Dear World:

I really need a break. In the last month we have had:

A bike crash. DH is thankfully OK, but landed very hard on his head. It was very scary, and a very large bill. His helmet did its job, though.

A petsitter took our doggie for a "walk" and nearly killed him (heat stroke + totally taking the skin off 3 paw pads). 4 nights in the emergency vet and 6 plasma transfusions later, he's still here. She agreed to pay the $6k+ vet bill it took to save him (after pet insurance kicks in), and now appears to be re-thinking that agreement (or at the very least is avoiding us).

One trip for my birthday that had to be cancelled to care for said dog.

2 cars that have needed $1k+ of work.

2 parents who have become extremely needy while totally blowing me off. While said dog was still in the emergency vet, we "had" to drive 7+ hours to celebrate my cousin's July Birthday, my grandmother's late August birthday, and for my grandmother to get a "family photo" for holiday cards. Glad mom showed she appreciated the special trip I made in June to make sure she had her required "party" without which she throws a tantrum by barely calling me.

A job that may or may not be able to pay me this month.

DH's colleague who agreed to take care of helping us with MS ride donations in lieu of additional compensation for him who seems to have forgotten that commitment.

Please, no more. We're done. That's enough for the year.