I finished my taxes, and I'm getting a refund of about $2000! Almost all of which will be sent to my parents to pay off the moving expenses that they paid for. Getting closer to not owing anyone money!

Holding you in my heart and thoughts, Liese.

Getting closer to not owing anyone money!

Yay! It's a good feeling, isn't it?

Looks like I'm not going to Florida this summer after all, because my friend and traveling companion's place was trashed in the big explosion in Seattle and she can't afford the trip now. I don't want to go without her. So now I'm trying to think of something else I can do for my birthday, without spending much money, in case she's able to go later in the year. I've finally learned that being alone and doing nothing on my birthday makes me feel sad and pathetic, so I'm making plans for it in advance this year. Isn't that excellent self-care? I think it is.

If anyone in Seattle knows of cheap housing available now (as opposed to, when the kids leave school) please let me know so I can pass it on to K. Even a small place; it couldn't be smaller than the studio she's leaving.

{{{Liese}}}

I've been known to spend way too much time tracking down a non-phone contact method on a support site to try to avoid having a phone conversation only to have a support person call me back instead of just responding to me via email. Grr, I intentionally went out of my way to avoid the telephone for a reason. I understand some people prefer the "personal touch" of a phone call, but I'm not one of those people.

Same here. I don't generally have major issues understanding accents, but I prefer written communication because it allows me to gather my thoughts and lay them out in an orderly manner. I feel much more intelligent writing than talking.

This, plus I like to have a record of communication exchanges in writing after the fact should either side have issues with any contracts or agreements.

That is excellent self-care, Zen. Way to go! Best wishes for your friend getting resettled easily.

Nice, Hil.

I have Tai Chi'd. and watched a little of the fans-as-weapons practice, and detoured by the park that will eventually have a dog park section but clearly is not finished being renovated yet, and now I am going to sit in my back yard and eat a burrito before getting down to work on the front yard maintenance that really must get done today as it's supposed to rain tomorrow. I think this Saturday is going pretty well.

Sounds like a good one, -t!

I've finally learned that being alone and doing nothing on my birthday makes me feel sad and pathetic, so I'm making plans for it in advance this year. Isn't that excellent self-care? I think it is.

Very excellent! Good one.

Maybe something near you, Zen? The Biltmore? (They give tours, right?) Or a spa weekend not too far from home?

I'm so sorry for your friend. What a nightmare.

Yeah, I'm thinking about a spa weekend. Something I've never done, and hopefully something I can feel okay about doing alone.

A Zen-centric retreat.