Thanks, y'all! I'm feeling a bit better this morning, not least because Alex seems to be proactively making plans to talk to the Seattle Promise folks about his options and isn't letting the situation throw him into a doom loop.

Hey all. Spreading love and hugs around to whomever wants them!

Susan, my Sara (also 20) didn't start college immediately. She's been working at the local Friends School as a teacher aide and afterschool counselor and general helpmeet, and loves it, and works a few shifts a week at a pizzeria in town. She's making her own money, and partially contributing to rent, albeit not saving much (due to wanting clothes and to redecorate her room every few months). She's planning to start school next fall, and I think she's much more ready for it now, and has applied a lot of real-life experience to majoring in education.

Took my mom to have Mohs surgery in Philadelphia yesterday -- the removal of a Stage 2 melanoma from her cheek. They got clean edges, but they had to take a lot to get there, and the reconstruction of her cheek took 300 stitches. Not 30, 300! It was all a bit horrifying and pretty rough on an 80-year-old, but she's a trouper, thank god. I am, on the other hand, exhausted. Driving in and out of Philly, both ways in the dark, is absolutely taking your life in your hands.

But I'm feeling pretty Christmas-y this year, and working on cards (which will, of course, be late), and even made some cookies. Yay. I miss you people and this place, but work does not allow any time for daytime posting -- it's just actually too busy. Which sucks!

I've been reading along with Shir and Nilly's posts with an aching heart, and thinking good thoughts at everyone even when I can't keep up. So, more hugs, and all kinds of love, to everyone!

Oh, David. Oh, Matilda. I wish I could come visit and bring what love I can.

Hi Amy!

Work has decided to change our schedule so instead of being in the office M-T,Th we'll be in the office T-W-Th and WFH M, F. It feels like a non change, really - making a meaningless change so it seems like they are doing something rather than actually trying to make anything better. My department was just gearing up to maybe agitate for less in office time, so my coworkers are irritated. But it doesn't start until "after the holidays" so I am working from home today and I seem to have left my motivation to actually do work at the office. At least I remembered to make coffee.

So much love to you, David.

I'm really struggling today. Dad is still in the hospital and will probably be discharged today, which is good, but his future care is overwhelming. ND's business again has three clients who owe a ton of money and are ghosting him, which means no one has been paid this pay period (wonderful timing with the holidays), and our debts are stressing us both out beyond belief. I know this isn't forever. There are some hopeful things on the horizon for both dad (being willing to consider assisted living finally) and the business (some big contracts lining up for first quarter, which is awesome), but right now, things kind of suck. And I'm so tired of the hospital. ND is going home tonight. I don't know yet for sure when I am.

Not looking for solutions, but I feel like this is one of the places I can just vent this, so thanks.

{{{Pix}}}

Thanks, t. Hugs back. Just because.

{{{Pix}}}

Oh Pix that sounds so hard and shitty. I’m so sorry and I hope your dad is able to move and have a less stressful time for you.

300 stitches is TOO MANY wow.

Susan I can't use myself as an example of someone who didn't go to college and ended up not struggling because of it. I definitely do not recommend the path I've taken in my life.

BUT my cousin ( the pediatrician) has one son who has taken a very winding route in his life. He has severe ADHD and struggled in school and bounced around. One year he went and was camping and hiking out West ,picking up odd jobs and met his wife. He ended up going into the military and finally seems to have a path.

My brother went into the military after high school and then it took him a bit to decide on college and he held a few different jobs and finally got both is BA and his Masters and runs a state park it can be a winding route .