Yesterday, I did a bunch of chores I didn't feel like doing. Housekeeping isn't something I do well, but I made some effort and I got a few things done. It didn't feel like I did nearly enough. There was more I wanted done and I didn't do it. This made me feel terrible about … Continue reading New Series: A Year of Daily Accomplishments
Beach trip: last day
It is time to leave. Today, we will pack our belongings back into our cars and return to our homes. We will enjoy this last morning as much as others, with far too much food and far more full bellies than an average day. But there will be a different feel to the event, a … Continue reading Beach trip: last day
Beach trip, day 3
Rain is coming down sideways and I can see gusts of it flying across the dunes. It beats against the windows of the living room. The ocean is still visible in the distance, the surf strong and the waves crashing with more gusto than usual. Inside, it is warm and cozy. I sip my coffee … Continue reading Beach trip, day 3
Beach trip, day 2
Somehow I wound up being one of the last to bed and one of the first to rise. There is coffee, but no bacon, and my soul suffers as a result. I have secluded myself in the living room with coffee and this missive and hope the normal bacon-saturated morning scents of our beach trips … Continue reading Beach trip, day 2
Beach trip, day 1
Heading to the coast today for what my mom has started calling the "annual retreat." It's an apt descriptor. The whole wineaux friend group goes. This year there will be at least 14 of us. I've got to start hustling to get myself ready and get the car packed up. My goal is to leave … Continue reading Beach trip, day 1
Surprise! I like brandy.
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