Maybe this is what soggy (authorial) pants feel like. Sorry you are reaching the end point just shy of reaching the end!
Can you (a) skip PTA or send B., (b) reschedule N's conference for next month, (c) skip the work-related event, and (d) have B. take E. to swimming and gymnastics? Or any/all of the above.
Wish I could help more but am in over my head being back at work 
See, the problem is this. As much as you would like the crack to turn into a chasm, so you could fall completely apart and spend some nice restful time in a padded cell with some cool psychotropic meds to keep you from thinking, it never happens. YOu just stay right on the edge wishing you could jump.
Do you feel better yet?
J/K. I wish I wasn't so damned far away :-(
I wish I could help...
Many hugs.
What you need is a cross-stitch break. How about Santa Clara in May? 
Carrie, don't laugh, but since my editor is also the guy who does the Idiot's Guide series, I'm actually thinking of pitching him an Idiot's Guide to needlework...or an Idiot's Guide to lacemaking. So it could end up being a business trip!
And A...you nailed it. Exactly. That's the worst part about it. It's like a treadmill that keeps going faster and faster and faster...and instead of jumping off, you just keep pushing a little bit harder to keep up with it, even though you're out of breath and ready to cry...
TC
I'm SO sorry things are so unbearable. The pile feels like it's going to fall on you, but all you can do is pull one piece out and deal with it at a time. What was that book on writing by the woman who wrote The Accidental Tourist? Bird by Bird? Her brother was writing a paper at the end of summer on all these different birds and was overwhelmed and crying. Their dad told him "Bird by bird, son. Just take it bird by bird."
Lots of hugs!!!!
I'm so sorry you're so stressed. I'd start by telling the PTA to take a flying leap. I know this sounds simplistic and won't solve a thing, but when I feel completely overwhelmed by the swirling mass of deadlines and stress and impossible pressure, a 30-minute very brisk walk clears out some of the offending chemicals in my brain that seem to compound the stress.
And your friend that is going through a very hard time right now? So are you. Your priorities are your family and your writing. And I guess your job. But sometimes you just gotta let the other stuff slide.
I got a feeling I am the friend who is going through a rough time right now... Lori, I promise to NOT feel guilty about calling you or needing you if you promise to NOT feel guilty for not calling me 
Hugs, dear. I knew you were and are under a great deal of stress and I still called you.... so please take care of yourself and I know by the post that you really are here for me... cause I and Nethan are in your thoughts..... Take care I will keep you in my prayers too
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