And David says it more concisely than I could.

He is good at that, even if he wants to hold me to my taglines. Gud, your family will be in my thoughts today.

Oh, Gud. You poor bear. Hang in there.

{{{Gud}}} I'm so sorry. But, maybe it can be helpful...a place to be able to talk about how tough things are at home. I agree with David, though; you're stressed, not depressed. I'm so sorry you're going through all of this.

ION, I just got trained for my short-term weekend job. It's gonna be a lot, but I could really use the money, so it's a bit of a gift.

I am back from my doctor's appointment and I am eating junk food to reward myself.

I just ate solid food that's not Jello.

I want more.

Tummy better.

Gud, feh. But I guess the silver lining is that he may be able to help you with the situational stresses.

Plei, I'm back on BoP again. I think I jumped on at the wrong point (the tail end of Sensei and Student, which is a kickass arc, but confusing if you jump on in the last issue of the arc; and then the cult storyline, while important for setting up the weird-ass Brainiac shit, just did not win me over).

However, the last few issues? Holy crap!, is what I have to say.

Oh, Gud. Many, many hugs, and what Fred and Hec said. You're in an almost unbearably stressful situation; even if you're not depressed, if it turns out that you and this doctor click together, at least you know you've got someone in your corner whom you can vent to, and who can help you figure out strategies for coping with this maze of twisty passages and how to find your way out.

What everyone else said, sj, with added hugs and teacups.

For some unknown reason I've been pondering askye's irritating cow-orker. My solution, because I am not just a colossal bitch but a colossal bitch in love with Ceremony, would be to do the following:

Next time you pass a toystore or five and dime, pick up a little toy trumpet. If you pass a craft store, also throw in a bag of silk rose petals.

When next the cow-orker asks to be announced, rise, click your heels, blow a tan-ta-RA! on the trumpet, and triumphally march her to the person she seeks, strewing rose petals in her path and bellowing, "OYEZ! OYEZ! MADAME [insert name here] SWEARETH HER UNDYING FEALTY AND DOTH REQUEST AND BESEECH AUDIENCE WITH [insert name here]. ALL RISE AND DO HER COURTESEY AS SHE PASSETH, OYEZ, OYEZ, GOD SAVE THE QUEEN AND ALL YOU GOOD PEOPLE."

Alternatively, if that's too loud, you could buy a pair of white gloves and bring a little silver tray to work. When Cow-orker asks to be announced, put on the gloves and proffer her the silver tray, saying in low and dulcet tones, "If Madame will be so kind as to present her card, we shall inquire whether Master is in to visitors, although we must strenuously warn Madame that we cannot make any promises."

I am not just a colossal bitch but a colossal bitch in love with Ceremony

I think you just like goony dramatic flair.

Plei, I am glad you are feeling better.

{{{Gud}}} I am so sorry, but I agree with what others have said even if you are not depressed, a good therapist will help you.