Oh, Susan. Wish I could offer something constructive, but you have my respect and admiration for the way in which you're knuckling down and keeping at it. Go you.

So, I've told the company that I'll accept the paid position in Cairo preparing for the school's opening, whatever that consists of. But I'm hoping that once I'm in Cairo I'll be able to look around and see if there are teaching jobs available in town, and if it looks like I'm sitting on my arse doing precious little, I'll speak to my employers about the possibility of leaving until the following September, in order to ensure my teaching skills don't atrophy.

Not ideal, but I think it's the best bet for now.

Meanwhile - damn, I wish I could have brought you folks along with me today. We went to Haworth, home of the Brontes, which is a lovely wee town in gorgeous countryside. That aside, though, there's a wee shop called the Souk which is crammed with vintage and antique clothing - the majority being more than 60 years old. And I so wanted to have skinny wee Bitches to dress up in the fabulous things.

Thinking of you and your family, Susan. I'm so sorry.

Strength to you and your family, Susan.

{{{Susan}}} Thinking about you.

So sorry about your father, Susan. Strength to you and yours.

strength and peace, Susan

{{{{{{{{{{Susan}}}}}}}}}}

{{{{Fay}}}} Sounds like you have made a very reasonable decision. Also, Haworth? I sure don't qualify as a wee skinny Bitch, but I'd have loved to see them playing dress-up, too.

Oh, Susan. Wish I could offer something constructive, but you have my respect and admiration for the way in which you're knuckling down and keeping at it. Go you.

Well, there's nothing like having tons to do to short-circuit that panic and worry response. We'll probably be on a plane by Monday or Tuesday morning, and there's much to do between now and then.

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. They're greatly appreciated.

I LANDED AN INTERVIEW!!!

WOO HOOO!!!! Anne, I’m so thrilled for you! All the job~ma in the world.

Remind me to stop bitching here.

Absolutely not. This is the place to bitch if there ever was one. You’ve got a lot going on, Susan. Many, many hugs.

In better news, Annabel? Still cute:

Yes. Lethally, I might add.

I'm hoarding the chocolate and Prosecco, 'cuz damn if I didn't get laid off this morning.

Oh, shit! I’m so sorry.

Oh, Susan…just read you morning news. I’m so sorry. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love also coming your way.

Toto update coming in my next post.

Poptarts:

So, Toto had his test for Cushing’s Disease yesterday. Apparently, he was a champ for the vet and her staff. And they said he barely barked the whole day! What a good boy! We should have the results by Monday…maybe even tomorrow.

But, Toto has actually been acting a little better. Still not eating great, had an accident in my parents house yesterday, and lost a chunk of hair. But, he has a little more energy. Last night I decided to hang out with my parents after a fairly rough day (Toto’s test and last day at the job). It was their community’s “Summer Jamboree,” so there were all kinds of outside activities and then fireworks. I didn’t want to leave Toto at home for that long, so I suggested that we bring the dogs with. It was a fabulous idea! They were so good and had so much fun. They got so much attention, because they were so well-behaved and just so damn cute. And they totally knew it. Every time someone would stop and say how cute they were, their heads lifted a little higher and they would strut. It was adorable. They got to eat wonderful french fries, drink water, listen to the orchestra, watch the fireworks and get the previously mentioned attention. They were in heaven.

I never thought Toto was the type of dog that would be well-behaved at that type of event, but he’s really grown up. He barked a little, but not much. He got a little tense as more people crowded for the fireworks, but then this woman came to sing with the orchestra, and she was amazing, and Toto just stared at her and totally calmed down. It was really sweet.

Also, I found out yesterday that my Big!Boss’s dog had Cushing’s Disease. They treated her for four and a half years before they decided to put her to sleep (she was just in so much pain and whatnot). So, that encouraged me a bit. She said it’s hard work regulating the meds, but that she knew if anyone could do it, it’s me. She said I’m just obsessive enough, which made me laugh. I worry about leaving him for 10-hour days when school starts, so I may need to figure something else out (some type of doggy day care or something) for that. But, we’ll cross that bridge when/if we get that diagnosis. My parents have made it very clear that they’ll help out as much as they can with things. They love my little guy too. It was so cute at the fireworks last night. During the actual fireworks, my dad was holding Toto and my mom was holding Rachie. Both were fascinated by these pops in the sky. Mom and Dad looked so happy too. It was nice.