And by bringing up Susan's long standing, I'm suggesting that we know these aren't trolls here.

Agreed, however, due to Susan's long standing, both of them should know that personal attacks are NOT allowed by anyone.

Right now, I'm still too mad to talk, and I realize that it's because that all the anger that I've had over the last few months has been looking for a vent. In a few hours I'll come down and apologies will be dispensed. But right now I'm too angry and sleep-deprived.

Too bad this thought didn't occur before the post button was pressed.

I've got a lot of pent up rage at times too. I try not to point my venting at folks I'd like to consider friends.

Just deadpan my way through the bizarreness with as much grace as I could muster.

Thanks David - I'm trying. Some times are better than others. It is when it affects the kids that it feels like a gut punch. I can handle it when it is just me. Having K-Bug call me crying this morning was just too much.

There are times I worry that I share too much with her. She knows exactly what is going on with both DH and my mom. With CJ, we filter the information more. Even so, she is only 15 - not an adult, no matter how mature she acts.

Could I ask that perhaps we set this issue aside for a few hours?

There's been an obvious breach of conduct. It's been acknowledged (if not apologized for). Both Susan and Dylan are both clearly very stressed right now. That doesn't excuse the outburst, but surely we can afford to give them a little slack right now to regroup?

The objections have been rightly noted in thread. To hammer away at it more now is just going to put more pressure on them.

I am only suggesting (and nothing more) that we could give them a little space to deal with this without pressing them into a corner.

Well, honestly, the thought that somebody'd be upset about my post for half a day never really entered my mind either, just to use myself as an example again. Not that I try to post annoying stuff and walk away. So to speak. I may have a knack without trying, though. Sometimes the great ones are like that. And, yeah, understand fists of rage...and I've been consigned to Hell before, but mostly by people who've known me much longer.

Suzi, if you can find the time to take a quick BART hop into the city, I'd be more than happy to treat you to lunch and just break up the routine a little bit. Just a chance to get away from everything for an hour.

Oh my! That picture of Emmett is wonderful.

As always, I hope that I haven't upset Susan or anyone else with my advice or comments. That said, personal attacks are not acceptable. If a person feels piled on they say so, we discuss it, kiss and make up. I thought that had happened yesterday.

Susan, I'm sorry that you are overwhelmed right now. There aren't many here that haven't been there. Any advice put forth is done so with a desire to be helpful and supportive.

ION, the sweat is dripping off the end of my nose. I think I'm going to sit outside for a bit in the misting rain. The windowless office with 8 computers running is getting rather over warm.

I suggest we all follow DavidS's suggestion and turn the conversation towards something everyone enjoys. Anvils. Or Joss Whedon. Or Ducks.

Hec, that would be so lovely. Just finding the time is the tough thing.

Work is its own hell right now. We have double the workload and are down staff. My assistant has been out since March, was due back in September and that keeps getting pushed. Her next "return date" is November 8th. Maybe if she makes it back, I can boogie out for lunch.

Suzi, take Hec up on the offer if you can. Get a little breathing time. I wish I could offer some concrete help.

eta: inevitable X-post.