Answer: BECAUSE EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD MUST BE VERY PAINFUL!!!

Hooray, hooray, I'm so glad to hear that you're running. Remember while you're out there this little mantra my good friend Haruki Murakami taught me: "Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional."

If you're looking for running inspiration, I seriously suggest that you read that book. I also REALLY suggest that you swiftly obtain as much Girl Talk as one girl can possibly cram on her ipod. Girl Talk, coupled with Murakami, has completely revitalized my flagging enthusiasm for running. I've racked up so many miles this week that now I can barely walk! (Oh, don't worry, I'm exaggerating, I can totally walk.... I just can't descend staircases. Or sit down.)

Good luck with that Laurel! C'mon now! Let's have some RUN!!!

Oh, I'm really glad to hear it. Laurel's ADLs always decline in the absence of terminal illness, and hospice work will be just the picker-upper she needs to start combing her hair again!

I hate to say this, Laurel, but that Texas air does not seem to be doing much for your complexion. Or for that matter, let's be honest, your figure.

Maybe you don't have enough dying people around you these days! Or have you found some by now....? I really hope so! I know how cranky you get when your clients aren't dying.

Love the Liz Taylor avatar! Is this from when she was on General Hospital?

Found it!

Where do I sign up for the support group?

I DON'T KNOW WHY!!!! It's terrifying, isn't it?

At this point I'm not even enjoying myself anymore, but this site is basically like crack for closet nerds, and I'm also supposed to be finishing my last two social work papers EVER (due Wednesday), so the procrastination effect is powerful. However, I'm not sure why this has turned out to be the single most addictive activity I have encountered in my entire life. I do have some theories that help explain it, but none of them really justify the magnitude of this site's extreme damage on my life and functioning.

We should take the social work initiative and start a Bookface Anonymous peer-support group!

Yay Laurel, way to dork out with us!