Nora, I'd go with your instinct on this one. I think that if you show up with chocolate/ice cream or some other cure for a broken heart (a doctor friend of mine tells me the cure is a Benedryl and a shot of vodka) because that's what feels right to you, it's good.

Not knowing your friend it is hard to say, but showing up with comfort food and a movie is usually a good way to help her chill and maybe open up.

Nora, from the sound of it, the bringing comfort for an evening in sounds like a better plan than dragging her out. Main thing is, you are there for her. And if it does seem like getting her out of the house is a good idea when you get there, well, you can play it by ear.

"stepfather" is much nicer than "that thing my mother is married to"

I use "My father's third wife" when I have to refer to her. Even though they have been married 16 years, she has never been a "step-mother" or "step-mom" or anything like that to me.

seriously, if she can't plan the next 10 min. show up , but be prepared to leave. For me, I am a 24-48 hour wallower. I get tired of the wallowing , no matter how bad I feel. However, over something seriousI might go in and out of wallow zone for awhile.

she's sought solace at her folks' for the day, so I'll see what's going on once it's a little closer to quitting time. They might be doing well with providing the comfort without my help...

That sounds good Nora. flexibility is the key.

I seriously do not want to go to work today.

Bosslady keeps telling me the new guy says I'm too bossy. I told bosslady I'd start talking to him like I talk to the clients, see if he notices. I'm also telling bosslady at least one of the clients does not like him. At. All. I can't give her meds to her if he is in the room.

He also complained that I don't show him how to do programs (exercises and daily living skills) with the clients like I should. Except that he had already been shown how to do them, and when I asked if he was comfortable doing them on his own, he said yes.

(I suppose "stepfather" sounds weirdly formal -- it's just that he only married my mother this year and I've only met him a handful of times, so "stepdad" is kind of odd for me.)

Ooops. I'm pretty sure I referred to him as "stepdad," upthread. Sorry.

Ok...lab report is submitted. I think I'm going to bed. I feel like crap. Blech.