5/6 Last class

Tonight was the last class at QU for this semester. I love teaching, but it will be nice to have my Wednesdays back for a while. Thanks, Cindy, for taking care of Gussie all these weeks. You'll have some time off too. :)

Today was so crazy at work. I keep saying to myself--June 1 isn't that far away. The stress just exhausts me.

Tonight's article is a "feel-good" one for me--Katrina students graduate

5/4 I've been a good girl

So far I've stuck to my eating plan. But now am sure ready for dinner. Just walked about a half mile tonight because of a dumb old foot, but it was sure nice anyway.

On our walk we stopped to see Cindy, Eric and Julie. And Kirby was a lunatic. Such a funny dog.

Tonight's article--Panic attacks: They can be cured

4/25/09 Another good day

Gus and I had a fun day. This morning I (without my faithful companion) went to Great Debate books downtown. Off Broadway, the coffee house located inside, had free coffee and food for QU professors and adjuncts. I met some nice people, including reconnecting with Jimmy's old girlfriend, Barb, who reminded me of when they would come over to John's and my house on Maine Street. (Not brother John, husband John.)

Then I picked up Gus and we went to my office for a few hours. Following that, a leisurely trip to the pet store and we saw Cindy out in the parking lot. She was buying more flowers for her beautiful garden.

This afternoon Jane called and asked if I wanted to go to Jan's for dinner and I yelled SURE! The food was awesome and so was the company. Just got home and finished up the article I'd started earlier in the day.

Now you can 'think' instead of type your Twitter message

4/22 Yawn

Started my day with PT at 7 AM and ended at 8:10 PM. Then I had to come home and write my article, so it's a very tiring day. Thanks so much, Cindy, for taking care of Gus. He loves walking with you and Kirby. How cool for me to see you guys trotting through the college as I was going to work. :)

Tonight's article--Assisted suicide: Compassionate murderers?

4/15 REFUND

Yep, I'd made an error when I thought I had to pay federal taxes and I get a refund from the feds, Illinois, and Mississippi. I might be able to survive for a while longer. YAY.

Jill if you want to fly in for the wedding, I can swing it. Rob and Beata, I'm paying for your gas. Consider it an early/late Christmas present. I miss you all so much.

Tonight's article is: Tax day: Do you have any more hair to pull out?

Cindy, I assume you took Gussie for a walk. Thanks a million. My day was unbelievable. My staff are now on their 9th crisis call of the day. And I'm the supervisor on call. It's been incredibly busy. Tonight's class was nice though. I have some really neat people in it.

4/11 Didn't get taxes done

...because I spent 2 hours on the phone with Apple tech support and FINALLY I can now download all my iTunes to my iPhone. I've gone almost a year without being able to do that. And thanks to dear, sweet, PATIENT Andrew (oh and brilliant too), I now will be able to listen to my music while I walk my dog. Hooray and hallelujah!

Gussie and I walked more than a mile this morning and that was great. Later, Cindy and Cody came over for a little bit for Cody to move a file cabinet (small one on wheels...I mean he's strong and all...but...) Thanks, Cody. I really do appreciate your help. I couldn't get that thing moved.

Tonight's article is Lack of sleep can double the risk of suicide. Kind of ironic, since I'm on call this week. :)

Hope everyone has a superb Easter. Love to all.

4/8 Home from QU

It was a good class tonight, but it sure makes me tired.

Went to Doc today so I got to see Jan which is always nice. New meds for back pain, which I couldn't pick up tonight so I'll get tomorrow. Sure hope they work.

Tonight's article is sure to spark some controversy--New anti-smoking ad: Effective advertising or bordering on child abuse?

Cindy, thanks so much for taking care of Gus tonight. I really appreciate it. Love to all.

4/7 What a day

Again, so busy that I can't believe how late in the day it is. I sure missed Gus. Tomorrow night I teach at QU (thanks, Cindy) and the next night I work late because of teaching a class to parents with children with behavior problems. I'm surprised none of my relatives are in the class.

Tonight's article is--This isn't sexist: Men really are the weaker sex

3/25 A very long day

Went to work at 7 this morning and got home after 8 tonight. A long day; the last few hours of which was spent teaching at QU, and that was fun. My regular work was difficult today, full of one crisis after another. Of course, that's what the job entails, but it sure takes it out of you.

Thanks, Cindy, for taking care of Gussie. I think he looks so cute since he got groomed today. All clean and cute. Of course I like him with long hair too. Guess I just like him. (But clean is best.) :)

Tonight's article has an illustration by a friend of mine, so I'm happy about that. Suicide and mugging: Is it all in the family?

3/21 An odd day

A year ago today I moved from Biloxi to Quincy. Wow, time has flown by.

I'd planned to work on my class for QU and to write my article. But Jane and I went shopping at CJ Banks--40% off of everything in the store. Couldn't resist that. And the great thing is that Cindy took Gussie for a walk while I was shopping. I'm so grateful. Afterward we went to lunch with the rest of her family. Then went to TJ Maxx.

While there I got a crisis call (am on call this week). Had to go to Pittsfield to help out a colleague. So poor Jane and Sarah had to take me home to get my car. Jane suggested I take Gussie with me. I wouldn't have thought of that--but it was a great idea, Jane. We got to spend time together--one hour drive there and one hour drive back. The hour I was in the sheriff's office he slept, so it worked out well. Thanks for the idea, Jane.

Tonight's article is a real downer, but a sign of the times. Suicide forest.

3/18 Family therapy

Taught my first family therapy class tonight at QU. There are only five people registered so it was impossible for me them until 9. Only four showed up. It will be a fun class to teach, I'm sure. I feel lucky to have three jobs I really enjoy.

Tonight's article is Sometimes swearing just feels good! Remember I get paid by the click, so keep clicking. Thanks bunches.

And a big thanks to Cindy for taking care of Gussie tonight.

3/6 I still love Cindy

After I got home from work I put Gus's collar on to take him for a walk. Then I noticed Jane's and Sarah's cars at Joe and Cindy's. So Gus and I stopped by. Gus visited with Kirby, while I talked to the humans.

Cindy was wrapping some presents for Jane, so I ran home and got my present and wrapping paper and she did mine too. Not only that, she ended up taking Gussie for a walk with Kirby. So I was doubly rescued. Thanks a million, Cin.


Tonight's article: Rihanna/Chris Brown: More information revealed

3/4 What a nice surprise

Well, the surprise was a little anxiety-provoking at first, but then it became wonderful. I got home early, about 5:15 PM and Gussie was gone. I had a brief moment of semi-panic, but it went away quickly. I figured Cindy had taken him for a walk. I must confess that it made me very happy.

I'd promised myself I'd take Gus for a walk tonight no matter how I felt. And it was good that Cindy did it, so I didn't have to feel guilty if I didn't go. I've been feeling pretty good until the afternoon and then it's "not fun." But still much better than it was.

So I just finished writing my article (Can zapping rid you of compulsions?) and now I'm going to make dinner and watch America's Next Top Model.

And no, I don't think Jason from the Bachelor is a jerk. I think he was really scared he was making a mistake and he knew he didn't want to get divorced again. So I'd call him human. Not too classy at one point, but human. I still like him.

2/25 Busy, busy, and more busy

Cindy was awesome today. She took Gussie for a walk with Kirby because I'm still not quite recovered from the back procedure. In fact, my butt cheeks are still a little numb. TMI? :)

Tonight's article is Working long hours? You could be at risk of dementia

Oh and I earned $100 for referring two people who ended up as examiners. So if anyone wants to write for examiner, let me know and I'll split the finder's fee with you.

1/25 I actually had fun

Jan and I went to Mass together, then out to lunch at Tony's Too. A little bit of shopping and then home. While I was recuperating from last night's festivities, Gussie looked out the front window and got really animated. I knew Kirby must be outside. So we got winterized and went over to visit for a minute while Cindy was shoveling their walk.

I love that we have snow. Unfortunately I don't own a snow shovel. Have to put that on my shopping list. Gussie sure loves the snow. He's fun to watch. He and Kirby had fun.

Oh, the big news--I was sitting in my recliner waiting for Jan to pick me up. I'd already given the critters their treats and had the baby gate up. Something scared the hell out of me--Gussie jumped in my lap. Don't know if he jumped or climbed over the gate, but it's served it's purpose. No more baby gate. Yikes.

My second article of the day is about the phenomenon known as Twitter.

1/18 A good Sunday

Went to Kohl's to return a gift (thanks for warning, Jan) and I saw Cindy there. Deja vu. Seemed like just yesterday we were there together. :) Then I went to Panera for a very late lunch and wrote two articles while there. After I came home I took Gus for a short walk--2/3 of a mile. It was so neat. Everyone we saw stopped and petted him. You know he LOVED that.

The last two days I've posted two articles each day. Today's are Bumper sticker 2: Grace happens and What to say to keep the peace. Thanks for reading them.

1/10 Still in Los Angeles

I go home tomorrow. Have been having such a glorious time. Thanks, Cindy, for taking care of my cats, especially since Allie needed a daily dose of antibiotics.

It's been just about perfect here, and I'm not talking about the weather. Love to all.



Article is about prejudice and hate.

12/12 Back home and happy

I was so happy to see my animals. I'm serious--I missed my pooch and kitties. Thanks to Cindy for checking on the cats--I appreciate you so much.

Gussie is sleeping on the floor next to me--being at Alpha Dog always wears him out--and the two cats are jumping over him and climbing on my desk. The cats were thrilled to see me. I wasn't so thrilled. They knocked over the lamp in the living room. I'll have to climb over "stuff" to right it. And of course I was thrilled to see them, just not the almost-damage.

Published a new article tonight. Thanks so much for your support by you checking out my writing. I got nice kudos from my channel manager and he mentioned me in an email to all the health writers nationally. Felt pretty good.

12/7 Lots of things

First of all, happy birthday to my brother John. You're really old!

Secondly, Bozie REALLY hates Allie. Hope that changes soon.

Thirdly, my email is screwy.

And lastly I cannot breathe. Just thought I'd get it in there. I'll have to stop by the doc's tomorrow because I leave tomorrow night for St. Louis.

Omigod, Cindy, I forgot to ask you to come over once during the week to check on the cat(s). Allie likes people, not shy like Bozie. But maybe Bozie's bad habits will rub off on her. Who knows? I'll call you today.

Not a smart time to get a cat, I know, since I'm leaving. But she attacked me with love as I got close to her cage. She's three months younger than the dog and cat--four months versus seven months. I'll celebrate their birthdays together.

I have lots of work to do today--laundry, cleaning up, decorating tree, writing and posting a column, reading and grading 10 papers (each 5-7 pages long). What I really want to do is get a cup of tea and then go to bed. Or else play Wii. I think that would be a good antidote to a sinus infection.

Okay, I'm rambling. Sorry.

12/4 I'm a homeowner again

After a series of mistakes, mishaps, and miscommunications I finally own my home. Kris and I met at 4 PM yesterday at the abstract office, and they didn't have the paperwork yet from my incompetent mortgage closer.

Despite that, we finished before five. Kris and I hugged outside in the snow and we both said, "Finally." I've lived here eight months already.

We're both very pleased. She's been a great landlord, don't get me wrong, but I want this tax help.

My little cottage was built in 1896, making it 112 years old. (I'll make it's birthday be 12/3/1896--that'll be easy to remember. The third of December is when I bought it.)

We both would have loved to have celebrated with nice dinner and drink, but I had to get to QU and teach the last class of the semester. It went really well.

Cindy did a great job with Gussie while I was gone. And, Cin, thanks so much for putting some salt on my back walk. I wanted to buy some, but couldn't carry it. Anyway, thanks a lot.

Gussie was at the groomer yesterday. I finally found one I like--Buttons and Bows and 24th and Spring. They're open from 6:30 AM until 2 or so. So it's easy to drop him off before work and pick him up on my lunch hour. They did a great job on the "face, feet, and butt" grooming. Yep, I left the rest of him long-haired for now. Figured he had a built in winter coat as a lhasa apso, so I'll take advantage of it. He not only looks like an Ewok, he blends in with the snow and it's hard to see him at night in the back yard.

Yay. I own my home. Love to all.

PS--don't forget to read my new Mental Health Column.