Thanks for the advice, comfort, and support. My brain says I can deal with this ... it was just one more thing. And the doctor HAD to call on Christmas Eve - couldn't wait until Monday. It did put a damper on the weekend.

I went to the National Cathedral for their Lessons and Carols service and an organ recital. Lovely music helps and the reminders of the Christmas message help.

Next year is the Year of the Dragon (if I remember correctly), which I'm hoping is better.

My brother is so shitfaced right now, it's hilarious. I've been trashed with him before, but a) I'm only tipsy and b) he hasn't eaten since Xmas dinner.

Also, the boys are zombified from the celebrations and on their fifth wind.

OMG, at 5 I was on the back porch and the little girl came down with her dad to see if the boy next door could play. (They are like 4-5?) He could not -- I'm guessing he was alseep, because 5 pm on Christmas -- and the little girl lost her ever-lovin' MIND. She screamed all the way home. Poor boo. I'm sure she needed a nap herself.

Backflung, Burrell.

I have to say that the fact that my mom doesn't really like computers or the Internet makes gift giving for her easy and very gratifying. This year my dad wowed her with a Snowman figurine (The Snowman and cat in front of a fire), and my sister got her an old book she wanted (Raleigh's Eden).

Mmm, Year of the Dragon. Could be good.

Todd, I'm so sorry about the shocking news. I guess the only upside is that it possibly explains why your eye was not healing as well as was expected.

I know three people who have been diagnosed with adult-onset diabetes and two of the three have managed it with only dietary changes.

One of them (the insulin dependent one) told me she was actually glad to get the diagnosis because "the hammer was bound to drop" given her family history. It was a weird sort of relief to get on with the managing of it.

I'm wishing you the best possible outcomes and great support as you move forward.

Todd, hopefully knowing there is a reason your body isn't working and that there is something that can be done provides some relief. For me, it is the not knowing what is wrong or being told it is just part of getting older that really sucks.

Our holiday has been good. Dad came over, we had lunch and opened presents, then we went to see friends' for dinner.

The theme for this holiday is that I'm a nine year old girl. I was given manga for Vampire Kisses and Black Butler, a plush doll of Count von Count from Sesame Street, and the pink & black coffin bed for my Draculaura doll.

The day has had its tough points, but all in all, it's been good.

Oh and I agree re: pope. I was surprised to see he is in such I'll health.

Perhaps there's a literal come-to-Jesus meeting in the works about all the Church tolerance and progress he's been busily overturning since his inauguration...

Okay, so not only did I hold an Olympic gold medal, I wore it. She said she makes everyone put it on.

Interesting evening with my brother's girlfriend and her kids. The kids weren't so into being here at first.

My brother just informed me he has the memory of a fucking moose. Apropos of nothing. And moose are known for their memory?

Remind me to see if he remembers that ( and accusing his wife of roofie-Ing him) in the mornIng.

This is funny.