The laptop dilemna: my laptop sits in the middle of my desk 364 days a year, and can be removed to actually write on the desk, e.g. when filling out tax forms. But the laptop has my financial records too. Whatever shall I do? Do I have to … clean off some of the rest of the desk?

Misc.:

• They managed to invent a board game that you almost have to buy new, not used. $55?! But Risk Legacy almost makes me wish I spoke to human beings.
• I got phone upgrades two weeks ago and got a couple different smartphones for @dragonjaze and I to try out. She is happy with one of them, and I decided I was not happy with the other. Not sure what my next move is. I basically got a BOGO deal, so there's no point in sending just the one back. It also has good resale value. I can also give up the deal on the phones and switch to a value plan that will save $30+ every month.
• I don't need another phone, but it was nice to have something lighter. But I'm in a financial situation where it being nice to carry a couple less ounces isn't worth actually buying a $550-$700 phone.
• I did spend $11 on a taxi last night. I wasn't dressed for walking home after the storm, between the wind and the unplowed walkways. Work held me up an hour in the morning, so I left late, and it cascaded into leaving an hour late and not getting a bus — but not two hours late and meeting @dragonjaze on her way home. I'll have to skip a lunch to offset that spending. Skipping a lunch will further reduce my personal insulation, too, which is supposedly a goal but which feels like a stupid one on a winter night.
• We haven't had many winter nights this year. I don't know how anyone can complain about living here right now.