All your comments had me in stitches; you all are hilarious! Thanks for the welcome to Crazyville, I'm glad to be part of the whole wonderful bunch. Since I am a member of the "bunch," does that make me a "Grape-nut" (as in the cereal)?

This past Monday, I received an email from Chicken Soup saying that a story I submitted was under consideration. Nothing is final, there's still a chance it might be rejected; but like last time, they sent a contract for me to sign. Instead of celebrating like I wanted to--a latte and a candlelight soak in the tub--I spent that afternoon and the next two days caring for a flu-stricken husband. Bless him, I've isolated him from all form of life--even the dog--and chased after him with a can of Lysol, spraying everything he comes in contact with.

"Why don't you hire a tanker truck filled with rubbing alcohol and spray down the entire house with that?" John said irritably as I steamed cleaned his favorite spot on the couch today.

"Hey, if you think it'll help--" I replied with fake innocence.

He walked away, shaking his head and mumbling something about "no justice for the ill." Oh well, I may be over-reacting, but his bug is not something I care for the family to share with him.

Back to the story.. . .I'll know Chicken Soup's final decision in a few months; right now I'm just praying and keeping my fingers crossed.