I, somewhere, still have the soundrack (on cassette!) from the student musical at said college about 10 years earlier; mostly because one of my housemates wrote it that year.

(Also, I'm'a have to go have stern words with all the college social media which was all over Daveed's win and never mentioned that one!)

I found out that a high school buddy, who became a math teacher and ended up teaching at our old high school, taught Daveed back in the day. Fricking small world y'all.

Today I have provided emotional support to:

• local friend K whose ex moved his shit (and some of hers) out at 3 am on her birthday because some guy she hasn't talked to in two years wished her happy birthday via fb messenger.

• local friend J who locked herself in the bathroom because she was afraid her bf might hurt her and had to have a friend come get her at 4 am

• local friend A who's daughter's beloved cat ran away while said daughter was at camp and hasn't come back. Also, her work is insane right now (she writes public health grants. so, zika) and her father is in denial about his alcoholism

This in addition to missing work for a nasty caterpillar sting and spending time in Urgent Care and being on Benadryl. In addition to my sister being still very suicidal. In addition to hurting over Orlando and NONE of my blood family reaching out to me about it.

And I'm okay. And I'm still taking care of myself, though I have to be careful to continue to do that.

I marvel how far I have come in thirteen years, and I couldn't have done it without the emotional support of you Bitches. Truly. I can help others because I know help is there when I need it. And I, in turn, got help and support from my friends.

I know I'm not here that often, and I lurk more than I post, but I want to tell y'all how very much I love you and appreciate all the mental, emotional, physical, and fiscal support over the years.

WE IN THE SHIT NOW, SOMEBODY'S GOTTA SHOVEL IT.

Thanks for helping me shovel my shit and being willing to shovel your own.

That is a lot of shit to shovel, smonster. None of that stuff is easy. But sometimes it's easier to shovel when you're singing a work song, and it's easier to sing a work song if there is more than one voice in the chorus.

I love you smonster. Autocorrect wanted me to say "olive you". Which--if it's in a martini I support you having olives too. Because damn those situations sound shitty. My god.

Ugh smonster, that's hard. We are here for you

Speaking of olives and martinis, we need a big virtual happy hour. It's been a week.

I am not here for olives. Hate 'em. But I appreciate the sentiment! I did have a glass of wine and a margarita last night.

wow - glad you can help ,smonster

rough times

I'll take your olives, smonster! That is a lot of shit.

But sometimes it's easier to shovel when you're singing a work song, and it's easier to sing a work song if there is more than one voice in the chorus.

Indeed. Thank you all for being in my chorus.

I'll tussle you for the olives, Laura. And thanks for the idea of a dental vacation. That honestly never occurred to me, but I've got a passport and a front tooth I broke on an apple 7 years ago, and spent tall dollars fixing again a couple of months ago. (I'll stow away in your luggage!)

Smonster, I'm sending a virtual hug your way. It is so lovely to see you recognize your own progress. You have really put in the work and your community benefits. Which I hope makes your heart stronger too.