Hammy -- and more

Buried a hamster this week -- sad as we'd had him for only about 6 mos. -- he was born in the spring. Not sure what he died from. As usual, the "gravesite service" gave the kids some peace of mind and some closure.

Other news this week: I got an A- on a pastoral counseling class paper -- my friend next to me (also a middle-aged wife and mother like me) got a B+. She is very competitive. I didn't tell her what I got (I'm no braggart!), but she couldn't focus on my dead hamster story (which I was in the middle of when the prof returned our papers) -- she had to scan for her grade and immediately read all the prof's comments. I didn't look at my paper until after class. Wonder how we do in comparison with others matters so much? This woman was also considering auditing these classes or taking them pass/fail -- apparently she is taking them for credit AND grades -- she can't let go....

In my questionable identity/it sucks to be me column: I was called "sir" this week when I went into a store. Argh -- I hate that. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen. Maybe people are unobservant, but it reminds me I'm not the beautiful feminine flower I sometimes wish I was... Also, at a massage (using a gift certificate from a friend for my graduation) last week, the massage therapist didn't want to touch parts of my arms and legs because of my bites and such. She was afraid she would catch something from me. So now not only am I gender indeterminate, I'm a leper! Ouch!

I'm feeling over tired this week (even my psychotherapist greeted me with an assessment of how tired I looked -- that started the session off well!) and a bit overwhelmed with life -- millions of plans this weekend from Scouts (youngest) to SAT tests (oldest) to preaching and church visitation (3 churches this coming Sunday). Am enjoying the classes/schoolwork/reading, but am not finding the time to get to it....

My folks have been in Europe for a few weeks, so it's been blissfully quiet, but they're due back this weekend. Can't wait to tell them we've got other plans for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.... Time for a little nap in the tub....

Oh! Other news -- Ben Affleck was great on Bill Maher tonight. He's from the same non-judgmental school that I am! Go Ben!