Thanks for the reminder, Connie. I did that a while back and got the all clear letter regarding the tatas, but haven't heard a peep about my bones. Which I'll take as no news is good news, but I should check anyway.

Nuts, I'm overdue for a mammogram. However, I *am* getting an echocardiogram Tuesday. My mom's heart surgery was to repair an aortic aneurysm that was caused by a bicuspid valve (she also had the valve replaced). Apparently bicuspid valves can be genetic, so her heart surgeon recommended that my brother and I (and my aunts) have an echocardiogram to see if we have a bicuspid valve. Fingers crossed that I don't, though!

And speaking of my mom -- did I mention this? -- she went back to work part-time this week, and was also planning to go back to teaching yoga this week (although I think it was just 1 class, and she might not demonstrate all the poses).

Surgery was only SEVEN weeks ago. Her surgeon initially said her recovery period at home would be 12 weeks.

She is a dang Amazon.

Woohoo, I am simultaneously being treated for a migraine, possible sinus infection, and possible UTI. I went to urgent care a couple of days ago for the first two issues, and the third one cropped up today. But at the moment, fortunately, I don't have to switch antibiotics.

I was a little squirrelly about taking the antibiotics for my sinus pain, because it's up for debate whether and when they actually help, but my sinuses hurt so much and so unusually, I went ahead and started them. So, go me for getting a head start?

WindSparrow, that's kind of a lovely dream.

Wow, Steph. Super impressive.

It is 86 degrees, feels like 98. At quarter to ten at night. And honestly, it doesn't feel that bad. There's a heat advisory for tomorrow, so we're working at the shady work site. Oh, NOLA summer, you are a cruel mistress.

I did nothing today, which was Not Good, but I'm trying to just look at it as my brain enforcing a needed break. Just have to make up for it tomorrow and Sunday.

Yesterday a friend from work emailed me for advice about her indoor cat having fleas really badly, being so miserable as to be sleeping in her litter box. When I talked to her, it turned out she had spent so much money on "natural" products she didn't have a dime to spend on the nasty harsh chemicals I recommended. So I had her meet me at Walmart and bought her two big cans of Raid Max. She told me she didn't know when she would be able to pay me back; I told her we'd do this on a pay-it-forward basis.

Today I gave myself the morning off; I have been so fatigued this week, being able to sleep in made a difference. And then as I was eating lunch friend messaged me that her kitty had died in the night. When I called her, she was so upset, needed help because she could not bring herself to touch the body, and didn't even have a box to put kitty's remains in. I jumped in the shower, grabbed a box and a sling I used to carry Harvey around in before his back trouble made it uncomfortable for him, and was on my way. Kitty had crawled under a low table in their storage area. I moved things out of the way, got on my hands and knees, wrapped kitty up and put her in the box. Friend's boyfriend will be helping her bury kitty. Spoiler font for pet sadness. And then I worked direct care - went out for pizza with the house tonight and taught new staff member how to do the paperwork for handling people's money.

WindSparrow, you are a very good friend.

Forgot to say, that first date was a bust. Nice enough but no spark. Was supposed to have another one tonight, but dude never got back to me with when he was free. So. Pppppplbbbbt. Got another guy who wants to meet up but nothing is set yet.

Sorry about that date, smonster.

I'm spending a certain amount of time watching Harvey breathe.

Sorry I've been away for a while. I've been burying myself in politics and Twitter and trying to think about time passing. My ankle is healing up well, it seems, I had the third surgery last week to remove a pin that was holding my bones together (they gave me the pin!) and tomorrow I go to get the stitches out, and after that I should be free of doctor visits for six months or so. I will be so happy to get home and not have to leave again. I've not been depressed really, except for a couple moments, but man, I'm ready to get back to my regular life.

I can't possibly comment on everything but I read it all and I love you guys. Everyone in pain, it sucks and I hope you feel better quick. Jilli, so glad you found a solution to your pain! smonster, DTMFA (what a useful acronym), you deserve better.

I'm glad your ankle is so much better, Zen.