[Soupe du jour]

Originally Posted by Sapien

I know I should be with my family today, but my dad’s friend is just going on and on about how the world is going to fall into the pits of hell because Biden got elected. I’m in my room right now with headphones on. I’ll go back out when he leaves. Dude was like half an hour late and ranted about how you can get sick from this that and another thing. I could go on and on. I’m gonna put a few drops of lavender on my stuffed pig and cuddle with him, with my music up loud.

Sounds like a plan. My sister and I have to deal with something similar out of our brother's mouth. It's a shame!

One time a couple years ago, in the dead of winter, I made some statement that there are some issues on "both sides". I couldn't even imply that his side was less than 150% perfect and he started shouting at me at the top of his lungs. I got up and started out of the house and he chased me, looking almost like he would come and beat me down. I ended up having to sit downtown in the icy cold car (I was meeting my husband there) instead of my planned visit to my brother, in a warm house. So basically, his far right beliefs make him so hostile that he'd rather his sister have suffered in the frigid cold than him be in any way diplomatic or just say he disagrees. Basically, he cannot be talked to about anything beyond raising chickens, sunshine, and sous vide cooking. I blame what he watches for this severe hostility and misinformation. It's ugly crap! It's making many Americans act in ugly ways.

My brother never apologized for the above, and never will. I, as a non-grudge holding person, simply let it go. It was still severely nasty of him. I pity that he feels as he does. My sister and I do also recognize a hypocrisy in him. He's prone to making racist, homophobic, and other prejudice statements, as well. He refers to some people as "leeches on society". He probably thinks I am, too, or if he doesn't, he applies a double-standard. And yet, he lives at my father's house for free, not even paying any of the bills or the car insurance of my father's cars he drives, while my father has been living in an assisted living for well over a year....paying 100% of the facility fees. Plus, our brother seems to feel entitled to take over our father's house and property some day. Sad, but it reeks of sexism and hypocrisy. He's not a young man. He's 55! And works a job, has life-long health insurance from the navy, and a retirement from the navy, which he started collecting in his mid 40s. Frankly, the navy and living all of his youth in a submarine (taken care of by the navy/tax payers) didn't do him much good in terms of understanding and relating to the average man and woman in the country. I'm not saying that no military person does/can understand, but it is a more right-leaning club, of sorts, to a large degree. The "submarine" was not a figurative home for him, it was a literal one, but the term could be used, figuratively, for many people in this country.

Don't get me wrong. I love my brother, and am happy there are many people who protect my country in the armed forces, but damn he sure is misled!

I figure there will be a few here that don't like this post, and will want it removed.

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by Soupe du jour

Sounds like a plan. My sister and I have to deal with something similar out of our brother's mouth. It's a shame!

One time a couple years ago, in the dead of winter, I made some statement that there are some issues on "both sides". I couldn't even imply that his side was less than 150% perfect and he started shouting at me at the top of his lungs. I got up and started out of the house and he chased me, looking almost like he would come and beat me down. I ended up having to sit downtown in the icy cold car (I was meeting my husband there) instead of my planned visit to my brother, in a warm house. So basically, his far right beliefs make him so hostile that he'd rather his sister have suffered in the frigid cold than him be in any way diplomatic or just say he disagrees. Basically, he cannot be talked to about anything beyond raising chickens, sunshine, and sous vide cooking. I blame what he watches for this severe hostility and misinformation. It's ugly crap! It's making many Americans act in ugly ways.

My brother never apologized for the above, and never will. I, as a non-grudge holding person, simply let it go. It was still severely nasty of him. I pity that he feels as he does. My sister and I do also recognize a hypocrisy in him. He's prone to making racist, homophobic, and other prejudice statements, as well. He refers to some people as "leeches on society". He probably thinks I am, too, or if he doesn't, he applies a double-standard. And yet, he lives at my father's house for free, not even paying any of the bills or the car insurance of my father's cars he drives, while my father has been living in an assisted living for well over a year....paying 100% of the facility fees. Plus, our brother seems to feel entitled to take over our father's house and property some day. Sad, but it reeks of sexism and hypocrisy. He's not a young man. He's 55! And works a job, has life-long health insurance from the navy, and a retirement from the navy, which he started collecting in his mid 40s. Frankly, the navy and living all of his youth in a submarine (taken care of by the navy/tax payers) didn't do him much good in terms of understanding and relating to the average man and woman in the country. I'm not saying that no military person does/can understand, but it is a more right-leaning club, of sorts, to a large degree. The "submarine" was not a figurative home for him, it was a literal one, but the term could be used, figuratively, for many people in this country.

Don't get me wrong. I love my brother, and am happy there are many people who protect my country in the armed forces, but damn he sure is misled!

I figure there will be a few here that don't like this post, and will want it removed.

I completely support you, Soupe. Have a similar problem with my bipolar brother. Hugs and love to you, dear. I am fragile. But I will always be here for you. Always.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Sapien

I know I should be with my family today, but my dad’s friend is just going on and on about how the world is going to fall into the pits of hell because Biden got elected. I’m in my room right now with headphones on. I’ll go back out when he leaves. Dude was like half an hour late and ranted about how you can get sick from this that and another thing. I could go on and on. I’m gonna put a few drops of lavender on my stuffed pig and cuddle with him, with my music up loud.

I can't think of a more miserable kind of person to be with. I vote you keep those headphones on.

[*Beth*]

Soupe, thanks for the link to the DBSA groups. There are a number of online groups in my region, might check one out!

[Nammu]

Originally Posted by Soupe du jour

Sounds like a plan. My sister and I have to deal with something similar out of our brother's mouth. It's a shame!

One time a couple years ago, in the dead of winter, I made some statement that there are some issues on "both sides". I couldn't even imply that his side was less than 150% perfect and he started shouting at me at the top of his lungs. I got up and started out of the house and he chased me, looking almost like he would come and beat me down. I ended up having to sit downtown in the icy cold car (I was meeting my husband there) instead of my planned visit to my brother, in a warm house. So basically, his far right beliefs make him so hostile that he'd rather his sister have suffered in the frigid cold than him be in any way diplomatic or just say he disagrees. Basically, he cannot be talked to about anything beyond raising chickens, sunshine, and sous vide cooking. I blame what he watches for this severe hostility and misinformation. It's ugly crap! It's making many Americans act in ugly ways.

My brother never apologized for the above, and never will. I, as a non-grudge holding person, simply let it go. It was still severely nasty of him. I pity that he feels as he does. My sister and I do also recognize a hypocrisy in him. He's prone to making racist, homophobic, and other prejudice statements, as well. He refers to some people as "leeches on society". He probably thinks I am, too, or if he doesn't, he applies a double-standard. And yet, he lives at my father's house for free, not even paying any of the bills or the car insurance of my father's cars he drives, while my father has been living in an assisted living for well over a year....paying 100% of the facility fees. Plus, our brother seems to feel entitled to take over our father's house and property some day. Sad, but it reeks of sexism and hypocrisy. He's not a young man. He's 55! And works a job, has life-long health insurance from the navy, and a retirement from the navy, which he started collecting in his mid 40s. Frankly, the navy and living all of his youth in a submarine (taken care of by the navy/tax payers) didn't do him much good in terms of understanding and relating to the average man and woman in the country. I'm not saying that no military person does/can understand, but it is a more right-leaning club, of sorts, to a large degree. The "submarine" was not a figurative home for him, it was a literal one, but the term could be used, figuratively, for many people in this country.

Don't get me wrong. I love my brother, and am happy there are many people who protect my country in the armed forces, but damn he sure is misled!

I figure there will be a few here that don't like this post, and will want it removed.

I’m fortunate that the right leaning side of the family don’t socialize with us. My sisters are conservative but lean left. I have one nephew who works for the police and leans right but nobody talks politics to him so it’s fine but mostly he stays away from family get togethers. I’m sorry for what your brother put you though, that was unkind and nearsighted.

Hallelujah and rejoicing! I found a new brand of meals that are nutritious and inexpensive for when i am depressed and can't get it up to cook. I tend to eat junk when i'm down and am surprised i don't suffer from malnutrition. A counsellor had suggested this brand years ago but i'd rejected it because it is heavily meat-based and i prefer not to eat meat. But at wit's end i went to the grocery store today and found most of the protein comes from plants! WOOHOO!

So i got a total of 50g of protein today, the first day in forever, a stellar amount. There's always the hope that if i get decent nutrition (and especially my protein allotment) that i will lose weight. Anyways i am delighted!

I also took a shower at last, at last and took my dog out. A much better day than yesterday.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends. It's sad that there's so much conflict in families. It would be nice if we could all just find some common ground and love each other, but i guess it is not to be. I'm estranged from my sisters, so i know how it is.

Hugs to all who struggle!

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by whatever2013

Hallelujah and rejoicing! I found a new brand of meals that are nutritious and inexpensive for when i am depressed and can't get it up to cook. I tend to eat junk when i'm down and am surprised i don't suffer from malnutrition. A counsellor had suggested this brand years ago but i'd rejected it because it is heavily meat-based and i prefer not to eat meat. But at wit's end i went to the grocery store today and found most of the protein comes from plants! WOOHOO!

So i got a total of 50g of protein today, the first day in forever, a stellar amount. There's always the hope that if i get decent nutrition (and especially my protein allotment) that i will lose weight. Anyways i am delighted!

I also took a shower at last, at last and took my dog out. A much better day than yesterday.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends. It's sad that there's so much conflict in families. It would be nice if we could all just find some common ground and love each other, but i guess it is not to be. I'm estranged from my sisters, so i know how it is.

Hugs to all who struggle!

Yay. Hugs and love. Been watching Big Little Lies by Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman. And David E Kelley. All families are a total wreck.

[Coolbreeze74]

Bpcyclist, I'm so sorry you feel so alone. Take good care of yourself.

Happy Thanksgiving! I made the steaks yesterday bc my sister is bringing Thanksgiving dinner here today. I can't wait I love Thanksgiving dinner so much!

Its been a quiet day here. Dealing with my son, but otherwise a good day.

Hope everyone is having a good day! Hugs to those struggling!

[Moose72]

I went to my mom's place this afternoon for Thanksgiving dinner. We ate around 3:00. I wore a mask and stayed away from my mom's husband, as he's high-risk. The dinner was very good. I brought home left-overs and some decorations for my Christmas tree and a whole pumpkin pie. N1 and her girlfriend came over for coffee and pie. (All wearing masks.) Then my mom, her husband, N1, her gf, N2, her boyfriend, I, and my sister's whole family got on zoom for an hour. It was really fun! Now I'm home alone. having had coffee way too late. I hope I can sleep tonight. I'll probably be up late reading "Gorilla and the Bird" again.

[*Beth*]

I count myself as hugely lucky in that my entire family are strongly liberal. There are never any conflicts about politics. What a break.

[Coolbreeze74]

Most of my family is Democrats too. I would say that I'm the most liberal out of them. Some of my family is right wing and trump supporters. We just don't talk politics around them. One of my sisters is evangelical Christian, but she doesn't preach to me. She used to but I told her shes not going to change my mind about anything. Shes very sweet though and has helped me with those horrible panic attacks. She will text with me when I'm having them. She doesn't always but It helps.

[Daonnachd]

Still baking pies, but I'm also editing my article on ECT. I've cut about a quarter of a page. I'd like to get rid of more but there's not much more I can cut.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Daonnachd

Still baking pies, but I'm also editing my article on ECT. I've cut about a quarter of a page. I'd like to get rid of more but there's not much more I can cut.

I was so fond of it as it was because it was very real. But when you finish the re-write I'd love to read it.

[Daonnachd]

Originally Posted by BethRags

I was so fond of it as it was because it was very real. But when you finish the re-write I'd love to read it.

Thank you. You could actually read it by going through that same link. In fact, if you were reading while I was actually editing you'd see the changes in real-time.

[Mountaindewed]

I have been so thirsty these last few days. I’ve been drinking water nonstop and also I had 3 20oz sodas today and then I filled my water glass at dinner at least 5 times. I weighed myself and I am 8 pounds heavier than I was on Tuesday. Even now I feel out of control with my thirst. I don’t know what it could be. But tonight was good and I was very talkative with my family. I actually stayed at the dinner table. I haven’t done that in a few years.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

Our Thanksgiving was very weird. My mom cooked the basics for the 2 of us. We had planned to take dinner to Mark (my family member who is dying) but not only is he not eating right now he would up in the hospital last night. So our interaction on what probably is his last Thanksgiving was bringing him some things he wanted in the hospital and walking (ok my mom walked, I still am using a crutch and ankle brace so I sat) his dog.

So that's different than the usual for sure.

[bpcyclist]

By far the worst and most miserable Thanksgiving of my increasingly anguished and pathetic existence. I have truly given up.

[childofchaos831]

Originally Posted by bpcyclist

By far the worst and most miserable Thanksgiving of my increasingly anguished and pathetic existence. I have truly given up.

Are you okay? Do you want to talk about it?

[scatterbrained04]

Even though my son and I didn't have Thanksgiving with the family yesterday, it still ended up being a good evening. I made split chicken breast, homemade stuffing (minus sage because the grocery stores had none), mashed potatoes, and green beans. I had bought an apple pie for desert. Plenty of leftovers for lunch today. He and I watched The Next Karate Kid together while we ate. I did text back and forth with my mom and my oldest brother (I miss my brother, haven't takes to him in almost a year) a bit in the morning. My stepdad has COVID and my mom thinks she might be coming down with it. So mainly I was checking in on them.

Work has still been crazy, so I'm glad for the 4 day weekend. We're a bit short staffed, and few people are applying, and most of the interviews I've scheduled no show on me. Unbelievable.

Today, I think my son and I are going to do some cleaning and make room for a Christmas tree. Ours is falling apart, so I think tomorrow we are going to go buy a new tree and put it up. Could use a little holiday cheer.

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by childofchaos831

Are you okay? Do you want to talk about it?

Sure. If you are up. I will check. Thank you.

[Mountaindewed]

Can cough syrup cause an increase in bipolar symptoms? I’ve been kinda manic the last 3 days. A lot more talkative and engaging then I usually am. Very restless I can’t seem to sit down. Last night I felt like going on a run instead of sleeping and it was 11:30. I woke up at 3 not really wanting to go back to sleep. I spent $120 at Hollister and $80 at kohl’s. I charged them. People think I’m just doing very well and am improving and am happier. While I don’t think they are wrong I do wonder if my bipolar symptoms are a bit out of whack.

[childofchaos831]

Originally Posted by bpcyclist

Sure. If you are up. I will check. Thank you.

I'm up at the moment...

[Sunflower123]

Originally Posted by Coolbreeze74

Most of my family is Democrats too. I would say that I'm the most liberal out of them. Some of my family is right wing and trump supporters. We just don't talk politics around them. One of my sisters is evangelical Christian, but she doesn't preach to me. She used to but I told her shes not going to change my mind about anything. Shes very sweet though and has helped me with those horrible panic attacks. She will text with me when I'm having them. She doesn't always but It helps.

Most of my family is Democrats as well except my daughter who on the low down is a Trump supporter. I’ve not told anyone as she’d be pounced on by the others. Everyone was talking politics last night and I could feel and see her tensing up. Poor girl. I asked in private with an open heart and mind last night why she made that choice. None of it made sense to me. We just have to agree to disagree but at least we can talk about it respectfully.

[Sunflower123]

Last night went really well. My anxiety was not necessary. I will work out a plan since this happens every holiday. There were some waterworks as my nephew leaves December 8th for boot camp in Wisconsin. That’s to be expected though. I enjoyed seeing everyone and had a good time.

Hugs to all.

I am in a weird, weird place emotionally. I felt like crying most of last night without reason or ability to do it. I don’t know what’s going on with me lately, I really don’t. I recently started doing something that I think is probably exacerbating the issues. (I want to keep it vague and not say what it is – but please note it is not illegal or anything of that sort, it’s not physically harmful to me or others etc. It’s just not my personality or who I am, so to speak. It’s well out of my comfort zone and maybe it’s more than I realized).

A big part of the problem can be looked at by an analogy to longing and looking for water in the desert all the while learning to despise sand more and more. I don’t know what I’m gaining from being there – any chance of water is likely to be a mirage, and I become angry to find more sand. I won’t find an oasis, but yet here I am. Ugh. I am just setting myself up for issues.

I’m up and down emotionally, swinging almost. I have self-esteem problems, and always have. I don’t do well with other people, I don’t do well alone, I am not very smart, I’m not disgusting in more ways than one… I just don’t know how to hold onto anything. I don’t even know what the hell I’m talking about anymore. Haha.

I’m just unhappy I suppose. For the record, I am safe, I am not in any danger whatsoever. I don’t want to give the wrong idea – I’m just stuck in a world where I can’t find an oasis. It’s not just the idea “there are a few bad apples in the bunch”, or “plenty of fish in the sea”, it’s the whole sea is polluted and I’m the only one who doesn’t want to accept it that way. Ugh.. anyway lol.

Thanks for listening.