I've had my Punkin since she was a half-dead teeny-tiny kitten. As a result of her early trauma, she has gone into chronic renal failure. Been in the 'hospital' many times. I don't know how much money I've spent, honestly, but for me it's not really a choice. Punkin has seen me through breakups, bad jobs, poverty, you-name-it. Having her curled up under my chin at night is one of the most wonderful things I can think of. And yes, she still has a good quality of life. Plays, eats, grooms, tears up the furniture. Vet told me I'd be lucky to keep her with me for 2 years. That was 3.5 years ago. Yes, it's been expensive. And so worth it. I can understand that priorities change when one has a child, but never ever will I understand that a car could be worth than a living, breathing, loving, trusting creature.

In case all y'all missed it, last year Scrubs did a musical episode. And smack in the middle of it was the beautiful song "Everything comes down to Poo". It's great...check it out on Itunes or wherever. Perhaps you could reread this as you listen...

I'm with Armagedonouttahere. And I'd be happy to help anyone who wants to start the Impeachment AND REMOVAL ball rolling. We wonder why the US is hated in many places? Lets get rid of this sorry joker and those of his ilk in high places who are endangering all of us by their reckless conduct.

I wish the author would save some seeds from the fruit of those old apple trees. Seedsavers Exchange would take them. They ensure that heirloom varieties are being preserved.

Just an aside to the person who mentioned I was 'scrap mining'. Actually that material was given to my boyfriend by a friend of his, a contractor. It was rightfully his to give--it was leftover wire that he didn't have time / inclination to strip.

Thank y'all so much for taking the time to compose your responses...pro & con.

Miz Green

Now you know why I pitched such a fit over this. I did the best I could to mitigate the damage--shoveled up all the ashes and about 3" of subsoil, and placed them in a sealed container that I will turn in the next Amnesty Day we have. I told my neighbor that if she observes Himself (couldn't think up another name to call him at that time, which didn't contain profanity) ever doing that again, she is to call the Sheriff's Dept & make a report.

And many of the rest of y'all are correct that there are Other Issues involving respect and consideration on his part...and excess sanctimony on mine. I do try and keep it to a minimum.

I agree with the responder who said that if you can get through this rotation, you'll be precisely the vet a lot of animals and their people will need.

I have one such vet, and she's a treasure. My cat Punkin was diagnosed as being in chronic renal failure 3 years ago. Dr. Sarah has tirelessly worked with me to prolong her quality of life, and has given us a lot more good time than even she thought possible. I think many vets would've said "Geez, I'm sorry but there's nothing to do. Take her home & when she's to the point she's miserable bring her back & I'll put her down."

Please see if you can appeal to your teachers or the administration, and continue your chosen path.

Good luck.

It's called The 36-Hour Day, the author is, I believe Mace. I went thru a lesser degree of what LW is, and I don't envy her. The book was a good resource.

Sign me up to pay higher taxes! I won't complain. The peace of mind will be worth it.

I'm fortunate enough to currently have adequate health insurance, but I'm paying thru the nose for it, and if I were to be dis-employed, continuing it thru COBRA would not be an option.

Dr. "We-Don't-Take-That-Insurance" should be deprived of his license to practice medicine. What the hell happened to the Hippocratic Oath?

God bless that poor kid, wherever he/she is.

Your boyfriend sounds much like mine. Mine has a 7-yr-old who is now starting to spend time with him on vacations. He gleefully told me he could hardly wait until she was too much of a handful for her mother, so HE'D get her full-time.

I explained in some detail that at age 40 I'm childless ON PURPOSE. I don't mind a week here or there, but I'm not wired to be a full-time mother. I went on to tell him that if that situation were to occur, they would be moving into his own quarters--out of my house. It sobered him a great deal.

I believe that LW should take Cary's advice and stay put. Being a resentful 'step-parent' would be no good for anyone---the child, the boyfriend and certainly not the Letter Writer.

I was a little uneasy in 2001 before 9-11. Since then I've watched with a mix of fascination and horror as The Current Occupant (Garrison Keillor's great nickname for Bush) has run through the Constitution with a razor knife, removing the bits that stood in the way of his desired policies. He has endangered everyone by his wilful blindness to the scientific evidence of Global Warming. He has endangered our nation by alienating a good part of the rest of the world. Damn straight Canada oughta to be nervous. But I may still end up joining the party there if Palin--err--McCain is elected.

My ex has a few of those. One groped me...once. I slapped him in the face. Hard. It never happened again.

Try that if you are touched again. And if your boyfriend reacts with anything other than support, it might be time to reconsider the relationship.

Good luck.

I don't suppose your man has a twin does he? Preferrably within 3 states of Florida?