I took today off today (planned it a month ago) because we have to see our tax accountant today (got an extension on tax return because of hubby's monthlong stay in the hospital) this morning.

Then, in the afternoon, we meet with the Parkinson's neurologic team at the VA. I really need to meet with them in person and talk about what's going on. I'm not sure that hubby is clear enough in his head to explain how he's taking his meds, and I also need to know from them where we go from here.

At work, I put in absence notice two weeks ago to be off on FMLA today. It's a protected absence--they can't refuse, they can't criticize it or take any negative action related to it.

Unfortunately (from their point of view) today is a critical day. By EOD yesterday (end of day), I had input, checked, and verified all the numbers against the allocations for the geographical area I'm responsible for.

However, I've heard rumors (thank you, grapevine) that the powers-that-be are going to tear it all up and re-do it today, now that somebody has finally thought through the consequences of the changes we're making. All hands on deck, burn the midnight oil kind of emergency.

Consequences that I told them about a week ago, and, once again, was ignored. I can say, "I told you so." And today I can say, guilt-free, "I'm not at work. You figure it out. Your lack of planning does NOT constitute an emergency for me."

Honest. I didn't plan today's absence on purpose. The universe did.