It was very, very wet here, but the tornadoes were further south, pretty much directly east of Enterprise, Ala., where the high school got slammed.

I'm glad you're safe and sound, Ginger. I saw that high school -- they had people taking shelter there at the time, didn't they?

The group I'm going to Israel with is going to be on MTV!

Ok. I really need to go back to school today. Let's all help me get excited about this, 'cause as of now I'm anxious and nervous and avoidy.

When Ben was an infant, he'd melt down at any sort of excitement -- good or bad. As he started to get older, if he was getting melty, I'd remind him, "This is good excitement," and it seemed to help. I've been trying to tell myself that during this week (my first few days being home by myself since like January 18th). It helps, some.

Also? I find that when I make a concerted effort not to rush, I am much less freaked out. I just do everything deliberately and on time. You will probably have to step away from the PC until you're all ready, but try it. Try telling yourself, "This is good excitement," and try to avoid putting everything off until the last minute, when you're too overwhelmed to go.

You love school, once you get there. You're so smart. You do so well, and you're such a grade ho. This is good excitement. You get to go and be the smartest student in your class. Plus, it will get you out of the house. I know the weather is bad, but some days (like this one) are almost worse for me when I stay in all day, because there's such a gloomy feel to them. Getting out in the cold rain/wintery mix is also good excitement. It's a challenge and an adventure.

(Am I over-selling?)

{{{Beth}}} That is amazingly unfair. Feel better.

Am I over-selling?

No, I'm just over-dreading. I'm having a pretty rough morning, am in tears, going in and out of flashbacks, and wanting to just ativan it away. I'm showered, though.

Getting out in the cold rain/wintery mix is also good excitement. It's a challenge and an adventure.

I t heart Cindy.

I love Cindy. I have a great mom myself, but I might need to rent Cindy sometimes.

And good luck on your first day back, Val. I have lots of faith that you will have a good day!

eta: a Cindy-loving cross post. How appropriate!

You can do it, vw. It will be good for you to get back into your regular schedule.

vw, once you get to school and get caught up on stuff, you'll be able to relax this weekend that much more, and enjoy your time with your folks and Toto. I think if you stay in today, it might be harder on you...?

Oh! I'm not quite awake, apparently! Well, he is very cute.

Thanks, vw, and everybody. I wish I could take the credit. We do have good genes on that side of the fam. He looks a lot like his mom did at that age. The tiara pic has to be my favorite picture in the history of ever.

I thought about you Ginger, when I heard about that crash this morning. How awful.

Try thinking about that first kiss. I'm sorry it's so hard. I do think you'll feel better once you get there. Or at least, I know the anticipation is the worst part for me. Once the [whatever] happens, I'm much better. It's the build up I can't take.

I'm also basking in the love, and bouncing it right over to Valerie, who is going to do this, and feel so good that she did.

edited, because you already showered and I'm a dummy.

Ok. I'm gonna go pack. Then I think I'll just go ahead and leave. I can try to get caught up on some reading until class time; then I'll feel more prepared.