If I eyeroll any harder, I’m gonna give myself a full brain scan, audiology report, and an esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Airport online check in done. Bags packed. Kindles loaded. Headphones, watches, and phones charging. This time tomorrow, I’ll be flying over the North Atlantic for the birthday trip with the momma. No news. Just adventure. And wine. And cheese.

Waiting to hear back about an offer on the house. The universe is making me work hard for this big change, but it’s definitely bringing things I’ve hoped for right to our door. Gratitude for the manifestation. May it grow to encompass others as well.

Sigh. So tired of this pocket of the time-space continuum.

And now we are ramping up our timeline to move to France. A dumpster will take all the stuff that can’t be sold or donated. We’ll clear out the house by December 15 and put it up for auction. Moving in early January with doggo and my 83 year old momma.

A friend of mine just messaged me his angst about the election, but then he said, “As an old, white, male, who already owns a home and has no debts and no kids, I will be virtually unaffected. But I feel so sorry for the people who are not in that situation.” Like…I don’t know how to explain to him there is NO ONE WHO IS GOING TO BE UNTOUCHED BY THIS SHIT. How does he think he’ll be “unaffected?”

I know I did everything I possibly could to do my part. I have no “oh god, I should have done X, Y, Z.” No. I did everything I could given my circumstances. It just wasn’t enough to stop others from making a devastating choice out of stupidity or just plain evilness.

I’m so glad mom and I already were on the path to leave here. I’m terrified for people I love who are vulnerable and will be in harm’s way. All I can do for them is complete the move and be sure we have space for them to come stay with us if they can.

I’m not going to watch the news today. There is no point. Instead, I’m going to hug a puppy for a while, and then get back on track with the moving plan. Pick up the euros I ordered from the bank. Order a dumpster so we can throw away everything we can’t sell. Photograph things to sell on FB marketplace. And pack my suitcase for next week’s scouting trip.

I do not understand why so many people are voting for the pro-fascism, anti-science, woman-hating, race-baiting wackadoo.

Some emergency vegetarian mostaccoli is in the oven now. Later tonight, I’m baking some brownies and opening a bottle of wine while we watch election results roll in.

Already voted and feeling anxious today while you wait for results? Here’s Mona surrounded by all her freshly washed babies. Her stress-management plan is biting each one of them in turn. It’s called self-care. She invites you to take care of yourself too.

*Not an endorsement for non-dogs biting babies. Bite cheese. Or chocolate. Or fruit. Not babies.

Swear to bob, I don’t know why Cheeto Mussolini hasn’t stroked out yet.

Today is the first day of in-person no excuses voting here in Missouri, and we went to do the thing. Now it’s your turn! 🗳️💙

My father was a very good hobbyist furniture maker, and our home has always been full of beautiful pieces he made. Most of it, we are selling, but I found a way to disassemble two small tables so they can be reassembled and join us in our new life in France. Thanks, tiny Japanese saw. 💙

Change of plans: instead of moving to north Spain, we’re going to southwest France. Price is comparable. Visa process is easier and faster. Climate prognosis is similar. Most importantly, my conversational French is advanced intermediate, and I read it at a graduate level. My mom speaks Spanish, but her language skills aren’t as strong as mine. Same timeline. Same preparations. Next month we go to look at homes to rent/buy. Feeling very good about this decision. Hit the easy button.