Wasn't directed at anyone in particular, ND. Your suggestion is a good one. I was trying to be broad, because I think the fact that a rifle is involved makes the conversation more fraught. Feelings run high on the issue of firearms. I came into the conversation later and read it all in one shot.

My apologies if I've offended anyone.

I appreciated it Maria, no worries. If it were a handgun, it would be a totally different conversation.

I wish science would come up with a vaccine that makes women immune to jerks.

ANd now I'm off to the doctor to see if we can figure why my foot still hurts - almost up to 2 months of pain now. Joy. Just one more thing on my list of CRAP.

Sunday - we leave for vacation on Sunday. Can't come soon enough.

I hate that this whole mess has put distance between K-Bug and the rest of the family since that is one of his ploys - pulling her away from everyone she knew before him.

Ugh, that is such a red alert. I'm sorry things are rough, Suzi.

I hope the doc figures it out, Suzi.

Ginger, that would be a wonderful thing. I'd even take it as a shot. And I hate needles.

My apologies if I've offended anyone.

None taken by me. I agree that it is a very charged issue, and a tricky one to discuss in the best circumstances. Personally I've extremely anti gun, but in this case it isn't so much about the gun, as it is about who is asserting power and control.

Ginger, that would be a wonderful thing. I'd even take it as a shot. And I hate needles.

Amen. Speaking of shots, I got cortisone shot in a different spot. Hopefully this does the trick. At least he isn't suggesting the electro shock therapy thing anymore.

Suzi, this is setting off all kinds of alarm bells for me. It sounds like a set-up for control, followed up by abuse.

ND's suggestion of getting off-site storage at a gun club might make you more comfortable; it also means that if the asshole bf comes by, there won't be a gun on the premises (since he has the bolt). I'd be nervous about having him and a functional gun around; it'd be too easy for things to escalate. You might supplement the off-site storage with a gift of range time, gun safety courses or something.

So I got this email today from one of my supervisors:

I am excited to let you know that I have registered you to receive an [company] Spirit Award. This award is given to those employees who exhibit outstanding commitment to the [company] Mission and Vision. Thank you for the many things you do that allow us to serve others with confidence and compassion. I am thankful to have you as part of the [location] Team.

...Here are a few words that I shared with the committee about your work at Northstar and LSS:

Ms. Andrea Miller is very knowledgeable about her work as a Direct Support Professional and performs all her duties well with great reliability. She carries herself in professional manner and is willing to go above and beyond the call of duty when asked. Ms. Miller is recognized as a fine mentor for new employees and is willing to support co-workers by openly sharing her knowledge and drawing from personal experiences. Her work documenting progress on personal programs and completing necessary data tables is of great quality. She can always be counted on to do the right thing the correct way. Northstar is fortunate to have such an outstanding Direct Support Professional as part of its team!

This makes me doubly glad that I 'fessed up to a goof I made last week (before he sent put this in the works). It's one thing to be 95% Awesome and 5% Honest Screwup, and another thing entirely to be a Sweeper Under The Rug.