Grab Bag

'Cause the computer I link to in the BatCave is doing weird things...  And 'cause I've had some bits and pieces floating around in my brain for a while.

First of all, I want to ask - are you a good driver?  Are you sure?

• Do you know the capabilities and limitations of your vehicle?  Do you understand how that translates into real world driving choices?  
• Do you have a solid understanding of basic physics?
• Do you know the rules of the road?  (The real ones, I mean, not the amended set in your head that make so much more sense and would make your life so much better.)
• Do you understand that driving actually requires your attention?
• Do you feel a sense of entitlement when you get in your car?

If you answered anything but "Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. No."  then get a bus pass, catch a taxi, bribe a friend but DO NOT take a vehicle back on the road.  I am honestly, physically ill from dealing with people who flip me the bird or swear at me, because I follow the traffic rules and thereby interfere with their ability to kill everyone.  And don't just laugh or nod sagely... given the number of truly terrifying drivers out there, the odds are good that you ARE one of them. 


I've been short on quality sleep lately, which makes me wonder why everyone says that buying a house is a good thing?  My subconscious mind insists on doing furniture layouts, planning renos, worrying about money, etc.  I have my fingers crossed that once we've moved in, this will all die down to a more reasonable level.

My new niece has officially been named Olive Mae, which isn't bad really, and she's doing quite well.  (I think they are all doing well, actually, or at least, I haven't heard anything to the contrary!)  Mom, Stuart and I are taking the two older kids to the circus next weekend, which may turn out to be excellent timing.  I expect the excitement of the baby is wearing off and they may be starting to feel a bit put out by how much attention she commands.  Three grown-ups to split their attention to two kids, plus popcorn, candy floss and circus animals may make things alright with the world for an hour or two!

It's Mother's Day this weekend, and amazingly, my mother with actually be in Edmonton!  I hope she has a nice quiet day, has a good meal and generally enjoys herself.  I should probably talk to Meg about doing something for her the next time she's in town.

And Mother's Day means that it's also my birthday.  No matter how many times I do the math, it says that on Monday I'll be 36 years old.  36!  It's not that I object to it, I have no problems with aging, it's just that I find it hard to believe.  36 is middle-age-ish - I was supposed to be smart and beautiful and rich and have everything together by now!    As it is, I still feel like a 16 year old who somehow shares a dog and just helped buy a house.  Very surreal.

On the other hand, there should be a Marble Slab cake tonight, so I guess it's worth it!  ;)