ita, I'm so sorry.

What Maria said.

Separately, I hope the tow-truck folks get it together soon.

I am wearing boots, if that helps.

I am wearing safety shoes.

Things that make me happy: awesome tv, my snugglepup, good food, Nora and Tom for neighbors, the crazy morning show on the local hip hop station, my neighborhood.

I'm so sorry, ita.

I'm sorry, ita.

Damn it, ita, that's horrible. I'm sorry.

Things that make me happy: TJ's Just Turkey slices, my new phone's enormous freaking screen (ciao, Apple, it's not me, it's you), seeing my aged relatives this weekend, my dog, which I just accidentally typed god, which is what those things WANT you to think.

Oh, and the just-completed series of Doctor who.

ita, I've been through this with my mom twice and it is just SO DAMN HARD. Until you know what is happening, it is nothing but waiting and worrying. I wish a good prognosis and strength to you and your family.

I'm so sorry ita--wish less stuff were going on at once for you. I remain very glad I was too young to really get it when my mom had cancer (she's 25plus years free now!)

Things that male me happy today: being productive (no really!), the pretty drive down to Colorado springs, music, the hot girl that continues to be interested, my plan to get an iPhone 4s.

Things that make me happy, work edition:

Yes, going through transition and downsizing does suck to some extent. However, I am re-engaged with my job for the first time in about at least six years, and even participated in the staff meeting we just finished instead of just sitting there like a bump on a log. I'm getting trained on new tasks, training others on stuff I already know and do, and don't really hate coming into work anymore.

And, on a much pettier note, I found out just how badly most of my remaining co-workers did not get along with one of my newly-departed co-workers. And y'all know me pretty well--for me not to get along with someone is a rare thing indeed, especially for someone I've been working with for ten years. I've never liked her at all, and snarking with my cubicle neighbor over how much she put all of us through makes me feel better about my inner relief to find out she was being let go. Not that I liked hearing about anyone losing their job, I was just relieved I no longer have to work with her.

Shit ita ! I hope it's as minor as it can be. Also vibing car-ma in your direction.

I am so sorry, ita. I hope you get some answers soon.

Why must there be so many gray rain boots with interesting designs and then random birds? No, Portland, I do not wish to put a bird on it!