I don't want surgery, but, yanno, if it would help the pain and nausea, I'll do it.

Honestly, you've gone through much more intense surgery. My gallbladder lapro eviction, I was out walking 3 miles 5-6 days later (because I was going insane with inactivity.) I had no other surgery to compare it too, but even so found it pretty easy. I mean, worst part for me was the swimming ban for a month, not the few days of really having to strategize getting out of bed (and keeping Loki off me.)

I hope it is the fix you need. And if it isn't, hey, you'll avoid a full blown gallbladder attack. Which was a gajilliion times worse than the recovery.

Steph I hope the itchiness goes away soon.

Epic lots of health~ma to your mom

I get the crazy -bad itching sometimes, Teppy, and I put cold on it--either a cold washcloth or if it's my feet and lower legs which seem to get it the worst, I just stick them under the tub faucet with water as cold as I can stand for a few minutes and that seems to stop it altogether. I usually HATE doing anything cold, but it actually feels good in this instance.

I hate, hate, hate feeling itchy, but this has made it manageable.

I09 let me know that today is the 15th anniversary of Firefly's debut on Fox.

15 years doesn't seem even remotely possible.

Random smoking cessation advice ahead. I know we have at least a couple people going through this process. Two substitutes I used were making a cup of tea or brushing my teeth. Both took a few minutes to push through the urge, and both involved hands and mouth activity. It is an icky process with the whole lung clearing stuff, but quitting was one of the best things I have ever done for myself.

Two substitutes I used were making a cup of tea or brushing my teeth.

Making/drinking a cup of tea was HUGE for me in quitting smoking, 11 years ago, now. I found that the nicotine addiction wasn't that hard to kick, but the psychological act of taking time out to, I don't know, sit and space out and take time for myself and process whatever was going on with me, was much harder to give up, and sitting with a cup of tea was very satisfying in that regard.

That, and having a cigarette to use as a shield in bars because I was nervous. But once nobody was allowed to smoke in bars (and then I got old and started going to bed really early) that didn't matter anymore.

Kelly and her fiance recently shared their wedding plans. Originally they were going to wait until he was done with school, but his scholarships would remain even if he gets married, so that means they can do it sooner. The current plan is a courthouse ceremony with only direct family in late January and then a reception/party at a friend's house.

Years ago, when Kelly was engaged to the lying, cheating douchebag (pre-lying cheating douchebaggery discovery), we had bought her a lovely wedding dress. It has hung in my closet for the last 8 years. She wants to get it fitted and wear that, and her fiance is cool with it.

I love that they are doing this their way instead of doing performance art that neither of them really wants. They are on a budget and don't want to ask family for money. I'm going to pay for the dress alterations (she doesn't know that yet) and I'll talk with the reception friend about helping with stuff there.

All that being said, I kinda wish they had picked a different date. I turn 50 in early February and had wanted to travel somewhere for a long weekend in celebration (New Orleans, New York...) but that money is going to go toward the wedding instead. Which is my choice, so I'm 95% ok with that, but there is that small part that is sad I'm giving up the birthday trip.

Linear time is a lie! Take a trip for your 51st birthday!

But yeah, that's a little sad-making. Can you do something in town? Fancy spa? Restaurant you've always wanted to try? Spend the day in the movie theater?

but the psychological act of taking time out to, I don't know, sit and space out and take time for myself and process whatever was going on with me, was much harder to give up,

Still find myself struggling with that 15+ years after quitting.

Suzuki, I would totally give you airline miles towards a 50th birthday in New Orleans, since I happen to know that that will be Mardi Gras weekend