“Because this is the Internet, every argument was spun in a centrifuge instantly and reduced down into two wholly enraged, radically incompatible contingents, as opposed to the natural gradient which human beings actually occupy.”
– Tycho from Penny Arcade
“I divide my officers into four classes; the clever, the lazy, the industrious, and the stupid. Each officer possesses at least two of these qualities. Those who are clever and industrious are fitted for the highest staff appointments. Use can be made of those who are stupid and lazy. The man who is clever and lazy however is for the very highest command; he has the temperament and nerves to deal with all situations. But whoever is stupid and industrious is a menace and must be removed immediately!”
– German General Kurt von Hammerstein-Equord, Truppenführung
In case you didn’t know, Annie has a blog at mamarage.tumblr.com where she posts photos of Zoe from her cameraphone.
“I am fascinated,” I insisted, “That’s the problem. I am suffering from fascination burnout. Of all the things that are fascinating, I have to choose just one or two.”
– Neal Stephenson, Anathem
In the last week:
- Annie’s grandmother died
- Zoe spent her first period of time apart from Annie (3 days)
- Burrito (our cat) is not eating, which is how her sister started deteriorating before we had to put her down.
- I worked a 66-hour work week
- Our friend Eric was in a motorcycle accident (he’s got road rash, but is otherwise okay)
- Annie’s dad and brother Zach totaled a car trying to get to the funeral (they’re fine, the car is not)
- Annie strained her knee, and is on crutches
Our friends and family have been overwhelmingly supportive, and we’ve managed to scrape together enough money to cover the unexpected doctor and veterinarian bills, so we’re doing well, but are mentally and physically exhausted. Tomorrow morning we’re driving to Walla Walla for the funeral. We’re coming back on Sunday, and then I’ve got a couple days off so we can slow down a bit and try to regain our sanity.
