10 a.m.
After school drop-off, my wife and I have check out a possible day care center for our youngest. We like the place and fill out the forms. We may be able to qualify for financial help while I’m out on furlough. I’d much rather be at work earning my keep, but to be honest the assistance would be nice.

11:43 a.m.
“Are we getting a paycheck?” That’s the talk on group chat today. It’s close to payday, so close to when we’ll really be noticing what the furlough costs. I don’t follow the advice to avoid the news, and I see the president walked out of a meeting with Democrats. It doesn’t seem as if we’re any closer to ending this. And we’re on track to break the shutdown record.

10:30 p.m.
My wife and I start watching a show on Hulu and we decide we’re going to cancel it soon. We’re thankful that we’re this fortunate — that the first things we need to give up are Hulu and Apple Music.