"I saw the Piper tonight, Ryssa."

"He was striding across the battlefield, towards the enemy lines, playing his flute. There was a line of young men in khaki following him. I was one of those men, Ryssa. I'm going to die tomorrow. But please, don't be sad. I'll be with the Piper." Letter from Walter to Ryssa, Ryssa of Avonlea(?)

4,000 dead now in this war.

I know it's not a big number, compared to two World Wars and even the "police action" that was Korea.

It would be much higher if our medic corps didn't have the advancements they did.

Still...

Four THOUSAND.

It seems like a big number to me.

Welcome to your 30s.

It's a great time. You're moving into that stage of life where careers and families really start to shine. It's the new 20, dontcha know. Get out there and have fun!

Don't worry about the 'no miniskirts after 35' fashion rule, you've still got five years! Show off those stems!

Don't worry about your metabolism slowing down, you need it! Girl, at this stage, any pound gained and kept is a GOOD THING. And kudos to you for getting those depo shots. *nodnodnod* If you gain 10-15 pounds, you'll finally be at a healthy weight and not be pregnant! Isn't that wonderful?

Don't worry about Wolf making noises about another kiddo. You CAN have healthy babies in your thirties. You know you can't carry to term, so you'll have the best possible care as a very high risk pregnancy. And besides, you already have built-in daycare! Well, for as long as Mama A is able to. Hmmm. Maybe not.

Don't worry about your complete lack of advancement opportunities in your current job. Just get that house bought and then look into schooling for medical transcription or something along those lines. Work from home! Never mind you have a Mac, and the software probably won't be supported. You can invest in a PC laptop. Mobile working from home!

No, really! This will be YOUR decade. You have two beautiful children, a fantabulous husband that still thinks you're a sex kitten, and some very good friends only an hour + away. You didn't like having an event every weekend, remember? Enjoy yourself. Just remember, come October, you need to set up that 401k. You're not getting any younger, after all.