Hiya @kristin ,
Travelling? [sad smile] No, more like limping.
Had a bad crash (energetically speaking) and just haven't had the oomph to rise to meet anyone. It's the Perversity of Small Horizons ... we draw our reach in so that we can at least feel the success of grasping somethnig, but even as our fingers close around the intentionally-small target it feels so trivial, disappointing and empty.
I managed to finish trimming my front hedge (a big task, no question -- ficus bushes grow so tall and thick, the moment they think you're not looking!), even mowing the nature strip, vaccuming up all the leaves in my open porch (mostly from the trees in the street, so not even mine) so that there was no assault station for the constant stream of huge glistening surfboard cockroaches sallying forth under my front door every nightfall, seeking their little cocky fortunes and grotty nooks under my desk where they can start their scuttling little families and occasionally claw their way up my bare legs. I managed all that, then strung the little twinkling Christmas lights that variously prompted one neighbour, passing me as I put the bins out, to say, "Is this your place mate? It's lovely!" and then a carful of teenage boys slowing down, as I thought to smile at the lights, to shout "P00fter!" and then screech off, guffawing at their act of humanity as it truly is.
I came inside and just collapsed, in exhaustion and significant pain, briefly happy with my efforts ... until I reflected on the fact that a mere couple of years ago all of that would have been one concerted afternoon of doing what was needed, not requiring several days of towering self-application nor a constant stream of self-affirmation. And yet now it wearied my mind into a fog and wiped me out physically for a week. Kristin, my life has become so mind-crushingly, soul-shreddingly Small. That's the taste of bile and bitter gall that lies at the heart of my Depression, and the grief of it throws a dark, airless shadow that I struggle to emerge from. I just haven't had the substance to come here to talk with anyone.
So sorry to hear about your wrangling with a tradesman (I've just been watching snippets of the Dowager Duchess Grantham on YouTube! :chortle: ). Shocking, isn't it, to find yourself floundering in the waters of someone else's Stuff ? But good on you for having your own Rescue Remedy in place. I do hope the issues get resolved soon; I know how tedious and teeth-gritting they can be.
Kristin, I didn't mention the name of the organisation I feel so savaged by, in anticipation of the reasons that @NikNik gave. (Thanks, NikNik ! 😉 ) Although I admit, the word defamation never crossed my mind -- it's not defamation, is it, when you're telling the truth? (Oh, maybe it is. The phrase "Truth is no defence" comes to mind.) Anyway, I was telling the truth, and as I said my first instinct was to name and shame, but I won't. (Especially now NikNik has confirmed that it would be crossing a line. 🙂 ) I do find it pretty shocking that such organisations can behave however they wish, and there's nothing to hold them to account. Even if I were to formally complain and name them, even provide a transcript of the conversation. all the other professional organisations would give them the "benefit of the doubt" for the sake of "professional courtesy" and of basically having to get along. But how does that help the people these organisations are supposed to be there to be of value to? If you were to suggest the name of such an organisation, I'd probably use one of my favourite quotes and say, "You might very well think that; I couldn't possibly comment."
Ah, Christmas Eve. Time to deck the Santas, methinks.
And now, the Dark Days start. Bahh humbug !!
Có-dhiù ... Nollaig chridheil dhuibh uile. Merry Christmas, every one.
