My brother came over last night. He had a sit-down with Mom and me (after she told him we already knew what was going on, sort of). Turns out his actual arrest was two and a half years ago, and he managed to keep it from us. He was in jail for 18 days for this probation violation. He said he's been group-therapizing and 12-stepping and he actually sounds like he's in a good space awareness-wise. If he can just "keep with the program", I'm cautiously optimistic for him.

Epic, I hope he does better this time.

Tea:

I was up sick last night with an awful stomach ache for the second time in a week. I have these awful stomach aches on occasion, but not usually two in one week. I can't decide if it is a post-miscarriage hormones are fleeing my body at a rapid rate thing or something else entirely, but I'm afraid to leave the house today in case I get sick again.

Sorry you're feeling gross, sj. So hard to function when your body is in rebellion. I send you Ginger Ale vibes to feel better.

Thanks, Epic. Sometimes I feel like my life is filled with episodes in which my body says, "You had plans? Ha! Not anymore."

Epic, glad your brother seems to be getting his shit together. Hope he keeps it that way!

sj, ~ma for your step-family. And I'm sorry your body is rebelling.

I have a bad case of the shaky-hands jitters, and I've no idea what's causing it. I quit taking Buspar a week ago, or I'd blame it on that.

My mom is getting a pacemaker put in today. The procedure was supposed to start an hour ago, but as usual, they're running late, so she's still waiting.

Hil, surgery~ma for your mother.

Much recovery~ma for you mom, Hil. And ~ma for step-family, sj. It's been a hard month.

Epic, glad your brother seems to be getting his shit together. Hope he keeps it that way!

From your fingertips to God's ears!

sj, Hil, much ~ma for the family(s).

I do have a very nice story to share! With one thing and another, I was in a MOOD on Saturday. Along with everything else, I was planning to go to my bookstore to pick up a couple of holds, but I got a slightly late start going in that direction. At about 7 minutes to 5, I called from the road, confirmed that they close at 5 on Saturday, and begged her to stay open until 5 after 5 for "someone who's having a rough day and just wants to pick up a couple of holds." She asked what I was coming to get and said she'd have them waiting for me. I walk in, she's already got them bagged, rings me up with a little chitchat, and I get out of there (after thanking her profusely, of course). I get to my next destination, look in the bag to grab one of my books, and there's THREE books in there! I double-check the receipt, she only charged me for the books I came for. Then I notice she's included an encouraging note too! How sweet is that?! I need to send a nice note to the store or something, but I didn't even catch her name. And I need to encourage everybody (including you guys - next time you're in San Diego) to make sure to take some business to Mysterious Galaxy because of how awesome they are!