Every passing day, my brother goes farther off the deep end. I'm really scared that this time he could actually harm someone. I'd be lying if I said that it wasn't affecting me as much as it does my parents. I'm worried and scared. I haven't been sleeping well at all. My family has taken enough hard hits this year. We don't need this right now. We can't afford this right now.

~* Good thing: I have watched all three seasons of The Vampire Diaries. I'm hopelessly addicted. And, because of the Olympics, it'll be October before there are new episodes. *sigh* My favorite character is probably Damon. There's such a depth to the way his characterization has been written. And Ian Somerhalder is just gorgeous. Those eyes... I think I could get my fangirl on again for this one.

~* Good thing #2: We now have a pool. Let me tell you, nothing is better than a quick dip on a day that tops out at 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Now, if only I could get the chlorine stabilized...

~* Good thing #3 (I think): I've started an original fiction manuscript. I'm fairly certain it will never be published, but at least the creative juices are kind of flowing. If only I could get over the nagging self-consciousness, and delude myself into thinking that I actually have any skill at creating believable stories and multi-dimensional characters.

~* BAD thing: My brother is having another episode. This time, he's almost homicidal. And his two biggest targets for his rage are me and my father, for no reason at all. Matt and I are locked in our own house. We have to go out with the dogs when they need to do their business. I almost wish that permanent mental institutions still existed, because that's really what he needs right now. It's only a matter of time before he really hurts someone, or worse. I'm scared for him. I don't know what to do, other than lock my doors and hope he doesn't come calling.