Cereal: I've been here since last Sunday, and this has been the hardest stint yet -- Mom is in pretty bad pain with her back (compression fracture of Thoracic-8 vertebra) and total constipation, and subsequent depression/nausea, which is making her refuse to eat and take what medicine she's allowed (Tylenol and gentle laxatives).

What do you want to do? Did your mom tell you if she wants you next to her? And, how is she? How long does this going on?

(Do I ask too many questions...? Yes, probably).

Honestly, at this point I distrust anything she says, because she's stubborn as well as psychologically pretty much like a stubborn cat backed into a corner. Yesterday I was suspecting that she'd palmed Tylenol rather than actually take it, just because she wanted that much control.

The bottom line is that I don't actually trust her to tell me that she's OK on her own, because on top of it, I know she's guilty about keeping me here for a solid week and being so bitchy during most of it.

Oh, man. I'm sorry she's being hard, and as a control freak, I can understand her wanting more control over this.

How are you feeling about leaving? And how are you?

I've got so much stuff to DO back home, like finding a job activities, and I missed a week of school, and and and, you know? I'm glad I made the decision to take my desktop computer, even if it's a bitch to haul around and set up. But I've not really had much in the way of uninterrupted periods to do any work on it, because Mom's had to call me for this and that so very often.

And she HATES having to call me, I know. So there's likely a bunch of things she's not calling me for....

I'm feeling very rung out this morning. Having CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) means never having to ask why you're so tired and achy. Mostly I can cope, and my CFS is comparatively mild, really. But because of that, trying to go to FOUR hours of night class after driving for 7 or so hours tomorrow really is going to suck and affect how much I can concentrate on stuff that I want to concentrate on.

Shir, I haven't asked in the least how you're doing! What's up with school, family, and so on?

I understand, Theodosia. The whole thing must be so tiring. I hope for as stressless as possible for you.

I'm fine. Finished with my last test for the semester (I hope) about two hours ago. Hence here.

And actually, going back to study now. Semester started 2 weeks ago, and I still had exams, so now I need to catch up.

Oooh, damn, it's not enough that you're finishing up exams, but you have to be starting classes at the same time? Good thing I'm not in school any more!

Oh wait. But at least it's only the one class....

Thanks, Theo. And good luck.

I hope you have fallen asleep, Theo. It would likely be best for all parties if you can make the drive today. You won't be any good to anyone, including your mom, if you deplete all your energy resources.

Shir! Welcome back.