Can we talk about the problems associated with making dermatology appointments?

I tried to make one today with my existing and established dermatologist, and his first available appointment is January 15th.

For real?!

And now I'm on hold with some nurses to get refills of some steroidal medications to deal with the the periodic hideousness I experience with my long term and chronic auto-immune problem called PSORIASIS.  It's only taken 20 minutes so far.  I'm hopeful that this afternoon, I can go to Target pharmacy and spend hundreds of dollars on ointments and solutions.

This whole situation is really making my day.

Dog: Teddy has lost his balls, my friends.  Yes.  It was time for the neuter surgery yesterday.  The friendly tech told me on pick-up that I'm going to have to keep that guy quiet for TEN DAYS, walking up and down the block, MAYBE around the block.  Did you know that Teddy generally walks about five miles per day?  Sometimes seven? And now he can't walk any for ten days?  I'm not sure how this is going to go.  The tech said that if I get really desperate, they might be able to prescribe me a sedative.  I mean him - prescribe HIM a sedative.

Television: Did you hear that Netflix is bringing back my favorite show of all time?  They're making four 90-minute Gilmore Girlses. Four or five people went out of their ways to tell me the news this week.  It's that big.

Psoriasis: I know you've been waiting on it.  It's on a need-to-know basis, and everyone needs to know.  The scalp situation is out of flippin' control.  I'll be calling the dermo today.  And there you have it.

Mac set up the chess board last night.  "How do you know how to play this?" I asked.

This one was a true collaboration.  I was really into the supplies; Lee was really into her new festive napkin. And voila! It's this striking pairing.

My napkin was a gift from my mother.  Once upon a time, in addition to being addicted to Beanie Babies, she was also addicted to this store called Tuesday Morning where you can buy home decor at discounted prices.  I think I've been the beneficiary of many of her Tuesday Morning trips.  I think these napkins, which I always enjoy using, were part of an erstwhile haul.

I'm coming off an epic long weekend.  On Friday, I had to sleep for many, many hours.  I woke up to early to walk the dog, and then I went back to bed for two hours.  Later, Dan and I went out to lunch, and then I went back to bed for two hours.  We played some golf with friends, and then I went to bed at nine o'clock.

I proceeded thusly through the weekend, with less napping, but still plenty of relaxing.  Also, I ate a cheese plate and watched High School Musical.  I'm counting on the usual and well-documented MEA pivot point.  I could use a little more zen.

It's that time again.  Oh, yes.  Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences.

Here's my approach:

1. Celebrate the many, many successes.  These kids are alive, functioning, taking in some knowledge, producing some work, and not having to walk in lines in the hallways.  That's a major plus for sixth grade.  They love saying good-bye to Line Basics.
2. Tell them how much I care about them and appreciate them.  Compliment the parents on their excellent work raising these adorable, alive, functional children.  
3. Set a couple of manageable goals.  Can we use tutorial better?  Can we manage our emotions?  Can we try to make a new friend?  I think we can agree to try!