GC, I think everyone has to do what works for them, but I have an extra bed in my bedroom. It lets me have some space and get some sleep. I was just talking to my mom this weekend about converting my "dining room" into a sort of office because we never use the dining room. My point to her was that houses are designed with specific mandated uses for the rooms, but I shouldn't feel required to make my home look "like it's supposed to." Hence, the second bed in the bedroom. It looks weird and it took me a bit to get over that, but it works very well for me getting the best sleep, which is important.

eta: since le n mentioned yoga, there is an app (I can't remember if you are an iphone person but i'm thinking yes? anyway...) the app has all sorts of pregnancy yoga videos. I found it to be incredibly relaxing and great with aches and pains when I was pregnant with Sammy. I bet you could find it by looking under "pregnancy yoga Tara Lee" on the App store.

Thanks everyone.

I know Dad loves me and supports me. I try to remind myself that it's his issue not mine. And I'm grateful he's never said anything about the weight gain caused by the medication.

GC you could also look into community acupuncture--that's where I've gone. Still not cheap, but cheaper. And if DW is doing most of the nighttime parenting anyway, heck, if you sleep better you can handle daytime much better than you are, right?

Who else is dreaming of $425 million?

Meara, I just saw that the Sisters of Mercy have a good-sized program in Asbury Park. Mercy Center might be a good charity if you haven't picked one yet. People I trust to do good work are pimpin' them. [link]

Breasts are just a universal good. Big ones, small ones, they feel nice, they look nice, I want a world where we all enjoy our breasts. Even our LACK of breasts. My one Aunt who had a double mastectomy and is a particularly conservative person. When they did her reconstruction she didn't just get aerolae tattooed on, she got a rose trellis too. It's beautiful. I saw an old family friend a few years ago and she was saying that her partner had a double and opted to NOT reconstruct. She'd been particularly busty (to the extent that caused discomfort) and was delighting in running around shirtless. "If I'm with someone I yell, 'Charo, put on a SHRT!' as I open the front door."

And here is prayer stuff for the Sisters of Mercy [link]

Glam, sleep is so important. And you are both raising a child and CREATING one. If there is a safe way to relax and sleep, do it.

I woke up super early and could not fall back asleep this morning. I am stumbling through the day.

I also smell like green oil because I sunburned the underside of my arm yesterday from inside the house. Apparently standing by an open window for hours exposes you to sun. The green oil is awesome but the smell is making the sleep dep ooky feeling worse.

Also if I had any idea of when I'm crossing the line into "too little support/restraint".

I changed my mind on what to wear to my parents' Suday and realized about an hour after I was there that I'd gotten the bra/dress config totally wrong. Mentally that was an awkward nine hours until I left. My car should have a setting where it won't start if I've played the boobs wrong.

A belated idea for meara: The Trappist monastery south of Atlanta makes some good stuff [link] They're pretty devoted to the Benedictine edict that monks should make their living with their own hands. Locally, they sell herbs and bonsai.

The first time I went to the monastery, the monks had just given up the rule of silence, although a number of the monks continued with it. Our guide, however, appeared to be trying to make up for 20 years of silence.

Hey, I've been there! They are good people.

y'all.

One of my colleagues at the place I left had a serious mental health crisis which involved a lawsuit. Anyway, I was advised by my department chair and others not to speak to said colleague even though he was among the people I had known the longest.

When I left my place of employment, I left pretty much without saying goodbye to anyone except my students and the administrative staff.

I am still doing quite a lot of biz at former place and needed to speak to previous colleague about some research. He UNLOADED in an email about how he is mad at me for my silence, that I took a research project away from him and blah blah.

I spent 20 minutes how to decide how to respond to said unloading. The problem is his mental health is really not very good (he is really really paranoid among other things). So I cannot engage in his 3 page single space email rant. On the other hand, I do miss the friendly relationship we once had.

I wrote a short but sweet email message. It won't satisfy him, but that was the best way (I think) not to inflame him.

I really appreciate the suggestions, thanks guys! There is also a Catholic store in Seattle I've been to for gift-buying a couple times, so may see what they've got there for a stocking stuffer with a charity gift. (And hey, if I ever need a "congratulations on the 20th anniversary of your ordination" card I know where to find one...)

Le N that sounds really tough. Fine line to walk. Good luck.