The topic of the timing belt came up again the other day. When H is on a work trip, his meal per diem is deposited into his account on Mondays - BUT sometimes there's a glitch and it's a day or two (sometimes even a week) late. He still doesn't understand not to count his chickens before they're hatched, and he schedules bill payments as if that money's already there. On Monday he asked me to Venmo him some money because a bill came out and he was overdrawn. We began talking about other bills and I mentioned the belt. He said since ds has been working so much, he'll have some nice checks to put towards it. I reminded him that it was supposed to be a GIFT for grad and he still pushed for ds to contribute. I said NO, he's paid for the last two repairs, his money is for his books for college, so this is his GIFT AS YOU SAID!!! What an asshole!

Maybe they aren't "healthy" but I'd be willing to bet they aren't uncommon. I also have always had a very, very hard time forming attachments to people and death doesn't seem to bother me too much for the most part. Maybe it has to do with being treated crappily by a lot of people in my life. Maybe there are a lot of factors that play into it. All I know is that I could easily move to some isolated cabin outside of Ashland or someplace and just chill with my dog and my books for the rest of my life.

DH and I bought a little place in Florida, where we've been spending our winters for the past five years. The plan was to come home, get our place ready to sell, and by this time next year become permanent Florida residents. I've already cleaned out closets, got rid of a bunch of books and knick knacks, and have been looking forward to an eventual move. Today, after being at my Dad's (who we're trying to get moved to the senior housing), he came home and said that there's no way we can move as long as he needs us. I was awestruck because I thought getting him moved would make him happy and safe. I can't even talk to DH because every time I think of him saying we can't move, I break down in tears. Yeah, I think I'm wound too tight right now!

I always like the bad guy instead of the boring good guy in books and movies. I just can't like the good guy. SMH.

I'm the OP who started the whole "paying for college" debate - and I agree with you. My parents paid for my college tuition and books, as well as my car and insurance. They furnished my first apartment, helped with rent for several months as well as food, all until I could get on my feet. I am forever grateful, because life is hard, especially for young kids starting out. And I will do that for my child as well. Mine is going to CC first and then transferring because it's the smart thing to do, mentally and financially. He didn't have the benefit of a college-prep high school like I did (hs was harder than college for me!) so he doesn't need the added stress on top of what he has to deal with from his father. He works part time, covers his entertainment, helps immensely around the house and contributes some to his phone, car and some groceries. Plus he's on Honor Roll. That's enough for me!

The total cost for a year of college at the very average, state school I went to is now $24,950. That's $100,000 for a four year degree. This is not an expensive school. This is actually one of the less expensive state schools. And my state is one of the cheaper states for attending college. When I went there, 25 years ago, that cost was about $10K a year. And that included rent, books, etc. I was able to pay for school by waiting tables and working at a local museum. How the hell is a person waiting tables supposed to have $25,000 to pay for school? The cost of college has increased far more than salaries. So just working your way through college is not an option any more.

I wish I had some wonderful advice for you, but I'm trying to figure it out also. I was just thinking the other day how I'll probably be struggling with depression for the rest of my life, and I'm already 60. Was I expecting to outgrow it or what? Mine comes and goes, and has never been bad enough where I wanted to take medication, but I still sink down to a dark place and wait for it to pass. In those times I don't want to talk to anyone and I end up isolating. My energy is usually very low at that time, but if I can force myself to exercise that is really helpful for me. I've read so many books on finding happiness, living a fulfilling life, books on faith, etc, and I'll always read self-improvement books and desire to grow as a person. I have a good life, job, hobbies, interests, many good friends, a loving family, and hoping to find love once again. But in the meantime, I'll continue to fight depression whenever it decides to rear it's ugly head. Hope you can find your peace. Hugs

After gaining weight a few years ago I jumped onto the whole body love/body acceptance/health at every size movement. I read the books, listened to the podcasts, and joined the fb groups. but i can't be in denial anymore. i miss my old body. i look and feel better at a lower weight. so while i still do believe in the basic tenants of the movement (everyone deserves respect regardless of their size, physical disabilities, health status, and more) I'm gonna try to aim to lose at least 30-40 lbs this year, for myself.

DH was freaking out that he had run out of deodorant and how he HAD to get more after work, etc. I said he had 3 sticks of it in the bedroom. He said he looked EVERYWHERE and couldn't find any. I walk in and point to the top of the bookshelf to the 3 sticks of deodorant. This is not a rare incidence. He can't find a damn thing when he looks for things.

I know she's talked about the book before, but this article didn't mention it. She was hocking a brand of organic garcinia cambogia. It's just another diet fad and no different than Kim Kardashian selling weight loss lollipops. Gimme a break. I'm so sick of seeing diet teas, and pills, and candy. And even ridiculous gimmicky books. Don't eat processed garbage and exercise. It's that easy and that hard. But the diet industry keeps wanting people to believe in the next great fad. I'm just tired of it.