{{{vw}}} We do what we can with what we've got. I'm sure your progress this past year is the best present you could give your parents right now. Don't stress about it.

I hope the arrangement is good for all...

So do I. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. They respect our privacy right now, but is that going to go out the window if they're just three steps away? I'm sure there will be growing pains, but in the long run it will be fine. We're all they've got in this area. DH is an only child.

Susan, eloquently and *incredibly* diplomatically stated.

Vibing big vibes to Ellie, and quick-call-back-and-reassurance-ma to Stephanie.

Erin, your entire post just utterly rocks. I'm so happy for you, Miss Teacher Thang!

So far this morning I've taken out the recycling, vacuumed the living room floor, de-mildewed the shower and shower curtain, hung up a picture in Emmett's room, and gotten started on the last of the Slings & Arrows tapes. Next up, measuring the hall closet for shelves; then, lunch with dad, groceries at TJ's, pick up birthday present for goddaughter, more cleaning, and more hemming of an impulsively started and now neverending skirt project.

It's just possible that I don't have a real firm handle on this whole "Day Off" business.

Just to let everyone know - the nurse said not to worry if Ellie is acting like herself, which she is. She did say if the problem continues, I should take her in on Monday.

Job~ma to Matt and Beth, and Suzi's DH. Fingers and toes are crossed.

Hmm, I think I'm going to look a little bit strange walking across the street to get lunch....

We're all they've got in this area. DH is an only child.

This is how my mom ended up living with us. A bit more intimate arrangement, that definitely has its moments, but I'm so glad she is not living alone these days.

Good news, Stephanie!

JZ, it is permissible to slack off every once in a while, ya know?

I'm so glad she is not living alone these days.

I think that's where we're going to end up as well. The rest we can deal with.

Someone please tell me this will all be okay, please?

Babe, it's so gonna be ok. It's gonna be rough for a while, but you're going to get through, because you have amazing strength.

{{{juliana}}} Much love to you, girl.

Juliana - It will be ok.

It'll be better than okay, J. It's going to be a long and painful path at times, but I have complete faith that you're going to come out of this with a better and brighter world than you had before.

(And until then, rant and bitch and lean on us all you want)