OK, I'm awake, and feeling a bit better this morning. I have an actual plan for today: read an article I printed out yesterday, and then work on a proof in my dissertation that's related to that article. This seems to be a better plan than "work on dissertation," which is the sort of plan that leads to me staring at a blank piece of paper, trying to figure out what to do.

Hil, that sounds like a good plan. I remember it was very easy to get overwhelmed by the whole “I have to produce a 400-page document based on original research and arguments—How the hell am I going to do that?”. I was never good at scheduling out the whole thing months in advance. It was only when I started thinking “what do I want to accomplish this week (or even just today)?” that I got things accomplished.

My doctor put me back on antidepressants today. I've been off them for a dew years now, but I've just not been able to handle things well at all this year. He also gave me anxiety meds to use when I'm having an anxiety attack.

(((Aimee)))

(((Barb)))

(((Hil)))

You on the Ativan, sj? It really works wonders on Tom. The only thing is getting him to take it- sometimes my recognition of his oncoming anxiety occurs earlier than his, and it's something really to head off at the pass instead of trying to ride out.

My shrink prescribed a low dose of Zoloft (in addition to my high dose of Wellbutrin) for me to take daily that seems to help with anxiety. Perhaps too much- I'm very blah these days.

Zoloft has definitely tamped down my desire for Teh Sex- but I'm working real hard on overcoming that. Physically, once everything gets going, it's fine, but the thought just doesn't occur to me most days.

The e-mail just went out that all microwaves, refrigerators, coffee makers and desk lamps owned by teachers must be removed by August 18. How are they expecting teachers to survive getting to work at 7 and then teach all day, with 20 min for lunch, without coffee or the ability to eat in our rooms?

Okay, if I squint real hard, I can see the microwaves and fridges. If I close one eye, I can let the coffee maker go, as all of these could be community items in a break room (still bullshit, but it has a flimsy basis). but desk lamps? Are you fucking kidding me?

Yes, Ativan for anxiety and effexor for the depression. He also gave me a higher dose of prilosec and is sending me for a scope test because my anxiety is being tiggere by a heaviness in my chest from all the acid.

{{{Hil}}} I have 3 classes left to finish my grad degree and I'm so over it. Oh, I also have to do my portfolio (I went that route instead of the thesis cause I is lazy!).

Go Team Lexapro!

Slap my hand now! BTW, Cash were you on it while pregnant? Anyone?

{{{sj}}} Maybe once you make it over the wedding hump and life settles down, you can go back off? Sometimes we all need a little boost.

vw, I hope you and the dogs reach a truce soon.

I don’t think it’s gonna happen today. We’re having a bad bodily fluids day. I think Pumpkin has figured out she’s going to be here for a while, and ain’t happy. I also think Toto’s figured out that Pumpkin is going to be here for a while and ain’t happy. So, yay! And, the floor needed to be mopped anyways. Maybe not this many times, but oh well.

Next up I want to explore EFT and DBT, b/c I'd rather not need meds forever and I really need to change my thinking patterns. I've had one EFT session with some dramatic results, and my sister's doing DBT right now and finding it helpful. We have a lot of the same issues, though hers are more intense.

I only know a little about EFT and haven’t done it myself, but I’ve been in DBT for five years now. It saved my life. And I don’t say that lightly. If you ever want to talk about it, give me a holler. Also, I'm on Cymbalta as well. How interesting.

However, the recipient of the therapy, drug or talky-meat, sounds like it should be her.

Sparky is wise.

Gadget_Girl, that’s insanity!

Hil, I’m so glad things are seeming a little better this morning.

My doctor put me back on antidepressants today. I've been off them for a dew years now, but I've just not been able to handle things well at all this year. He also gave me anxiety meds to use when I'm having an anxiety attack.

Please don’t take this the wrong way, but I am so glad. I have felt so much for you lately. I really hope they help. And quickly. I don’t like seeing my sj like this!

Morning, Lovelies.

He proudly pointed out that the teeny spacer beads were gold "all the way through."

This? Adorable. Glad you had good festivities, Scrappy.

Manageable Chunk definitely sounds good, Hil.

{{Aimee}}, I'll say ditto to those who pointed out nothing wrong with with you - something wrong with the person who did the job insufficiently in the first place. I'm betting there's nothing in place to waive you having to pay another copay for their error, either. Anyway - the problem is not you, Babe.

{{sj}} I'm sure you would have preferred to stay med-free, but this is a crazy stressful time. I'm glad your Dr's understanding that and being helpful.

Oh, my god, motherfuckers, if you ask me to reformat a document, make sure you send the RIGHT VERSION out for approval!

Hear, hear!

So I survived the night. Didn't get as much sleep as I might have liked, but some is better than none. Had to reschedule a training meeting I was supposed to lead later today, though. I can't just sit quietly without breaking into coughing fits. I don't want to think about the drama my lungs would issue if I tried to talk for the better part of half an hour. Now, just have to hope I'm better enough by tomorrow, since that's the latest I could get all my principles together before the deadline...

I have 3 classes left to finish my grad degree and I'm so over it. Oh, I also have to do my portfolio (I went that route instead of the thesis cause I is lazy!).

I am Glamcookie (SWEET!) in this. Except I have "comps"- an essay test in the spring.

Yes, Ativan for anxiety and effexor for the depression.

Ooh, Effexor. Whatever you do, DON'T stop taking it and really, really, really try not to miss a dose. Withdrawl from Effexor is BRUTAL.

Seconding GC's question about taking ADs while pregnant. It's still a while off for me but any experience buffistas could share on the subject would be much appreciated.

Thank you, vw. Your support has meant so much.