<p>Hay, 12rmh18: Cheap chardonnay here and a handful of sea-salt-and-pepper-cashews. Think I’ll refill…why not?</p>
<p>Done with my big “bang” at work. Made everyone happy, HAPPY, including the kids. I will be in the states in July. I am throwing things out and considering what to hold near my heart. Have you ever swallowed a big dream like a big fish? My son told me this a.m. on skype that he is excited about me coming home. His wife sent me an email asking for advice at the same time. I am just a school librarian with a big idea. I will pursue it. If it works I will come back here with fireworks and dips and chips, I have waited. Just like some of you are waiting now. I have waited. The little animals are hiding in the shadows right now. They are not sure for any of us. But they love the chips and dips at the right time!</p>
<p>I come here too while I am waiting … or anticipating … or in need of those tasty chips.</p>
<p>I was coming in earlier after DH finished our taxes and found we are getting refunds from BOTH state & federal! (a round on me, barkeep!) BUT then out S forgot to check a box on his return, which caused the system to spit ours out too. Yes, son, you are still our dependent!</p>
<p>Anyway, long story short, we had to mail ours because you can’t do a rejected return electronically. Thus the refund will be delayed, but I’ll still stand you a round because we are DONE! </p>
<p>I hope. :)</p>
<p>Experiencing insomnia and thank goodness I remembered Sinner’s Alley is open 24/7!</p>
<p>So, bartender, I have an unusual request for a hot chocolate on this warm summer night. </p>
<p>We received our first text from D, who is in her first week of college away from home. It said, “please send pics of the pup”. At least I know she’s alive and well.</p>
<p>It’s been a long time! Can’t believe you found the Alley again, lilmom, but you surely need us, with a D away in her first week of college!</p>
<p>I too was up last night…with my 2 1/2 year old grandson who is spending the week here and evidently had insomnia. We both could have used a shot of something, but warm milk did the trick.</p>
<p>Pour me a double. We dropped off D for her freshman year yesterday. Too many emotions to articulate.</p>
<p>((hugs)) I’ll join you, DB. I’m launching my oldest today - he’s traveling by himself to an African country that has State Dept warnings as recently as July. (He had insomnia last night, too.) It just goes to show that even when they are adults, you never stop worrying about them. Pour me a double, barkeep!</p>
<p>Here’s a hug and a mug, DB. I love that we can hang out here and just chill.
Mommusic, its so oddly comforting to return to this thread every now and then!
12rmh18 - we need to come up with an insomnia beverage! Hoping your S has a safe trip!!</p>
<p>I’ll need my liquor next week, when my youngest heads off to Jordan - 20 miles from the Syrian border. Tonight though we’re having dinner with a housemate and friend from dh’s Caltech days.</p>
<p>mathmom, I am wowed by the journeys your s and 12rmh18 will be embarking upon! Have a wonderful dinner with your DH and friend and meet up with us for an after dinner drink!</p>
<p>…I realized I am almost an empty nester when it wasn’t the footsteps of my older kids waking me up this morning. (this summer, they always seemed to be up before me.) Instead, it was my dog licking my face, telling me to let him out…</p>
<p>Just stopping in to Sinners Alley for a mojito to celebrate my retirement today :)
Drinks all around on me!</p>
<p>Yay patsmom! I’ll drink to that!</p>
<p>DH has just mentioned he’d like to go to a 3-day workweek and cut down on the travel considerably. It could happen. :)</p>
<p>WOOT WOOT!!! Congrats!!!</p>
<p>Joining the party & lifting a half-empty glass of Ayinger Oktoberfest (the last of the batch) to patsmom’s retirement! Congrats!</p>
<p>S1 got his first promotion yesterday. (Same S1 who went to Nairobbery this summer & safely returned.) Another round on me!</p>
<p>I thought it had been too quiet around here lately…cheers for retirement, and for anything else worth cheering for.
One more week until vacation!</p>
<p>Good morning, fellow sinners! The place hasn’t changed a bit! No, drinks for me, I’m nursing a slight hangover from last night’s work party. One water and two Advil, please.</p>
<p>Congratulations on your retirement, patsmom!
Mommusic, hope your DH gets his wish for a shorter workweek.
12rmh18, congrats to s1 on the promo!</p>
<p>Stopping by…stressful at work and it will only get more stressful over the next several months. I need something cozy. Is there any hot, spicy cider?</p>
<p>Party time!! My treat !!!</p>
<p>Thanks Jym. Good to see the thread revived. I didn’t spend much time here before but seems like a fun place to hang out. Do I hear a piano in the background playing a Billy Joel tune???</p>