Ok. Cool. Thanks guys. I appreciate it greatly.

It's only TMI if it makes you uncomfortable to share it. Otherwise, I think it sounds fantastic. Very mature and well-reasoned.

And this part:

My focus was on keeping myself safe and trying to stay out of the hospital.

Seriously made me so proud. That probably sounds condescending and stupid, and I really really really don't mean it that way; I'm just so glad that you said, "Y'know what? My safety first. Period."

What they said (points to preceding posts).

That probably sounds condescending and stupid

Not at all. And thank you. It means a lot.

a good letter. really nice. It doesn't sound like an excuse, but an explanation. and putting the options out is good.

What Jen said.

Thirded--good letter, VW!

I'm heading off to my high school reunion soon (need to pack, shower, get to airport). Called my ONE friend who said she was going to come (a few weeks ago, but hadn't bought a plane ticket) the other day, and she's not called back. I really hope this is not going to be a "wow, I'ma sit here at a table and pretend like I'm not bored amongst a bunch of strangers..."

Also, it is POURING here. Has been for two days. Which has rather wreaked havoc on my plans to straighten my hair and make it all pretty. CRUD.

Yes, very good letter vw.

Raq, the stick blender I have is this one. I use the blender attachment and the chopper attachment all the time. The whisk attachment is pretty useless -- the wires are flimsy as hell, and holding the button down is just as labor-intensive as whisking something by hand -- it's nice for salad dressing, but that's about it.

In other food news, there are NO fish heads to be had anywhere in Carroll Gardens today. I went to both fish stores, and they were both out. (One had just made stock the night before, and the other had had a customer take them all earlier this morning.)

I don't miss my old neighborhood, but at least there, I was the only one who ever asked for fish heads, and the ability to have my pick more than made up for the weird looks.

Raq, I got this because the 200w wasn't properly handing my protein smoothies. I don't use the more food-processorlike of the attachments, because I have one, but it beefed up the standard stuff.

VW-that's a great letter, very straightforward and reasonable. Not begging for pity or even sympathy -- just laying it out clearly and justifying understanding.

I don't think I've ever used the chopper attachment on my stick blender... not for chppong - I have to go look at it now....

I did once, but that was before my dishwasher was replaced and the plastic didin't like to come clean - so a knife was easier