because it's better if these things can happen all at one

I think I have the flu. I woke up yesterday morning with knives in my throat. Also I ache everywhere. I knew I should've got a flu shot. I feel kind of like the blonde in the joke who went to visit her doctor because no matter where she touched herself it hurt. She had a broken finger. I don't, though. I'm just ill and dying.

And I don't have a luxurious Queen-sized bed with Egyptian cotton sheets and a down comforter anymore because my parents are using it now that they're in town. So I slept (fitfully) on the couch last night. At 6:30am (also known as 15 minutes after I finally fell asleep) the children woke up and started poking their fingers into my mouth and slamming Charlie & Lola books in my face. I staggered into their vacated bedroom and slept in Savannah's bed for a couple more hours. It is sad and tragic to be me.

On a happier note, though, provided that I don't die or anything, I'll be moving up to L**** just before New Year's to take the job. We sorted out our differences and now I'm feeling really good about it. I can't wait to show up and start taking names. They're even giving me two teenage girls to torture. I think all jobs should come with that.

I've found a place to live with two other aged spinsters, which will suit me just fine. Most places I called were full of students. One place asked me if I have a problem with snakes. My answer is that I don't have so much of a problem with snakes as I do with snake owners. (The exception to this, of course, is Panini, who didn't want a snake in the first place and kept it in her classroom and never put it in my bed which would have led to its death by machete.)

The people at Dell are sending me a box so I can send my computer to them so they can take a look at the mother ship or mother board or whatever. Again. Some more. Cross fingers, everybody, cuz I can't really afford to just go buy a Mac as some kind of "I'll show them" gesture.

I want to respond to everyone who commented on the feminism post, but it will take a little bit. Lots of you managed to articulate my own thoughts much better than I did, so thank you for that!