In Search of My Body - Not the One I Ate, VOL 7! Princesses? Nope, just us Goddesses!

[goofyfan-12]

Cathie - ok, you asked for the truth so here it is. You are a guest in your parents' house and you have to remember that. It is wrong to expect them to change their lifestyle to suit yours (or to feed you at this point - you are an adult who has a job so it is time to take care of yourself). I am not sure if you know this or not, but I currently live at home right now and I never expect my parents to feed me. I pay them rent, do my own grocery shopping, my own chores and respect their rules and schedules as I am the guest there. Now, don't get me wrong, they drive me nuts from time to time with their expectations at times, but that is part of the charm of having roommates (whether they be husbands, boyfriends, finace's or family). I just remind myself that they are living their lives and I am living mine. Also, has it occurred to you that they are doing things for your brother to make up for the fact that they are partially supporting you by giving you a place to live? My mother freely admitted that she does some things for my sister and not for me in an attempt to even things out.

As far as their support of your brother what do you expect them to do - he is their son. It is probably killing your mom that he is in this mess in the first place and she is likely blaming herself for not doing a good enough job raising him so she may be overcompensating. Who knows, but her feelings are her feelings and you can't expect her to change them because you want her to. I think you are smart to get out of there, but only if what you are going to is an improvement in living conditions only and not a hiding spot from dealing with what is going on in front of you. Running away from the problem won't solve it. Resolving your feelings and your attitudes towards the situation will.

Sorry if this sounds harsh, but remember you asked for the truth.

 

[AKASnowWhite]

Lyz - Hope Molli is feeling better soon! Flu bites. No matter what kind it is.

Getting on the treadmill and getting it done means so much more when you aren't feeling it than when you are. Anyone can do it when they feel like it. Seriously!! Good job.

OMG So, so very true.


Paula - congrats on the loss! That's so awesome. And I don't think I ever commented on the Gap jeans. Way to go! Have fun at family dinner tonight!

Rhonda - LOVE what you said about choices. Love it. And lightening? Yeah - I wouldn't mess with that either. Some things just aren't worth the risk.

E - loving your TR. I sure hope that you get your camera back! Love Kel's ear rings! And the bathroom scare? The poor kid! Such a shock!

 

[AKASnowWhite]

Cathie - <sigh> (that was me, channelling Lisa! ). Here goes.

This is probably going to sound like an insensitive cop-out, but you can not let other peoples actions have such an impact on you. You have no control over what anyone else says or does. The only thing you can control is YOU and how you react to situations. I understand that your parents words and actions are hurtful to you right now, but I have to believe that they are at the end of their rope with this crap right now themselves and unfortunately you are bearing the brunt of their frustration. A sad reality is, we are cruelest to those we are closest to. We'll say and do things to our loved ones that we would never consider doing to a complete stranger. Is it right? Absolutely not. But it happens. Life is not fair. For anyone. Never was, never will be. Accept that.

If you are not able to physically remove yourself from the situation, then your job has to become to put on your suit of armour and deal. You are, after all, living in their house. They are not *required* to provide you with anything after the age of 18 (a fact I'm happy to remind my own children of when they complain about "house rules"). If you don't care for the how the household is run, you know the alternative. Your choice. Really it is - even if you think that moving out is currently not an option. You always have choices. (go back and re-read Ronda's post....)

So. Control those things you can, let the rest go. And yes - I understand it's much easier for me to say those words than it is going to be for you to actually *do* that. It's time decide if you wish to continue to live by their rules or move on sooner than you had planned. But either way, don't let their *stuff* define you or your life.

 

[cathie1327]

Cathie - ok, you asked for the truth so here it is. You are a guest in your parents' house and you have to remember that. It is wrong to expect them to change their lifestyle to suit yours (or to feed you at this point - you are an adult who has a job so it is time to take care of yourself). I am not sure if you know this or not, but I currently live at home right now and I never expect my parents to feed me. I pay them rent, do my own grocery shopping, my own chores and respect their rules and schedules as I am the guest there. Now, don't get me wrong, they drive me nuts from time to time with their expectations at times, but that is part of the charm of having roommates (whether they be husbands, boyfriends, finace's or family). I just remind myself that they are living their lives and I am living mine. Also, has it occurred to you that they are doing things for your brother to make up for the fact that they are partially supporting you by giving you a place to live? My mother freely admitted that she does some things for my sister and not for me in an attempt to even things out.

As far as their support of your brother what do you expect them to do - he is their son. It is probably killing your mom that he is in this mess in the first place and she is likely blaming herself for not doing a good enough job raising him so she may be overcompensating. Who knows, but her feelings are her feelings and you can't expect her to change them because you want her to. I think you are smart to get out of there, but only if what you are going to is an improvement in living conditions only and not a hiding spot from dealing with what is going on in front of you. Running away from the problem won't solve it. Resolving your feelings and your attitudes towards the situation will.

Sorry if this sounds harsh, but remember you asked for the truth.

Paula, I have to admit that you are right, I am a guest. And I do pay some rent and help out on bills and the grocery thing wasn't that big of a deal. I don't really mind feeding myself... I guess what frustrated me the most that she said they couldn't afford to let me eat there anymore, then she pays his rent. It was the justification she gave me I guess.

And you are right, I can't ask her to change her feelings. A person's feelings are their feelings, and asking them to change them is like asking them to change their favorite color. You can't. Funny that you bring that up because I went over that in therapy a lot. Guess I can put my foot in my mouth on that one. lol

I probably am being heartless when it comes to him, and if he was my son, who knows, I very well may be doing the same thing. But she has been covering his butt for years. And been getting taken advantage of. Maybe I am more mad at him than I am at her and it is easier to take it out on her because it seems like she is letting him take advantage of her. He'd have been in juvi a long long long time ago if she didn't lie to the probation officer time and time again for him. So I guess I am maybe just mad at him and it's easier to direct it at her because I don't want to deal with him.

I can't lie. My moving out will be both of what you referred to above. As much as I hate that, it will. My brother has always been a pretty touchy point for me, and there have been some things in the past involving him that have pretty much ruined any relationship we have had for a very long time, if not permanently. Not only between him and I, but it has caused this awful rift between my parents and I. It always felt that his issues were more important. We couldn't do things because of him. I couldn't do things because of him. I know that part of being a family is sacrificing but he never sacrificed for anyone else. Just took. Never gave. And he still does. That's what's been the hardest to get over. Growing up, I wanted a normal family. I wanted to be able to invite friends over, play games with my brother, just be able for all of us to sit at dinner without someone leaving the table in tears. So when I left 5 years ago, I was running away from those feelings. I dealt with a lot of them in therapy that had been repressed, and I'm sure there's still a lot of them there. I will be running from them in a couple of months because whether I dealt with them in therapy or they are still repressed, they are all back to the surface now and it is a lot of pain I just don't want to deal with. I know that makes me seem weak and I probably am and I know that I SHOULD be facing them but facing them brings everything back and that's an ugly ugly place I don't want to be in. I have been running from them for so long I don't know how to face them. And with all this recently, it just feels like it's the same old story all over again. Moving out will be for me to be in a better situation, besides the fact that I am an adult and need to be out taking care of myself. But it WILL be to get away from these things also. I find it much easier to face these things when I can do so at my pace and not when they are thrown in my face, if that makes sense.

I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to make all this about me and my issues. Didn't mean for it to go there. It just came to a head this morning and I felt like I was going to explode from all the emotion. I am probably directing it in the wrong way/place at my parents. Seeing as how I really don't ever want to see or talk to him again, it was probably by default.

Sorry. Thanks for the pov Paula. I really am taking it to heart. Seeing things from another perspective can be pretty humbling sometimes.

Thanks for listening guys. Going to take a time out for myself tonight. Journal, bible, meditation and a hot bath. Need to get my thoughts in order.

 

[AKASnowWhite]

But she has been covering his butt for years. And been getting taken advantage of. Maybe I am more mad at him than I am at her and it is easier to take it out on her because it seems like she is letting him take advantage of her. He'd have been in juvi a long long long time ago if she didn't lie to the probation officer time and time again for him. So I guess I am maybe just mad at him and it's easier to direct it at her because I don't want to deal with him.

That right there. Yes and yes. Mad at him for being such an a$$ and treating your mother like sh!t. And mad at her for letting it happen over, and over again. I get that. And letting that anger consume you is not good.

I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to make all this about me and my issues. Didn't mean for it to go there. It just came to a head this morning and I felt like I was going to explode from all the emotion. I am probably directing it in the wrong way/place at my parents. Seeing as how I really don't ever want to see or talk to him again, it was probably by default.

We understand completely. We all have issues, in one form or another. And yes, venting is a necessary coping mechanism. Just know that you deserve to have a happy life - free of all this anger and frustration. How to *find* that is the trick we are still working out....

 

[DisneyGalUK]

Hi Everyone!

The instructor at the gym upped my exercise program today! He added 15 minutes on the exercise bike and another 10 minutes on the treadmill! It was good though. And whoever chose the cd that was on tonight is awesome I normally listen to my ipod, but tonights music was Def Leppard, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Guns N Roses, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson - all very good workout songs!

CATHIE - Paula and Nancy have given you much better advice than I could ever try to. I didn't move out of my parents house until I was 24 and engaged. The minute I started working I paid my parents rent. I got a part time job when I was 16 and even then I gave them a token amount and they paid for my food etc because I was still at school. When I finished school and started work they gave me back the money I had paid them from age 16-18 which was nice! When I started full time work I paid rent, did my own laundry, cleaning, bought my own food - in simple terms I basically rented a room from them. That being said, they still made the rules. I knew I was lucky to be living with them, because as soon as a few of my friends started work they were out on their ear!

With regards to your brother, I get it. I also see where your parents are coming from too. My cousin has been in and out of prison for years (I personally have nothing to do with him) but my aunt and uncle have stood by him and helped him out every time he came out of prison. Why? Because hes their son. No other reason than that, and believe me ive tried to find one. They have always said 'they do what they have to do'.

Finally (after all my babbling!) I agree with Nancy - you cannot allow other peoples words and actions impact you so much (I know, easier said than done). If you do you will always be in a vicious circle - someones actions impact you, you lash out, you comfort eat, you feel like rubbish and on and on. Ive been there with my MIL and its not nice. Finally I own the situation. Water off a ducks back. I decided that *I* was more important to me than they are (I know this sounds like im being a cow!) but I could no longer allow them to affect my life, my relationship with DH or my health. I would no longer allow them to upset me to the point where I got mad with DH or I would stick my face in a bar of chocolate. Its hard, but you will get there. You need to take care of you a little more.

*Reading the above, I don't know if any of what ive said makes sense! Man im tired!*

 

[cathie1327]

*Reading the above, I don't know if any of what ive said makes sense! Man im tired!*

It did Thanks for the advice.

 

[HockeyKat]

Cathie... I am going to both agree and disagree with Paula and Nancy.

I think that so-called "running away" from the problem is sometimes a good option. You may find that it is just not possible for you to live with your parents and still have a good relationship with them. In that case, having the distance between you by moving out, which I guess is technically running away, could be the best thing for you. If you don't have to deal with the daily pressures and pissy little things, you may be able to deal with the bigger picture issues in a more objective manner and come to a good place with it all.

I have had to do some of this with my family, and it has really, really helped. In my case, I moved first 14 hours then 8 hours away, and have even had to miss family holidays and vacations in order to get them to not treat me as a 2nd class citizen (i.e. I have a husband and family now too and occasionally we could compromise!!). Now I can accept that they love me in their way, and it has made our relationship MUCH better to have weekly phone calls and 3-4 times a year visits...

As to the rest, I, like you, struggle with issues with my parents doing more for my brother. But, on the other hand, I don't need anything from them. I am completely self-sufficient... and maybe your parents see you as being the strong one? It has taken me a while to feel the compliment in that myself, so I do understand the road that you are on.

Anyhow, I hope that you and Carlos can work out arrangements. I hear you on the engagement before living together, but I also think that the promise part can be enough. And I am a firm believer in try before you buy!!

 

[AKASnowWhite]

I think that so-called "running away" from the problem is sometimes a good option. You may find that it is just not possible for you to live with your parents and still have a good relationship with them. In that case, having the distance between you by moving out, which I guess is technically running away, could be the best thing for you. If you don't have to deal with the daily pressures and pissy little things, you may be able to deal with the bigger picture issues in a more objective manner and come to a good place with it all.

I don't view that as "running away" as much as separating yourself and removing, or at least creating a buffer zone, from that element which is causing so much negative vibe in your life. I didn't get along with my sister at ALL. EVER. Until we didn't have to live in the same house together. Granted, we are not *tight* now, but we do finally have a decent, positive relationship.


Anyhow, I hope that you and Carlos can work out arrangements. I hear you on the engagement before living together, but I also think that the promise part can be enough. And I am a firm believer in try before you buy!!

As a ministers daughter, "try before you buy" was absolutely not an option! I don't personally have an issue with an engaged couple living together, but that's totally an individual thing....

 

[cathie1327]

And I am a firm believer in try before you buy!!

Oh my gosh Kat, thank you so much. I literally laughed out loud at that haha. People at work probably think I'm nutso. I needed that laugh!

 

[Dizneydawn]

Quick post as todays topic and opinions about how to handle it has really been a current topic in my life as well.

Cathie - I agree a lot with Kat here as far as distance bringing reflection.

You are "in" the mix because you live with them. If you lived seperate - you would not have to be innundated with their choices or your brothers. You could have calls and visits and set more boundaries for yourself on how you want to approach a relationship. Living with them means hearing it daily and like Paula and Nancy said - you are a guest - their rules are their rules.

My sister Karen lives with my Mom and my niece. It is back to Karen being the center of the universe again and I saw myself getting very angry and bitter the more I talked to my Mom. So I have backed away and see her at gatherings and if we talk and she starts complaining about Karen - I simply say, "Mom, I am sorry you feel that way but you allow yourself to be in this situation and until you want to change it, I would prefer not to listen to it."

I don't hate my Mom or my sister and their choices are not mine to worry about. So why was I letting theri choices impact me? Stress me out? Worry me all night?

Because quite simply I like control and when you do not see things my way I want to shove it down your throat. So I kept comming up with new avenues to take to show my mom how she was being treated. The problem was that she is not an idiot. She knew and she was making a choice. I liked thinking she was an idiot better because then I could still rationalize I had a chance to show her my view.

She saw it - she just didn't give a rats @ss.

When you have a weight problem you know that someone telling you to back away from the doughnut does nothing. You are aware it is a bad choice - it is not a surprise - yet it is your choice. Until your parents want something different from their lives - telling them to back away from your brother will do nothing. He is their doughnut. They conciously know it is a bad decesion based on history and they know the probable outcome but that time on the lips (or in their case- in the car with him) and the short term satisfaction right now outweighs the long term.

How many times have I rationalized eating something because this might be the day a candybar will not make me gain weight. Never happened before but today I might be lucky.

With weight we need to get that switch flipped that the long term is the goal and well worth the short term heartache and hunger pains and plain pain from changing eating habbits and working out.

With you and your parents - start looking at long term and what you can control. Start seeing the positives in their actions. Start looking at those positive parts of their choices when you want to rip your hair out.

They obviously have unconditional love to give and someday will be great grandparents f they choose to give it to any future children you may have.

They want to believe in the best of someone they love and that is a gift not all of us get.

They are willing to drive a long way and inconvenience themselves to help their son - my mom won't drive 30 minutes away to see my kids more than 8 times a year.

Then - when you move out - figure out what you can give each other that is comfortable to you both and accept that. Embrase it for now and let go of the rest.

 

[cathie1327]

Quick post as todays topic and opinions about how to handle it has really been a current topic in my life as well.

Cathie - I agree a lot with Kat here as far as distance bringing reflection.

You are "in" the mix because you live with them. If you lived seperate - you would not have to be innundated with their choices or your brothers. You could have calls and visits and set more boundaries for yourself on how you want to approach a relationship. Living with them means hearing it daily and like Paula and Nancy said - you are a guest - their rules are their rules.

My sister Karen lives with my Mom and my niece. It is back to Karen being the center of the universe again and I saw myself getting very angry and bitter the more I talked to my Mom. So I have backed away and see her at gatherings and if we talk and she starts complaining about Karen - I simply say, "Mom, I am sorry you feel that way but you allow yourself to be in this situation and until you want to change it, I would prefer not to listen to it."

I don't hate my Mom or my sister and their choices are not mine to worry about. So why was I letting theri choices impact me? Stress me out? Worry me all night?

Because quite simply I like control and when you do not see things my way I want to shove it down your throat. So I kept comming up with new avenues to take to show my mom how she was being treated. The problem was that she is not an idiot. She knew and she was making a choice. I liked thinking she was an idiot better because then I could still rationalize I had a chance to show her my view.

She saw it - she just didn't give a rats @ss.

When you have a weight problem you know that someone telling you to back away from the doughnut does nothing. You are aware it is a bad choice - it is not a surprise - yet it is your choice. Until your parents want something different from their lives - telling them to back away from your brother will do nothing. He is their doughnut. They conciously know it is a bad decesion based on history and they know the probable outcome but that time on the lips (or in their case- in the car with him) and the short term satisfaction right now outweighs the long term.

How many times have I rationalized eating something because this might be the day a candybar will not make me gain weight. Never happened before but today I might be lucky.

With weight we need to get that switch flipped that the long term is the goal and well worth the short term heartache and hunger pains and plain pain from changing eating habbits and working out.

With you and your parents - start looking at long term and what you can control. Start seeing the positives in their actions. Start looking at those positive parts of their choices when you want to rip your hair out.

They obviously have unconditional love to give and someday will be great grandparents f they choose to give it to any future children you may have.

They want to believe in the best of someone they love and that is a gift not all of us get.

They are willing to drive a long way and inconvenience themselves to help their son - my mom won't drive 30 minutes away to see my kids more than 8 times a year.

Then - when you move out - figure out what you can give each other that is comfortable to you both and accept that. Embrase it for now and let go of the rest.

Dawn- thank you so much. You're right. They're making choices. I'm a bit of a control freak myself and always easily agitated when it comes to ignorance so when I see them making a stupid choice I want to tell them just how wrong they are.

But you are all right. They're making choices. They are bad choices and probably the wrong choices in the long run, but they're still making them and I can't stop them. I think my biggest hurdle is that those choices make me feel like he is being put above me constantly and doesn't deserve it. (Not that I am a gem, it is bad choices that landed my butt out of my pretty apartment and back in their house). I've always been the "good kid" and feel like he gets placed before me even those he's always been a screw-up. But, I guess as they say, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Perhaps Kat's right. They just see him as needing them more than I do. And perhaps he does. However, (and I'm not sure if my mom has learned this yet, after 24 years) I'm really good at pretending I've got it all together. That I'm fine. Doesn't bother me. Here, it all comes out because I can't see any of you lol. And writing is a natural outlet for me. But if you were to see me face to face I'd have a smile on my face and tell you I was good and you'd likely never know anything is wrong. So maybe they just don't know that I need them just as much as he does, just perhaps in a different way. And that's another thing I really, can't control. Because I think sharing how the whole ordeal is making me feel will only create more friction.


Thanks everyone. For the bluntness, the kindness, the comfort, and the humility. (getting teary-eyed here dangit) I really am proud to call ya'll my friends. It is more appreciated than you will ever know.

 

[lisaviolet]

MONDAY – Hollywood Studios
Kelly turns to us and says, this is one of MY 'must-dos.' I think I better call Stacey.”
.

OMG. Between her poses. Look at the cars pose - what is with that child?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Back at it - between her poses and her quick brain she's killin' me. I'm still not over "I don't need alone time like Riley and Cammie". I swear to you - your children have been such a source of smiles and laughter this week.

Ummm Erika - I KNOW there is a competent photographer in the bunch that starts with a "C" - pics of you and them please. Geez!!! Don't make me phone my new mama.

So sorry about the camera. Crossing my fingers.

 

[lisaviolet]

Dawn- thank you so much. You're right. They're making choices. I'm a bit of a control freak myself and always easily agitated when it comes to ignorance so when I see them making a stupid choice I want to tell them just how wrong they are.

But you are all right. They're making choices. They are bad choices and probably the wrong choices in the long run, but they're still making them and I can't stop them. I think my biggest hurdle is that those choices make me feel like he is being put above me constantly and doesn't deserve it. (Not that I am a gem, it is bad choices that landed my butt out of my pretty apartment and back in their house). I've always been the "good kid" and feel like he gets placed before me even those he's always been a screw-up. But, I guess as they say, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Perhaps Kat's right. They just see him as needing them more than I do. And perhaps he does. However, (and I'm not sure if my mom has learned this yet, after 24 years) I'm really good at pretending I've got it all together. That I'm fine. Doesn't bother me. Here, it all comes out because I can't see any of you lol. And writing is a natural outlet for me. But if you were to see me face to face I'd have a smile on my face and tell you I was good and you'd likely never know anything is wrong. So maybe they just don't know that I need them just as much as he does, just perhaps in a different way. And that's another thing I really, can't control. Because I think sharing how the whole ordeal is making me feel will only create more friction.


Thanks everyone. For the bluntness, the kindness, the comfort, and the humility. (getting teary-eyed here dangit) I really am proud to call ya'll my friends. It is more appreciated than you will ever know.

Cathie - I smiled at the bolded line. Cute and true.

All this stuff - that's exactly what I'm talking about. Work on it Cathie and I swear weight loss will not be such a chore. I swear. It will still suck at times still - but it won't be such a struggle. It's a totally different feeling for me. Not trying to patronize. It just is a lot calmer of a feeling and I KNOW - for me - that's from emotional growth - growth meaning hashing through issues.

We all know a hundred people who have lost and gained all or more back. Including some of us in the past I"m sure. I firmly believe that it can stay off if you work on what is going on at the same time or first. And doing what you want/will do/can do for life as you lose. Not get to that at a later date.

Other choice to maintain weight - make a choice to white knuckle the loss. And who in he!! wants to do that?

Certainly not peanut butter and chocolate lovers.

 

[Ronda93]

Great words Dawn. I found the same with alcoholics in my life. Maybe he/she doesn't KNOW. Yeah, that's the problem. Surely no one would choose to wreck his life. Surely. I like your approach with your Mom.

I also took away a gem from my ex. We would fight about "have to". She did not tolerate have to and insisted it was all "want to". She's right. She said, "you do what you want". Ultimately, it's true. If I feel as though I have to do something, I step back and look for the want. I find it every time.

Lastly, I've had good luck with irrational sh!t (mine and other's) when I dig for motivation. Behavior gets repeated when it's rewarded. Generally, people do things that bring them something in return. Cathie, the situation you describe has years of complex interactions going for it, but your parents are getting something from the situation.

NEW ITEM. I ran today and ran hard. It was a run3/walk1 day.

mile 1
time 11:36
mHR 176
avgHR 163
lapHR 169

time 12:22
mHR 177
avgHR 170
lapHR 161

time 12:09
mHR 177
avgHR 170
lapHR 171

cool down
time 4:28
mHR 171
avgHR 155
lapHR 148

I wasn't able to run before work and got going around 9:30. That first mile is my fastest yet. I still feel the effort in my chest tonight. Awesome!

 

[amykab]

Lyz: glad that Molli is feeling better. I went disinfectant CRAZY when we were sick. I bet she'll be better by the weekend. I did find out who came to my work with it too. Grr. And we have several pregnant people working too. It seems to affect them horribly.

Cathie: I will comment on the brother thing. My brother has had so much drama in his life the past few years and now my parents are between a rock and a hard place because they need to help him care for his 3 kids who are 4 and under and drive him everywhere because he got a DUI and cant have his license back until January. So, they can really no longer come down here. And that makes me sad. I try to get up there when I can and did several times in the time i was unemployed. I want to say something and almost have a couple times, but I know they are stuck and can't really do anything about it, so what good would it do?? I am sad they are missing seeing Delena. We have had an october tradition basically since we have lived in florida of doing a weekend at Disney during F and W. they are missing that this year. Stuff like that. But it is what it is. I do get where you are coming from on that.

Kat: driving or flying down? Maybe a bit of rain Sat. but nothing too bad! Should be nice.

we are doing some Halloween events with Little D this weekend and I may take her to MK on Friday since I am off, so I may have some pics by the end of the weekend!

And WORD on try before you buy. I did. Neither of our parents were thrilled, but it was definitely good for us.

 

[DisneyWorld Delight]

Nothing to add to the current topic. I just like reading everyones advice, encouragement, tough love and analogies. Dawn I espically liked your donut analogy - I've been known to white knuckle about 100 donuts over the years.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Just getting caught up. Have a ton to say but likely won't get to all of it.

Cathie--most of my thoughts have already been said, so I'll just leave it with a hang in there! We all have our battles and we come here for help with them.

Ronda--WORD on the run! Way to go! Keep posting your stats--I love reading that stuff!

Paula--another 2.8 pounds! WOW. I am in awe of you!

Kel--awesome on the gym workout!

Lyz--thanks for all of the info. on Mol. Hope she is better quickly.

TR coming eventually, but OMG the day we had! In all of my many, many trips I have never had an MK day like this. Holy empty park. And 74* with zero humidity. So we weren't drained and fatigued from the heat and humidity. It was all perfect. Details to follow.

Lisa--yes, Cammie is the little photographer. I used her camera all day today and she was NOT happy about it! lol But of course I don't have her USB cable here with me since I wasn't thinking I would need it! I did take lots of pics with my iPhone, though, just so I could post the TR! And as for Kelly--yes, if we lived in California or NY, she would totally have an agent. That should have a show on the Disney Channel! I swear, she is hysterical. And her facial expressions...OMG!

 

[HockeyKat]

As a ministers daughter, "try before you buy" was absolutely not an option! I don't personally have an issue with an engaged couple living together, but that's totally an individual thing....

Kat: driving or flying down? Maybe a bit of rain Sat. but nothing too bad! Should be nice.

And WORD on try before you buy. I did. Neither of our parents were thrilled, but it was definitely good for us.

My parents were FAR from thrilled the first time I moved in with someone. In fact, I got at least three separate lectures from my mom in the first 2 weeks. However, after I got engaged to the guy, figured out who he really was, and dumped him, evem my mom was like hmm... maybe I was wrong.


Amy, driving. We will leave Fri as early as we can get out, should be checking into CSR in the early afternoon. Fri night we plan on heading over to Epcot and graze on F&W food for dinner, then watch Illuminations. I think it is EMH so we may take advantage of that (and all the crowds!!). Sat we will sleep in some, head over to MK whenever we get up (probably 11ish) and hit the highlights, then spend the afternoon by the pool at CSR. Sat night is D's birthday dinner at Fultons. Sun we will do DHS in the AM, hit Epcot for a late lunch in Germany. Mon is likely b-fast or lunch somewhere, then back home. It's a short weekend but I have to be back to work on Tuesday.

 

[goofyfan-12]

Cathy - sending you hugs... You are not in an easy spot and there have been a lot of great viewpoints offered here. We all mean well and the divergent viewpoints are a great thing to draw on, but in the end it is up to you because well - you have to live with the outcome. You are a strong person - don't forget that. Search your feelings (have faith in them - they won't steer you wrong) and you will find what you feel is the right course of action. Hang in there. You can get through this.