Scarlett45

Air Date: January 26, 2024

That’s possible. Could be Citra has burned some bridges in their community, or very much wanted to move to another country and has been honing her English etc to meet an English speaking partner (not upset at her for that- if you want something go for it). But I think she should run far away from Sam and his not so “in the past” criminal activity and a mother who doesn’t want her to practice her faith.

Sheila is hard of hearing- she had an injury to one of her ears as child. I am not mad at them for wanting to parlay their 90 Day experience into more income, I just think a Go Fund Me is a poor choice. I don’t think David is lazy or anything, many Deaf people are under employed, and given the lack of family support he had, he’s doing well for himself. But taking care of two other people is a different kettle of fish than just yourself. I think after realizing the conditions Shelia lived in he had a financial wake up call. Sheila will be able to work once she gets her authorization and her English is very good. I can believe that. Also given the age and perceived health of her parents, I’m sure she had a lot on her plate caring for them. With it just being her father now, and her son is older it may be easier for her to work.

Michael thinks he is auditioning for the lead in his community theatre production of Hamlet, but isn’t talented enough. His attorney should’ve kept his mouth shut about Natalia and “sexual promiscuity”. Ummmmm even if she is as an adult, that’s not a CRIME asshole. Neglecting a child or a dependent adult is a CRIME. So I finished the documentary. Natalia was abused and mistreated by the Barnetts- I believe Kristine was the ring leader, but Michael was in on it and in full support. I can also believe Kristine tried to traffic her, Freddie Gill had no reason to lie. And goodness knows who abused her in the orphanage. She’s 20-22 not 34. The Manns are religious zealots, who feel called to care for others to spread the faith. But I think Natalia was safest with them out of anyone. How unfortunate that none of the couples with dwarfism that spoke were able to adopt her. I think her life would’ve been so much better. I can believe everyone is continuing the narrative for money. Not that I blame her- what happened to her was atrocious, if she can make a living out of sharing it then good. I can believe Natalia has a lot of psychological and emotional damage, and wouldn’t be an easy person to have a close relationship with.

I am not well versed but isn’t there a diagnosed cycle? The “honeymoon period” follows repenting and then the cycle of abuse starts again.

Yes. I mean you wear layers so your outer layers don’t get as dirty (given I wear leggings under my pants, my pants have stayed clean), but you wear more clothing, and polyester keeps you warm but stinks to high heaven after one wear! I understand. Add in the nasty salt getting all over you. Ugh!

Yesterday was our 3yrs Anniversary. Cosmo came to me 3yrs ago! He is my first dog, and all though it’s been 3yrs I am still amazed how much he begs for food!

It's a cold day here in Chicago-land, but I no longer feel as if the air wants to kill me. This cold snap should be over by Monday, and my oldest friend in the world (we met in Kindergarten over a picture of a bunny) is coming home to visit for the first time in 4.5yrs (she lives in Taiwan) and staying with me for 3 weeks. Update on my Mom- she is weak and tired, but she is 100% herself. She admits she is angry and upset this has happened to her, but she promises she won't be like Grandfather and just give up. She prefers the food at rehab than the hospital, and has started going through her phone following up with all her friends (a good sign emotionally). We are still dealing with the logistics of her dialysis care, but I am pleased that her spirit is returning. L (who takes care of my sister some weekend days) has lost a client and has more availability, so I may extend her hours on a more permanent basis for more coverage. On my end, I am still tired, I was asked to go to the black tie opening night charity event for the Chicago Auto show, (beginning of February) and for the first time in my life, the idea made me so tired. To have to rent something, extend caregiver hours, uber or park at the event space, omg no. I was gracious in declining, but I want to just REST until it's time for Morocco so I can enjoy my vacation in peace. But I am no longer "exhausted" or emotionally drained. I am deeply grieving the loss of my freedom, I knew these years were coming, and I did all I knew to do to hold onto my freedom as long as I possibly could, but those days are done and I must accept (I think I am accepting but it sucks) But I have my space, and my pets, and work is going really well. (we had a bit of a lull in between closing out 2023 and starting 2024 so at least I wasnt stressed about work with my Mom's health in decline) This is (cue up Circle of Life from the Lion King). Speaking of pets, yesterday was me and Cosmo's 3yrs Anniversary. He came to me THREE years ago, so much has happened, but I am so thankful for him. I told my Godmother I would take good care of him, and I am trying. He is 11 now, he has arthritis, but I am managing it and he seems to be enjoying life with me.

This. I can believe Amy is exhausted, has depression and is overwhelmed with two kids so close in age. She may need help and support to figure out better ways to cope, it’s a common enough situation. Amanda and Misty are mothers to older children, they can relate. But I’m just not buying that Michael did “nothing”. If that was the case how is her life harder now??

Starz shared a YouTube post that the series would air this spring. So soon! I can’t wait.

I’m sorry BetyBee. I dont have any advice (I don’t think you were asking for any), only that I acknowledge it sucks. Especially at such an emotional time.

I hope she stays safe. Doesn’t it take a victim 7x to leave?(on average)

Four marriages (and no one passed away) would give me pause, but Meri also comes from a cultural group where people marry YOUNG and pretty quickly. (I assume Amos comes from this same group) I wouldn’t judge someone in their 50s for having 4 exs whom they lived with for a year or two and determined it didn’t work out, but I come from a cultural group where most people don’t marry until after age 30 and live together for a while first. So if you’ve had four spouses and you’re not even 60 yet, I would think you rush into relationships quickly. Amos is probably a fine human being, just because they are dating doesn’t mean she is letting him move in and giving her checking account information. I agree with you that how he treats her, Zona and his kids (I assume he has kids) tells her more about is character than his marital record.

I caught something nasty on the plane back from Vegas and was down for the count for two days. But I fully admit I am a big ass baby who doesn’t do discomfort well.

I live and die by those alka seltzer tablets you dissolve in water- severe cold and flu makes you feel human again speedy quick!

Not if half the hospital (or all of it) was still flooded and out of commission. Not if no one knew where the particular doctor was because cell towers were out and they evacuated to a family member and only let close relatives know, and they had to get the phone chain going. Medical centers that were operating were handling emergencies only and trying to get critical people evacuated, stay open to treat people who couldn’t evacuate or the emergency response team that needed it. Medical records wasn’t answering the phone on a regular basis for a long time (assuming that staff stayed and didn’t evacuate out for a few months). So many things were a shit show after Katrina, there was so much chaos and devastation I understand why initially they took her at her word (I lived in NOLA pre and post Katrina, so many records were lost and this was 2005 before everything was digital- some things were but not everything). People were trying to help and it was basically “if you are from the flood zone we will help you.” It was a disorganized mess even trying to assist people who really needed it. But that doesn’t excuse the fact that a MEDICAL EXAM would’ve shown DeeDee was a liar. The muscular development in Gypsy’s legs would’ve shown that she was walking consistently and hadn’t been using a wheelchair exclusively for years. Among other tests that she never had cancer etc etc. So I agree with you, but it was MONTHS and years before things were in “working order” again in certain parts of Louisiana after Katrina.

I agree. I really liked the style- I thought it fit the venue, her shape and personal style, but it looked as if it was straight from the warehouse and hadn’t been altered yet. She looked gorgeous of course but from an aesthetic point of view that was the only thing that missed the mark. I LOVED how all of the kids (David’s and the Browns) dressed to match the theme.

Meri looks pleased with her new man- may they be happy together. I see the resemblance between he and her brother but not he and Kody.

Finally sat down to watch the wedding specials. I thought from a reality tv perspective they were well done (the talking heads from the various kids were cut nicely in the episode), and I am very happy for Christine and David. They looked very happy, I thought aesthetically the venue and theme were on point. I loved that all the kids (minus Gwen) showed up for Christine, it’s clear that family is not about blood or marriage licenses but love. What Gabe said about having the family back together 🥹 I thought Meri was truthful and gracious- I know even though she’s not tight with Christine, she values the love and care Christine shows to her child. I also think Meri was sincere in wishing them all the best. If Meri desires a relationship I am sure she could find someone. Janelle glowed, I could tell she was so happy for Christine.

From this morning.

You’re right he is in Nebraska. Omaha?

This is true- but if you buy a home in cash, taxes, insurance, etc would be the monthly rent you’re used to paying. For most of us (no matter our income level) our housing is our biggest monthly expense. If I didn’t have a mortgage payment (and just taxes, insurance and maintenance) I would be rolling in dough on a monthly basis. I assume the $150k-$200k ask was to purchase a small home in cash in Kansas.

This YouTuber did a very nice video on it if you care to check it out. I like her stuff a lot. New King & Queen Consort of Denmark

I have opinions about Go Fund Me, but isn’t David making money from the show? They are one of the most interesting couples- I think TLC would be glad to have them back for ratings. Sheila’s mother’s passing was tragic (I felt terribly for all of them) but what does that have to do with David being able to support Sheila and her son in the USA? I do think Sheila had a perception that David was wealthy, or at least more financially comfortable than he was (probably because of stereotypes about the USA). I don’t think David is in danger of not making his rent next month (when you’re single you can live well on little money compared to if you’re supporting others), but he doesn’t have the lifestyle she assumed he would have. I’m sure he saved for months or an entire year to take that trip to meet her. If David and Sheila are in love and want to be together, I would think the more practical thing would be to save and wait an additional year for the paperwork to come through and cover both airline tickets/extra costs of supporting her and her son.

Auntie’s Advice (YouTube channel) did a video that Michael was arrested for violating his parole, suspected DV. Starcasm article.