She says she googled "cisgender," and seems to know what it means now.

bonny, living in an urban environment always gave me such stress because people were always right in front of my windows talking and doing stuff! That's too much proximity to other people. I don't want someone to be able to pee in front of my house without at least having to cross my yard first. Can you install a moat?

Can you install a moat?

Ha. The proximity is actually what I love about being in this neighborhood. The fact that there are people on the street 24/7. I'm sure that is a product of being so isolated when I was young.

Even the weird stuff is generally just amusing.

I apologize for being so amused by your disrupted night, bonny. I can picture this too well! Also, yeah, never had to go that bad.

Totally this. I can't say I'm embarrassed for her because I think she thought it was funny. I can shake my head and say...in an old lady voice...Have some dignity!

Or at least think to go before you leave the bar! Don't make me turn this sidewalk around!!

Bonny that's freaky.

I waiting for mom to pick me up. Trying not to be judgmental but I left work ealy. The anxiety ... I tried to tolerate it. I tried distractions and breathing bit it wasn't working. And I took all the klonopin I'm allotted for the day. I have tomorrow off and therapy thursday. I don't feel like I've made progress.

I'm sure that is a product of being so isolated when I was young.

Nah, I think it's your gregarious nature! I was very isolated as a child (physically, on a big farm) and I still don't like having people so close. The road is about 30 feet from my patio and I can hear people talking as they walk by, and I'm only now getting used to that!

The other night I dreamed I was holding a purring, plushy cat, just like Shadow, though he seemed bigger than Shadow. I hugged him and realized he wasn't wearing a collar, then I realized he didn't have a heart beat, either. Which didn't stop him from snuggling and purring. Then from the doorway I heard Hubby say, "Come on, let her sleep," and the cat slipped away.

Aw. Bless, Connie!

They were just checking in on you, eh?

The bigger is the love.

No collar, he's free.

Hubby looking out for your rest.

Yeah. I choose how I see things.

Nah, I think it's your gregarious nature! I was very isolated as a child (physically, on a big farm) and I still don't like having people so close. The road is about 30 feet from my patio and I can hear people talking as they walk by, and I'm only now getting used to that!

Funny you should say that. One of the psych inventories I administer will tell you that I am not actually gregarious, which always shocks me...but, by definition, gregarious means that you are fed by the energy of others.

I love the energy of others but there is definitely an exchange that does not always fill my tank.

I do love talking to strangers though, so there is another word for that...of which I am not sure. Curious? Helpful?

Dunno.

I have an interesting relationship with solitude. I LOVE me so alone time. Like 80% of the time, no exaggeration. And I'm never lonely. Nor do I feel afraid being alone, even though there was so much fear in my childhood.

I just like being part of life, and part of the lives of others, I guess.

Aw, Connie. What a great dream.

Bonny, I totally thought your story was going somewhere else, as I remember a friend who lived in Columbia Heights before it was schmancy who had a woman and her john sexing it up under an umbrella on my friend's back porch!