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

Seriously? Are you still planning a New Orleans birthday trip too? Maybe we can team up???

know that I use a cigarette as a "time out" -- usually a break between different tasks, or just a few minutes to recharge by myself.

I seem to use my computer for that time out, although I am trying to change that to a walk around the block. I have a folder of shortcuts that are brief diversions, easy crosswords, sudoku, jigsaw, and of course checking the board! Diversion time out. But making a cup of tea is still a good one for me.

Seriously, Suzi. I am on the fence about going myself, a large part of me feels like planning the time off from work and care if the elderly animals is just too much at this time, but I would love to help get you there unequivocally!

-t, you are, as always, amazing! We can talk more elsewhere. Thank you. And it would be great if you were able to come too!!! But I get the work and animals thing too.

I seem to use my computer for that time out, although I am trying to change that to a walk around the block.

This is an excellent idea. I even use a smoke break as way to get up and sort of remove myself from my computer as a prelude to doing other things, but a walk around the block is a great idea.

You know it'll be a challenge, you can think of strategies to deal with it, but don't let it undermine you in advance.

Thanks, -t! I'm trying to be positive.

Went to see Doc this morning, and he must have just come out of a scolding with his own superiors last time, because he was remarkably mellow about things today. I've lost a bit of weight, my A1C is down a bit, the overall goal for where he wants my A1C to be is very achievable, and he's good with the revisions I made in my drug plan when life did not jive with his suggestions. And he didn't mentioned 30-grams-of-carbs-a-day people. So I can stop being quite so anxious about every bit that I eat, though mashed potatoes should still remain a former part of my life. Sad.

Weather's gorgeous, medical is on track, Hurricane Jose is petering out, Hurricane Maria is hooking out into the Atlantic. Life is good.

I went to the dentist today and for a food report. Which is a relief after all the discomfort and worry I've had going on. I think the dry mouth and adverse reaction to Biotene just made every thing really sensitive. And clenching my teeth.

There is a problem with a filling from last year so they are fixing it next week.

Connie, that all sounds really, really good!

askye, what a relief! I'm so glad for you. I'm pretty sure I'm clenching my teeth in my sleep, so I need to get a mouthguard.

Just in case this is an allergic reaction to the Prozac, I'm doing a little research. Has anyone here taken Effexor?

I haven't, Tep, but I swear by Pristiq. Have you tried it or something in its category?

I did, briefly. It didn't work for me, but I didn't have side effects.