes for those of you with actual problems. I hope that 2024 .... doesn't turn out as bad as it's setting up to be, on many fronts.
posted by Artful Codger at 6:46 AM on December 18, 2023 [9 favorites]
I have not decorated the house for Christmas nor have I done any holiday baking this year because
1. I'm unemployed (save for the play I'm working on) and thus I'm on a budget,
2. I've been in rehearsal for the past 2 weeks and am dealing with THAT overwhelm,
3. I've also been wrestling with a cold and pinkeye for those same past 2 weeks, and
4. My roommate and I are BOTH leaving the house on the 23rd for two separate jaunts and the soonest either of us gets home will be the 27th.
My brother's family is joining his in-laws this year, so it will just be me at my parents' place; we're all already saying it will be very chill, which will suit me fine. My roommate, however, will be going off to Germany, and will not be back until January 6th.
And - I have a two-week break from rehearsal, from now until January 3rd. So when I get back on the 27th I will have the entire apartment to myself for an entire week before I even have to worry about a rehearsal to dash off to. And I am already looking forward to a glorious week of nesting and hardcore domesticity (he sleeps late and works from home, usually, so the time for hardcore cleaning projects is hard to come by).
Dad will be handling the cooking on Christmas, but I may bring some of my Rancho Gordo beans and insist on cooking them something on Boxing Day to a) give Dad a break and b) show off my cooking prowess (I live 2 states away, while my brother lives a shortish drive away, so they're always going over to his place for dinner and I want the chance to show off that "hey, I can cook too"). ....Now that I think of it, I may even suggest a cassoulet for Christmas dinner because that would be a leave-it-to-simmer-a-long-time kind of thing and it would be suitably impressive.
Speaking of beans - I'm planning some hardcore cooking on New Year's Day. I've been making black-eyed peas and collard greens on New Year's Day for years; and Rancho Gordo sends us Bean Club members a pound of black-eyed peas every year as part of our last box each year. I'm only cooking for myself this New Year's, and would only need a portion of that, but I'm going to cook up the whole pound anyway and turn it into a couple other stews, soups, and dips and such to sustain me for the "I have just gotten home after an 18-hour rehearsal and can only eat what I can microwave" phase of rehearsal. I've even solicited recipes from the other bean club members - one of them linked me to this amazing-sounding Kenyan stew with black-eyed peas, tomatoes, and peanuts.
As for the hoppin' john and collards this year - I'm going to gild the lily and serve them alongside an equally amazing-sounding pork chop.
But that's once I get back. For the duration of this week, I'm going to be finally finishing up the last bits of Christmas shopping and will try living off what's already in a slightly overstuffed pantry and fridge.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:46 AM on December 18, 2023 [6 favorites]
1. I'm unemployed (save for the play I'm working on) and thus I'm on a budget,
2. I've been in rehearsal for the past 2 weeks and am dealing with THAT overwhelm,
3. I've also been wrestling with a cold and pinkeye for those same past 2 weeks, and
4. My roommate and I are BOTH leaving the house on the 23rd for two separate jaunts and the soonest either of us gets home will be the 27th.
My brother's family is joining his in-laws this year, so it will just be me at my parents' place; we're all already saying it will be very chill, which will suit me fine. My roommate, however, will be going off to Germany, and will not be back until January 6th.
And - I have a two-week break from rehearsal, from now until January 3rd. So when I get back on the 27th I will have the entire apartment to myself for an entire week before I even have to worry about a rehearsal to dash off to. And I am already looking forward to a glorious week of nesting and hardcore domesticity (he sleeps late and works from home, usually, so the time for hardcore cleaning projects is hard to come by).
Dad will be handling the cooking on Christmas, but I may bring some of my Rancho Gordo beans and insist on cooking them something on Boxing Day to a) give Dad a break and b) show off my cooking prowess (I live 2 states away, while my brother lives a shortish drive away, so they're always going over to his place for dinner and I want the chance to show off that "hey, I can cook too"). ....Now that I think of it, I may even suggest a cassoulet for Christmas dinner because that would be a leave-it-to-simmer-a-long-time kind of thing and it would be suitably impressive.
Speaking of beans - I'm planning some hardcore cooking on New Year's Day. I've been making black-eyed peas and collard greens on New Year's Day for years; and Rancho Gordo sends us Bean Club members a pound of black-eyed peas every year as part of our last box each year. I'm only cooking for myself this New Year's, and would only need a portion of that, but I'm going to cook up the whole pound anyway and turn it into a couple other stews, soups, and dips and such to sustain me for the "I have just gotten home after an 18-hour rehearsal and can only eat what I can microwave" phase of rehearsal. I've even solicited recipes from the other bean club members - one of them linked me to this amazing-sounding Kenyan stew with black-eyed peas, tomatoes, and peanuts.
As for the hoppin' john and collards this year - I'm going to gild the lily and serve them alongside an equally amazing-sounding pork chop.
But that's once I get back. For the duration of this week, I'm going to be finally finishing up the last bits of Christmas shopping and will try living off what's already in a slightly overstuffed pantry and fridge.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:46 AM on December 18, 2023 [6 favorites]
So much baking in the plans for this week.
First, Gingerbread cookies!
Next, two birthday cakes - one is going to be mint chocolate and the other I’m making up my own recipe for an orange chocolate cake - the kid requested a cake that tastes like those chocolate oranges you sometimes see at Christmas. We’ll see what I can do. I’m
planning orange marmalade and chocolate buttercream between the layers.
Then, for Christmas Eve, I always make a Yule Log cake. It’s so good.
And finally for Christmas Day, a raspberry tea ring.
posted by bitbotbit at 6:49 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
First, Gingerbread cookies!
Next, two birthday cakes - one is going to be mint chocolate and the other I’m making up my own recipe for an orange chocolate cake - the kid requested a cake that tastes like those chocolate oranges you sometimes see at Christmas. We’ll see what I can do. I’m
planning orange marmalade and chocolate buttercream between the layers.
Then, for Christmas Eve, I always make a Yule Log cake. It’s so good.
And finally for Christmas Day, a raspberry tea ring.
posted by bitbotbit at 6:49 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
Tiniest film update: my professor who wants me in his film now wants me to play Billy Sunday, evangelizing about the evils of drink. It could be fun.
Update about my real job, which I rarely talk with Metafilter about: There was a guy who was the 2nd most powerful person in the company, one of the founders, who was a big asshole. Everyone hated dealing with him, but he had such control there was no getting around it.
A month ago he announced he was retiring at the end of the year. Or maybe "he'd just walk out one day, who could say".
Last week he put himself on the calendar as out on vacation from the 18th to the end of the year. One contentious meeting called by me to figure out what the heck is going on (the owner of the company was afraid to ask him anything), determined, without getting a straight answer, that the 15th would be his last day with the company.
At the end of the day on the 15th, he formatted his computer, deleted every email, and walked out the door.
Nobody knows why he was such an asshole about everything.
I, however, had a feeling something was up, more assholey than his usual behavior, and had put an audit lock on his email so many thousands of emails are slowly being restored.
He started the company and made a lot of money -- why would he have such hatred for the company to try and destroy stuff on the way out? Who knows. He was an asshole.
posted by AzraelBrown at 6:51 AM on December 18, 2023 [19 favorites]
Update about my real job, which I rarely talk with Metafilter about: There was a guy who was the 2nd most powerful person in the company, one of the founders, who was a big asshole. Everyone hated dealing with him, but he had such control there was no getting around it.
A month ago he announced he was retiring at the end of the year. Or maybe "he'd just walk out one day, who could say".
Last week he put himself on the calendar as out on vacation from the 18th to the end of the year. One contentious meeting called by me to figure out what the heck is going on (the owner of the company was afraid to ask him anything), determined, without getting a straight answer, that the 15th would be his last day with the company.
At the end of the day on the 15th, he formatted his computer, deleted every email, and walked out the door.
Nobody knows why he was such an asshole about everything.
I, however, had a feeling something was up, more assholey than his usual behavior, and had put an audit lock on his email so many thousands of emails are slowly being restored.
He started the company and made a lot of money -- why would he have such hatred for the company to try and destroy stuff on the way out? Who knows. He was an asshole.
posted by AzraelBrown at 6:51 AM on December 18, 2023 [19 favorites]
Congrats Oreo!
I'm home from Florida. Managed to get a flight shortly before Hanukkah ended, so the airport wasn't too bad. The last time I flew down there two years ago was shortly before Hanukkah started, and it was pretty crowded. One of the worst times to fly between the NYC metro area and South Florida, after Thanksgiving-time and Christmastime.
Bought various Christmas gifts online for family down there while I was there. Even had my mom pick hers out (she is still recovering nicely, btw), but she still insisted on having them wrapped and put under the tree!
Back in NJ, I'm confirmed COVID-free after all that travel and ready to start the week; hoping to bake some mince pies in addition to the usual. Our exact Christmas plans aren't solidified yet, but I will be staying home. A quick recommendation before I go: if you have Pokemon fans in your life, of any age, Pokemon Center has some really lovely gifts. After buying my nephews' presents there, I sprung for these wine glasses for myself. Been a customer of theirs for years; they do a great job. Today's their last day for holiday shipping, but they're worth considering for future occasions.
posted by May Kasahara at 6:54 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
I'm home from Florida. Managed to get a flight shortly before Hanukkah ended, so the airport wasn't too bad. The last time I flew down there two years ago was shortly before Hanukkah started, and it was pretty crowded. One of the worst times to fly between the NYC metro area and South Florida, after Thanksgiving-time and Christmastime.
Bought various Christmas gifts online for family down there while I was there. Even had my mom pick hers out (she is still recovering nicely, btw), but she still insisted on having them wrapped and put under the tree!
Back in NJ, I'm confirmed COVID-free after all that travel and ready to start the week; hoping to bake some mince pies in addition to the usual. Our exact Christmas plans aren't solidified yet, but I will be staying home. A quick recommendation before I go: if you have Pokemon fans in your life, of any age, Pokemon Center has some really lovely gifts. After buying my nephews' presents there, I sprung for these wine glasses for myself. Been a customer of theirs for years; they do a great job. Today's their last day for holiday shipping, but they're worth considering for future occasions.
posted by May Kasahara at 6:54 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
Nice move preserving the email, A B. Could be quite the story in there.
posted by Artful Codger at 6:55 AM on December 18, 2023 [6 favorites]
posted by Artful Codger at 6:55 AM on December 18, 2023 [6 favorites]
I am struggling to maintain a facade of good cheer as the darkness wears me down at this time of year. We have fun travel plans for the holiday and I'm kinda white-knuckling it through my three remaining work days before I give myself permission to get excited and start packing.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 6:56 AM on December 18, 2023 [6 favorites]
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 6:56 AM on December 18, 2023 [6 favorites]
We generally spend Christmas eve and Christmas home by choice. My spouse is Jewish and doesn't care about the holiday, and we see my brother and his family in a Christmas-adjacent way before or after the holiday. I really look forward to spending the two days at home, cooking some interesting food and listening to Jon Solomons' 25 hour Holiday Marathon of weird holiday music on WPRB. My sympathies to those of you can't spend the time the way you want. We were there for many years until we decided we had enough.
I haven't quite decided what I'm cooking yet. I'm thinking a lasagna (definitely Italian-American style) one night, and a small leg of lamb the other night. One of my aims is to get a decent amount of leftovers for the remainder of the week, since I have a work project I need to finish before year's end. I'd love any recommendations for side dishes for the lamb. I am, for some reason, completely uninspired when it comes to side dishes (I blame Trader Joe's for this).
posted by mollweide at 6:57 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
I haven't quite decided what I'm cooking yet. I'm thinking a lasagna (definitely Italian-American style) one night, and a small leg of lamb the other night. One of my aims is to get a decent amount of leftovers for the remainder of the week, since I have a work project I need to finish before year's end. I'd love any recommendations for side dishes for the lamb. I am, for some reason, completely uninspired when it comes to side dishes (I blame Trader Joe's for this).
posted by mollweide at 6:57 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
I once spent a week holed-up in our company’s media room with the head animator, storyboarding our next animated special. For the entire week, we played Casablanca on a continuous loop on the room’s big screen.
Once you get past the up-front stuff, and are able to watch the little background details, the editing, the subtleties in acting, etc. you realize that it really is a fantastic movie. Everyone involved, from the production people to the actors, are at the top of their game. It’s probably the apex of the studio system.
posted by Thorzdad at 6:58 AM on December 18, 2023 [8 favorites]
Once you get past the up-front stuff, and are able to watch the little background details, the editing, the subtleties in acting, etc. you realize that it really is a fantastic movie. Everyone involved, from the production people to the actors, are at the top of their game. It’s probably the apex of the studio system.
posted by Thorzdad at 6:58 AM on December 18, 2023 [8 favorites]
And I second Artful Codger, I really want to know what happens next, AzraelBrown, cause I suspect there is some epic-level Ask a Manager tea to spill.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 6:59 AM on December 18, 2023 [5 favorites]
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 6:59 AM on December 18, 2023 [5 favorites]
mollweide, I usually make garlicky green beans and roasted garlic-rosemary potatoes (standard or sweet potatoes) with lamb. Buttery peas or roasted carrots also go well, as does couscous.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 7:04 AM on December 18, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 7:04 AM on December 18, 2023 [3 favorites]
>travelling around Vienna with a medium size glass jar of goose fat
At least it's not chicken fat.
posted by Catblack at 7:06 AM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
At least it's not chicken fat.
posted by Catblack at 7:06 AM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
This stranger on the internet gives you permission to stay at a hotel and not try to pretend to be comfortable sleeping on an air mattress at your age (whatever that age is).
Thanks! I literally thought about doing a AITA on reddit because the initial reaction to not staying at their house--we first did the "no sleeping on an air mattress thing" back in August--was a masterclass in passive-aggressiveness. "Oh, no that's fine, but we really wanted everyone here for your sister's visit." "Oh, I guess that's okay, but we already got out the air mattress." This impending visit: "Oh, but it's Christmas, but I guess that's okay." "Oh well, what if we moved the air mattress into the family room?"
I even had to ask other friends, "Am I being a jerk for not wanting to sleep on an air mattress in a basement?" General consensus was no. My MIL is lovely but really high strung. Like her anxiety is off the charts when it comes to family visits--she's of the generation where entertaining people was An Event--and I do my best to not let her anxiety trigger mine!
posted by Kitteh at 7:06 AM on December 18, 2023 [5 favorites]
Thanks! I literally thought about doing a AITA on reddit because the initial reaction to not staying at their house--we first did the "no sleeping on an air mattress thing" back in August--was a masterclass in passive-aggressiveness. "Oh, no that's fine, but we really wanted everyone here for your sister's visit." "Oh, I guess that's okay, but we already got out the air mattress." This impending visit: "Oh, but it's Christmas, but I guess that's okay." "Oh well, what if we moved the air mattress into the family room?"
I even had to ask other friends, "Am I being a jerk for not wanting to sleep on an air mattress in a basement?" General consensus was no. My MIL is lovely but really high strung. Like her anxiety is off the charts when it comes to family visits--she's of the generation where entertaining people was An Event--and I do my best to not let her anxiety trigger mine!
posted by Kitteh at 7:06 AM on December 18, 2023 [5 favorites]
butts.
posted by bombastic lowercase pronouncements at 7:11 AM on December 18, 2023 [5 favorites]
posted by bombastic lowercase pronouncements at 7:11 AM on December 18, 2023 [5 favorites]
Kitteh, you are graciously reducing the load on your host, as well as freeing up space for other possible houseguests.
posted by Artful Codger at 7:11 AM on December 18, 2023 [6 favorites]
posted by Artful Codger at 7:11 AM on December 18, 2023 [6 favorites]
Artful Codger, I am of the opinion that we will have a very lovely Christmas if everyone gets a good night's sleep on comfortable bedding, and she doesn't worry about having to feed us breakfast. Like, if this were my mom, she would be like, "Okay! Love you! See you in the morning!"
posted by Kitteh at 7:16 AM on December 18, 2023 [5 favorites]
posted by Kitteh at 7:16 AM on December 18, 2023 [5 favorites]
I made peanut butter chocolate chip cookies last night, but only baked up a few as I thought the dough needed to age a little bit more. Tonight we are decorating the Christmas tree (I know it's a little late, but that's kinda how we do). I might make some pumpkin muffin/cupcakes tonight, and maybe some other cookies if I'm feeling up to it. Still not done with holiday shopping, and I need to get it together because I'm definitely feeling the crunch.
posted by Night_owl at 7:19 AM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Night_owl at 7:19 AM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
Air mattresses: only slightly better than the floor, just as cold, and make embarrassing fart noises when you move. And then deflate. Ugh.
My Christmases have been exceedingly quiet since my divorce. The kiddo goes to her dad's family since my parents have passed and my siblings don't tend to get together. So I usually do nothing at all. This year I have been invited to visit with New Boyfriend's grown kids, so we'll see how that goes... I've met them before at least.
I actually really like Christmas but having it be so quiet has also been nice. I always do an advent calendar and cookies. This year we got the IKEA chocolate calendar (yum) and I made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies yesterday. I don't know that I need much more really.
posted by emjaybee at 7:20 AM on December 18, 2023 [5 favorites]
My Christmases have been exceedingly quiet since my divorce. The kiddo goes to her dad's family since my parents have passed and my siblings don't tend to get together. So I usually do nothing at all. This year I have been invited to visit with New Boyfriend's grown kids, so we'll see how that goes... I've met them before at least.
I actually really like Christmas but having it be so quiet has also been nice. I always do an advent calendar and cookies. This year we got the IKEA chocolate calendar (yum) and I made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies yesterday. I don't know that I need much more really.
posted by emjaybee at 7:20 AM on December 18, 2023 [5 favorites]
MetaFilter: only slightly better than the floor, just as cold, and make embarrassing fart noises when you move.
posted by wenestvedt at 7:22 AM on December 18, 2023 [14 favorites]
posted by wenestvedt at 7:22 AM on December 18, 2023 [14 favorites]
My teen son has a couple of friends with whom he is socializing, after roughly a decade of choosing to have none. (I don't mean "best friends," I mean literally any interaction with a peer outside a structured activity or family event.) We are pleased.
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 7:30 AM on December 18, 2023 [11 favorites]
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 7:30 AM on December 18, 2023 [11 favorites]
I don't have particular love for air mattresses, but the best thing we ever did was buy a really fast plug-in pump, which lets you inflate the thing in under a minute and get it inflated to proper firmness. They're just cheapo Coleman mattresses, but we've slept on them, both in tents and at home, at least 20 nights over the last few years without leaks, sagging, or complaints.
I do fully support hotel stays, though, for so, so many reasons that have nothing to do with sleep.
posted by uncleozzy at 7:32 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
I do fully support hotel stays, though, for so, so many reasons that have nothing to do with sleep.
posted by uncleozzy at 7:32 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
Planning the Exploding Christmas Video Inevitable (that is to say, the Christmas Marathon). A question for people: I always announce it in Talk, which feels like the appropriate place to mention it, but tends to limit its reach (even if it does usually appear in the sidebar). It still doesn't feel like the front page of the Blue is the best place for it, but is there any good way to get the word out to more people, without being obnoxious about it?
posted by JHarris at 7:39 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by JHarris at 7:39 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
Two finals today, the second one ending at 9:30 PM. Caffeine, do your stuff!
posted by tommasz at 7:41 AM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by tommasz at 7:41 AM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
JHarris: I'm not exactly sure what you're referring to, but is it a Fanfare event thing? Or just mention it here?
posted by jenfullmoon at 7:43 AM on December 18, 2023
posted by jenfullmoon at 7:43 AM on December 18, 2023
JHarris does MST3k holiday marathons, I believe.
posted by wenestvedt at 7:48 AM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by wenestvedt at 7:48 AM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
Eldest child arrives on Wednesday, with at least one of her partners, maybe a second one as well? That was a bit contentious, as we haven't met partner two yet, and they were going to be here for weeks, and not sure how that turned out. Child 2 comes in on Thursday, child 3 has recently moved back to the area, so will be around, but not taking up bed space, and child 4 came back from his first semester in college a few days ago. And the in-laws are coming as well, but thankfully not staying here.
And Ms. Windo is getting her baking plans lined up. There will be much baking.
posted by Windopaene at 7:48 AM on December 18, 2023 [5 favorites]
And Ms. Windo is getting her baking plans lined up. There will be much baking.
posted by Windopaene at 7:48 AM on December 18, 2023 [5 favorites]
Crazy-ass winds blowing through New England from those storms today. Water everywhere, too. Just trying to stay warm & dry indoors today, and keep the lights on!
posted by wenestvedt at 7:49 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by wenestvedt at 7:49 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
I really want to know what happens next, AzraelBrown, cause I suspect there is some epic-level Ask a Manager tea to spill.
I haven't done any real forensic digging, but because he was a main support contact all of us in Software Support now have access to his email account and really there's nothing of any note in there. The audit block has been on since early November, and there's nothing weird since then. I don't think he was covering tracks, I think it was just that I had made a comment that we'd take over his email account in case there's any useful information in there, and he was like 'fuck all yall, I'm outta here'.
Also, he didn't tell any of his clients he was retiring.
I don't get his emotional response to this at all, and this is something he literally decided to do all by himself, he wasn't forced out or anything.
posted by AzraelBrown at 7:51 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
I haven't done any real forensic digging, but because he was a main support contact all of us in Software Support now have access to his email account and really there's nothing of any note in there. The audit block has been on since early November, and there's nothing weird since then. I don't think he was covering tracks, I think it was just that I had made a comment that we'd take over his email account in case there's any useful information in there, and he was like 'fuck all yall, I'm outta here'.
Also, he didn't tell any of his clients he was retiring.
I don't get his emotional response to this at all, and this is something he literally decided to do all by himself, he wasn't forced out or anything.
posted by AzraelBrown at 7:51 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
Every year we at MST Club do a "Christmas Marathon" in our video share room. Usually it's from Dec 23-25, and goes for 72 hours. It's intended for entertainment, to help people destress, to give folk an excuse to avoid family, as background chatter, and for whatever other purpose they want. People can drop in for as long as they want/need/can stand, knowing there'll be something happening, and just leave when they want. No guilt, no stress. There's a chat room attached to it. While it's nominally for "Christmas," we have an irreverent approach and aren't religious at all. I probably should change the name to a Holiday something but honestly haven't thought much about it.
posted by JHarris at 8:01 AM on December 18, 2023 [8 favorites]
posted by JHarris at 8:01 AM on December 18, 2023 [8 favorites]
So: In the spirit of the Gavle Goat and letting it burn, Festivus and the Airing of Grievances, and the like, I have decided to take an action with regards to someone that may burn shit down, and I've decided that I'm fine with that and it's time. I wrote one of those letters that therapists advise you to write and not send and put it into the mail last night. Why? Because I've been brooding/crying/whining about the incident that hurt my feelings for a long time now, I keep having it come up in therapy and medical appointments even when it's not appropriate to go into (did I need to go into that at screening appointments and evaluations? Nope, but there it was), AND I'm in a situation with regards to the person right now where I won't be having to see/deal with them for awhile to possibly ever again if this upcoming year goes as poorly as it has the potential to. We can probably both easily avoid each other and not have to worry about keeping the social peace.
I was as nice about it as I could manage under the circumstances, but I imagine being called out on hurting someone's feelings when odds are pretty high they didn't realize they did that or remember doing it at this point is pretty unpleasant, embarrassing, kinda hurtful, etc. I certainly didn't deal well when one of my friends called me out for hurting their feelings when I didn't mean to, and in some respects I don't think that friendship recovered even though we've officially made up. But given how things are and how I've deliberately drifted from the relationship, and how it's now Present Season and that makes things even more awkward, well...might as well save money or just confirm that I'm no longer on their present list, I suppose.
I realize it's dumb to send a letter in 2023 when you could just email it, mail gets lost and who the heck knows when they will read it when they have a lot of busy shit going on right now, etc. but at least that way they can process it on their own without feeling like they have to respond with any kind of electronic speed and indeed I said they do not have to respond to me at all, I just wanted to get this out before I go, as it were.
Let it all burn. If the person wants to apologize, that'd be great, but at this point I have zero expectations and apparently this is what I have to do to let the situation finally go.
posted by jenfullmoon at 8:08 AM on December 18, 2023 [7 favorites]
I was as nice about it as I could manage under the circumstances, but I imagine being called out on hurting someone's feelings when odds are pretty high they didn't realize they did that or remember doing it at this point is pretty unpleasant, embarrassing, kinda hurtful, etc. I certainly didn't deal well when one of my friends called me out for hurting their feelings when I didn't mean to, and in some respects I don't think that friendship recovered even though we've officially made up. But given how things are and how I've deliberately drifted from the relationship, and how it's now Present Season and that makes things even more awkward, well...might as well save money or just confirm that I'm no longer on their present list, I suppose.
I realize it's dumb to send a letter in 2023 when you could just email it, mail gets lost and who the heck knows when they will read it when they have a lot of busy shit going on right now, etc. but at least that way they can process it on their own without feeling like they have to respond with any kind of electronic speed and indeed I said they do not have to respond to me at all, I just wanted to get this out before I go, as it were.
Let it all burn. If the person wants to apologize, that'd be great, but at this point I have zero expectations and apparently this is what I have to do to let the situation finally go.
posted by jenfullmoon at 8:08 AM on December 18, 2023 [7 favorites]
I stopped celebrating Christmas at all years ago.
I was finding it all so stressful
and it's so nice to just... ...not.
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 8:14 AM on December 18, 2023 [14 favorites]
I was finding it all so stressful
and it's so nice to just... ...not.
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 8:14 AM on December 18, 2023 [14 favorites]
I slept on an air mattress for a month while waiting for movers. (It wasn't a cross-country move; it was one state over, a 5-hour drive, and I'm still angry about how brazenly they lied to me that they'd deliver my stuff by the next day.) I had a suspicion that it might be a while, so I invested in pretty much the nicest air mattress I could get at Target.
And honestly, it was a very good mattress! I wouldn't want to sleep on it forever, but I've had worse hotel mattresses, and it stayed at a pretty good pressure level if I filled it up every night and every morning. (The pump was electric, so this wasn't a huge chore).
However, I have a cat. I have an anxious little cat who will cry if she's not allowed to sleep in bed with me. It's a very good air mattress, but not invulnerable to punctures from kitty claws. So by the end of the month I was desperately trying to keep up with patching the punctures and not succeeding.
After the movers arrived, I figured the mattress was irreparable, not even suitable for camping trips, so I spent hours slashing it apart with scissors to get it into pieces that would fit down my apartment's garbage chute.
I intend to never hire long-distance movers again if I can help it.
posted by Jeanne at 8:15 AM on December 18, 2023 [4 favorites]
And honestly, it was a very good mattress! I wouldn't want to sleep on it forever, but I've had worse hotel mattresses, and it stayed at a pretty good pressure level if I filled it up every night and every morning. (The pump was electric, so this wasn't a huge chore).
However, I have a cat. I have an anxious little cat who will cry if she's not allowed to sleep in bed with me. It's a very good air mattress, but not invulnerable to punctures from kitty claws. So by the end of the month I was desperately trying to keep up with patching the punctures and not succeeding.
After the movers arrived, I figured the mattress was irreparable, not even suitable for camping trips, so I spent hours slashing it apart with scissors to get it into pieces that would fit down my apartment's garbage chute.
I intend to never hire long-distance movers again if I can help it.
posted by Jeanne at 8:15 AM on December 18, 2023 [4 favorites]
We (my kids, their SOs, the grandkids and my sister and BIL) had our Christmas yesterday, since everyone including me will be somewhere else on the day. No tree. We usually find and decorate the tree on Christmas Eve, so this weekend would have been extreme. Modest gifts, because we are all aware of the planetary boundaries and don't want to waste.
The toddler moomins were adorable as usual. Tiny toddler is beginning to speak a little and is moving about a lot, specially with the dog. There was almost a Fanny and Alexander atmosphere in spite of the lack of tree and no singing.
The dinner was pretty good, if I may say so myself. Number two is a chef, so we can really turn some stuff over when we get going. My sister had asked for a pork roast with a quart of gravy, but her husband doesn't eat pork, my youngest and I don't much like roast pork (her nickname is Piglet, so understandable for both of us), and the grandkids don't eat meat that hasn't been ground, so we had to make a flexitarian spread. Which had the added benefit of spending less money and CO2 on meat, compared to a traditional roast dinner.
I have never in my life made such a good pork roast: juicy, just cooked through and with perfect crackling. I hope I can do it again if needed. I still only had a bit of it. But my sister enjoyed it very much and possibly ate half of the roast and half of the gravy.
Anyway, the other dishes were delicious, and these are meant as suggestions for mollweide, since they will be good with lamb too:
fingerling potatoes
Brune kartofler (also potatoes, invented as a poor mans take on chestnuts, but delicious in their own right)
A curly kale salad with apples, oranges and walnuts, and a sweet and spicy vinaigrette
A salad made with lettuce and blueberries and a dressing made with thick cream and lemon juice
Caponata (this is what I think will be the most excellent side to lamb, and it works as a dish on its own or a pasta sauce and you can make it ahead).
pasta with Marcella Hazan's famous butter-tomato sauce. This was the toddler-friendly dish, but I knew others would be sampling it, so there was enough for all, and it was good with a bit of caponata and some cheese on top
Brussel sprouts, steamed and turned in butter
Coffee and cookies for dessert
Don't try all of this at once without a pro in the kitchen. In spite of her contribution, I forgot to drink water all day and ended up with a bad headache...
I really feel I have accomplished something, with help from the kids. I've been struggling with a PTSD relapse since late summer, and find it hard to do anything "social", although I find the cooking-part of it all soothing. My sister is going to try to help me see our mother and aunt tomorrow, which will be great if it happens, can't promise.
But the PTSD is why I will be away for Christmas. I need some time alone and in nature. It's just a day. But it's a day where I don't have to work, so I can be alone.
posted by mumimor at 8:23 AM on December 18, 2023 [12 favorites]
The toddler moomins were adorable as usual. Tiny toddler is beginning to speak a little and is moving about a lot, specially with the dog. There was almost a Fanny and Alexander atmosphere in spite of the lack of tree and no singing.
The dinner was pretty good, if I may say so myself. Number two is a chef, so we can really turn some stuff over when we get going. My sister had asked for a pork roast with a quart of gravy, but her husband doesn't eat pork, my youngest and I don't much like roast pork (her nickname is Piglet, so understandable for both of us), and the grandkids don't eat meat that hasn't been ground, so we had to make a flexitarian spread. Which had the added benefit of spending less money and CO2 on meat, compared to a traditional roast dinner.
I have never in my life made such a good pork roast: juicy, just cooked through and with perfect crackling. I hope I can do it again if needed. I still only had a bit of it. But my sister enjoyed it very much and possibly ate half of the roast and half of the gravy.
Anyway, the other dishes were delicious, and these are meant as suggestions for mollweide, since they will be good with lamb too:
fingerling potatoes
Brune kartofler (also potatoes, invented as a poor mans take on chestnuts, but delicious in their own right)
A curly kale salad with apples, oranges and walnuts, and a sweet and spicy vinaigrette
A salad made with lettuce and blueberries and a dressing made with thick cream and lemon juice
Caponata (this is what I think will be the most excellent side to lamb, and it works as a dish on its own or a pasta sauce and you can make it ahead).
pasta with Marcella Hazan's famous butter-tomato sauce. This was the toddler-friendly dish, but I knew others would be sampling it, so there was enough for all, and it was good with a bit of caponata and some cheese on top
Brussel sprouts, steamed and turned in butter
Coffee and cookies for dessert
Don't try all of this at once without a pro in the kitchen. In spite of her contribution, I forgot to drink water all day and ended up with a bad headache...
I really feel I have accomplished something, with help from the kids. I've been struggling with a PTSD relapse since late summer, and find it hard to do anything "social", although I find the cooking-part of it all soothing. My sister is going to try to help me see our mother and aunt tomorrow, which will be great if it happens, can't promise.
But the PTSD is why I will be away for Christmas. I need some time alone and in nature. It's just a day. But it's a day where I don't have to work, so I can be alone.
posted by mumimor at 8:23 AM on December 18, 2023 [12 favorites]
I am so glad about Oreo. I adopted an eight-year-old cat in September, Louie, who was 16 pounds at adoption. He was surrendered to the shelter because his family was moving. I suspect he was free-fed hard food and somewhat ignored, because he is really not food-driven at all. He wants (a) head-scratching (b) lap or bed and (c) playing with a mousie on a stick. I think he is very slowly losing weight; at least he can wash his back now and he doesn't look quite as much like a hassock.
This Christmas my kid, son-in-law, and grandkid are coming over tomorrow for Chinese food and a few presents, and then they will drive down to North Carolina to visit with the in-laws. Last year we had to cancel our plans entirely because everyone except me got ill, but this year they obligingly got a bad cold last week instead of this one, so we're able to hang out. It's my second Christmas without my late husband, who never actually cared for the holiday because he had an early January birthday and a mid-December sobriety date. I don't care much for the holiday and used to take the tree down after everyone went home, but this year I kind of like it sitting there twinkling. I miss all the people who are gone in my life and I am happy to be alive and alone with my cat, but life is weird.
posted by Peach at 8:43 AM on December 18, 2023 [11 favorites]
This Christmas my kid, son-in-law, and grandkid are coming over tomorrow for Chinese food and a few presents, and then they will drive down to North Carolina to visit with the in-laws. Last year we had to cancel our plans entirely because everyone except me got ill, but this year they obligingly got a bad cold last week instead of this one, so we're able to hang out. It's my second Christmas without my late husband, who never actually cared for the holiday because he had an early January birthday and a mid-December sobriety date. I don't care much for the holiday and used to take the tree down after everyone went home, but this year I kind of like it sitting there twinkling. I miss all the people who are gone in my life and I am happy to be alive and alone with my cat, but life is weird.
posted by Peach at 8:43 AM on December 18, 2023 [11 favorites]
Haven't heard back from them yet... I'm in suspense.
Fixed, whew.
posted by Foosnark at 8:54 AM on December 18, 2023 [6 favorites]
Fixed, whew.
posted by Foosnark at 8:54 AM on December 18, 2023 [6 favorites]
I spent a couple hours at the end of a crisp Saturday afternoon hanging out with a few friends around a backyard fire pit, which was very pleasant and my clothes still smelled of campfire smoke a bit when I got home - a nice little plus.
I'll be attending a "NYE" (on Saturday, though) potluck, andd my original intent was to smoke a couple of ducks. But I've been to four grocery stores so far and none of them had any, even the ones that usually do. I have a couple more places to check, but if that falls through I may go with a garlic-heavy - as in, 1.5 to 2 times the typical recipe amount - Pernil, with yellow rice and peas.
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:57 AM on December 18, 2023 [5 favorites]
I'll be attending a "NYE" (on Saturday, though) potluck, andd my original intent was to smoke a couple of ducks. But I've been to four grocery stores so far and none of them had any, even the ones that usually do. I have a couple more places to check, but if that falls through I may go with a garlic-heavy - as in, 1.5 to 2 times the typical recipe amount - Pernil, with yellow rice and peas.
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:57 AM on December 18, 2023 [5 favorites]
Ohhhh man, I miss pernil. I haven't made one in a really long while because even the half shoulder is too big for us to get through, usually. It's absolutely one of my favorite foods. And if you're not using at least a whole head of garlic, what are you even doing?
posted by uncleozzy at 9:07 AM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by uncleozzy at 9:07 AM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
I feel if the closing date on a position opening is listed as Monday, it is a bit much to respond to applications received over the weekend with an 8 am Monday email saying “we have already chosen another candidate for the position.” Oh well.
Tensions are very high at the Laundry household right now and it’s - not so great. Grandchild Toddler is responding by significantly ramping up the meltdowns; I feel her pain and kind of wish that was an option for me. But, despite it all, the tree is up, the nativity scene is out for the first time in years (although I see that baby jesus is already missing and I suspect he has moved to the playskool barn) the house is decorated and yesterday we went on a trolley ride with Santa and the elves. Tomorrow we are going to daughter’s work holiday party, Toddler in tow, and there are vague plans for cookie baking. Apparently my mechanics do a big holiday thing with lights and music at their hilltop garage, go figure, so we’ll be going to that as well and I for one am excited. It is nice to have a child around.
Christmas dinner is going to be a variety of different pastas - all gluten free - and a variety of sauces, mostly vegan. There will be a big salad and a vegan gluten free key lime pie for dessert along with cupcakes from a box just in case the pie is a bummer, although frankly, gluten free box mixes vary widely and I do mean widely, so that’s just as likely as the pie to fail.
posted by mygothlaundry at 9:28 AM on December 18, 2023 [5 favorites]
Tensions are very high at the Laundry household right now and it’s - not so great. Grandchild Toddler is responding by significantly ramping up the meltdowns; I feel her pain and kind of wish that was an option for me. But, despite it all, the tree is up, the nativity scene is out for the first time in years (although I see that baby jesus is already missing and I suspect he has moved to the playskool barn) the house is decorated and yesterday we went on a trolley ride with Santa and the elves. Tomorrow we are going to daughter’s work holiday party, Toddler in tow, and there are vague plans for cookie baking. Apparently my mechanics do a big holiday thing with lights and music at their hilltop garage, go figure, so we’ll be going to that as well and I for one am excited. It is nice to have a child around.
Christmas dinner is going to be a variety of different pastas - all gluten free - and a variety of sauces, mostly vegan. There will be a big salad and a vegan gluten free key lime pie for dessert along with cupcakes from a box just in case the pie is a bummer, although frankly, gluten free box mixes vary widely and I do mean widely, so that’s just as likely as the pie to fail.
posted by mygothlaundry at 9:28 AM on December 18, 2023 [5 favorites]
Christmas is going to be a bit different this year. Oldest Child is on his honeymoon in St. Lucia, Middle child is living 3000 miles away and Only Surviving Parent is in a home with no idea any more of who is who, so that leaves Mrs 43rd, me, and daughter.
The current plan for Christmas Day is a very traditional church service at St Martin's on Trafalgar Square - all the good carols, choir, organ - a walk round Chinatown and then lunch at our favourite Indian restaurant.
posted by 43rdAnd9th at 9:38 AM on December 18, 2023 [7 favorites]
The current plan for Christmas Day is a very traditional church service at St Martin's on Trafalgar Square - all the good carols, choir, organ - a walk round Chinatown and then lunch at our favourite Indian restaurant.
posted by 43rdAnd9th at 9:38 AM on December 18, 2023 [7 favorites]
During a lull in a pre-holiday department meeting many years ago, one of my co-workers shared that for many years she believed that turkeys were just male chickens.
The meeting ended early that day.
posted by kinnakeet at 9:39 AM on December 18, 2023 [10 favorites]
The meeting ended early that day.
posted by kinnakeet at 9:39 AM on December 18, 2023 [10 favorites]
I got some good work done on The Book yesterday, and sent updates to my readers. We have chill plans for the holidays, family but no expectations around presents or trees or whatever, so super chill.
Been on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster lately. we had a bad scare with Herbert (my 13.5 y.o kitty) but he's pulled back from the brink and stable. I don't think we are going to have his cute baby Love Bug lovin' for a lot longer. I am prepared but will be devastated.
its funny, cause the cats take Methimazole for thyroid issues and guess who just got dx'd with Graves disease and is starting a round of Methimazole??? yes, it me!! woooo. now I know why I effortlessly lost 12 pounds this summer while my hands became even shakier than before!
but I am grateful to be otherwise healthy, have time for creative projects, and the chance to spend time with friends over the holidays. And a little more time with Herbert, snuggling on the couch with a book and a blankie.
So happy for Oreo and Louie!
posted by supermedusa at 9:44 AM on December 18, 2023 [13 favorites]
Been on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster lately. we had a bad scare with Herbert (my 13.5 y.o kitty) but he's pulled back from the brink and stable. I don't think we are going to have his cute baby Love Bug lovin' for a lot longer. I am prepared but will be devastated.
its funny, cause the cats take Methimazole for thyroid issues and guess who just got dx'd with Graves disease and is starting a round of Methimazole??? yes, it me!! woooo. now I know why I effortlessly lost 12 pounds this summer while my hands became even shakier than before!
but I am grateful to be otherwise healthy, have time for creative projects, and the chance to spend time with friends over the holidays. And a little more time with Herbert, snuggling on the couch with a book and a blankie.
So happy for Oreo and Louie!
posted by supermedusa at 9:44 AM on December 18, 2023 [13 favorites]
This year started off difficult, got really bad, then cautiously better, then terribly anxious must-move situation that became the amazing and utterly incredible experience of buying a house, the 5th house we looked at the day we started looking at houses. So many bad things are just gone; no scary aggressive neighbors who start fires in the back yard on pleasant nights and don't pick up after their dogs.
Unpacking will take a long time, and the list of things to repair and replace just keeps growing. But we get to have our own very merry little holiday alone, with a dear friend staying over for sushi, and I have the pleasure of giving my partner something they've wanted that we don't really need but I know they'll enjoy. We also got to take in another dear friends' mothers cat when mum could no longer care for it and friend was having no luck homing kitty; she's curled up on a heated blanket next to me as I write this. I plan to get my home office set up such that I can calibrate my monitor and printer and post pictures of her splendid spots and stripes and jewel green eyes as I am supposed to do online. I can plant a lovely Japanese maple tree and a ginko tree and I have lots of space for a huge garden next year. All I have to do is pretend I'm 10 or 20 years younger and that my knees and hands will hold up for a while.
Wishing everyone a comfy bed and a little peace when needed, and tasty holiday treats as desired.
posted by winesong at 9:51 AM on December 18, 2023 [19 favorites]
Unpacking will take a long time, and the list of things to repair and replace just keeps growing. But we get to have our own very merry little holiday alone, with a dear friend staying over for sushi, and I have the pleasure of giving my partner something they've wanted that we don't really need but I know they'll enjoy. We also got to take in another dear friends' mothers cat when mum could no longer care for it and friend was having no luck homing kitty; she's curled up on a heated blanket next to me as I write this. I plan to get my home office set up such that I can calibrate my monitor and printer and post pictures of her splendid spots and stripes and jewel green eyes as I am supposed to do online. I can plant a lovely Japanese maple tree and a ginko tree and I have lots of space for a huge garden next year. All I have to do is pretend I'm 10 or 20 years younger and that my knees and hands will hold up for a while.
Wishing everyone a comfy bed and a little peace when needed, and tasty holiday treats as desired.
posted by winesong at 9:51 AM on December 18, 2023 [19 favorites]
I am prepared but will be devastated.
Isn't that just the truth with pets? Our two ginger brothers are now 12 and healthy, but still... Every time I ask myself if I want to go through that again, but in the end I see another fluffball or rescue and the cycle starts again.
posted by 43rdAnd9th at 9:52 AM on December 18, 2023 [8 favorites]
Isn't that just the truth with pets? Our two ginger brothers are now 12 and healthy, but still... Every time I ask myself if I want to go through that again, but in the end I see another fluffball or rescue and the cycle starts again.
posted by 43rdAnd9th at 9:52 AM on December 18, 2023 [8 favorites]
winesong, happy that 2023 ended for you better than it began. Looking forward to cat pictures in due course!
posted by 43rdAnd9th at 9:55 AM on December 18, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by 43rdAnd9th at 9:55 AM on December 18, 2023 [4 favorites]
major congrats, winesong!!!
posted by supermedusa at 9:57 AM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by supermedusa at 9:57 AM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
it's true, we just lost Vash and I was an absolute disaster during his downward slide, and swore no more cats, but now his brother Spike is not getting enough enrichment in his enclosure and what is there to do for it but start looking at the adoption pages at the humane society.
posted by seanmpuckett at 10:00 AM on December 18, 2023 [9 favorites]
posted by seanmpuckett at 10:00 AM on December 18, 2023 [9 favorites]
I'm one of the devastated ones: my 10-year-old GSD developed torsion on Saturday evening while I was at the movies. By the time I got her to the emergency vet it would have been $15K with no guarantee of success.
So now my house is weirdly silent and the dog beds are all in the garage for the time being. I'm kind of wrecked: she was incredibly cuddly for a 65-lb dog and she got me through all the isolation of the early days of the pandemic. And now she's gone.
posted by suelac at 10:05 AM on December 18, 2023 [23 favorites]
So now my house is weirdly silent and the dog beds are all in the garage for the time being. I'm kind of wrecked: she was incredibly cuddly for a 65-lb dog and she got me through all the isolation of the early days of the pandemic. And now she's gone.
posted by suelac at 10:05 AM on December 18, 2023 [23 favorites]
I still have dreams with my former pets in them (except the fish, I sometimes forget we ever had fish).
The best one was with my first pony. I dreamt that he and I lived in an amazing rooftop garden in the middle of the city, next to the Royal Theatre, because we were somehow the janitors or guards of the theatre. I took him for walks in the city like one would walk a dog.
This makes more sense than one might think, since he was more like a dog than a pony in many ways. He was tiny, and I grew out of him very soon, so most of his long life, we would go for walks and hang out in the yard, he was allowed inside the house, too. I tried to get the dormitory I lived in to accept him as a pet when I went to university, but nope.
posted by mumimor at 10:21 AM on December 18, 2023 [6 favorites]
The best one was with my first pony. I dreamt that he and I lived in an amazing rooftop garden in the middle of the city, next to the Royal Theatre, because we were somehow the janitors or guards of the theatre. I took him for walks in the city like one would walk a dog.
This makes more sense than one might think, since he was more like a dog than a pony in many ways. He was tiny, and I grew out of him very soon, so most of his long life, we would go for walks and hang out in the yard, he was allowed inside the house, too. I tried to get the dormitory I lived in to accept him as a pet when I went to university, but nope.
posted by mumimor at 10:21 AM on December 18, 2023 [6 favorites]
I am prepared but will be devastated. [...] Isn't that just the truth with pets?
I just lost my 18-year-old cat two weeks ago. He had what seemed like a seizure in the morning, just early enough that we had to go to the emergency vet, who said there didn't seem to be an immediate problem and sent us home. I took him to our regular vet once they opened, who did an X-ray, and it turned out he had a mass on his spleen that had ruptured. It would have been cruel to do anything more to him, so we said goodbye that evening.
He was a good cat, our Apollo. Sure, he was a menace in his spry years -- at one point, my wife took to keeping a broom near the stairs to stop him from swatting at her legs on the landing -- but he was also a cuddly lump who sat more on my torso than on my lap, his face in my face, purring away for as long as I'd sit there.
It's so weird to lose a pet who'd been with me for so long, practically my entire adult life. I still expect him to come running when I come home, or when I open the yogurt container. He'd slowed down significantly in recent years and we figured he didn't have a whole lot of time left, but it was still an absolute gut punch when the vet gave her recommendation to euthanize him.
posted by uncleozzy at 10:25 AM on December 18, 2023 [20 favorites]
I just lost my 18-year-old cat two weeks ago. He had what seemed like a seizure in the morning, just early enough that we had to go to the emergency vet, who said there didn't seem to be an immediate problem and sent us home. I took him to our regular vet once they opened, who did an X-ray, and it turned out he had a mass on his spleen that had ruptured. It would have been cruel to do anything more to him, so we said goodbye that evening.
He was a good cat, our Apollo. Sure, he was a menace in his spry years -- at one point, my wife took to keeping a broom near the stairs to stop him from swatting at her legs on the landing -- but he was also a cuddly lump who sat more on my torso than on my lap, his face in my face, purring away for as long as I'd sit there.
It's so weird to lose a pet who'd been with me for so long, practically my entire adult life. I still expect him to come running when I come home, or when I open the yogurt container. He'd slowed down significantly in recent years and we figured he didn't have a whole lot of time left, but it was still an absolute gut punch when the vet gave her recommendation to euthanize him.
posted by uncleozzy at 10:25 AM on December 18, 2023 [20 favorites]
My heart goes out to everyone dealing with the loss of a pet. I'm so sorry.
In August of last year, I reported that I was no longer being stabbed, which was nice while it lasted. Unfortunately, I'm being stabbed again, and it's unpleasant. I've got an appointment to see my surgeon just after Christmas. And Christmas eve is the ten year anniversary of my getting diagnosed with Crohn's disease (yes, my GI doc scheduled that talk for Christmas eve day). In that time I've gotten to the point where I'm really tired of having abdominal surgeries; I think I've had seven.
So I'm very bah humbug this year. Looking forward to spending some quality time soliloquizing angrily at Whoville.
posted by MrVisible at 10:26 AM on December 18, 2023 [11 favorites]
In August of last year, I reported that I was no longer being stabbed, which was nice while it lasted. Unfortunately, I'm being stabbed again, and it's unpleasant. I've got an appointment to see my surgeon just after Christmas. And Christmas eve is the ten year anniversary of my getting diagnosed with Crohn's disease (yes, my GI doc scheduled that talk for Christmas eve day). In that time I've gotten to the point where I'm really tired of having abdominal surgeries; I think I've had seven.
So I'm very bah humbug this year. Looking forward to spending some quality time soliloquizing angrily at Whoville.
posted by MrVisible at 10:26 AM on December 18, 2023 [11 favorites]
Just finished booking restaurants for the holiday trip with my mother and brother. We booked a nice looking Air B&B near Bremerhaven for a few days.
I dream of travelling to a warm place at the end of the year – Madeira or La Gomera *sigh*.
posted by Metahirn at 10:36 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
I dream of travelling to a warm place at the end of the year – Madeira or La Gomera *sigh*.
posted by Metahirn at 10:36 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
Well hey, supermedusa, remember when Bush 1, his wife Barbara, and their dog (Milly, wasn’t it?) all were diagnosed with Grave's disease, and around that same time cats were getting hyperthyroidism apparently from exposure to brominated fire retardants in new furniture?
Might be something worth looking into in all that.
posted by jamjam at 10:37 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
Might be something worth looking into in all that.
posted by jamjam at 10:37 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
The lyrics of the Grinch Song have been brought forward to modern social media sensibilities regarding the gray green villain.
CW: Abusive/derogatory/coarse language toward a fictional character. The song goes so far as to doxx The Grinch.
posted by zaixfeep at 10:37 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
CW: Abusive/derogatory/coarse language toward a fictional character. The song goes so far as to doxx The Grinch.
posted by zaixfeep at 10:37 AM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
jamjam whoa!!! I do not remember that nor did I know about that...I'll check it out!
posted by supermedusa at 10:41 AM on December 18, 2023
posted by supermedusa at 10:41 AM on December 18, 2023
Sigh. The elderly cat we took in a year and a half ago, who was 18 then and pushing 20 now, is starting to have bladder control issues. And while she was always a little wobbly, she’s getting wobblier. She ain’t dead yet, and has been living her best life the whole time she’s been with us, but the air I’m suddenly feeling is that her time might finally be growing short.
I would be giving her lots of hugs but she’s not much down with that. Too arthritic. But I will give her the top-of-head and face scritches that she wants, nay, insists upon, from me when I’m in bed, enforced by a paw gently but clawfully placed on my face whenever I stop.
posted by notoriety public at 10:59 AM on December 18, 2023 [13 favorites]
I would be giving her lots of hugs but she’s not much down with that. Too arthritic. But I will give her the top-of-head and face scritches that she wants, nay, insists upon, from me when I’m in bed, enforced by a paw gently but clawfully placed on my face whenever I stop.
posted by notoriety public at 10:59 AM on December 18, 2023 [13 favorites]
There are links in some of my comments, supermedusa.
posted by jamjam at 11:02 AM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by jamjam at 11:02 AM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
We just had to have our 8 year old French bulldog put down due to a brain tumor. Louis was good companion until he started having seizures, skin problems, acid reflux and finally the tumor which eventually immobilized him. I know too much about the breed's $popularity$ with celebrities and the negatives consequences on the breed's health problems. This was our second French bulldog. My spouse advocated for the French bulldogs. Our first one, Aldo, was a sweet guy with whom I used to play a lot. In some ways I miss him more because Louis became a mama's boy when the seizures began four years ago. I have had anosmia since 2020 that was non Covid-related. I used to love to cook and drink vast quantities of wine. Not a particularly pleasant time of the year for us.
posted by DJZouke at 11:49 AM on December 18, 2023 [10 favorites]
posted by DJZouke at 11:49 AM on December 18, 2023 [10 favorites]
suelac, so sorry about your pup!
uncleozzy, so sorry about Apollo cat!
seanmpuckett - good luck in your new friend search. I totally get it!
So sorry and best wishes to anyone dealing with difficult animal-friend circumstances. : /
It's only been a couple weeks since Dexter passed unexpectedly (mentioned last thread), which leaves me and Toki in a much emptier home. I'm in no RUSH to replace him. And he won't be "replaced" anyway. But I'm not sure an arbitrary waiting period is necessary either, with all kinds of puppers needing homes out there. But then I change my mind and have done several dozen times. (Dexter and Toki, 2022)
This weekend I (accidentally [not really]) stumbled upon Wobble. I filled out paperwork but have not/may not send it. Probably she already found a home anyway. And it's too soon. Or not. I wasn't intending on a puppy. I miss my friend Dexter but I'm confident he would be ok with Wobble or someone else.
Toki and I shall spend a long Christmas weekend watching squirrels and dark-eyed juncos eating nuts and seeds on the patio. Possibly while listening to Hometown Minis from the podcast My Favorite Murder and eating delicious vegan Mexican food from Momcorn.
posted by Glinn at 11:53 AM on December 18, 2023 [6 favorites]
uncleozzy, so sorry about Apollo cat!
seanmpuckett - good luck in your new friend search. I totally get it!
So sorry and best wishes to anyone dealing with difficult animal-friend circumstances. : /
It's only been a couple weeks since Dexter passed unexpectedly (mentioned last thread), which leaves me and Toki in a much emptier home. I'm in no RUSH to replace him. And he won't be "replaced" anyway. But I'm not sure an arbitrary waiting period is necessary either, with all kinds of puppers needing homes out there. But then I change my mind and have done several dozen times. (Dexter and Toki, 2022)
This weekend I (accidentally [not really]) stumbled upon Wobble. I filled out paperwork but have not/may not send it. Probably she already found a home anyway. And it's too soon. Or not. I wasn't intending on a puppy. I miss my friend Dexter but I'm confident he would be ok with Wobble or someone else.
Toki and I shall spend a long Christmas weekend watching squirrels and dark-eyed juncos eating nuts and seeds on the patio. Possibly while listening to Hometown Minis from the podcast My Favorite Murder and eating delicious vegan Mexican food from Momcorn.
posted by Glinn at 11:53 AM on December 18, 2023 [6 favorites]
DJZouke, so sorry about Louis. Dangit, that's hard.
posted by Glinn at 11:55 AM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Glinn at 11:55 AM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
Hugs to all, just because.
25th food: My family (parents, sister, BIL, nephew) discussed that yesterday. Gonna be kinda low-key and have Mexican food. My boyfriend T will be off work so he'll be able to join us.
My folks have been trying to get their insurance company to fix their laundry room & kitchen since July. So now they have an AirBnB not too far from home to chill, do laundry, and cook. Which is nice, but it would have been nicer to have the repairs done by now.
Got a bonus, which means I get to have a savings account! :)
The ex and I had another text talk. Thankfully he'll be out of town from the 21st to like the 3rd, so our interactions will be limited to text and will be minimal. Also thankfully, I've been able to charge my electric car at my folks' house when they're at the AirBnB so I can have some solitude.
posted by luckynerd at 11:58 AM on December 18, 2023 [3 favorites]
25th food: My family (parents, sister, BIL, nephew) discussed that yesterday. Gonna be kinda low-key and have Mexican food. My boyfriend T will be off work so he'll be able to join us.
My folks have been trying to get their insurance company to fix their laundry room & kitchen since July. So now they have an AirBnB not too far from home to chill, do laundry, and cook. Which is nice, but it would have been nicer to have the repairs done by now.
Got a bonus, which means I get to have a savings account! :)
The ex and I had another text talk. Thankfully he'll be out of town from the 21st to like the 3rd, so our interactions will be limited to text and will be minimal. Also thankfully, I've been able to charge my electric car at my folks' house when they're at the AirBnB so I can have some solitude.
posted by luckynerd at 11:58 AM on December 18, 2023 [3 favorites]
Metahirn, definitely Madeira! Mrs 43rd and I are stealing a week there in mid-February, which is when she feels lowest and in need of getting away from winter. It is such a lovely place.
posted by 43rdAnd9th at 12:11 PM on December 18, 2023
posted by 43rdAnd9th at 12:11 PM on December 18, 2023
When our cat Nancy passed several years ago I thought we might be sitting in a one cat household for a while, but my husbear surprised me by going out and finding Peggy within a week of Nancy's death. It turns out, that might have been the best medicine.
My parents, both in their Eighties, have a cat who is quite elderly and entering that "this is just a walking skeleton covered with fur how can it still be alive" stage of old cat life. But Missy is apparently still very happy with my parents, purring a lot and snuggling like she always has been. Maybe a bit more grumpy but not acting like she doesn't want to be around anymore.
I've had conversations with them about what they will do after Missy passes, and they've both said they will be doing elder cat fostering after that, as they know they really do need a pet around their lives but they don't want to take on a kitten when it would likely outlive both of them.
posted by hippybear at 12:23 PM on December 18, 2023 [12 favorites]
My parents, both in their Eighties, have a cat who is quite elderly and entering that "this is just a walking skeleton covered with fur how can it still be alive" stage of old cat life. But Missy is apparently still very happy with my parents, purring a lot and snuggling like she always has been. Maybe a bit more grumpy but not acting like she doesn't want to be around anymore.
I've had conversations with them about what they will do after Missy passes, and they've both said they will be doing elder cat fostering after that, as they know they really do need a pet around their lives but they don't want to take on a kitten when it would likely outlive both of them.
posted by hippybear at 12:23 PM on December 18, 2023 [12 favorites]
Thank you luckynerd, hippybear, Glinn and all the other peeps here. Louis will be our last dog. We have had a few over the years. Maybe a cat but not now. Thanks again to all and best to those who are undergoing tough times.
posted by DJZouke at 12:41 PM on December 18, 2023 [6 favorites]
posted by DJZouke at 12:41 PM on December 18, 2023 [6 favorites]
It's sad that this has become the Thread of Beloved Pet Death, but it's really nice to hear so many people around here have such big hearts. Santa must have his hands full with you all because it's certain you're on the Very Nice List.
posted by JHarris at 12:43 PM on December 18, 2023 [10 favorites]
posted by JHarris at 12:43 PM on December 18, 2023 [10 favorites]
My mom is visiting for lunch today and I had to insist she drive my car because 5 minutes of my driving in town and she's already losing it. This sort of thing is why it took me SO long to get a license.
posted by jenfullmoon at 12:43 PM on December 18, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by jenfullmoon at 12:43 PM on December 18, 2023 [3 favorites]
Greetings from central Ohio, where there is suddenly a tiny snowstorm outside my windows, whirling snow and wind. My partner had his first-ever colonoscopy today so he is chilling under the down blanket with our horrible stinky beloved sphynx cat. The baby (she's almost 4), our grey cat, is wedged between my leg and the arm of the chair I'm wallowing in. Maybe I will make a fire before I go pick the kid up from afterschool.
Sending condolences to all mourning beloved pets, ours are spoiled and loved so so much and I am not looking forward to saying goodbye - the sphynx is 12 and recently developed hyperthyroid and has been a giant pain in the butt about it for the last 6 months - peeing everywhere and constantly, relentlessly demanding food - it's better now he's medicated. I'm tempted to say that when our naked little monster goes, we will be a single-cat household, but I know that's asking for kittens to show up on our doorstep so I won't get ahead of myself.
My secret beans experience this year was once again a highlight of the season, thank you so so much RhysPenbras and okayokayigive for running it so smoothly, I really enjoy both sending and receiving a little box of treasure.
Let's just say that at the turning of the year I don't find myself super optimistic about the world and the present moment. Holding lightly and warmly to the beloved people and things and wishing for better to come for all of us. I am so lucky in my life and I know I am no more deserving than all those who are plunged in suffering and war - how awful. How painful.
posted by Lawn Beaver at 1:16 PM on December 18, 2023 [7 favorites]
Sending condolences to all mourning beloved pets, ours are spoiled and loved so so much and I am not looking forward to saying goodbye - the sphynx is 12 and recently developed hyperthyroid and has been a giant pain in the butt about it for the last 6 months - peeing everywhere and constantly, relentlessly demanding food - it's better now he's medicated. I'm tempted to say that when our naked little monster goes, we will be a single-cat household, but I know that's asking for kittens to show up on our doorstep so I won't get ahead of myself.
My secret beans experience this year was once again a highlight of the season, thank you so so much RhysPenbras and okayokayigive for running it so smoothly, I really enjoy both sending and receiving a little box of treasure.
Let's just say that at the turning of the year I don't find myself super optimistic about the world and the present moment. Holding lightly and warmly to the beloved people and things and wishing for better to come for all of us. I am so lucky in my life and I know I am no more deserving than all those who are plunged in suffering and war - how awful. How painful.
posted by Lawn Beaver at 1:16 PM on December 18, 2023 [7 favorites]
I came down with symptoms and tested positive for Covid on Dec. 4. Started Paxlovid the next day. That week was very unpleasant. Quarantine ended and I tested negative and felt pretty good. Two days later I woke up headachy and congested; round two ended over this past weekend.
1. Covid throat is a thing and it is terrible and I hope none of you experience it.
2. Regardless of the rebound, I'd take Paxlovid again.
3. High fevers are no joke.
4. Thank god for modern medicine.
Now I'm recovered enough to look forward to Christmas and both of my kids coming home!
posted by cooker girl at 1:25 PM on December 18, 2023 [8 favorites]
1. Covid throat is a thing and it is terrible and I hope none of you experience it.
2. Regardless of the rebound, I'd take Paxlovid again.
3. High fevers are no joke.
4. Thank god for modern medicine.
Now I'm recovered enough to look forward to Christmas and both of my kids coming home!
posted by cooker girl at 1:25 PM on December 18, 2023 [8 favorites]
I came down with symptoms and tested positive for Covid on Dec. 4.
So, I watched this yesterday, it's about an hour long. It's from UCSF and it's a roundtable summarizing the current knowledge about Long Covid.
One of the bit of it that brought me to link that here in response to your comment is that one of the people talking in this says that they should be doing Paxlovid for 15 days, not 5. I thought that was interesting enough to note it in my brain.
The whole thing is a good watch if you want to know what is actually going on with research about this right now.
posted by hippybear at 1:30 PM on December 18, 2023 [4 favorites]
So, I watched this yesterday, it's about an hour long. It's from UCSF and it's a roundtable summarizing the current knowledge about Long Covid.
One of the bit of it that brought me to link that here in response to your comment is that one of the people talking in this says that they should be doing Paxlovid for 15 days, not 5. I thought that was interesting enough to note it in my brain.
The whole thing is a good watch if you want to know what is actually going on with research about this right now.
posted by hippybear at 1:30 PM on December 18, 2023 [4 favorites]
Yesterday while walking my dog we met a new neighbor down the street. He had bought a used treadmill and with his friend was preparing to lower it down the 25 outside steps beside his house (we live on a steep hill). I told him to wait.
I'm in a ski patrol and so have some training in raising/lower people in sleds on slopes. And I have just a little climbing experience (but couldn't find my hardware). Anywho, I returned with my climbing rope and we got the treadmill (400 lbs?) down without much difficulty.
Unrelated: taking today off work due to back pain.
posted by neuron at 1:44 PM on December 18, 2023 [10 favorites]
I'm in a ski patrol and so have some training in raising/lower people in sleds on slopes. And I have just a little climbing experience (but couldn't find my hardware). Anywho, I returned with my climbing rope and we got the treadmill (400 lbs?) down without much difficulty.
Unrelated: taking today off work due to back pain.
posted by neuron at 1:44 PM on December 18, 2023 [10 favorites]
My mom is visiting for lunch today and I had to insist she drive my car because 5 minutes of my driving in town and she's already losing it.
Heh. My Mom has never had her licence, yet she'll give turn-by-turn directions and other admonitions and criticisms almost nonstop. It's utterly infuriating to drive her around.
posted by Artful Codger at 1:57 PM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
Heh. My Mom has never had her licence, yet she'll give turn-by-turn directions and other admonitions and criticisms almost nonstop. It's utterly infuriating to drive her around.
posted by Artful Codger at 1:57 PM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
The best thing my ex-wife and I ever did was insist that the winter holiday with our collective parents (they all lived in same nearby small town) be done the weekend before the 24th or 25th. It's astonishing how much that reduces the stress of the day, plus it means you get to spend the actual holiday in your own house, casually, playing with any new "toys" or reading new books or...
My mother, in particular, was one of those people who worried that holidays had to be "perfect" and things would be "ruined" if they were not. But celebrating before the actual day meant there was time for "do-overs" (never needed, of course) and everyone just seemed more relaxed.
These days it's just Mr. Dog and myself, no decorations. Maybe a frozen pizza if we're feeling extravagant.
posted by maxwelton at 2:28 PM on December 18, 2023 [9 favorites]
My mother, in particular, was one of those people who worried that holidays had to be "perfect" and things would be "ruined" if they were not. But celebrating before the actual day meant there was time for "do-overs" (never needed, of course) and everyone just seemed more relaxed.
These days it's just Mr. Dog and myself, no decorations. Maybe a frozen pizza if we're feeling extravagant.
posted by maxwelton at 2:28 PM on December 18, 2023 [9 favorites]
Ooh fancy maxwelton!
And to all who have lost pets, so sorry, and all the hugs.
We have lost two over that last 5 years or so. Still miss them so much.
posted by Windopaene at 2:34 PM on December 18, 2023 [4 favorites]
And to all who have lost pets, so sorry, and all the hugs.
We have lost two over that last 5 years or so. Still miss them so much.
posted by Windopaene at 2:34 PM on December 18, 2023 [4 favorites]
Something that's new to me: Metallica's cover of "Whiskey in the Jar." Also, they covered Bob Seger's "Turn the Page" [CW: rough depiction of sex work, violence].
My Xmas prep is almost done; going to try to get a wish list for one more person and if they really have no ideas then it's hence to the gift card rack.
posted by Halloween Jack at 2:35 PM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
My Xmas prep is almost done; going to try to get a wish list for one more person and if they really have no ideas then it's hence to the gift card rack.
posted by Halloween Jack at 2:35 PM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
O
M
G
I've been out of work for something like 16 months, sort of doing a Victorian kind of "lay low in the house invalid and maybe I will heal". And I am. not. healing.
I thought I was getting better but then I quit nicotine, and wow did that set me the fuck back.
And then other bits of life came together and I've been in a bit of meltdown mode for at least a month.
Last week I exploded at the most convenient yet least culpable person, my partner of 30 years. And I've spent a lot of time doing a lot of introspection since then, even while struggling against one of the worst flareups of my PTSD/anxiety symptoms I've had in maybe a year, all due to my poisoning of my own well.
Anyway, I got to a Feeling Well Enough state for myself today to call the local community health association and after what was a MUCH less painful series of telephone conversations and transfers and questions-answering... I have ended up with full Medicaid and an appointment for the 27th and can maybe begin to either find healing or get declared ill enough to get government support.
I wasn't expecting today to be a day where I sort of reached out a grabbed a bit of control out of my life that I feel is falling apart even while I struggle... so I'm taking the win!
posted by hippybear at 2:49 PM on December 18, 2023 [36 favorites]
M
G
I've been out of work for something like 16 months, sort of doing a Victorian kind of "lay low in the house invalid and maybe I will heal". And I am. not. healing.
I thought I was getting better but then I quit nicotine, and wow did that set me the fuck back.
And then other bits of life came together and I've been in a bit of meltdown mode for at least a month.
Last week I exploded at the most convenient yet least culpable person, my partner of 30 years. And I've spent a lot of time doing a lot of introspection since then, even while struggling against one of the worst flareups of my PTSD/anxiety symptoms I've had in maybe a year, all due to my poisoning of my own well.
Anyway, I got to a Feeling Well Enough state for myself today to call the local community health association and after what was a MUCH less painful series of telephone conversations and transfers and questions-answering... I have ended up with full Medicaid and an appointment for the 27th and can maybe begin to either find healing or get declared ill enough to get government support.
I wasn't expecting today to be a day where I sort of reached out a grabbed a bit of control out of my life that I feel is falling apart even while I struggle... so I'm taking the win!
posted by hippybear at 2:49 PM on December 18, 2023 [36 favorites]
Daughter has just informed us that she has Covid. We spent the weekend with her, and if i get it, it will be the third time since the beginning of September.
posted by 43rdAnd9th at 2:51 PM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by 43rdAnd9th at 2:51 PM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
Hugs hippybear, I'm proud of you. You are doing so much for this community all the time. Remember to put on your own oxygen mask before you care for the rest of us <3
posted by mumimor at 3:11 PM on December 18, 2023 [7 favorites]
posted by mumimor at 3:11 PM on December 18, 2023 [7 favorites]
The Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland is starting to erupt. Live view if you're interested. Hope everyone there is safe.
posted by JoeZydeco at 3:12 PM on December 18, 2023 [7 favorites]
posted by JoeZydeco at 3:12 PM on December 18, 2023 [7 favorites]
Welcome to Mental Health Club, hippybear. *hugs* I know how much of a joy it is to join of late. I'm glad you've got an appointment for the end of the month and hopefully the Medicaid works out as well.
posted by jenfullmoon at 3:44 PM on December 18, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by jenfullmoon at 3:44 PM on December 18, 2023 [3 favorites]
Thanks for that Paxlovid info, hippybear!
posted by cooker girl at 3:55 PM on December 18, 2023
posted by cooker girl at 3:55 PM on December 18, 2023
43rdAnd9th: I've been to both isles and would also prefer Madeira, I think. It's just not possible financially at the moment ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
posted by Metahirn at 4:02 PM on December 18, 2023
posted by Metahirn at 4:02 PM on December 18, 2023
We celebrate Christmas on the 24th and over the last few years we've perfected it: We're about twelve in the family we live near ( there's a whole other branch in the US) with grandparents and half-siblings and it's a bear buying so many gifts, so we do "Yule Club" - everyone buys a gift for not more than 20Euro, it gets packed with no name. Then, We sit in a circle and make significantly complicated rules about dice throws and if they indicate you open a gift, which gift, everyone passes to the left or right and etc. The end result is everyone has a gift. And then, we can swap again.
The beauty of it is that it makes hanging out the point. There is of course the added advantage that we all get along.
This year is going to be a bit more fractured, unfortunately but it does mean I get to cook my new favorite desert: Mini Tarts Tatin - it starts like a regular Tatin but then gets put into a bigger muffin tin for the final, oven phase. They come out these amazing little things. I'll also make "smashed" Brussel sprouts which sound a little gimmicky but involve melted cheese, so you know it'll be good. And because we will only be seven or eight, I can do this (we were going to be sixteen-ish.)
Last June I noticed a bunch of still-green walnuts on the ground and so did some research and stumbled upon "Noccino" a sort of pickled walnuts drink. They're pickled with lemon peel and cloves and vanilla. It hasn't turned out amazing, unfortunately. I kind of like it but only kind of... but I don't hate it. But I don't know if I like it. And I think that's the majority opinion. Maybe if you really go for that kind of thing. I do and it's still - eh not yet there. My thread of hope is that it should sit around for a long time and it has only sat around for a time so far. Maybe in spring it'll be delicious.
My heartfelt sympathies to all who have lost pets/friends/bodhisattva's - it's no small trauma.
And in two days the Solstice, and the year will turn.
posted by From Bklyn at 4:26 PM on December 18, 2023 [4 favorites]
The beauty of it is that it makes hanging out the point. There is of course the added advantage that we all get along.
This year is going to be a bit more fractured, unfortunately but it does mean I get to cook my new favorite desert: Mini Tarts Tatin - it starts like a regular Tatin but then gets put into a bigger muffin tin for the final, oven phase. They come out these amazing little things. I'll also make "smashed" Brussel sprouts which sound a little gimmicky but involve melted cheese, so you know it'll be good. And because we will only be seven or eight, I can do this (we were going to be sixteen-ish.)
Last June I noticed a bunch of still-green walnuts on the ground and so did some research and stumbled upon "Noccino" a sort of pickled walnuts drink. They're pickled with lemon peel and cloves and vanilla. It hasn't turned out amazing, unfortunately. I kind of like it but only kind of... but I don't hate it. But I don't know if I like it. And I think that's the majority opinion. Maybe if you really go for that kind of thing. I do and it's still - eh not yet there. My thread of hope is that it should sit around for a long time and it has only sat around for a time so far. Maybe in spring it'll be delicious.
My heartfelt sympathies to all who have lost pets/friends/bodhisattva's - it's no small trauma.
And in two days the Solstice, and the year will turn.
posted by From Bklyn at 4:26 PM on December 18, 2023 [4 favorites]
Flying home from a work/leisure trip to Chicago. The highlight of which was s'mores patbangsu at Parachute, a hopped-up Korean shaved ice dessert. Chocolate shaved ice, candied red beans, mochi, puffed barley, toasted Swiss meringue, cinnamon-honey ice cream.
Easily in the top 5 desserts I've ever had, and maybe even the best. So many tasty flavors and complicated textures.
posted by Gorgik at 4:43 PM on December 18, 2023 [5 favorites]
Easily in the top 5 desserts I've ever had, and maybe even the best. So many tasty flavors and complicated textures.
posted by Gorgik at 4:43 PM on December 18, 2023 [5 favorites]
I still have dreams with my former pets in them (except the fish, I sometimes forget we ever had fish).
I slept very fitfully last night (more on why in a minute) and at about 2:30 am, when I was half awake, I swear I felt a slight "thud" on my pillow and some footfalls walking around my head to the other side of the bed, and heard a feline "prrrrt" passing by me at the same time. I was confused for a second, but then thought "oh, it's just Zach" and was starting to drift back off again - then woke all the way up when I remembered Zach died in 2010. ..We have rats in the back yard, and Zach was a mouser and all I can think is that he's still looking out for me.
...I had a bad night's sleep solely because I've had a stubborn cold for the past week or so - usually my colds start as sore throats, then move into the nose and sinuses and wreak havoc there, and then peter out. This cold has decided to go for another go-round. And - I'd run out of Mucinex four days ago and was trying to make do with what I had in the house (neti pot, the last bits of some Buckleys and raiding my stage manager's first aid kit). But today at noon I decided to stop torturing myself and I stomped to a local mom-and-pop place where I think I frightened the poor clerk by turning up with sightly wild eyes and wailing "please tell me you have stuff with pseudoephedrine in it."
I now have both Sudafed and Mucinex D, and a fresh box of kleenex and I plan on sleeping way better tonight.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:45 PM on December 18, 2023 [7 favorites]
I slept very fitfully last night (more on why in a minute) and at about 2:30 am, when I was half awake, I swear I felt a slight "thud" on my pillow and some footfalls walking around my head to the other side of the bed, and heard a feline "prrrrt" passing by me at the same time. I was confused for a second, but then thought "oh, it's just Zach" and was starting to drift back off again - then woke all the way up when I remembered Zach died in 2010. ..We have rats in the back yard, and Zach was a mouser and all I can think is that he's still looking out for me.
...I had a bad night's sleep solely because I've had a stubborn cold for the past week or so - usually my colds start as sore throats, then move into the nose and sinuses and wreak havoc there, and then peter out. This cold has decided to go for another go-round. And - I'd run out of Mucinex four days ago and was trying to make do with what I had in the house (neti pot, the last bits of some Buckleys and raiding my stage manager's first aid kit). But today at noon I decided to stop torturing myself and I stomped to a local mom-and-pop place where I think I frightened the poor clerk by turning up with sightly wild eyes and wailing "please tell me you have stuff with pseudoephedrine in it."
I now have both Sudafed and Mucinex D, and a fresh box of kleenex and I plan on sleeping way better tonight.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:45 PM on December 18, 2023 [7 favorites]
I survived the family Christmas party on Saturday! And everyone behaved themselves and there were no arguments! And I ended up with massive amounts of leftovers but as that included chocolate mousse and creme caramel as well as turkey and brisket (and cheeses, and ham, and smoked salmon, and asparagus, and and and), I've been very happily snacking my way through it.
It's been super hot here - was 37C for the day of the party but cyclone Jasper up in Queensland is supposed to be pushing wet weather our way so they're forecasting a wet Christmas and everyone is panicking, but I couldn't be happier. It's currently 33C here and very smoky from the bushfires, but there's supposed to be a storm which will help immensely. We already had a volunteer from one of the local bush fire brigades die, so I'm desperately hoping 2024 is not a repeat of 2019/20 because that was fucking terrifying.
posted by ninazer0 at 5:59 PM on December 18, 2023 [4 favorites]
It's been super hot here - was 37C for the day of the party but cyclone Jasper up in Queensland is supposed to be pushing wet weather our way so they're forecasting a wet Christmas and everyone is panicking, but I couldn't be happier. It's currently 33C here and very smoky from the bushfires, but there's supposed to be a storm which will help immensely. We already had a volunteer from one of the local bush fire brigades die, so I'm desperately hoping 2024 is not a repeat of 2019/20 because that was fucking terrifying.
posted by ninazer0 at 5:59 PM on December 18, 2023 [4 favorites]
Also, what is a "'tiswas"?
I get "'tis", I get "'twas", I could even be down with "twizzlers". But "'tiswas"?
posted by hippybear at 7:26 PM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
I get "'tis", I get "'twas", I could even be down with "twizzlers". But "'tiswas"?
posted by hippybear at 7:26 PM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
Wow, I just went to look at tickets for The Color Purple... Is anyone else looking at this? Anyone have any buzz that isn't marketing? We love musicals so maybe this could be fun?
Anyway, went to look for movie tickets and the number of movies playing at this one multiplex is astounding. Die Hard, Love Actually, The Grinch, The Polar Express, and Christmas Vacation are all running in this theater that is a first-run multiplex. And Taylor and Beyoncé are still running, and Waitress The Musical is coming in... And this is on top of actual first run movies happening.
Many of these only have one showing a day, but wow, this feels nearly like living in a large city that can support revival houses and not a city that has 6 multiplexes that all play the same thing all the time.
posted by hippybear at 7:46 PM on December 18, 2023
Anyway, went to look for movie tickets and the number of movies playing at this one multiplex is astounding. Die Hard, Love Actually, The Grinch, The Polar Express, and Christmas Vacation are all running in this theater that is a first-run multiplex. And Taylor and Beyoncé are still running, and Waitress The Musical is coming in... And this is on top of actual first run movies happening.
Many of these only have one showing a day, but wow, this feels nearly like living in a large city that can support revival houses and not a city that has 6 multiplexes that all play the same thing all the time.
posted by hippybear at 7:46 PM on December 18, 2023
Just expand your mind, in terms of words hippybear. Have you ever seriously thought about what a weird word "that" is? Or "pEople"? Tiswas is more of a feeling than a thing...
posted by Windopaene at 7:49 PM on December 18, 2023
posted by Windopaene at 7:49 PM on December 18, 2023
Just expand your mind, in terms of words hippybear.
*notes the several grams of shrooms sitting nearby*
posted by hippybear at 7:51 PM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
*notes the several grams of shrooms sitting nearby*
posted by hippybear at 7:51 PM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
That would be the time to think about that and people as actual words...
posted by Windopaene at 8:06 PM on December 18, 2023
posted by Windopaene at 8:06 PM on December 18, 2023
'Tis or This/That is
Was
Tiswas
Kind of a Janus thing, so appropriate for the end and beginning of the years.
posted by TrishaU at 8:57 PM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
Was
Tiswas
Kind of a Janus thing, so appropriate for the end and beginning of the years.
posted by TrishaU at 8:57 PM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
When my employer had a round of surprise layoffs in March that included a beloved site director, I started quietly asking my co-workers if they thought we should unionize. We contacted an organizer and built up interest slowly over the next few months.
In early October came another round of layoffs, one that cut the nursing staff even further to the bone.
In the end of October, at the same time that I decided to take FMLA due to burning out at an alarming rate, we filed the petition to unionize.
Two weeks ago, the union won with a damn near unanimous vote.
For technical reasons that aren’t worth going into here, I wasn’t a part of that union vote. Partially for that reason and partially for others, I won’t be returning to my old role after my leave ends.
But today I just took a test to see if I qualify for something that would be a complete 180 within the field. Tomorrow I interview for a similar position to my current one at a different place, one where I’ve worked with several of their existing staff before and know they respect me. The day after that, I go through the process to set myself up for gig work that can fill in the gaps if neither of the other two positions materialize.
Even if I never get to participate myself, I started a damn good thing. And now I know how to organize, should I ever need to do it in another workplace.
Happy holidays and solidarity forever.
posted by I am a Sock, I am an Island at 9:02 PM on December 18, 2023 [22 favorites]
In early October came another round of layoffs, one that cut the nursing staff even further to the bone.
In the end of October, at the same time that I decided to take FMLA due to burning out at an alarming rate, we filed the petition to unionize.
Two weeks ago, the union won with a damn near unanimous vote.
For technical reasons that aren’t worth going into here, I wasn’t a part of that union vote. Partially for that reason and partially for others, I won’t be returning to my old role after my leave ends.
But today I just took a test to see if I qualify for something that would be a complete 180 within the field. Tomorrow I interview for a similar position to my current one at a different place, one where I’ve worked with several of their existing staff before and know they respect me. The day after that, I go through the process to set myself up for gig work that can fill in the gaps if neither of the other two positions materialize.
Even if I never get to participate myself, I started a damn good thing. And now I know how to organize, should I ever need to do it in another workplace.
Happy holidays and solidarity forever.
posted by I am a Sock, I am an Island at 9:02 PM on December 18, 2023 [22 favorites]
🎶 On the first day of Tiswas my true love will have given to me... 🎵
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:20 PM on December 18, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:20 PM on December 18, 2023 [3 favorites]
Hippybear—Tiswas.
(Or/and a case of writing 'tis, changing your mind and changing it to 'twas, but not noticing you'd failed to properly select the is before retyping, ending up in the Gen X-Brit-Freudian-nostalgia sweet spot and deciding just to own it.)
posted by rory at 12:54 AM on December 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
(Or/and a case of writing 'tis, changing your mind and changing it to 'twas, but not noticing you'd failed to properly select the is before retyping, ending up in the Gen X-Brit-Freudian-nostalgia sweet spot and deciding just to own it.)
posted by rory at 12:54 AM on December 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
In Brits Engels, of which Wordshore is a native speaker, a "tiswas" is a fuss&bother, a teacup-storm, a flap, not quite a knicker-twist.
posted by BobTheScientist at 1:14 AM on December 19, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by BobTheScientist at 1:14 AM on December 19, 2023 [2 favorites]
hippybear! Sleeford Mods' tiswas, and lyrics.
posted by unearthed at 1:22 AM on December 19, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by unearthed at 1:22 AM on December 19, 2023 [2 favorites]
Hugs to everyone who lost a pet this year. uncleozzy, your description of your cuddly lump Apollo really made me smile in recognition.
posted by eirias at 4:32 AM on December 19, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by eirias at 4:32 AM on December 19, 2023 [3 favorites]
Tiswas is giving off vibes of this scene.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 4:34 AM on December 19, 2023
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 4:34 AM on December 19, 2023
"Tiswas" is just reminding me of "Biswas", as in VS Naipaul's novel A House For Mr. Biswas - which apparently someone attempted to turn into a musical in the early 60s. One number from it was the main character singing about how he had an "unlucky sneeze". The musical didn't really do too well - but the song about the unlucky sneeze lives on, as John Barry adapted it into the James Bond theme.
....The above meandering train of thought should also serve as an illustration that I didn't sleep as well last night as I had hoped I might.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:04 AM on December 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
....The above meandering train of thought should also serve as an illustration that I didn't sleep as well last night as I had hoped I might.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:04 AM on December 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
Looks like our Christmas dinner will not be pot roast, as my wife has (after three plus years) gotten COVID and we were getting it as a kit from her company's catering service. I also, as I sleep in the same bed as her, cannot go pick it up, so right now we're not sure what we're going to do.
Oops.
posted by mephron at 6:35 AM on December 19, 2023 [2 favorites]
Oops.
posted by mephron at 6:35 AM on December 19, 2023 [2 favorites]
*notes the several grams of shrooms sitting nearby*
*and considers how best to share them?*
posted by Thorzdad at 7:38 AM on December 19, 2023
*and considers how best to share them?*
posted by Thorzdad at 7:38 AM on December 19, 2023
A few minutes ago a friend sent me a meme regarding the triple contraction "y'all'd've" (you all would have). Amusing, of course; but I am compelled to point out that I grew up in the south and I never once encountered that construct actually being used. The closest I ever heard was "y'all'd'a" which, while similar, somehow manages to be much less brain- and mouth-spraining ("If y'all'd'a just waited, I'd'a brung beer!").
Also, I'm of the opinion that the apostrophe in "y'all" isn't really needed - by now it should be obvious to everyone that it's a single word, "yall".
Thank y'all for comin' to my TED talk.
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:00 AM on December 19, 2023 [5 favorites]
Also, I'm of the opinion that the apostrophe in "y'all" isn't really needed - by now it should be obvious to everyone that it's a single word, "yall".
Thank y'all for comin' to my TED talk.
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:00 AM on December 19, 2023 [5 favorites]
I am planning on celebrating Jesus this Christmas.
posted by Seekerofsplendor at 10:00 AM on December 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Seekerofsplendor at 10:00 AM on December 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
Okay, so when do you use the term "y'all", and when do you use the term, "all y'all"? How many "y'alls" constitute a pluplural "all y'all"?
posted by Multicellular Exothermic at 10:05 AM on December 19, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by Multicellular Exothermic at 10:05 AM on December 19, 2023 [2 favorites]
For the first time in my adult life I am traveling for Christmas -- prior to this year the only Christmas travel I ever did was coming home for winter break in college. I feel weird about it! I bought a giant live tree anyway and stuck it in my (home) office so I could enjoy it enough before leaving but there will be no presents opened under it. And I have to leave my partner at home with our elderly dog, which has unpleasant flashback effects for me to my last relationship-and-pet. I was mostly feeling a combination of guilt and annoyance at the disruption to my Whole Deal and a kind of yearning about not being Home at Christmas.
But a good friend of mine died last week and I can't help but let it reframe all of my thinking. This will be the first time in my entire life that I get to see my mother's extended family at Christmas. Some of them are pretty old, y'all. And some of them are pretty sick. Now, frankly, I just kind of can't wait for the trip to get here. Home is anywhere you want it.
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 10:49 AM on December 19, 2023 [4 favorites]
But a good friend of mine died last week and I can't help but let it reframe all of my thinking. This will be the first time in my entire life that I get to see my mother's extended family at Christmas. Some of them are pretty old, y'all. And some of them are pretty sick. Now, frankly, I just kind of can't wait for the trip to get here. Home is anywhere you want it.
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 10:49 AM on December 19, 2023 [4 favorites]
How do you suppose all of Trump's kids, except for Tiffany, feel about their father saying that they have "poison blood"?
posted by achrise at 10:59 AM on December 19, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by achrise at 10:59 AM on December 19, 2023 [3 favorites]
‘All y'all’ is not about a specific quantity of y'alls, but refers to the totality of y'alls, e.g., Meatwad learning to drop F-bombs saying, “Fart all y'all. Y'all go fart yourself.”
posted by ob1quixote at 11:08 AM on December 19, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by ob1quixote at 11:08 AM on December 19, 2023 [2 favorites]
How many "y'alls" constitute a pluplural "all y'all"?
If my memory serves correctly, according to Jeff Foxworthy "all y'all" is "y'all plus two".
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:38 AM on December 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
If my memory serves correctly, according to Jeff Foxworthy "all y'all" is "y'all plus two".
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:38 AM on December 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
Also as ob1quixote intimated above, "all y'all" can be used as an intensifier, as in "All y'all's is fuggin' idjits!"
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:40 AM on December 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:40 AM on December 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
The new Firefox version 121 has an option in the Settings menu of "Always underline links".
posted by AlSweigart at 2:20 PM on December 19, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by AlSweigart at 2:20 PM on December 19, 2023 [2 favorites]
'Tis the season for the writing of the Christmas cards! I only started doing them a couple years ago, don't quite have my timing down yet, obviously! I like doing them, in theory, keeping in touch with distant friends and cousins I may not see often. But I find myself very prone to distractions while writing. Break time is over, back to it!
posted by dorey_oh at 7:40 PM on December 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by dorey_oh at 7:40 PM on December 19, 2023 [1 favorite]
We're closing on the house tomorrow morning. I'm taking the whole day off work because I just want to spend some time in the house by myself.
posted by kathrynm at 10:59 AM on December 20, 2023 [7 favorites]
posted by kathrynm at 10:59 AM on December 20, 2023 [7 favorites]
I just got a text from Mrs Monster informing me that I will be cutting Tiny Monster’s hair when I get home. Apparently he has been playing with his hair and incidentally eating so much of it he is pooping a noticeable amount of hair.
Montgomery Burns told us hair is a privilege, not a right…
posted by The Monster at the End of this Thread at 11:32 AM on December 20, 2023 [3 favorites]
Montgomery Burns told us hair is a privilege, not a right…
posted by The Monster at the End of this Thread at 11:32 AM on December 20, 2023 [3 favorites]
Mrs. Monster informed me that was Principal Skinner, not Mister Burns.
posted by The Monster at the End of this Thread at 1:51 PM on December 20, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by The Monster at the End of this Thread at 1:51 PM on December 20, 2023 [2 favorites]
I am officially on vacation until January 8 and I celebrated by eating far more chocolate than is considered acceptable at my age.
No regrets.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 4:02 PM on December 20, 2023 [7 favorites]
No regrets.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 4:02 PM on December 20, 2023 [7 favorites]
Jan 8 is Bowiemas, and you can now begin to prepare for that while you gorge on chocolate, which Bowie would approve of you doing.
posted by hippybear at 4:18 PM on December 20, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by hippybear at 4:18 PM on December 20, 2023 [1 favorite]
My diagnosis has been pushed back for weeks because "I am such a complex case" and "we have to have THE WHOLE TEAM weigh in on you," and "we're not leaning in any particular direction" and "we may have to have MORE evaluation from you" and .... I'm fucked, because apparently you are not permitted to be depressed and have any other issues at the same time. It was politely hinted that I should not count on getting any diagnosis after all.
So I'm fucked for work, again.
posted by jenfullmoon at 6:00 PM on December 20, 2023 [3 favorites]
So I'm fucked for work, again.
posted by jenfullmoon at 6:00 PM on December 20, 2023 [3 favorites]
The cost of the items for in the 12 days of Christmas is $44,729 this year. There is still time left. If you do not buy them you save 100%.
posted by DJZouke at 5:10 AM on December 21, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by DJZouke at 5:10 AM on December 21, 2023 [3 favorites]
Today’s task will be giving a credit union employee a massive headache when I ask them how they determine the ATM withdrawal limit for foreign currency, since the credit union charges 1% to my credit card’s 3% in foreign transaction fees.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 3:46 AM on December 22, 2023
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 3:46 AM on December 22, 2023
Somebody in a nearby town had this happen:
"Just had a porch pirate swap out an empty Amazon box for a full one. Wearing an Amazon vest even."
at some point someone is going to make a van with a phony amazon wrap and take out a whole neighborhood
posted by MonsieurPEB at 7:29 AM on December 22, 2023
"Just had a porch pirate swap out an empty Amazon box for a full one. Wearing an Amazon vest even."
at some point someone is going to make a van with a phony amazon wrap and take out a whole neighborhood
posted by MonsieurPEB at 7:29 AM on December 22, 2023
I am so disappointed by the new nose cancelling earbuds I got. I still have the same big nose. No change at all.
posted by srboisvert at 2:41 PM on December 22, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by srboisvert at 2:41 PM on December 22, 2023 [2 favorites]
I've been out of work for something like 16 months, sort of doing a Victorian kind of "lay low in the house invalid and maybe I will heal". And I am. not. healing.
Welcome to Mental Health Club, hippybear. *hugs* I know how much of a joy it is to join of late. I'm glad you've got an appointment for the end of the month and hopefully the Medicaid works out as well.
Man am I ever feeling this is the season of medial difficulty. I've had a kidney stone since Halloween. One trip the ER in mid Nov. Nothing much since other than the stone of Damocles hanging over me with me know I can go from fine to vomiting from unbelievable pain in 5-10 minutes.
Then I injure my hip jogging and it isn't improving very quickly at all.
Then I joined the old timer hypertension club.
I have no idea the horrors my lab work is going to reveal.
I might not even notice Christmas this year.
posted by srboisvert at 3:00 PM on December 22, 2023 [2 favorites]
Welcome to Mental Health Club, hippybear. *hugs* I know how much of a joy it is to join of late. I'm glad you've got an appointment for the end of the month and hopefully the Medicaid works out as well.
Man am I ever feeling this is the season of medial difficulty. I've had a kidney stone since Halloween. One trip the ER in mid Nov. Nothing much since other than the stone of Damocles hanging over me with me know I can go from fine to vomiting from unbelievable pain in 5-10 minutes.
Then I injure my hip jogging and it isn't improving very quickly at all.
Then I joined the old timer hypertension club.
I have no idea the horrors my lab work is going to reveal.
I might not even notice Christmas this year.
posted by srboisvert at 3:00 PM on December 22, 2023 [2 favorites]
Welp, on the good news side, my medical leave has been extended for another week so I can get more appointments/classes and paperwork lined up, so I'm pretty pleased about all of that :)
posted by jenfullmoon at 3:46 PM on December 22, 2023 [5 favorites]
posted by jenfullmoon at 3:46 PM on December 22, 2023 [5 favorites]
My car decided to blow up it's radiator just as finances are at a low ebb here. Not a hideously expensive repair, as these things go, and doesn't look too difficult to accomplish, but still, where is that holiday spirit, car?
posted by maxwelton at 9:35 PM on December 23, 2023
posted by maxwelton at 9:35 PM on December 23, 2023
I woke up at 2:30 AM and could not get back to sleep due to pre-Christmas / pre-travel jitters.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 3:15 AM on December 24, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 3:15 AM on December 24, 2023 [1 favorite]
« Older A mix of death and cheese | This is a funny story. This is a sad story. Newer »
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by Wordshore at 4:01 AM on December 18, 2023 [9 favorites]