Seattle

Oh gosh @Kyle1 that is really harrowing, I'm so sorry that you are getting no peace from this. How are you going now? I hope you were able to get outta there and enjoy your coffee in solitude.

I'm jittery. I've taken myself out driving but have to go home now. Schools out...

Honestly @Jynx I know in my brain what a load of horse feathers it is, but my emotional centre just keeps getting ground to dust inspite of it...

I really do hope I get to move from this town, afterall. And where's the rest of my church family?? Not a peep from them.

I'm so bitter right now

@Kyle1 yeah emotional brain can be very hard to reason with. Sometimes I try to treat mine a little like a child. Like, giving it a well reasoned argument as to why it shouldn't have Big Emotions doesn't work same as reasoning with a toddler's tantrum doesn't work. So I try more words of comfort, tell that part of myself it's okay, I'm safe, it's okay to feel this way and that the feelings won't last forever, etc.

Then also treat myself to an ice cream or something, really hone in on kid-brain haha.

I hope you're able to skedaddle from the town too, and find a new community that is safe and nourishing for you.

thank you @Jynx

I appreciate you

Right back at you @Kyle1 🤗💜

Do you have anything on this arvo, or could you plan something nice for yourself? Maybe even doing stuff that embraces your inner child - go to the park and play on the swing set, or get messy with some arts n crafts?

nah..I have a headache now. I've just sat in the recliner and will listen to music.

Infact, I'm going to share one with you @Jynx , OK?

I just like the sound of it...

Here it is

https://youtu.be/uB89sotCQx4?si=hFhIagc-vm5ppIUb

Listening now @Kyle1 - really beautiful 😍 Hope your headache subsides soooooon 🤞

I got one for you: Cold War Kids - Hospital Beds

One of my fav tracks, good to sing along to 😋

@Kyle1, you are a man of many talents. People never cease to amaze me; how much about others we may never learn unless we are in extraordinary circumstances. Men's, womens' or both hats? You obviously have a creative streak that you have to find an outlet for. Find it, @Kyle1.

Budgeting is my forte but I will post this before it deletes.

I appreciate you my friend. 🫂🫂

I'm hoping you have yourself a restful night @Historylover

@Kyle1, money is at the base of so many problems. When you learn to budget well, it isn't difficult, it becomes a way of life and one that even winning a lottery would not change.

Do you buy books or use the library?

Is your dr a bulk biller? Do you go to the dr when it could be taken care of by yourself, but you really just needed someone to listen and care?

Do you make needless car trips or serve multiple purposes when you need to use your car?

My ex-psy taught me that when money is tight, to attend to neglected chores-fence pailings, loose buttons, wobbly handles, polish shoes etc.-free to do, resourceful and productive, etc, etc. Most importantly-dont compare yourself with others. Ever.

I know your situation is different to mine, but I live on about $1000 per month, after rent. That pays for all utilities, food, clothes, haircuts, internet, phone and I bank the rest.

As you may know, I saved to travel under these conditions to England, Scotland, then Germany, France and Spain, then China. About 10 weeks of travel. By myself, and no--one gave me a cent. I lived on McDonalds, fruit and milk products. Each trip had leftover money to seed the next.

Could you and your children work on a family project and make saving for it - whatever it is- a shared project? A lesson in sound money management and the value of frugality.

I'm just trying to give you some signposts to take a new direction on your lives.