@CooperationIsKey: Yesterday I ran in to several people who were doing things like blocking traffic in the left lane doing 35mph in a 45-55mph zone... which is really annoying to me but not overly hazardous like I've seen around here often enough (people zinging across 4 lanes of highway in order to make a turn, etc.). Last week I saw a guy completely sit through his green light (turn lane/arrow) without realizing it.

It's normal for you to feel spooked with this storm coming through - especially after Ian. Ian was big and messy and took a last minute turn (which they do often enough, but it didn't give the people where it hit time to really prepare)... and Ian was your first storm here.

This is just a tropical storm. It really shouldn't be a big deal.

@wildfire: I'm in Massachusetts! It's a great place for apple-growing! XD (I know, I'm obsessed.) You know, I didn't even get the free food yesterday because her bf was so late and I was just like, "Ugh, I'm hungry NOW." But that's ok, next time. If If get enough free meals, I'll spring for the tin whistle. ^_^

I'm doing well! I noticed you have that storm business down there, and I hope it's not bad. There's not a cloud in the sky here, but it's cold now. There's a frost every morning, but you know how November in New England is: mittens in the morning, t-shirts in the afternoon (sometimes). It will probably be in the 60s later and not quite as bad, but I'm ALWAYS cold. Ever since the chemo, honestly. I just don't warm up as easily as I used to. No worries, though. <3

I get to watch a movie in class today, so I'm excited about that!

@wildfire: My mother never let us climb the apple trees, so I had to climb the maples! Maybe if we had a big crabapple tree that was just used for pollination, that would have been fun. You can't beat the smell of being near an apple tree, so I imagine the smell of being IN one is even better!

He only came over for the evening. He lived nearby, but he has his own place. Sometimes I wonder if she wants him to move in eventually, but in past experience I've found that she seems to have no interest in giving up whatever lifestyle she has at the moment. So yeah, it was just an evening that he came over to be with her, and I'm the fifth wheel every time and just hide in my room lol

I'm watching "The Little Hours" in a music history class. We're talking about the ethos of the Renaissance and the switch from Medieval Scholasticism, and the movie is a HILARIOUS adaptation by Aubrey Plaza of one of the stories from the Decameron. There's a lot of actual Italian Trecento music from the late Middle Ages on the soundtrack, too. It's like all authentic music, so it puts everything into a fun context. And Aubrey Plaza plays a nun in a convent lol

@Mathonwy: Well, given the orchard, I don't blame your mother for not letting you climb the apple trees. This was a random tree that my family didn't really care about, but we kids climbed because we could and because of the "instant snacks" available there! :3

I am going to have to find that movie! My creativity is more fine art than music, but ... yeah!! <3

Have a good day!

@Wildfire: Just woke up, surprised to find my bedroom window isn't even wet. I guess it's blowing the other direction, lol.

Just got a text from my roommate that the dog is refusing to go out, lmao. I can't say I blame him.

Catching up on the morning storm news at the moment via Spectrum Bay News 9. Handily I can watch that on my computer!

How's things with you?

@wildfire: Update: the movie was really good! Warning though: it is VERY R-rated or even of the NC-17 variety of independent film. I don't want to give you any spoilers, but it's definitely not for kids! XD

I just tried to restring my psaltery with steel strings instead of brass like I did last time, and it was a failure. I completely kinked and ruined the first string, so I had to buy a whole new set on Etsy (you can't find these things easily). I've had a stressful evening so far, but I managed to restring the broken brass string, so my instrument is working again. I don't know how I'm going to put the steel ones on. Brass is softer and easier to work with. Oh well.

I'm just going to stay in and drink coffee and try to relax for the evening.

@wildfire: I changed my avatar's hair color to grey because that's my hair color now, so I figured let's rock it! I went into the chemo as a brunette it grew back greyer than my mother, so I look older than I feel these days. Old enough for ribald movies! XD

@Wildfire: the other job is on hold for a couple weeks. They're having some internal issues.
Which is good and sucks at the same time. Since my boss is so tightly wound up - she's going to be pissy when i put my 2 weeks in.
But i hope i do end up switching jobs sooner rather than later, the pay raise and better hours will be nice.
Im adjusting well. Living with my mom is tough for me but she's so amazing with my kids, i have no room to complain.
Im already sore from working out and im only on day 3 with 15 min workouts. OTL

@Koah: I hope things work out for you on the work-front. It sounds like things are lined up pretty well, and your boss' high-strung nature is not your doing... but I hope you don't feel the fallout of her stress after you put in your notice! :3

Yeah... I bet that your living situation is a little weird right now, but at least you have help and support with the kids, and you definitely sound more relaxed than you have for a while. And, I'm sure it's nice (for you) to be able to get out of the house and have a job and be productive like that again. I'm glad things are going relatively well for you <3

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Good morning.

@Wildfire: good morning. :)

I am definitely feeling more relaxed. We're so close to being financially caught up. Earning my own money rn is a big relief and that my mom and sister are being so supportive.

I am thankful it's the end of the week. I get to go to a movie tonight. Theater is showing an old western. So im dragging my kids to it. Lol. Theyll likely hate it.