Small Talk: The Prayer Closet

[leighroda]

FFS, some people have to get over themselves! LOVE WokChop going all mamabear over Burlsa. THAT is what this place is about. I know I'm not really a regular here, but I do read and send up positivity for anyone who needs it.

If life were all sunshine, puppies, and rainbows, we'd all be living at the Duggar compound with plastered on smiles. But it's not, and that's why this place exists.

Worried out brother was going to come in our room in the middle of the night... No thanks.

Happy factcheck, I'm awake and on the east coast... Insomnia a unite.

[BrianJ62]

Worried out brother was going to come in our room in the middle of the night... No thanks.

Happy factcheck, I'm awake and on the east coast... Insomnia a unite.

My name is Brian and I'm an Insomniac.

[leighroda]

Worried out brother was going to come in our room in the middle of the night... No thanks.

Happy factcheck, I'm awake and on the east coast... Insomnia a unite.

I apparently also lose the ability to type/spell

Yes Brian welcome to the club!

[XinaMarie]

Does anyone else get really anxious when getting prepared to leave out of town? We are going to leave some time next week to go to my in-laws. I guess part of my anxiety stems from the fact that my husband's company is open a half day on Wednesday, but he is telling me he might take the whole day off so we can leave Tuesday evening. I do not do well with open ended deadlines. I need to establish a timeline. He needs to make up his mind already.

 

In addition, this year instead of waiting until after we get back from Thanksgiving to start decorating, I would like to start getting some of it done beforehand. We host the whole famn damily at our place, with lots of kids and I put a lot of pressure on myself to make it magical and special for everyone. I mean, I am already worried about the Christmas scented hand soaps I would like to purchase at Bath and Body Works. What is wrong with me?

 

My daughter has the entire week off from school so she will be underfoot while I try to gain order and control the chaos and pack around here. Packing stresses me out, too. I am always worried about bringing enough outfits, of the right style and dressiness for all occasions and all temperatures. Being a trophy wife is hard, y'all. /sarcasm

 

I also feel like I need to have the house somewhat clean before I leave because I hate coming back from a wonderful relaxing time to a what essentially looks like a fall out shelter.

 

My problems are really all in my mind, aren't they? 

Edited November 21, 2015 by XinaMarie

[GeeGolly]

Does anyone else get really anxious when getting prepared to leave out of town? We are going to leave some time next week to go to my in-laws. I guess part of my anxiety stems from the fact that my husband's company is open a half day on Wednesday, but he is telling me he might take the whole day off so we can leave Tuesday evening. I do not do well with open ended deadlines. I need to establish a timeline. He needs to make up his mind already.

 

In addition, this year instead of waiting until after we get back from Thanksgiving to start decorating, I would like to start getting some of it done beforehand. We host the whole famn damily at our place, with lots of kids and I put a lot of pressure on myself to make it magical and special for everyone. I mean, I am already worried about the Christmas scented hand soaps I would like to purchase at Bath and Body Works. What is wrong with me?

 

My daughter has the entire week off from school so she will be underfoot while I try to gain order and control the chaos and pack around here. Packing stresses me out, too. I am always worried about bringing enough outfits, of the right style and dressiness for all occasions and all temperatures. Being a trophy wife is hard, y'all. /sarcasm

 

I also feel like I need to have the house somewhat clean before I leave because I hate coming back from a wonderful relaxing time to a what essentially looks like a fall out shelter.

 

My problems are really all in my mind, aren't they? 

We all got our stuff, don't we? On a practical note, do you have a list - a Thanksgiving list, a travel list, & an X-mas list? We always say when we're traveling - if we forgot it, we'll buy it. I'd skip x-mas thinking til Thanksgiving is over. But this advice is coming from someone whose kids are adults.

[NEGirl]

So, what is the story with wanderwoman - she does not post anymore.

Edited November 21, 2015 by NEGirl

[Defrauder]

So it was fine for "Wanderwoman" to dominate this forum for months with her made up bullshit--and even have the thread renamed for her fake kid--but shame on Burlsa for being at the lowest point of her life and daring to talk about it here. Real life support groups aren't an option for some folks with social anxiety, who are afraid of opening themselves up to be criticized by rude, judgmental people. Instead, she felt safe to post here because most posters here are pretty great and have made her feel welcome.

Burlsa is my daughter, so yeah, I'm feeling pretty damn protective of her these days. I guess I should tell her to refrain from posting until she gives birth to conjoined twins who came out sideways at 26 weeks gestation and have arms coming out of their foreheads like a unicorn, and only Ben Carson can save them, but that will cost lots of money, so we'll need to set up a GoFundMe campaign.

I'm sorry, I want to apologize.  It's not you or anyone here it's me.  I never got involved in the whole WW fake baby drama and didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings in any way.  I tried to give Burlsa some hope that it probably wasn't MS.  Anyway I apologize to those here that I may have offended.  It is up to me to avoid issues I don't like to think about and not up to others to change their ways.  Good luck to everyone here with whatever they are dealing with and it's nice that you support each other even if  can't and I wish you all well.

[XinaMarie]

I had a list that I made last year for my Christmas timeline and then my computer crashed and my hard drive was wiped clean. It may be on an external drive somewhere. Out of town check list does not exist. I used to have one because my daughter's medical equipment was extensive: syringes, oxygen compressor, tubing, g-tube button kit, nasal suction machine...it went on and on and took up most of our car and you can't just buy that stuff.  Now that she is past her medical fragility, we pack a lot lighter. I am cheap and it kills me to buy stuff when I already know we have it at home. The best store they have in the town is Wal-Mart, and I did have to buy some clothing there once.

 

I have always been a fly by the seat of my pants kind of girl, but the older I get the less I am able to juggle all the balls mentally, so checklists are becoming a must for me. I blame my undiagnosed ADD for not having figured this out 20 years ago.

 

Now I am remembering all the karaoke crap we have to schlepp up there. I am gonna let Mr XM handle that.

[Jenniferbug]

I'm the same way about packing, Xtina Marie. I'm a big bundle of "what ifs?" and usually end up packing way more than I need to. It doesn't help that I have anxiety about what to wear for most occasions either. I'm still getting used to my post baby shape, which makes shopping and getting dressed more of a challenge- the cuts and shapes that used to look nice on me don't anymore, but I still automatically gravitate towards them.

I think it sounds wonderful that you try so hard to make Christmas so festive for everyone! It's hard not to put pressure on yourself to make everything perfect, but just try to remember that people aren't going to remember the soap available to them, they're going to remember the family warmth and conversation. Easier said than done, I know!

[XinaMarie]

I tend to go over board with party planning and I am sure no one notices the little details I obsess over. I did a Peter Rabbit theme baby shower for someone and made cupcakes frosted with chocolate and presented in rows like a garden. Each row had a candy topper of peas, radishes, and carrots. I made a scarecrow with a blue jacket and brass buttons and tiny wooden clogs hanging from them.  You know how long it took me to find a blue jacket and sew brass buttons on them? I made a burlap banner with the girls' names on it and made sconces to flank it that looked like carrots. I am insane. And then there was the Eat, Pray, Love party with Indian, Indonesian and Italian food, Buddhas, lanterns, and colored scarves everywhere....

Edited November 21, 2015 by XinaMarie

[lookeyloo]

My name is Brian and I'm an Insomniac.

My name is lookeyloo and I'm an insomniac of sorts too. I can fall asleep.  For about 2-3 hours.  The rest of the night is a battle.  I've tried lots of things and some work, but those aren't things I want to take every night so I save them for rare "special occasions" like when I have to function the next day.  woe is us.

[Readalot]

This is so well-said!

Sometimes when I'm feeling stuck, or overwhelmed, I manage to remember some great advice: Choose the best, and let go of the rest.

Whether I'm decluttering the Bermuda Triangle that is my huge master bedroom closet, planning a vacation itinerary, or even deciding what things to tackle in the coming week - that advice has helped me a lot. Christmas scented soaps may - or may not - make the cut when you're making the most of your time and resources to plan the holidays. That's your call. But I love what Jennniferbug said, and I totally believe this: people will remember how you made them feel, long after they've forgotten what kind of soap you had or what you wore or what you served for dinner.

Good luck, and safe travels next week!

"Choose the best and let go of the rest!" Perfect, this will be out mantra today . I'm "helping" our youngest clean out her playroom of unneeded toys and her bedroom of clothes that don't fit. Wish me luck! - I'm a over packer too. My husband is like "we aren't going to Siberia! We will pick up what we forgot at Target. There are Targets everywhere!" But same- don't like to buy what we already have. And parties-same! Every year for my oldest I was room mom planned all the class parties. I was always told "you should go into the party planning business!" I love having a party at home where everyone is enjoying themselves in every aspect. Not sure if that stems from me growing up not celebrating any holidays?

[Happyfatchick]

XinaMarie: I think we must be twins from different mothers. I'm a seat-of-the-pants girl by nature - and to the extreme frustration of the "planners" in my circle, I actually LIKE that about myself. But you're also exactly right that the older I get, the more I must list my to-do's or they turn into "aw, DANG!". Every day, I list out what I'd "like" to accomplish, and every day I don't get them all done. I've noticed that (with age), it's easier to let go of the things I don't get done. Some things just don't happen. Some things have been transferring from list to list to list for 6 months.

I would have loved every single detail of the Peter Rabbit party. I bet it was to die for!! Oh my gosh, that sounds JUST like something I'd do!!! I TOTALLY will let the houseplants suffer another day (or 2 or 5), make the hubs wash his own clothes, and eat microwaved hot dogs to obsess over a blue blazer with brass buttons. I GET THAT!!!!!

Here's what you do: hold out your arms and flap your hands. Say out loud 3 times: Let it go. Let it go. Let it go.

And PRESTO!!! Your new goal is to spend the rest of the day trying to figure out how to get that song out of your head. You're welcome, and have fun with that.

My older son has a high school friend who now has 2 little girls. He says they no longer measure distance in miles, they measure it by how many times they have to play "Let It Go" over for the girls to sing at the tops of their lungs. Grandma's house is 2.5, church is 3.2 and so on. Hehe!

[Readalot]

I tend to go over board with party planning and I am sure no one notices the little details I obsess over. I did a Peter Rabbit theme baby shower for someone and made cupcakes frosted with chocolate and presented in rows like a garden. Each row had a candy topper of peas, radishes, and carrots. I made a scarecrow with a blue jacket and brass buttons and tiny wooden clogs hanging from them. You know how long it took me to find a blue jacket and sew brass buttons on them? I made a burlap banner with the girls' names on it and made sconces to flank it that looked like carrots. I am insane. And then there was the Eat, Pray, Love party with Indian, Indonesian and Italian food, Buddhas, lanterns, and colored scarves everywhere....

I'm sure your guests do enjoy all that you plan for them and look forward your efforts. Love the Peter Rabbit details, how magical! - do you use Pintrest? All my friends do but I don't have an account. I'm afraid of it becoming an obsession, per my friend's comments. Once in a while I will search for something there but after the first page or so it wants you to create an account to continue and I will stop there.

[XinaMarie]

This why I am crazy. I love being creative and parties are my outlet. Every cool idea I have in my head has to be done. I don;t know when to stop. Some of them, like the scarecrow are my ideas, and others, yes, I do get from Pinterest. I get hyperfocused and my plants and laundry and husband all suffer. I did this party with another lady and now she wants to start a business. No way would I do this for strangers. You could not pay me enough and my husband would end up divorcing me. I know I do it because I love getting the praise for it. I also deep down love to please people by totally dazzling them. So it really is kind of all about me. I admit it.

Speaking of Pinterest. I do have a board, but I do not shop for crafting ideas. I am not really a crafter, but I will do them for parties. I use Pinterest as research for specific events or decorating ideas for my home. And this is totally anal, but I shop online for my daughter's school clothes in the fall and put everything I like on a board and start creating outfits. That way when I buy her clothes I know that every shirt and pair of pants can be mixed and matched with at least two or other things she has. It maximizes her wardrobe. Then I get all my coupons lined up and buy everything online and have it delivered to the house. My daughter has ants in her pants and runs between racks and out into the mall and doesn't come when she is called, so I don't do any shopping in any store that does not have a cart I can sit her in. Her legs are starting to get too long, so she kind of looks like a cricket with her legs all folded up around her head, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Oh one more party thing. She likes Handy Manny, so for my daughter's last birthday we built and painted birdhouses and then everyone took their houses and party favors (trucker cap and a tape measure and tool shaped lollipops) in little tool boxes I made out of a cardboard box and a wooden dowel. I stenciled TOOLS on the side of the boxes. They were a big hit. I came up with all of that on my own. Oh and I found a talking Handy Manny tool bench at Goodwill and used it as a cupcake stand to display the cupcakes on.

Edited November 21, 2015 by XinaMarie

[Wok Chop]

Am I the only one here who just said "what???" I didn't know that! Did we know that??? And it may be a little late to be protective of your daughter after naming the poor thing Burlsa. (Said the girl who's actual first given name at birth was Zelma).

!

A few people knew, but I never announced it "publically." I enlisted her help to bust The Troll, and as she read through old posts, she realized what a great little community we have here.

BTW, I picked out a nice name for her when she was born, so the "Burlsa" thing is all hers. Kids these days!

 

I'm sorry, I want to apologize.  It's not you or anyone here it's me.  I never got involved in the whole WW fake baby drama and didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings in any way.  I tried to give Burlsa some hope that it probably wasn't MS.  Anyway I apologize to those here that I may have offended.  It is up to me to avoid issues I don't like to think about and not up to others to change their ways.  Good luck to everyone here with whatever they are dealing with and it's nice that you support each other even if  can't and I wish you all well.

I appreciate your apology. Most of your responses were fine, but then that last one--it just came out of nowhere, and it was stunning. I figured that it had more to do with you than her, but since I was here dealing with her hitting bottom last night, I wasn't so concerned with how you were feeling. The poor kid felt very vulnerable and anxious about sharing so much, and then her worst fears came true.

I didn't read her post, so I'm not sure what exactly was said. I do know that her neurologist has already ruled out MS and vasculitis. Her brain scans are fine but something is causing debilitating headaches and vision loss, so she is scared and frustrated. Her neurologist believes it is autoimmune-related, and anyone who is familiar with those types of diseases know they are often difficult to diagnose. All of that, on top of losing her sole source of income, has been too much for her to deal with right now, especially since she is so sick. She was probably just wanting a few words of encouragement; I don't think she was expecting on-going mental health support.

[emma675]

burlsa (and her mom) are badasses and I hope everyone here feels free to post whatever damn thing they want to.

 

I can be a nut about thyroid issues but that's only because I felt so alone with  my diagnosis for years and I don't want anyone else to have to suffer through that. Some of the best advice I've ever found has been online and you never know what someone else could be seeing in your symptoms that you don't. It takes a village with autoimmune crap.

 

HFC, hang in there. Have you ever tried some tulsi tea before bed (also called holy basil tea)? It helps me with my insomnia.

 

 

I bought a chainsaw today.

 

I have a very small tree on the back of my property that's really a weed and needs to go.  So the obvious answer to me was to buy a small, rechargeable chainsaw on Easy Pay on HSN.

 

I don't know why everyone seems kinda horrified when I tell them.

This may be the best thing I've read online today, lol! Lemur, I had the same reactions from people when I wanted a chainsaw. My dad actually hid my grandfather's old chainsaw after he died because he knew I wanted it. I haven't bought one yet because I'm worried about the chain and oiling things, etc.

Edited November 21, 2015 by emma675d

[GeeGolly]

So, what is the story with wanderwoman - she does not post anymore.

She wasn't real, story made-up. Once she was busted she went away.

[wilsie]

 

She wasn't real, story made-up. Once she was busted she went away.

Short and sweet, GeeGolly.  Perfect!

[Missy Vixen]

I'm watching "Going Clear," the Scientology documentary. These people make Gothard and his followers look like they're skipping through the park, picking daisies. Highly recommend it, if you're remotely interested in cults (or obsessed, like I am!).

I watched Going Clear and then I read the book, which I just finished a few days ago.

 

I can't even look at Tom Cruise's face anymore.

[MarysWetBar]

I watched Going Clear and then I read the book, which I just finished a few days ago.

I can't even look at Tom Cruise's face anymore.

The part that floored me the most was the bit with the IRS! What a huge win that was for the "church".

Ditto on Tom Cruise and add John Travolta to the list for me as well.

Edited November 21, 2015 by MarysWetBar

[Missy Vixen]

 

I can be a nut about thyroid issues but that's only because I felt so alone with  my diagnosis for years and I don't want anyone else to have to suffer through that. Some of the best advice I've ever found has been online and you never know what someone else could be seeing in your symptoms that you don't. It takes a village with autoimmune crap.

 

I drive everyone I know insane re: thyroid issues as well. Let's face it, I'm a woman over 40 and I have been dealing with them for a long time now too. When I see the women I know are suffering with the same symptoms and are undiagnosed (or their doctor will not agree to a TSH test) I open my big mouth.

The part that floored me the most was the bit with the IRS! What a huge win that was for the "church".

Ditto on Tom Cruise and add John Travolta to the list for me as well.

IMHO of course, but any and all Americans should be freaking outraged that Scientology played the IRS the way they did. They proved to be more powerful than the US government. And they are still running their game to this day.

 

John Travolta -- OMG. We're still calling Idina Menzel "Adela Dazeem" (in the most affectionate way, of course). And one has to wonder if the Oscar producers will be allowing him back this year.

 

I'm now wondering if the guy that wrote "Going Clear" will write a follow-up. A lot has happened since he finished that book. ;-)

THE COLD NEVER BOTHERED ME ANYWAYYYYY

 

;-)

Edited November 21, 2015 by Missy Vixen

[MarysWetBar]

I drive everyone I know insane re: thyroid issues as well. Let's face it, I'm a woman over 40 and I have been dealing with them for a long time now as well. When I see the women I know are suffering with the same symptoms and are undiagnosed (or their doctor will not agree to a TSH test) I open my big mouth.

IMHO of course, but any and all Americans should be freaking outraged that Scientology played the IRS the way they did. They proved to be more powerful than the US government. And they are still running their game to this day.

John Travolta -- OMG. We're still calling Idina Menzel "Adela Dazeem" (in the most affectionate way, of course). And one has to wonder if the Oscar producers will be allowing him back this year.

I'm now wondering if the guy that wrote "Going Clear" will write a follow-up. A lot has happened since he finished that book. ;-)

THE COLD NEVER BOTHERED ME ANYWAYYYYY

;-)

I saw the HBO special..is it worth

me buying the book? I prefer the books usually but really enjoyed the show.

[Missy Vixen]

I saw the HBO special..is it worth

me buying the book? I prefer the books usually but really enjoyed the show.

The e-book was something like $9 but I really wanted to read it. And there's even more crazy in the book that wasn't covered in the documentary. For example: L. Ron Hubbard was married to three different women and (IIRC) didn't bother to divorce any of them. The author also went into painstaking detail about how the hierarchy of Scientology essentially exploded with leaders "blowing" and the fact they're bleeding membership.

 

David Miscavidge (their Chairman of the Board) keeps control via brute force and "disappearing" people.

 

There's also a ton of dirt on everyone's favorites, Tom Cruise and John Travolta.

[Liz Tudor]

I never was a Tom Cruise fan, even when my peers were going ga-ga after Risky Business and Top Gun. Something about him totally put me off, and that was before he was widely known as a Scientologist. The footage of him in Going Clear just cemented the fact that he's an arrogant d-bag. Missy V, I hope there's a follow-up, too. I kept wondering if they'd mention Leah Remeni and the burning question of where's Miscavige's wife. Interesting that they didn't say a thing about Katie Holmes, maybe she signed a NDA so she could take Suri and they'd leave her alone. I couldn't get over how they imprisoned people in those awful trailers for YEARS. And these aren't dumb people, they were just at a place in their life that made them ripe for the picking when someone pitched this craziness.

[NEGirl]

I have never been a Tom Cruise fan either and don't get me started on Scientology(no I don;t belong). They a a cult just like Gothard.

Edited November 21, 2015 by NEGirl

[BrianJ62]

I have never been a Tom Cruise fan either and don't get me started on Scientology(no I don;t belong). They a a cult just like Gothard.

I wonder what the world count on cults is?

[Tabbygirl521]

This week's InTouch has an amusing article that hassles the "church" for their lame responses to Leah Remini. The mockery is humorous.

[NikSac]

And PRESTO!!! Your new goal is to spend the rest of the day trying to figure out how to get that song out of your head. You're welcome, and have fun with that.

 

That was just MEAN! ;)

[Missy Vixen]

The footage of him in Going Clear just cemented the fact that he's an arrogant d-bag. Missy V, I hope there's a follow-up, too. I kept wondering if they'd mention Leah Remeni and the burning question of where's Miscavige's wife. Interesting that they didn't say a thing about Katie Holmes, maybe she signed a NDA so she could take Suri and they'd leave her alone. I couldn't get over how they imprisoned people in those awful trailers for YEARS. And these aren't dumb people, they were just at a place in their life that made them ripe for the picking when someone pitched this craziness.

The author of Going Clear didn't mention Leah Remini. There was a teeny bit about Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes' wedding, but nothing about the subsequent divorce drama. And I will always wonder how she managed to get herself and her daughter away from Cruise and Scientology without the typical Scientology responses when someone leaves -- showing up at one's house, hounding and harassing the former member, etcetera. I have to believe that she has stuff on Cruise (and proof of it) that would make the airing of his "auditing files" seem tame in comparison.

 

Speaking of Tom Cruise, if anyone here would like to see another BSC "performance", I have no idea if the video files are still up at The Daily Show's website, but he was on with Jon Stewart during the last two weeks of Stewart's shows. My mouth was hanging open in abject shock. He tries so hard to convince the public that he's a cool guy, he's funny, whatever -- it's so contrived. I think my favorite part of his entire visit was his (allegedly, I don't need to get sued) attempting to convince Jon Stewart that the production group of the last Mission Impossible movie did not tell the film's insurers he was doing the stunt in which his character was clinging to the side of a military jet as it takes off. Because after all, those same insurers would not ask for a copy of the script, have something in the paperwork re: they're not insuring a $200 million film that the star wants to perform a stunt that has a high probability of getting him killed during production, bla bla bla.

 

The author of Going Clear also mentioned that he attempted to meet with Shelly Miscavidge and was refused on multiple occasions.

 

I also don't believe that the celebrities associated with Scientology have a huge amount of formal education.

[NewDigs]

Going Clear, the book, was published in 2013.

It was released about the same time TomKat entered Splitsville.

And well before Remini "blew".

[NEGirl]

Will, I hope I don't get in trouble for this....   I have to say I am shocked and saddened to hear about WW.  I had not read this thread daily for awhile so I missed the whole  thing.  I fell for the whole story, maybe because myself and two siblings were all premies.  Needless to say I am embarrassed and angry that she took advantage of such good people. I have to say there are some of the nicest, sweetest people here. I know its late, but thanks to the mods and Absolom and Bursla.  I hope everyone has been refunded for their donations.  Teaches me for not checking here every day !

[Muffyn]

The part that floored me the most was the bit with the IRS! What a huge win that was for the "church".

Ditto on Tom Cruise and add John Travolta to the list for me as well.

There are plenty of other reasons to avoid looking at John Travolta.  The hairpiece alone is horrifying.

[leighroda]

I'm sure everyone has been concerned that after my pizza making dinner triumph last night about how I would top it... Well tonight's dinner was grilled cheese with bacon and tater tots... From a restaurant, you can't win it all.

Whoever suggested garlic cream sauce (sorry I forgot I wanted to quote it until I was already in this message, and if I go back it'll be a hassle) that sounds amazing... I've had it before from other places, but it would be easy to make.

[Liz Tudor]

I'm definitely going to have to read the book. Just sooooo curious. You & Mr. Tudor had the same idea re: Katie's escape and freedom from harassment (i.e., she has worse dope on him than his auditing sessions). Also going to have to find that Daily Show!

I also don't believe that the celebrities associated with Scientology have a huge amount of formal education.

I totally agree! There certainly seemed to be some bright "regular" folks in the documentary, who spent 25, 27, 30 years in, like the woman who was among the first in the SeaOrg, and the woman who raised her kids in it but then left (and is now estranged from her adult daughter, or technically, the other way around, since the daughter "detached" from her own mother).

Crazy, bizarre stuff!!

[theredhead77]

Does anyone else get really anxious when getting prepared to leave out of town? We are going to leave some time next week to go to my in-laws. I guess part of my anxiety stems from the fact that my husband's company is open a half day on Wednesday, but he is telling me he might take the whole day off so we can leave Tuesday evening. I do not do well with open ended deadlines. I need to establish a timeline. He needs to make up his mind already.

I snipped your post but you aren't alone. I get stressed out beyond belief. I'm going on my first real vacation in 8 years, with airline flights booked. I know I'm still going to be super stressed and anxious about it until I land at my destination.

 

When I drive to Vegas or somewhere local for a couple nights I still get stressed and anxious and totally over-pack. Justin Case is my BFF when packing.

 

I also love coming home to a clean house with all my laundry done and fresh sheets on the bed

 

On an unrelated note, I went and caught myself a case of teh feels towards someone who is very GUD (geographically undesirable) and there is no chance of either of us relocating (and I doubt he feels the same).

[ChocolateAddict]

I've decided to have a baking day today.  The plan is to make gingerbread, cheesecake and a yummy potato, caramelized onion and feta tart for dinner.  Tomorrow I'm going to make chicken, lemon and basil pasta for dinner and later this week I'm going to make lemon or caramel tart.  I have a tenancy to get out a cookbook and mark just about every second page so there is a list of stuff that I want to make over the next few weeks.Uni is finished for the year so I have a lot more time on my hands and I'm keen to get back into knitting and cooking (I'm such a nana).  

[RedPonyDriver]

Y'all are making me feel like a slug...although, to be honest, this apartment has a shitty kitchen so cooking is not a whole lot of fun. My big achievement for the day was bathing both cats. They smelled funny after a couple of weeks being stuck in a crate and they spent time hiding in the litter box...so they got baths. Remarkably, I do not look like hamburger! 

[Micks Picks]

I don't have a ton of clothes anymore.  I have jeans that I wear all the time and are perfect for travel.  Except for t-shirts, tops and dresses are tried out in the dressing room by crunching them tightly, and letting them drop to the floor, picking them up and see if they wrinkle or have lint on them.  If all is good, I buy it.  Can throw these lightweight items in a small suitcase or duffle bag or whatever and am good to go for quite some time.  If necessary, most of the stuff can be washed and hung in a shower to dry overnight, and they do.  I am known by everyone to pack light.  It is nice to be admired for something, and this is my skill.

Edited November 22, 2015 by Micks Picks

[MargeGunderson]

Hugs and strength to everyone who is going through a tough time. I hope it helps to have a place to share and receive support.

I'm sitting up with a sick kitty. She had a UTI last week, and now she has an upset tummy, probably from the antibiotics. Nothing like being woken up by the sound of a cat getting sick. I swear I can hear it no matter how hard I'm sleeping.

[springtime]

Does anyone else get really anxious when getting prepared to leave out of town? We are going to leave some time next week to go to my in-laws. I guess part of my anxiety stems from the fact that my husband's company is open a half day on Wednesday, but he is telling me he might take the whole day off so we can leave Tuesday evening. I do not do well with open ended deadlines. I need to establish a timeline. He needs to make up his mind already.

 

In addition, this year instead of waiting until after we get back from Thanksgiving to start decorating, I would like to start getting some of it done beforehand. We host the whole famn damily at our place, with lots of kids and I put a lot of pressure on myself to make it magical and special for everyone. I mean, I am already worried about the Christmas scented hand soaps I would like to purchase at Bath and Body Works. What is wrong with me?

 

My daughter has the entire week off from school so she will be underfoot while I try to gain order and control the chaos and pack around here. Packing stresses me out, too. I am always worried about bringing enough outfits, of the right style and dressiness for all occasions and all temperatures. Being a trophy wife is hard, y'all. /sarcasm

 

I also feel like I need to have the house somewhat clean before I leave because I hate coming back from a wonderful relaxing time to a what essentially looks like a fall out shelter.

 

My problems are really all in my mind, aren't they? 

I (just me) travel Monday afternoon to visit my Mom for 9 days- One would think I am up closing up my home for the winter!

I try to get so much done (as if my neighbors who will be cat sitting will care) 

I'm not one to be able to pack and go- There is a lot to do- I am glad to have this weekend to prepare!

[Purpose to defraud]

Sorry to have bothered you. I only posted here by the suggestion of my mom to see if anybody has had to deal with disability insurance companies.

People gave me suggestions and I'm acting on those. I won't post anymore about my crap. Thanks for confirming that here is not the place to ask for suggestions or advice.

Wellfleet I will look into that, thanks.

Bursla you got many supportive posts. Please don't be hurt! 

Sometimes we get overwhelmed with our problems, it happens to me. I know sometimes I feel as if I just can't handle any more bad news, it doesn't mean I don't care. That's all that meant, someone just needs some cheer. Don't take it personally. 

[Purpose to defraud]

She wasn't real, story made-up. Once she was busted she went away.

Gee Golly I have many stories I need you to edit! Good job.

[leighroda]

I'm currently sitting in a bathtub hiding from a tornado... Y'all better get posting to keep me entertained for the next 30 minutes.

[BrianJ62]

I'm currently sitting in a bathtub hiding from a tornado... Y'all better get posting to keep me entertained for the next 30 minutes.

Just pretend your in the Wizard of Oz!!! Sending side hugs from Kansas City.

Edited November 22, 2015 by BrianJ62

[amitville]

I'm currently sitting in a bathtub hiding from a tornado... Y'all better get posting to keep me entertained for the next 30 minutes.

Be safe .

[amitville]

Sorry to have bothered you. I only posted here by the suggestion of my mom to see if anybody has had to deal with disability insurance companies.

People gave me suggestions and I'm acting on those. I won't post anymore about my crap. Thanks for confirming that here is not the place to ask for suggestions or advice.

Wellfleet I will look into that, thanks.

Bursla this has been upsetting me for days. You could never bother anyone .  An  unidentified illness plays with your head and makes you think eveything wrong .  You are like royalty to me without you and your mamma we would all sent wanderwomen alot more money.  Ask away this is the place you and mamma made safe. ffhugs  

Edited November 22, 2015 by amitville

[Muffyn]

Leighroda, about 15 years ago I was on a business trip.  We all stayed at this big conference center, and I had a top floor corner room.  About 3 AM the tornado siren went off.  It was right outside my room.  I checked the hallway and no one was evacuating.  Since so many of us weren't from tornado country I don't think people realized what it was.  (The guy in the room below me told me the next day he thought they had really strange police sirens.)  So I opened the windows and got in the tub.  I spent about 15 minutes all cozy (or cramped) in the tub with a towel (kind of like a security blanket).  The tornado went by our building causing a little damage to my corner of the building - roof tiles came off and a loose brick fell.  Touchdown was 1/2 mile away.  I was safe and sound in the tub.  I hope your tub keeps you just as safe.  

[BrianJ62]

Leighroda, about 15 years ago I was on a business trip. We all stayed at this big conference center, and I had a top floor corner room. About 3 AM the tornado siren went off. It was right outside my room. I checked the hallway and no one was evacuating. Since so many of us weren't from tornado country I don't think people realized what it was. (The guy in the room below me told me the next day he thought they had really strange police sirens.) So I opened the windows and got in the tub. I spent about 15 minutes all cozy (or cramped) in the tub with a towel (kind of like a security blanket). The tornado went by our building causing a little damage to my corner of the building - roof tiles came off and a loose brick fell. Touchdown was 1/2 mile away. I was safe and sound in the tub. I hope your tub keeps you just as safe.

Sounds like you where lucky!

[BrianJ62]

Yikes, Leighroda! Good luck!

A long time ago I was at work near downtown Denver - in an older building on the third floor, and the window by my desk could be opened a bit. And it was, and late in the day I heard a siren and noticed people down the way (we were in cubicles so you could see a long way if you stood up) clustered at a window looking out. So I looked out MY window and saw a white funnel cloud off to the East, not touching down but close.

I grew up in tornado country. I grabbed my purse and IIRC my walkman with radio (yeah it was long ago), and hollered to everyone: "That's a tornado! Everyone get to the basement - NOW!!" And to their credit, despite a few slack-jawed WTF expressions? They followed me.

It was a tornado, it did touch down, but several blocks away from us, tore up some trees on a parkway and then went away.

But really, to this day, I remember those people just standing at that window, pointing at that TORNADO FUNNEL and just looking. Oy.

Paralysed by fascination, or something like that.