This is the one I am looking at for now.

Go to your local Fredricks of Hollywood or Love Pantry and try on the corsets there to get an idea of how that one would fit before you buy it. (There should be corsets very similar to that one at both those stores.)

Oh, Erin! I am SO sorry. Incompetent doesn't even begin to cover it. I'd be flaming mad if it was me. I hope you're able to figure something out with them...although I know with all the beauracrazy, that's unlikely.

I need to be talked down a bit. It's J's birthday, and she's coming over to hang out. We'll probably get a pizza and watch some tv. We may go to the club, but that's only if we all have enough energy come 10pm.

Sounds like a nice evening, right? Well, I'm stressing about it. My house is a mess, and I don't have the energy to do anything about it. I've been going full force since 6am, and I'm just pooped. I feel awful. I wanted to get into Harvard Square to get J some chocolate that she loves, but it's not gonna happen. I'm not sure exactly what it is that she loves, and I don't want to buy the wrong thing. I also wanted to make a cake or some kind of dessert, but she's really not into sweets right now, so she asked me not to. So, she's coming over...the place is a mess...I don't have the presents I wanted to get...and I just feel like a totally and completely inadequate friend.

Go to your local Fredricks of Hollywood

Kay.

Thanks, everyone!

Erin, that is so rotten about being short credits and just finding out now. I was just thinking about that possibility today and I can't imagine how frustrating it must be.

I just saw a beautiful red fox in the backyard. He walked out of the foods, sniffed some flowers and ran back in.

vw, friendship means only having make sure dirty underwear os put away before someone comes over.

Hi Beverly! Chloe is sleeping on the bed and looking very cute indeed right at the moment. I don't have the heart to disturb her by making the bed.

vw, she's coming over to spend some quality time with her very good friend. Whom she doesn't want to see worn out either by trying to do too much physically, or emotionally by worrying. You're going to have a nice, relaxed evening together. Later, maybe, if you discover or think of the perfect little thing for her, you can give her an unexpected un-birthday present. And it will mean more than a here-it's-your-birthday last minute stopgap sort of thing.

Breathe. It'll be fine.

Or, you know, what Aimee said. For lo, the Empress is wise.

(waving at Katie)

vw, friendship means only having make sure dirty underwear os put away before someone comes over.

Oh, goodness! I can't even do that part right. Maybe the hampers of dirty clothes should be moved out of the kitchen.

vw, as a close friend, I'm sure she will look past whatever mess is around I really hate having people over when my house is a mess, but a friend shouldn't notice or care. As for the chocolates, that would frustrate me too, but this may give you an opportunity ti find out exactly what kind she likes. Sometimes post-birthday presents are even better because it makes your birthday last longer and you aren't expecting them.

Erin! Those FUCKOS! I can't even imagine how beyond pissed I would be in your situation. GRRRRRRR!