It's my birthday today! I have finally made it to 55 and am eligible to attend an active senior's center. I am hoping i will enjoy this place as much as i did my mental health drop-in in my 30s and 40s. Hopefully it will give some structure to my days. Also, i now get The Senior's Discount! Ca-ching!

I bought myself an achingly beautiful African dress for my birthday present. It's main color is turquoise which is mine and Louise's favorite color. It has sparkles at the neckline. It's loose and light, perfect for the hot hot hot weather we are having.

@Scooter9:

So happy that you are getting some good medical attention and can look forward to an end to your awful stomach pain. Good luck on your gallbladder removal today. It's routine surgery so it should go well. But surgery is surgery and no denying it's a serious matter.

@Soupe du jour:

Yes, people who know us well are comforting. I know i missed that when my ex-husband and i split up, as toxic as the relationship was. He missed me too, told me so, even tho it was for the best that we went our separate ways. No need to keep up a brave front here tho. Feel free to let loose!

@Innerzone:

I know how you feel. I was told i was "creating a climate of fear" at work at the end when we were under a reorg and buy-outs were being offered and i repeated what Human Resources had told me about the buy-out pot dwindling and to take it pronto. But that was just the info i was given! Anyways my director gave me two weeks of "Crisis Leave" which isn't even a thing. She had compassion for me. My ex-husband had asked for a divorce at the same time. I'd highly recommend taking some form of leave. I hope you are not just being too hard on yourself. Were you directly told that you're making trouble at work or are you just inferring it?