I've done it off and on. Support groups too.(It's been a long time since, actually, but it doesn't feel like it.) Hope it helps, Hec.

I now have several tabs open with various videos I need to watch. DH was privileged to live in multiple countries as a child, but I haven't traveled nearly enough. We both regret that we didn't give the boys a more international experience, but at least they lived in cities and went to school with various cultures. It was a badge of honor for Bobby's classmates to have the most bizarre combo of parent heritage.

Today is a momentous day in my personal history as I'm about to go see a therapist for the first time.

This is good to hear. Take care of yourself. This is just as important as diet and exercise, if not more so.

In hindsight, I know I should have done so after Stephen died, but a very negative experience while he was sick soured me on the notion. Of note is that I also had a very positive experience with another therapist during that time as well, but the bad one was super bad.

Good luck with the therapist, Hec.

chemistry is important at times like that, Laura.

Are "mish kids" missionary kids?

Correct!

Came back to the States with a posh British accent that did not go over well....

When I would come back to Arkansas on summer vacations, I would get teased for "talking British." As best I could tell, it was for pronouncing my final "g"s and being careful of my grammar. It usually took me a week or so to relax into the surrounding Southern drawl.

My accent and dialect always seem to adapt pretty quickly to whatever is being spoken wherever I happen to be. My inner voice always reflects whatever I have been reading lately, and if I am not careful that will slip out into my spoken voice as well. That gets me some odd looks, sometimes.

Hec, in your post you refer to both "Austria" and "Australia" in terms of the size of Chongqing; those are very different figures, and Australia is actually bigger than the continental USA in terms of land area.

I am willing to believe that Chongqing is larger than Austria (which is only a quarter the size of Germany), but one city (even one that is non-continguously dispersed) larger than the Lower 48 is a bit of a stretch for me.

I thought that was just me moving slowly this morning...good catch.

I was just cutting and pasting so we'll have to take that size discrepancy up with Wikipedia.

Further research shows that Szechuan food comes from Chongqing, and, of course, I've had that.

First therapy was good - she's very kind and empathetic. However, I'm a little worried about going down into some of the darker and twistier parts of my psyche with her. But I'll have another session with her next week and try to broach that.

I’m glad the therapy started well, Hec.

My workplace added Michigan to the places from which some employees can work remotely. I’ve submitted my application. University HR grinds amazingly slowly, but I’d like to get myself up north by next spring, so I can help my sister after her knee surgery. She has so much she wants to be doing, with work, grandkids, getting their house ready for sale, etc., and mobility issues (and pain) are slowing her down.

Are you planning to move, Calli, or just visit for an extended period?

I’d like to be able to do more extended visits but the dog makes it hard.