Happy Monday?

[waverly]

Welcome back!  We had a good weekend.  We had a credit for a home rental, so we used that this weekend just to go 2 hours away to the beach.  It was windy on Saturday, so the kids played in higher waves, but not super high, so they were OK.  It was beautiful on the beach, and we went to one that is a bit safer.  I guess there is one with a pier nearby that causes a rip current to pull them along and out the pier.  I didn't realize that piers had such an effect. 

We've been watching Holy Moly which is really stupid, but funny, so we played mini golf on the other day.  The house we rented had a nice downstairs.  The owner is a landscape architect, so the backyard was amazing.  We ate outside for every meal.  It could do with a kitchen and bathroom renovation though.  I assume, he has other priorities.  He liked to travel and lot and had a lot of travel memorabilia.  It was good to get away, but I think DH would rather have been in the town south of us.  It was only a 15 minute drive though so we could do both towns. 

We social distanced, everyone was over 10 feet away at the beach (smaller beach and not crowded) and at mini golf, so fingers crossed it will all work out.  Week 2 of e-learning begins.  

I had a good break from the news over the weekend and I come back to shootings and riots and more Covid.  DD (7) has taped notes up in her room that say, When will Covid end, BLM, Who will be President, Will I have my happy ending?  To be clear, we don't talk about these subjects much and try to make them just what they need to know, and avoid politics, but they do watch the news sometimes.  Pretty heavy stuff for a 7 year old.  We have talked about racism and equality, but haven't talked much about BLM at all.  I just want this all to be over with.  We had a shooting at a local pancake house.  Not our town, but they own several restaurants, and it's like this is where people go to eat breakfast, why are people shooting here.  It's supposed to be a peaceful place.  ETA- It was a random shooting, not related to any current events.  

[traveltheworld]

We had a pretty good weekend. We went to our nanny's house on Friday night and hung out with her and her boyfriend and played on their Switch, it was fun. It was cold and rainy Saturday morning, but the sun came out for outdoor movie night at our friends. So the kids all watched the movie while the adults hung out on the patio and drank - it was nice. Yesterday was super windy so we went to the library to pick up some more books, played board games in the afternoon, and then watched hockey. All in all, a nice weekend.

The kids are supposed to start school on Thursday, and I feel good about it. DD is super pumped about going to kindergarten. She actually doesn't mind wearing a mask and was putting together coordinating outfits with her various masks yesterday. DS is still on the "I can't wear a mask for 7 hours a day" train, but he's usually pretty good about following actual teachers' instructions, so I'm sure it'll work itself out.

[twinmomma]

We played mini golf this weekend too waverly! I don't know why I hadn't done that as a summer activity with the girls yet, it was a really good outdoor, distanced activity.

I spent yesterday with beau and his son. The girls were with their dad all weekend. We went to a couple open houses in the morning, grabbed brunch at a diner, and then went mini golfing. It was so nice to have a day just one on one with beau's son, not all three kids. Beau's been spending a lot of time with my kids this summer, taking them swimming or to just go play to get them out of my hair while I work. I haven't had the same chance to hang out with his son like that. We had so much fun!

The open houses were nuts. One house had a line of people waiting down the driveway and into the street, all trying to get in and see it while "socially distanced." The market is just so crazy right now.

[supertrooper1]

It was a good weekend. DS and I had a lazy Saturday, grabbing tacos from our local taco stand and hanging out at home. Yesterday was my aunt's 84th birthday so we went to a small backyard bbq after having a lazy morning at home. It was a perfect mix of chill and activity for the weekend.

Today is DS's first day of active online schooling. School started for him last Wednesday but it was only making sure the kids could get online and meeting for a few minutes one on one with his teacher. I had everything packed and by the door last night, and we got out of the house smoothly this morning with time to pick up Starbucks for his DCP and got his computer set up at her house. He was excited to start school, especially since I saw a couple of his closer friends on his classroom list. I hope it goes ok for him and my DCP, but I'm sure it will take a while for everyone to get into the grove.

[sandandsea]

We had a low key weekend. Ds2 finally got to start his soccer and loved it. We had a couple of play dates that kept the boys happy and entertained for hours.

Ds1 is hating soccer currently as it’s and hour and forty minutes of footwork since they can’t actually play together and we just got his practice schedule and they start at 4 and 4:30 which is super annoying. It’s so sad to see this ruin it for him. We’ve told him it’s temporary but maybe we should have just taken the year off and tried out for comp again next year when they can actually play.

Dh has committed to doing one of the drop offs but then complained that this isn’t Covid related so it’s putting his work out etc. and I reminded him how we used to outsource this but can’t now so it is Covid related and he shouldn’t feel bad. And he works like 70-80 hours a week all the time so his work can deal with it as far as I’m concerned.

And I heard 2 teachers complained to a parent about background noise at the learning pod after school place and I replied that the teachers shouldn’t complain and should just mute them and deal with it. The kids are in K and 3rd so it’s part of virtual classroom management as far as I’m concerned. It’s not reasonable for the teachers to expect every child to be at home in perfect silence with an adult to supervise. I feel like the expectations are so extra these days. So that annoyed me all day yesterday because I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

[k3am]

We had a nice weekend. Birthday party for the neighbor on Friday, sports for DS (who LOVED IT), and then a play date with his bestie and the neighbor kids. Yesterday DH's parents came over for the day and that was... something. On FIL bingo, he checked off benign racist comments (old terminology that was acceptable before and isn't now.. which.. doesn't really bother me much), actual racist comments, eating BBQ sauce by the spoonful, and added in two new additions that aren't on the normal card - gender stereotypes and what it takes to be a "good woman" (that I don't meet), and eating butter by the spoonful. So much cringe.

I bought DH a cocktail box subscription. Box one was not a hit. Box two (tequila) has been fabulous so far. It was a nice way to round out the craziness.

[rere]

Good weekend. Got in long walks with DH both days. DS worked for a local farmer so he did not do much. DD watched movies. DH and I hung out with our usual friends on Saturday night. However, there were other people there not in my regular bubble, which made us both nervous. We got on the discussion of how difficult it is to figure out when and if you go anywhere. My mental health is much better when I can get out of this house at least some on the weekend and actually talk to people not my family. It makes Monday more tolerable. However, every interaction is a risk, so what do you do?

[mommyatty]

We had a quiet weekend, which was awesome. Saturday we swam and were just really lazy. Sunday I didn’t put real clothes on until MIL came over for dinner. DS never got out of his pajamas at all. I spent some time sewing masks, and it was really nice to sew again. It’s good for my soul.

I’ve been talking with a counselor and it’s helping. I had an appointment last week with a psychiatrists’ office. They are going to do a bunch of labs to see if there’s anything physically going on. But what bothered me was the nurse practitioner was very adamant that I needed to start Prozac. I’m not comfortable with that as a first option. I would like drugs with a bunch of side effects that take months to taper off from to be a last resort. So there’s a prescription waiting for me at the pharmacy. And this week I’m going to explain to them that I haven’t yet started it. Which is making me anxious, which is super ironic.

[waverly]

rere, I don't have the answer to that. Mostly we have been able to stick to our bubble, but there have been a few things that made me nervous. The zoo, I felt that they let in too many people and because it was outside only about half wore masks, and there was crowded sections. The creek, sometimes the kids got a bit close, and one guy got close talking to my mom. We visited friends, and I thought it was just us, but there family was there. It was only 4 families total, and they had been distancing, but they had also had a big party (which we skipped). Every time I am 2 weeks out, I think OK made it through that. I'm not as nervous about the beach we went to because it was SOOO windy, and people were far apart. Mini golf was also pretty spaced. I'm just trying to stick to my bubble and avoid large gatherings.

It's totally a balance between the physical aspects of getting Covid and mental health. I know people whose daughter started getting ticks due to Covid stress (7 years old) and another teenager that had to be inpatient/ outpatient due to intensifying depression during the pandemic, so I do think we have to balance both. But of course I don't want to get sick because I am allergic to all painkillers and fever reducers or get DH sick since he is slightly higher risk (and of course the kids).

[waverly]

k3am, which subscription box did you get?

[twinmomma]

mommyatty, Are you worried about meds in general or Prozac specifically? That's what my PCP just started me on a few weeks ago after my therapist recommending I investigate medication options for anxiety and depression. I was really, really nervous about all the side effects that they listed. But after a couple days of a slightly upset stomach and headache, I've been fine ever since. And I do feel a noticeable difference almost a month in to taking it. I described it to beau as feeling like my brain doesn't have this fog over it anymore. I can actually focus on work, have energy again, and I was able to read and absorb a book when beau and I went on vacation. I haven't been able to do that for months. My PCP went with Prozac because it can help with anxiety and depression, not just one or the other. She reviewed a lot of options with me first.

[k3am]

waverly, Shaker and Spoon.

The first box we did was spritzers, and the first drink was blueberry cinnamon and fabulous. The second drink was dirt flavored (they called it sesame paste, but everyone drinking declared it dirt). And the third was.. garden shrub. I kid you not. Not a fan of either of those. We only held out for another box because DH *loves* tequila.

[mae0111]

mommyatty, I know that many drugs are helpful for many people, but I am in your camp. I'm just super sensitive to any sort of medication. I was prescribed Zoloft for anxiety and PMDD. Dr started me on 50mg, and I was taking 1/4 pill each day. The side effects were brutal and worsened until I literally could not get out of bed. So I stopped, which was a horrible thing to do... but tapering off was difficult since I was already on such a low dose.

If you're in a state where you can procure it legally, CBD has been amazing for me. No side effects, and it really does help to calm my anxiety. I don't think there's a placebo effect because I often forget that I took it and realize that I'm not feeling as anxious. Tincture has been best for me. Gummies make me tired for some reason - so great for bed.

Again, I know many others have had success with meds, and I should really probably try them again myself. But if you're reluctant and you can get it, CBD might be a good interim solution.

[mae0111]

Weekend was good, for the most part. DH and I were able to sneak in a date night. I had a liiiiittle too much to drink. Honestly, not more than I usually drink on a date night, but I've scaled way back on my usual drinking and it hit me hard. I spent much of yesterday terribly hung over. But we had a great time. It was awesome to spend time together. Then my parents had us and my sister's family over for Italian dining al fresco. School starts this week so it was good to catch up.

I have came to a decision regarding DD1 over the weekend. No more fighting about school work or responsibilities. I'm worn out, and I just need some peace. So, if you don't want to do what's expected, don't. But there will be consequences. She very much wants to go to a very nice $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ private school for high school, possibly middle school. I will not fight with her for 7 years and pay $50K/year for the pleasure. So I'm backing off. She has an assignment due on Wednesday that she was supposed to work on all summer. She had written instructions. I received an email over the weekend confirming the instructions. She did not follow the instructions, but could easily remedy this. Nope. She will not be fixing it. I'm being like Elsa and letting it go. I shared this all with her.

Unfortunately her attitude has been "Challenge accepted" and has fought about literally everything today. You need shoes and a helmet to ride your bike. You need to brush your teeth. Non negotiables. Screaming, door slamming, foot stomping.

I've been so calm. CBD. Possibly vodka tonight if this keeps up.

[twinmomma]

mae0111, Whoa, they started you at 50mg? I started at 10mg for two weeks, then doubled to 20mg for 2 weeks. That's the dosage they recommend I stay on for now unless I notice issues. My friend recently started on Prozac as well and her doctor started her at 10mg too. We've been comparing notes on side effects and the process.

[186momx]

I'm exhausted from my 4 day weekend. No new car the zero % interest rates weren't for what I was looking for. We did a ton of canning yesterday. got 24 quarts of tomato juice! I also prepped 20 stuff peppers a those are in the freezer plus we went and picked peaches so will be spending the week dehydrating peaches. This is normal for me this time of year but yesterday I really felt like the ant storing stuff for winter.

[k3am]

rere, you have your comfort zone. Be open about it. If your comfort zone is ONLY WITH YOUR BUBBLE, your bubble people need to know that your comfort zone is ONLY WITH YOUR BUBBLE. And they need to let you know if there are going to be people there who aren't in your bubble so that you can make your decision.

[mae0111]

twinmomma - I never TOOK 50mg of Zoloft, but that what was prescribed. Dr told me if I was concerned, cut it in half. So I cut it into quarters. Still too much.

[k3am]

My inlaws are here. Again. FIL forgot his cellphone and their "quick stop" to get it has already turned into a 20 minute visit. I faked a conference call so I can hide. I'm a terrible person. But I did my duty yesterday for 6 hours... But it's lunch time and I'm starving.

[rere]

Weird Monday here. FIL just called to gift DS his old truck. This is bizarre. These are the same people who will send you home leftovers in a butter bowl and then want it back. Or who you ask to borrow something they have and come up with 3000 excuses as to why not. Who came up with a reason to never pay a for a prom, graduation gift, wedding, rehearsal dinner for any of their kids (exception of BIL, because I was still pissed about my lack of a rehearsal dinner, that we offered to do all the cooking and decorating to at least give them something). Who was given one of those motorized cars for my kids to play with, but would not let them have it because he said he needed to keep it for all of the grandkids. Except the other 2 are 5 years older and come in once every three years. DH got mad a few weeks ago because FIL found out about DS's broken truck and called to let DH know 300 reasons why DS could not borrow the truck that he never drives. So now he buys another truck, that will set in the driveway and not go anywhere and is gifting DS a truck. I don't think we should take it. We bought a car that he can drive for now, and there has to be a catch.

[waverly]

rere, At first I was going to say yay take the truck. But you are right, there has to be a catch like you can't actually use the truck because I have to pass it down to all the grandkids.

[xctsclrx]

Did he give the title too? My oldest SS was gifted a car by his grandfather, but had to work it off on the farm before he could 'have it' kept track of hours and everything and then gave it to his brother, because we had a solution for the oldest

I don't do gifts with strings attached.

[mommyatty]

twinmomma- it’s any meds. I would rather try the other stuff they said could help (diet, exercise, breathing exercises) before I jump to meds. I’m not categorically opposed to meds. I just want to try some other things and get the lab data back.

[rere]

Aug 31, 2020 15:44:25 GMT -5 xctsclrx said:

Did he give the title too? My oldest SS was gifted a car by his grandfather, but had to work it off on the farm before he could 'have it' kept track of hours and everything and then gave it to his brother, because we had a solution for the oldest

I don't do gifts with strings attached.

I was to stupefied to ask many details.  I assume with the title or I definitely will not mess with it at all. 

mommyatty, I do not blame you.  With my family history of mental illness, I am reluctant to take anything unless I had to just because, it is probably not a correct assumption, but with that history, I don't want anything to mess with my brain, mood, emotions.  Totally made up theory on my part, but that's where I am at.   Plus a couple of those things that dad was on, you really had to watch and not miss due to seizures and other side effects if you did miss doses.  Which he did from time to time. 

[186momx]

Has anyone got a phone call from Amazon saying your account was hacked. They transfer me to the security department who wanted to screen share my computer. I told them I needed to call back when I got home. I found the whole thing fishy. Thoughts???

I've changed my amazon password and added the 2 step authentication when you log in.

[mommyatty]

186momx- that sounds very fishy.

[mustardseed2007]

186momx, oh yeah that sounds like a total scam.

[k3am]

186momx , likely a scam. Anytime you get an unsolicited call that you're concerned may be legit and you don't want to disregard - Amazon, your credit card, the IRS, whatever, always be "busy" and call them back at the number listed on their website. (This is honestly one of the biggest/simplest fraud prevention tools we use at work.)

ETA: Same thing with emails. If Amazon or your credit card or whoever has emailed you saying you need to click the link and log into their website and change a password or WHATEVER... DON'T. Enter their address into the browser yourself, and if it's a valid request, it will be there too. 

[186momx]

I looked it up when i got home and total scam. So glad I said I needed to call them back when I was home.