Okay so this is the second day I am off and alone and trying to get things cleaned up.

First, I realize now why I never replaced my dog, Fawn. Pets are wonderful stress relievers. They are there for you even when no one else is. They crave your love and attention and ask for nothing but food and water. However when they have been spoiled rotten and left with you to take care of you can also learn what a pain in the butt they are. My father's dog, which I am use to being around in small doses, is now at my side contantly. I can't tell you thrill of having a dog bark at you while you shower, follow you when you go to get dressed, want to sleep with you, walk beside you, and drive you out of your mind. In small doses she is fine but 24/7 she is driving me insane.

Second, I know now why it takes forever to go through things. Some boxes as you go through them you stop to look at every item. I have finally hit the point where I set up a garbage can beside me and unless something really catches my eye I'm tossing it. Clothing if I don't want and it can be used is going into bags for good will. I am determined to be moved in and the boxes done by tomorrow. Wish me luck.

Third, stopping to check on my friends i have a few comments to make.

A) A picture will never define you. You can not hide behind a fake one or wish the real ones weren't you. Some people see only the image. Those who know you see the soul of the friend they love and respect. That goes whether you are 18 or 80, fat or thin, cute or Quasimodo. We all have things about ourselves we wish were different. The problem becomes when those things are allowed to define the whole person. It is bad enough when others label you, don't do it to yourself.

Problems come up. Sometimes people want to help and aren't sure how. Those who reach out aren't out to make you feel worse or because they want to drive you to distraction. Some just need you to say," I really don't know which end is up or what I need help with first." That opens the door for them to give you what they feel might be good for you. Sometimes a person can only offer a card or prayer. They care but in your pain don't cut them out. They will do what they can if you let them.

C) Sorry I am not a writing god, grammar Nazi, or infallible. I am simply me. if you want help and I can do it for you, I will. If you think I get my writing done in a vacuum you really need to look at my editors and beta readers. i give them as much credit for helping to make my work enjoyable as I take for creating it. They help with correcting errors, pointing out what needs to be expanded and fixed, and help to make the story the best it can be. Any errors still there are mine.

D) Just a reminder - not everyone is thick skinned like I am. I'll pass along a saying that was a favorite of my mothers. "Remember, if you don't have anything nice to say, sometimes the best thing to say is nothing at all."