It has been a long time -- I just completely forgot about the blog and everything soon after I began my job here at JLAB... The commute, camp, school, travel and family matters all got in the way of this thing. But having read my (few) previous posts, I see that I have missed out on a lot of self-reflection, and that my writing is pretty good and somewhat interesting. To catch up a bit...

Over the summer of 2004 I stopped my meds, and soon after quit therapy altogether. I'm not saying that is a good thing. I still have moments of utter despair and I sometimes feel worthless and untalented. Often I just want to quit this crazy ride, but Carl and the girls keep me grounded and generally happy. I quit the meds (not the therapy) because Carl and I wanted a baby. July was my last month on the pill, and sometime around the beginning of September I became pregnant. According to the doctor, I am due the first week of June, but I am sure to go in May sometime. My last two were early, after all, so I am expecting nothing different this time around in that department. I have been quite ill with this one, more so than with either of the girls, I think (it is hard to remember all the little discomforts after your babies arrive). So far things are progressing normally. I see the doctor Thursday for another checkup, hopefully there are no unpleasant tests this visit. Gah.

In October I went to California to visit my folks and to see my mom complete her 60-mile cancer walk. I was so proud of her -- she did the whole walk by herself without getting picked up by the sweepers, and she slept two nights in a tent!! Go Mom!! Also, she raised over $3000 for breast cancer research, even though her goal was only $2000. She is really amazing. While there I got to eat dim sum in Chinatown in SF, spend some time in Golden Gate Park (nice, but rainy), spend the night in a real live mansion in the hills near SJ, and see my folks' new house in Lincoln (near Sacramento). Both my brothers were there, too, so it turned into a little family reunion. I even went to see my brother's new house where he moved to be near his tigers. It certainly is interesting living with tigers in your backyard.

I just made it through Thanksgiving with the in-laws (including Carl's brother and sister-in-law) -- we had a great time, turkey turned out perfect, everything was yummy, and the girls were delighted with the company and all the attention. Carl and his dad worked in our attic, getting the renovation started up there by framing out the rooms and building the knee walls. It really looks great for only having a few days to work. Carl's folks are such a pleasure to have around, I was sad to see them go. Hopefully they will come back soon.

For now I am feeling good. Next time I will talk a bit about some of the stuff that has been going on with Carl and his quest to become more frum, and be converted again as an orthodox jew. That has really been...interesting. More later.