It appears I like brandy. This is a surprise to me. I recall having tried brandy before, with eggnog. The Narcissist was a huge fan and would always have some of each in the house at this time of year. I tried it but never developed a taste for it. One of the friends who … Continue reading Surprise! I like brandy.
Ghosts of Christmas Past and Present
It is Sunday evening of Thanksgiving weekend and I have a glass of eggnog heavily dosed with brandy beside me. My Christmas tree was bought and decorated this weekend. I am admiring it as I type. Oliver the Cat is unimpressed A couple of friends helped me with the tree. We decorated while sipping a … Continue reading Ghosts of Christmas Past and Present
Thanksgiving Day Diet Strategy
This is not another piece about how to maintain one's diet through the holidays. This is a piece about saying fuck it to that nonsense. I've lost 15 pounds since August and that's pretty great. I've found nutritional strategies that work for me both physically and emotionally. Here's why it's working, though, and why I … Continue reading Thanksgiving Day Diet Strategy
Depression and… feeling thankful?
It's easy to lose sight of good things when in the midst of a depressive spell. Please remember this: one can be thankful without feeling happy. I am thankful for my friendships. For the roof over my head, the hot water and heat that both work, the clothes I wear, the privileged life I lead. … Continue reading Depression and… feeling thankful?
And thus, the holidays begin
It's the day before Thanksgiving and all through the house, not a creature was stirring because I don't have to do much cooking this year. I'll work from home today, but only for a few hours. Then the holiday weekend will begin. I plan to go to a friend's house to hang out for a … Continue reading And thus, the holidays begin
An Abundance of Furnishings
To those with a creative spirit, an empty space is a canvas begging to be beautified. To the oldest child of parents with large extended families, it is also a rare luxury. It started during my first or second year of college. "We're saving this for you, for when you have your own place," was … Continue reading An Abundance of Furnishings
Being Friends with a Dog: Level 1
Dogs weren't part of my life growing up. Pets, in general, weren't a "thing" I had much exposure to. My grandparents had a cat, and that was it for pets I encountered. The cat was there to keep the rat population on the farm under control. I never saw anyone being affectionate with her. Flash … Continue reading Being Friends with a Dog: Level 1
Thanksgiving and taking stock of 2019
It’s been a shit few years or so. 2019 is the first one that’s ending on a true, sustainable upswing. It’s Thanksgiving week, and I am thinking of all the things for which I am thankful. A friend commented the other day that 2019 has been the year of Suzanne, and I realized she was … Continue reading Thanksgiving and taking stock of 2019
Introducing: My Next Boyfriend
There is a new man in my life. I haven't spoken of him yet, mostly because I haven't been able to figure out how. But I've also been keeping quiet because I feel a great amount of shame around allowing him into my world. His name is Dick. I'm not sure when we met or … Continue reading Introducing: My Next Boyfriend
Finding Courage To Ask For A Raise
I am 43 years old. I have been in the workforce since I was 14. I have been employed with my current company since I was 29. And until yesterday, I have never in my life asked for a raise. It's not clear to me when I first realized this was something I should, perhaps, … Continue reading Finding Courage To Ask For A Raise
Constant Exposure to Current Events is Harmful to Emotional Well-Being
All week long, I've been unable to write. Usually, I set up blog posts at night so they will publish the next morning. If for whatever reason that can't happen, I'll knock something out early in the morning while I have my coffee. This week, I have had no ability to write. Or read, for … Continue reading Constant Exposure to Current Events is Harmful to Emotional Well-Being
Flabbergasted and Joyous
I continue to be amazed by my lack of pain. Every movement is a joy and I am constantly on the verge of bursting into happy sobs. When I rise from a seated position... nothing. I stand at the kitchen counter... and I'm totally fine. Bending to pick something up? No problem. It's consuming, these … Continue reading Flabbergasted and Joyous
Finally! A Relief From Pain!
All week I've been in unbelievable pain. My hip and lower back were acting up again. It's something that has always bothered me and it has gotten worse with age. I always assumed the root cause was something that was my fault. This was what I was told by various medical professionals. It was my … Continue reading Finally! A Relief From Pain!
Taking care of business
Yesterday morning, I bemoaned not having a partner to help me while I'm laid up with back pain. Later in the day, I found a solution. I hired someone from taskrabbit to come help me with some chores. I found a solution I'm comfortable with, and I'm proud of this. Here is what I wrote … Continue reading Taking care of business
Blinding Pain
"Blinding pain" is one of those expressions one reads and hopes to never fully understand. It's an apt description, though. There is a certain degree of pain that will make your vision swim, will make your world turn white. I never, before now, understood what a full 10 on a pain level scale felt like. … Continue reading Blinding Pain