I know I've got a lot of nerve asking for some vibes and such seeing as I'm almost never here, but one of my very best friends - the Caro to my Vivi - lost her Dad on Monday and her mom this morning. She's strong and magnificent in her ability to get to the brass tacks and get down to what needs getting down to, but she's in a lot of pain right now - most of which I can't imagine she's even aware of. Please send her prayers and thoughts and vibes or any positive, healing thoughts as she and her brother bury both of their parents.

Thank you, lovelies.

It is 4:30 in the morning and Bartleby and I just got home from 3 more hours in the emergency room.

We finished his antibiotic two days ago and I was lulled into a false sense of security.

I came home from the movies this evening...the first time I left him alone without a watcher in 6 weeks...only to find he had an inflammation on the back of his leg, as big as my fist.

The trip to the ER garnered many more hardcore antibiotics and some 'rule out' tests for the nose issue that has suddenly resurfaced.

He has 'sprung leaks' on both ends and his left nostril is completely blocked. These issues are unrelated, so we need two completely different treatment plans.

Some information came to light that was not available earlier, and at least let me let go of the idea that he has an allergy. The nice young doctor said lots of scary things, though, and my nerves are just shot.

I'm going to do whatever it takes, but right this minute, my spirit is pretty beaten up.

Philly peeps!

I will have a layover between 11:07 am and 1:30 at the Philly airport on 1/3/12, if anyone wants to/can meet me for lunch or something.

I've never been to the Philly 'port, so I know nothing about whether this is feasible for security, but I would be delighted, if it's possible.

(X-Posted with F2F)

Xpost with Natter:

Le sigh. We are gonna be without internet/cable for a week or two, between the plane tickets and another unexpected has-to-be-paid-NOW bill. Our cable's already out; I dunno why internet hasn't been cut off yet.

So if/when I go grey, that's why. E-me, call me, text me if you need me; I can check my messages via phone, and will be heading to a friend's house every day to get wi-fi and get work done, until we get paid again on the 15th.

Debated about posting this, but what the hell.

I'm participating in this year's Shelter Shiver, a fundraising event for Project Rescue Chicago. These are the folks who pulled Darby out of the animal control pound where she'd been for at least six months, got her into a foster home, and eventually to me. They're a tiny organization run by basically two people and a cadre of volunteers.

Here's 200 reasons to support PRC if you're so inclined. Here's how: [link] [Whoops, link fixed]

I know it's the holidays, and we've a lot of folks in need around here too. So please, no expectations at all. But if this is a cause that resonates with you (or alternatively, if you'd like to see me go jump in a lake), then Darby and I thank you muchly.

I'm going to reach out and ask for a little health~ma and coping ~ma for a teammate. Her girlfriend just got a cancer dx and they are terrified and trying to deal. They are amazing people and I just hope everything is going to be ok for them.

My dog Betsy is having dental work on Friday.It may not be a big deal, but she's thirteen. I guess I'd like general Jack Russell -ma. I already feel bad about some of her other teeth...hate to see anything happen to that cute little "smile"

Hey Buffistas – I’m here to ask for some health~ma for myself. Tomorrow I’m going to have some vascular surgery done to have a fistula created in my arm in anticipation of my starting kidney dialysis sometime in the future. (A fistula is created by connecting an artery to a vein.) But since the ultrasound mapping showed that I have really small veins and might require an artificial graft be implanted instead, it might turn out to be just an exploratory surgery. (My nephrologist said if the surgeon can do the fistula to do it, but if the choice is to do the graft then we should wait a few months and go back and do it then. Yay.) Either way it’s supposed to be same-day surgery. But if you have a few moments around noon, eastern U.S. standard time, I’d appreciate whatever good thoughts you could wing my way. Thanks.

I have an interview today--wish me luck on both impressing them, and on the job/company being awesome enough that I want it?