Everwhere is walking distance if you have the time

[ClingingToHope]

Barb, funny thing is I can't take Accutane unless I want to stop donating plasma. It's one of the medications that is on the no-no list. Since I make $50 a week doing that I'm going to try several other things I saw online.

I didn't know what Accutane was until two weeks ago and then boom I recognize it as one of the medications -- along with stuff like Propecia and Avidart -- that I can't take while donating plasma.

The protein diet does cause acne because protein is difficult to digest. So I'm going to have to be more conscious of just loading up on the protein the day before donating -- and then eating normal the rest of the week.

The reason I have to load up is my protein level has to be a certain level to donate and it keeps falling right to minimum levels.

The lack of sleep does cause acne as well. I'll have to be more careful of getting my rest.

I need to load up on zinc, magnesium and chromium. Those help clear up skin apparently. I went to the store and bought One a Day vitamins.

Still, I'll see the doctor in a couple of weeks for more advice on cleansers and lotion.

XW called. Psychiatrist wants to put D9 and Abilify to combat her compulsiveness or lashing out when she's mad. The doctor told XW the only side affects usually are that it will make D13 tired. She said to give it to her at night.

I went online and found some reviews where people brought up a whole lot more side effects.

Doctor also wants to double D9's ADHD medicine.

On this one, XW had to call and tell me because I have to give her the medicine as well.

Picked up D13 for lunch. She told me D9 is going to take them on a trip this summer as well. I smiled and said I'm glad she's taking them somewhere.

In a way, I'm forcing her to pick up her parenting game.

I booked the Chicago trip. I have -- had -- $738 saved up on a separate debit card. I spent $278 on a really nice hotel room. I could have gone cheaper, but I want it to be an experience. And then $240 getting three "City Passes." The city passes pay for one time admission to Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute and the Skydeck.

That takes care of the vast amount of the trip. I'll have to pay for parking, meals, a water taxi trip and entrance into the Children's Museum at Navy Pier.

I think, think the $738 might take care of it all.

I've upped my bi-weekly contribution into this card to $40. So a year from now I'll have $1,040 to spend.

Last thing, met with counselor today. She thinks I'm doing well. She thinks troubles in my head with BF will fade with time. She also thinks I don't really have enough time for a GF now anyway so I should stop stressing.

No big breakthroughs. Just someone to talk to once a month to get this all out -- without burdening my friends.