In omigod that's so sweet news, my brother posted a "worksheet" called I love My Dad that my nephew did at preschool. The teacher filled it in for him.

It says:

My Dad's name is L
He is 24 years old 10 feet tall and weighs 1340 pounds.
His favorite food is eggs and vegetables
My Dad is really good at carrying things and paddling a kayak
He loves to go to work
My favorite thing to do with my Dad is play games.
I am just like my Dad because "we have the same eyes".
What I love most about my Dad is he loves me!

That is sweet, Askye! I hope things go ok with the transition between therapists and your search for the right meds.

Clearly he sees his dad as a John Bunyan type of figure.

I'm so sorry, Anne.

Probably only Allie Brosh could make "your fish are dead" a comfort.

That is adorable, askye.

bonny, I think I'll call my vet tomorrow and ask how much a fecal test is. I can just bring in a sample, they're a nonprofit so rates are pretty low. Xusha has ear mites and/or a yeast infection in her ears, and Frankie is overdue for shots.

Thanks Windy.

I feel like I'm in this weird middle ground where I'm better than I was (not depressed and anxiety is manageable) but not sure of what to do next. And how to track my progress. I haven't worked since I left the temp job due to anxiety and that was...August I think? And looking at job listings no longer makes me hyperventilate and start crying, I just feel a low level of dread. So that's good?

And I know I'm really privileged to have the support I have so I end up feeling guilty about that times.

And my confidence in my ability to work has totally been shot, I keep thinking I'll wait until the medication makes me more stable, but what if that takes a while and I'm not sure what to do? And I've talked to with my family and Will and my therapist and they are all okay with how things are progressing but...

I hate my brain sometimes.

Clearly he sees his dad as a John Bunyan type of figure.

Yes, as is right and proper.

Anne, I'm so sorry for your loss.

So that's good?

Yes, better is good, even when it feels like you want it to be more and to come faster. But it's better.

bonny, I think I'll call my vet tomorrow and ask how much a fecal test is. I can just bring in a sample, they're a nonprofit so rates are pretty low. Xusha has ear mites and/or a yeast infection in her ears, and Frankie is overdue for shots.

Oh boy. Yeast in the ears really needs treating.

We had a fecal test done, which I'm glad was clear, but I would have loved to not pay that 50 bucks.

I hope your test provides helpful results!