First call update: he and the friend who came over were getting ready to take the dog for a walk, so he'll call me back in half an hour or so. A walk sounds good. When I was out there in 2016, he literally couldn't leave the house, even to take the dog out to pee, for 2 days.

So he really does seem to be in a better place this time. But it's still freaking my shit out hard. I'm having a really hard time concentrating on work.

I'm going to throw a load of towels in the laundry and make lunch. I think I need to accept that my concentration is going to be shitty today.

Aw, Tep, I'm sorry. That's a lot. But I agree with what Cindy said, and it sounds like your brother is doing all the right things right now, which is promising.

Happy birthday, Hil!

Tep, hey, of course you're freaked. The last time this happened, it was bad, and you're afraid for him. Give yourself permission to say "Welp, this is not gonna be a good detail day" and put what focus you've got on broader-stroke things like the laundry and dishes.

Hil, happy birthday!

Latest phone call update: he has 2 friends there, and still sounds pretty decent. MUCH better than he was on day 1 of his beer taper in 2016. I'll give him another call in 2 hours and see how he's doing.

Sorry, Tep. Get it together, Tep's brother. (Is Rational Recovery still a group?) Hi, Shir, from another member of the t-shirt caucus. I'm not sure what self-care is a lot of the time, cause my work life and my life bleed together so much, but for today I'm gonna decide it's not arguing about labor unions with somebody who posted that an auto job in MS is a "golden goose"

(Is Rational Recovery still a group?)

I think it is, and I feel like he did check them out as an alternative to AA, but didn't stick with them, either.

Some people are not joiners...I get it, but I hope he has enough support. what do I know? Got pulled in with Golden Goose dude anyway.(Still don't know why this guy follows me. Of course, in a rom-com, we'd kiss each other silly while fighting over card-check or whatever, but I don't think that ever really happens.)

Oh, Teppy, I've been there. Sounds like he's doing exactly what he should, but being far away and having this just kind of come out of the blue must be a real gut punch for you. Sending lots of strength vibes your way.

Steph, I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this. It's so hard to worry about a loved one from far away. It does sound like your brother is doing better than last time, but it's still so scary. Lots of love and ~ma to both of you.

Vibes in plenty to your brother, Tep, and to you. And I agree with everyone else--he's doing what he needs to and he sounds much more on top of those needs, for self-care and accountability, than in 2016. It's still so incredibly stressful to be watching and worrying from afar.

ION, I've beaten my previous record--my very first holiday party related requisition was rejected by Accounting within 90 seconds and had to be redone from scratch because in following Rule A to the letter I had violated Rule B. I want to fucking burn it all to the ground.