Monday, January 8, 2018

Devon, your outpourings nearly always ring a bell somewhere near my world.

I haven't known you long (for a year now) and don't know what your longer-term life schedule looks like, but ... do you ever take an actual vacation? Y'know, that thing people do when they go someplace else for a week or even two weeks and do, y'know, not a damn thing but relax? Ever do that?

I went to Oahu for a long weekend in 2006. Last year I went to Cape Ann to groom dogs and spent a day in Boston and then another day in Newport, RI looking at railroad baron summer cottages! Do those count?

Otherwise, it's been pretty much dog show vacations and annual visits of obligation since 1998 (the year my mom died) to CT to check in on my mom's older sister. I can assure you the visits to CT were no vacation!

Also, Ann, I have to take ownership of my schedule. I live 45 minutes by car from San Francisco. I own a home and have too many dogs - both high cost endeavors in CA. My little 1435 sq. foot house cost a cool half mil. I feel so fortunate to be able to own in this area. Fate has been very kind to me in this department. Granted I was 40 before I was able to buy my own single family dwelling, but due to the kindness and business savvy of a father of one of my students I was able to turn 20K into almost 170K in 3 1/2 years. Being a teacher money is limited. Ron has been unemployed several times during our many, many years together, too. I have often felt that since I made my bed, I need to be able to pay for it. So, during those lean times when Ron was jobless and we were forced to buy groceries using a credit card, grooming has been a godsend! Hope that makes sense.

I suppose a yes or no would have sufficed, but that is jus so NOT me!

Devon, having lived in SoCal for 20 years, I understand all those issues. BTW, congrats on that $20K investment you were able to make.

Devon, I had to chuckle (with you of course) at your story, as we are kindred spirits! I had to call my husband a few weeks ago to come to the supermarket and finish the grocery shopping for me as I had the same experience. Not a pleasant thing, but I can laugh now. Yesterday I used the restroom 3-4 times at the trampoline park, as I got those feelings and didn't want a repeat performance.

I also too get off on saying F it and eating. There is something liberating about letting go at that moment only which is all part of my addiction. The monster whispers, then shouts to go ahead - it will feel good, and it does, for a nanosecond, then reality sets in and I feel even worse. I hate that cycle and need to break it! That's why I'm here.

Oh Lordy, rebellion eating has been a HUGE part of my life. I sooo identify.

I know this is weird, but I'm glad you shared your poop experience, because I've had exactly the same thing happen and it so embarrassed me (even though no one else has known). I asked the doctor is there was anything wrong and they said nope.

I can relate on the always having something to do. I love lists to stay focused but weirdly I find that when I have a list I am COMPELLED to complete it ASAP. Both a good and bad thing, as sometimes it just isn't that important. Though you definitely have a LOT more that is important always on your plate. Maybe adding in some break days into your life (when possible) might help???

Sounds yummy!

I hit the wrong reply button. This was in response to the pecan chicken meal. :)

LOL - I couldn't figure out what was yummy: rebellion or "shi--ing" one's pants!

Hi All, I'm late tonight, but had to make sure I posted. It's been a good day. We met with my daughter's teachers and came up with a plan to get her back on track academically. Work went well. I love my now not so new job! The only drawback is that it is sedentary, so I have to find ways to move, like go to the printer after printing one page instead of waiting until I have a few. I also have a loop of about 100 steps that I walk around every time I use the restroom, which is several times a day with all the water and fluids I drink! :) Food has finally been within good boundaries today. I had a crustless mini quiche and low fat cheese sticks for breakfast, leftover edamame noodles with turkey meat sauce and a salad for lunch, and veggies, ribs and 1/2 a clementine for supper. I mixed cut up zucchini, summer squash, eggplant, carrots, parsnips, baby bella mushrooms, red onion, red peppers, and white turnips with a little olive oil, sea salt and freshly ground pepper and roasted them. They were delicious and I plan to bring some to work tomorrow too. My older daughter, when I texted her to find out if she'd be home for dinner said to save her some, then informed me she is going vegetarian. So she'll love the veggies, but will have to find some protein to go with them. I'm fine with her being vegetarian - I was for a couple of years. It's just that she'll do something on a whim, I'll spend lots of money getting her supplies, and boom, she's on to something else. Oh to be 19 again! :) Have a great rest of your Monday all. Tomorrow is dance class night - can't wait! Hugs, Mary