vw -- call the ombudsman -- if there is something that can be done -- the ombudsman's office should know what it is.

I got to see the pictures!! Vortex, your niece has such a friendly face when she smiles but it also looks like she has the "Back off now. Seriously, I will hurt you" look perfected.

I have no idea what I want for lunch. Which is only an issue because a co-worker wants me to pick where we're going to eat today.

(((vw)))

I second the call to the ombudsman. And, although you may not self-identify as "disabled", I would call whatever Center for Independent Living or disability activist organization that's near you. They know these laws and can help. There's no reason you should be punished for being ill.

Don't panic. Don't act out of panic.

Breathe deeply. Call the people who help calm and center you. Then call the legal experts.

"Back off now. Seriously, I will hurt you" look perfected.

yeah, she's TOTALLY my niece.

vw, what Ginger said. Also? If withdrawal is going to screw you over, aid-wise, what about requesting incompletes for medical reasons? If you don't pull out, the aid doesn't get pulled.

If withdrawal is going to screw you over, aid-wise, what about requesting incompletes for medical reasons?

I've already withdrawn from the classes.

Frig. Can they undo it?

vw, they can undo it if you find the right person (should you decide to go that route). I know from an experience of having classes retro-actively re-instated.

I'm thinking of you and hoping this all works out!

I agree that keep kitty in a carrier during the drive is wise. Cat free in car is BAD, in my experience.

And, just to be contrary, I travel with my cat a few times per year. It's a 10 hour drive and I let him out free in the car. I have a litter box in the way back (I drive a small SUV) and his food/water bowls behind the front seat (filled up about 1/3-1/2). He settles in and is fine for most of the trip. The only time I have to put him away is when I come back home. The heavy traffic and lights in Chicago freak him out a little, so I stop about an hour south of Chicago and put him in his carrier at that point. Otherwise, he's left free and is fine.

Keep in mind, my cat is also really afraid of the Outside, so he doesn't try to bolt out of the car at rest stops and whatnot.

So, do I tell her we don't have to tell her yet, or do I lie and say we haven't decided?

I agree with Nora. Lie and say you haven't decided. I foresee problems with maintenance issues if they know you're leaving.

What are people doing this weekend? Anything exciting planned?

Working. Blergh.

The result was a bit tongue and a whole bunch of blood

Oh! Poor little Leif! I'm glad he's doing better now.

Stupid fucking financial aid for being completely unhelpful.

{{{vw}}}

Wish there was something I could do to help vw. I don't know the workings of colleges and financial aid, so all I can say is that I hope things work out and the advice of those wiser than me is helpful.