And I kept saying "Not having something horrible happen to you doesn't mean you don't have to deal with your own stuff. It's OK if things are difficult for you, even if others have it worse. Their worse blows don't lessen your own's".

Yes, absolutely. I think some of that is that I'm dealing with my stuff (whatever "my stuff" is), and I can't imagine how she is dealing with her stuff, so her stuff must be worse. And yes, some people's stuff is worse! But a lot of people's stuff is really hard and most of them get through the day most of the time.

Happy Birthday Jessica!

I have swept my driveway, carport, patio, and back patio mostly free of leaves and pine needles, de-cobwebbed my front living room window, put out the trash, and visited with the alley cats this afternoon. As usual, two of the three were affectionate and one suspiciously ate the offered food until it looked like I was going to pet her, at which point she zipped away and spent the next hour hanging around out of arm's reach to demonstrate how much she disapproves.

Friends, I'm sorry I've been so absent lately. I have been reading and sending virtual hugs and positive wishes; I've just been operating in overwhelm. My troubles are minuscule compared to war and loss of life, of course.

And I kept saying "Not having something horrible happen to you doesn't mean you don't have to deal with your own stuff. It's OK if things are difficult for you, even if others have it worse. Their worse blows don't lessen your own's".

All of the above. And so much love and hugs and support to everyone.

We have spent the weekend doing All The Chores, and yet there are Still More Chores. WTF?

Juliana I think part of that comes with children? Not that I manage to Do All the Things myself but….exponential.

Am at the last night of my dance weekend. This is the very last one and it’s quite a bummer. It’s normally the highlight of my year and there’s folks I only see here. But trying to enjoy the end of it!!

And I kept saying "Not having something horrible happen to you doesn't mean you don't have to deal with your own stuff. It's OK if things are difficult for you, even if others have it worse. Their worse blows don't lessen your own's".

I think I need to tattoo this to myself at this point.

Also, long words or short words, I am always happy to see your pixels.

First, happy birthday wishes for Hil. I hope that you are feeling better and that your campus is calm. May this day and the year to come be filled with blessings.

"Not having something horrible happen to you doesn't mean you don't have to deal with your own stuff. It's OK if things are difficult for you, even if others have it worse. Their worse blows don't lessen your own's"

So much this. Someone always has it worse, and having compassion for their pain doesn't eliminate yours. Someone always has more joy, celebrate them while embracing your own joy.

Went to Miami Beach yesterday to see a friend visiting from Vegas. She is going on a big 50th Hip-Hop cruise. Tons of celebs. The entire huge ship is chartered for the event. Driving through Miami and Miami Beach is no fun, but I had a couple of Cuban coffees and then we went to her hotel room where she gave us a fashion show of all the outfits she brought. She brought 2 bags and was still overweight and had to pay another $100. I think she had 6 pairs of shoes. She cracks me up. We have been friends for decades but she is my polar opposite. The bottom line, it was worth the drive and the absurd parking fees.

Juliana, seconding what meara said. Kids create so much more chores. I never expect to be at the end of our list.

This weekend was my mother’s birthday and TCG and my 13th wedding anniversary! We’ll have been together 19 years this December. We went to a play by ourselves (True West) and then went to dinner with Mom, stepdad, and ltc. Yesterday we went and looked for some furniture pieces at a couple consignment/antique stores.

Happy anniversary, sj. Yes, kids create so many chores!

Thanks for all the birthday wishes, and happy birthday to Hil!

My family took me out for breakfast at my favorite restaurant in town, and then my kids made me a really terrific key lime pie.

Happy Belated Birthday, Jessica!!!

Happy Birthday, Hil!!!