I have a billion pictures. I don't know if I want too many now because she's looking skinny and has no energy. I did take a few. What I wish is that I had taken videos over the years... current pet owners, you may want to do that starting now. She's not into food or doing anything at the moment. I did get her to eat some bacon.

OK! It may take a while - end of school rush. I'll get back to you!

Well... the time has finally come. She's 18, the love of my life. She's been my constant companion for the past 13 years, since we adopted her when she was five. The only thing that makes this okay is that I hope she doesn't know what's going to happen. The vet is being so kind. We're going in right when they open at 8. The room has a special door that opens to the outside, so we don't have to walk through the waiting room. We don't have to pay the bill that day. 💔 Updated: Thank you all so much for your kind words and hugs. It's really quite amazing to me that everyone cares so much. Anyway, it went as well as it possibly could. It actually wasn't as scary as I was anticipating. It was definitely sad... but it wasn't impossible, like I thought it might be. The vet tech was AMAZING, so kind, so compassionate, calm. So was the vet. It might sound crazy, but the whole time we were there (maybe 45 minutes), it felt like we were honoring Maggie's life and giving her some extra love at the end. They truly treated her and us like we were the most important family in the world. The house feels so empty without four paws and meows. I also don't know what to do with my time - over the last few months I was spending so much time thinking about her, preparing food that might tempt her, petting, talking, worrying... all the things. What to do now?? Not sure how soon is too soon to get another cat to love, but I think I'll be ready sooner than later. Maggie was my second cat, but our first one left us shortly after getting him, so she was the first that's been a longtime companion. I don't think I ever want to be without a cat again. Thank you all again! You've been a big part of why this has been bearable.

A colleague of mine who is in her mid-20s got COVID a few weeks ago. She said it was utterly miserable. She had a high fever for six straight days.

Sure! I'll try to find some resources for you, if you want.

I agree with this. Do you have an emotion chart you can use? My students also like using picture books to learn about emotions. We talk about the emotions the characters are feeling. Sometimes it's easier to talk about than their own emotions or the emotions of others. Lots of my students have IEP goals about identifying emotions in themselves and in others. The next-level goal is to reflect on a situation and identify the emotions that were present in an interaction, and then the motivations and reasons behind actions. Phew. It's definitely a lot!

Ugh, how awful. It's terrible when colleagues aren't team players. And some people are so touchy about their job titles.

Oh, so sweet 🥰

I had a cavity filled last summer, and it took months to feel normal. The dentist said that since it was a deep cavity, it could have sensitivity for a long time. Every now and then I still feel a little twinge. You might have strained your jaw/neck muscles, too... it's hard to keep your mouth open wide for a long time.

I'm looking for the name of this type of lock. When you hold the handle up or down, it extends a deadbolt, but when you let go, the deadbolt is retracted and the door is unlocked. Thanks!!

Hooray! How wonderful! I love your plan to get a haircut and buy a book ❤️

I would really appreciate things for the classroom, like Expo markers, pencils, and tissues. Gift-giving is hard unless you really know the person. I have always appreciated the thoughtfulness of teacher gifts over the years, but sadly most of them go to Goodwill.

Oh, I love Wegman's!!! It's my favorite place to visit when we go to NY. 😍 I do love Whole Foods. I just enjoy looking at all the different things they have. The hot food bar is really delicious at my nearest WF.

I agree with you about the annoyance of being asked to participate in something like this. I'd go with a potted plant, too. It really would increase wellness because it cleans the air!

I got so fed up with handwashing dishes yesterday that I bought a set of plates, bowls, etc at Target that can go completely in the dishwasher. My other dishes that are really pretty and that I love (and have to hand-wash) are going to take a break for a while. Now I need 100% stainless steel pots and pans that can go directly in, too. I love you, cast iron, but we're on a break!!

Well, that's true too. I feel for those adjunct faculty.

I would hate peer review. If I'm paying for a class and really trying to improve my skills, I want feedback from a professor, not my peers.

Gut issues are so frustrating. I'm sorry!!

Have they tested her for SIBO? That's one of the causes of food intolerances.

Ha! That would be amazing.

Does watching TV count? 😄

I didn't give up coffee, but I gave up caffeine. For a while there, maybe about a year, I was only drinking decaf coffee. I had been getting a racing heart and anxiety with caffeinated coffee. That went away on decaf. A few months ago I was super tired and started drinking a cup of caffeinated black tea every day. I thought it wasn't affecting me, but I was getting anxious again and not sleeping great so I cut it out. Now on decaf coffee and decaf tea, and I'm sleeping sooo much better. I really thought the one cup of tea didn't affect my sleep, but now I think it does.

Well that's just unfair. I've never ever had a cold do that. There's a pretty horrible stomach thing going around here... I don't think anybody's had cold stuff first though. Hope it goes away very soon.

Well that's just unfair. I've never ever had a cold do that. There's a pretty horrible stomach thing going around here... I don't think anybody's had cold stuff first though. Hope it goes away very soon.

Geez, this is in addition to the sore throat/cold thing you also had? Or a continuation of it?