best of luck to everyone, Erin. May the drama be short and the healing begin soon

erin, I would strongly recommend peer counseling, in addition to a therapist who can rule out (or confirm) the harder core diagnoses.

For the deeper pains, the been-there-survived-that perspective can be the best for teen issues. The local mental health association should have referrals for well-respected groups.

In the meanwhile, major calm and coping ~ma for everyone involved.

bonny is, as always, very wise. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy or Emotions Anonymous might also be good things to look into.

erin, I have no advice, but so much ~ma to your sister and your entire family.

She needs therapy, Erin. Whether she's happy to do it or not. But also you likely really do hear the worst of it. I am so sorry. It sounds rough. I hope she can find it in herself to take advantage of the help and caring being offered sooner rather than later.

That constellation of symptoms could be a lot of things, some of which are in the category of Should Be Addressed, But Not Necessarily Right This Second (like low iron), or it could be asthma/allergy-related, or it could be a little more serious. Statistically, it's probably not cardiac-related, but if it were me, I'm nervous enough to want it checked out.

Yeah, I would see if you can be seen sooner, Vortex. It's likely something Not Traumatic and Easily Dealt With but there is the smallest chance it's not something to put off for too long and that's when you want attention. I mean, honestly it's how my asthma presents which isn't a big deal. But that constellation of symptoms, as Tep says, should be looked at by a pro.

But that constellation of symptoms, as Tep says, should be looked at by a pro.

You never know, and I just hate to mess around with anything that's vaguely in the heart/lung area.

I kept hearing Dean meow - which is something he doesn't do normally. At first it was his usual kind of meow - more a chirp. Then louder and more of an actual meow and insistent.

So I got up to see what was wrong -- I'd accidentally closed Maddie out on the porch.

I don't think she meowed, she will occasionally make a quiet purr-chirp kinda sound. So I don't know if she was scratching at the door, or did a little meow. But as soon as I opened it she ran inside and hid.

and now they are chasing each other back and forth the length of the (not very long) apartment.

I really want to bw in the nonfiction thread about SYTYCD but am watching in hotel room and don't want to be spoiled, and will probably fall asleep before the end!

Had a bit of dinner, then another drink, called my parents, unpacked some random things (I have hangers! And clothes! And soon the twain shall meet!). Starting to figure out where to put some of my framed stuff. The mantelpieces in four rooms make natural showcases for the bigger pieces.

Bed now. Tomorrow, wait for it... more mopping! And unpacking and arranging and so on and so forth.