I know we all have them. I'm just glad I have you guys, and an amazing
partner, to understand when it's happening. I'm having one of those days
where I'm mad at this disease. It's funny, because only a week ago I was
telling her how I wouldn't trade the experience because it's made me who
I am.

And then today I woke up simply feeling defeated. I was just tired of
being in pain, and tired of getting sick all the time, and tired of
dealing with it. No, I'm not depressed, just mad. At one point I was in
tears asking Tish why she'd want someone like me with all my issues when
she could be with someone who could go for walks with her anytime, and
who could keep up and do things she wants to do, and not be sick. She is
so amazing. She just held me and let me get it all out, and told me she
loves me for the same reason that the sky is blue and that birds sing
and that the world keeps turning. Because that's just the way it is and
none of those things will change just because I get sick sometimes or
because I have a bad day.

After awhile I decided I wanted coffee so we went and got a latte, and
then went to our favorite veggie stand and got fresh fruits and veggies,
and then I didn't know WHAT I wanted and nothing was quite cheering me
up, so we came home. She got out my exercise bike and I rode slowly for
10 minutes - enough to get me moving and break a sweat but not enough to
hurt me. I made us dinner (baked boneless skinless chicken breasts and a
TON of various raw veggies in balsamic vinegar) and we sat and cuddled
on the couch.

I'm feeling better now, and more positive. I'm lucky to have someone who
understands that when I have a down day I just need to have some TLC and
patience, and that I may change my mind 10 times about what will cheer
me up but that eventually it will pass.

Writing it out helps, too. I knew you guys would understand. We all have
the "mad at Arthur" days. Life's just plain not fair, and that's that.

However, because I want to end on a good note, I got a promotion on
Friday. I am officially an Accountant Analyst now, and on salary. I'll
find out the exact dollar amount tomorrow. It should be a substantial
raise though, about the equivalent of $5/hour or $10k/year. Niceness.
That will help a lot. Money doesn't change things, but lack of it sure
can make life harder.

Hope everyone else is doing ok.

DeeTee: You hanging in there? You allowed Pepsi yet? Anything else I can
send you?

Aim