I have toast. Toast is not waffles.

Oh, Steph, that reminds me we have a bunch of my MiL's chemo drugs (specifically Tykerb, but there's other stuff too I think) and I need to figure out what to do with them. I don't want to throw them away, they cost so much (as in $1000s if you don't have insurance). I really want to find a way to donate them to someone who needs to take them but can't afford them.

Man, I don't know. That's such a good idea, and I have no idea how to go about doing that. Maybe contact a free clinic in your area or something?

ION, I actually slept without Ambien again last night! Not as well as I did the night before, and I'm up brutally early (for a Saturday [for me]), but I did still fall asleep and stay asleep without Ambien.

I don't know why I consider it an achievement, because I don't think there's any virtue in being able to sleep without meds; I hope I was clear yesterday that I feel VERY strongly that if you can't sleep, then take the meds and screw the possibility of developing a dependence.

I guess I just didn't think I could do it ever again, and I'm astonished that I can, and have.

ION we're up to take the pooch to the vet. Hoping for a fatty tumor!

~ma Steph!

I hope everything goes smoothly with Kato.

ION, I'm sitting next to Frisco drinking hot chocolate. Which if he knew, he would want. But he's complaining vigorously because "the smell of your coffee is gross to me." Dude, I'm the pregnant one who is supposed to complain about smells!!

Fatty tumors!

Usually I get no sleep because of insomnia, but this time it was because I was finishing a slide show for a funeral. Wish me slideshow~ma.

Usually I get no sleep because of insomnia, but this time it was because I was finishing a slide show for a funeral. Wish me slideshow~ma.

I had to read this 3 times to not see the words side show. I obviously need more tea. Slide show ~ma.

A belated WHOOT! for smonster and her new job! It's making me grin all over--perfect job for the best candidate!

Feels strange to say Yay! lipoma~ma for Kato, but since it's not bad, I guess it qualifies. Also, best wishes for the calendar, he's one seriously handsome dog. Although, I kind of less-than-3 the Hell Hound pic, it's awesome!

I'm trying to convince myself to get dressed and go to the Farmer's Market, but I keep hearing rumbles of thunder. I am not in the mood to navigate it with an umbrella, it's just too crowded. But, the cat's are out of their fancy prescription food and the vet's office closes at noon so I'll have to get dressed sooner or later, any way. Phooey.

editted to update Kato's status. Should have read Beep Me before posting.

Sending ~ma to Kato, and to Ginger and her slide show. And rest~ma to those who were attacked by insomnia last night.

I don't know why I consider it an achievement

Well, a good night's sleep, with or without sleep aids, feels like an achievement to me. Also a godsend. Like I'm hugely grateful this morning that I was awakened twice last night and managed to fall back asleep both times.

I'm sitting next to Frisco drinking hot chocolate. Which if he knew, he would want. But he's complaining vigorously because "the smell of your coffee is gross to me."

ha ha! My kids have decided they like the taste of iced coffee. Franny even joked that she wanted a wee cup yesterday morning. I'm trying to remember when my parents first let us drink coffee. I know I didn't drink it until high school, but that was by choice. My siblings were all drinking it by then.

Anxiety is a real problem though. And I wouldn't be surprised if it was leading to more physically obvious problems like insomnia and back pain. Mine can, without a doubt.

Yes, it is, and "just calm down" isn't an Rx, you know? I had one doctor tell me, instead of taking half a Valium, to "just have a stiff drink!" Without knowing if I had a family history of alcoholism, or if I just didn't drink, or anything.

Glad Kato's all right!

Hee, that;s a fun memory thought, Burrell. I couldn't WAIT until I was old enough to drink coffee; I've always liked the smell and taste, but wasn't allowed until I was 12 or so because the caffeine would "stunt my growth."

It was the 70's -- ironic defense, because my family drank nothing but gallons of iced tea (decaf? did they HAVE decaf in the 70's and 80's? Probably, but we never thought of it).

Ha, my parents let me make my own decisions about religion -- I decided not to go to church anymore when I was about 8, and mom and sister went, and dad stayed home -- before they let me drink coffee.

...And now that I think about it, I would totally do the same! M's nine -- if he came up to me and said "I don't want to go to synagogue anymore, and I want some coffee" I'd say "OK, whatever, just keep reading and thinking and have an open mind about other people's religions. But no, no coffee."

Steph, congrats on two night of Ambien-free sleep! And I mean that -- it really IS a minor miracle! I got my Rx last night and Dan and M decided to have a "sleepover" on the couches in the living room last night (M goes back on Tuesday, so it's fun fun party weekend for him) and I was all "Oh. REALLY? I suppose you guys need some time together?"

And I danced upstairs, hung out in my underwear, watched Watchmen and Kick-Ass, did NOT put anyone to bed, was not asked for water or a story or to kill a spider or to chase ghosts away with my mad ninja skills, and took an Ambien and slept in.

It was fucking awesome, even though my nose was running like a sieve because of allergies.

I'm glad Kato's only got a lipoma. I've got one, too! On my shin -- it's weird; it moves. But harmless and painless -- I've had it forever.