[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Moose72

Aww. Thanks.

I forgot to say that I got a couple books. I was driving home from my hair appointment, and decided to turn left toward Barnes and Noble. I found two books I found interesting: Hurry Down Sunshine by Michael Greenberg and the classic Touched with Fire- by Kay Redfield Jamison

Touched with Fire is such an excellent book. I read Hurry Down Sunshine a few years ago. I wish I could remember it...it seems to me that it was meaningful, but my memory is horrible. Let us know how you like it.

[wildflowerchild25]

I was in a mild panic all day long due to house stuff. Turns out I didn’t realize I had to have a separate termite inspection and the inspection window is over Monday!!! I spent a lot of time at work trying to find and make appointments. I got one for Saturday but my realtor obviously needs to be there to open the house. He said he’s going to try to get the inspection window a little smaller so we don’t all have to sit there for two hours waiting. Especially because it’s going to be 19 freaking degrees.

The plumber I called for my mom was a no show. I found another that was much more responsive and also nicer on the phone. My mom pledges to handle it herself but I have my doubts. Grandma agreed that the rest of the house can wait since my moms not moving anytime soon anyway.

In any case as long as the termite inspection can be done we’re ready for the next step, requesting that the sellers make necessary repairs. We only want the termite damage addressed and a piece of broken siding that needs to be replaced in order for water not to seep through. Hopefully they agree to that. We are probably not going to withdraw anyway. RS says he thinks he can fix the visible termite damage himself. We’re just asking for the sellers to pay for a contractor to assess the damage. All the other problems are easily fixed and RS can do them himself, except for electrical. But we have two electrician friends who will help us out.

We only have four months left on this “lease” for the rented house. I have lease in quotes because I’m tempted to tell the landlord to keep our security deposit and **** off. Not pay rent for the time we’re not living here. I believe I have a case because the landlord never presented us with a new 12 month lease in June of last year. I guess he just assumed that since we were paying, we still lived here. There is no written or even verbal evidence that we agreed to stay a whole second year. It’s just a matter of whether it’s worth fighting in court. I’m sure he would try to take us to court over it. And I’m equally sure we would win, I just don’t think the cost of a lawyer is worth the trouble for three months of rent, especially because our first mortgage payment wouldn’t be until April first so we’d only have to pay both for two months. Is it worth arguing over $3600? I’ll have to ask my real estate lawyer if he knows anything about it.

I’m looking forward to a nice long hot shower, which I will do now.

[bizi]

wildflowerchild25
I hope the plumbing issue gets resolved quickly!And that you sell the house.
We just sold our mother in laws house. There was a lot of work done to the house and they had to lower the price because they had done enough.They finally got what they wanted for it.They spent $50K on repairs and up grade of light fixtures, new roof,new air and heater foundation repair sump pump repair.painted the entire inside of the house and the basement floor as well.
It is quite a job selling a house.
good luck again.
bizi

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by wildflowerchild25

...There is no written or even verbal evidence that we agreed to stay a whole second year. ...

I don't know the law in other states, but here in Calif every agreement between a landlord and tenant must be in writing. But the law here usually sides with the tenant. Again, I don't know about NJ.

[Moose72]

Now I'm worried that I exposed myself to covid today at the mall. The salon has everybody sign into a couple electronic forms using a QR scanner. It said stuff like "if you get covid you will not take us to court and if you do you will have to pay all our fees..." Then I went to the middle of the mall where they'd taken all the tables and chairs out but they still had a couple massage chairs so I got a coffee and sat in a massage chair for 5 or 10 minutes.

[Mountaindewed]

Yeah I’m worried I exposed myself too. And it was super hot in the mall and I thought heat spread the virus quickly. I heard if you don’t start to begin to show symptoms in 4 days you should be fine.

[Soupe du jour]

I'm sorry I am so behind here. I'm sending hugs to all and will try to get a little caught up as soon as possible.

We arrived in Czech Republic yesterday late morning, after a brief stop in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The flights were comparatively pleasant and on time. The plane from NYC to Amsterdam was only about 1/4 full, so we slept stretched in a horizontal position over five seats. Nice! In contrast, the plane from Amsterdam to Prague was mostly full.

I have jet lag, and am just plain exhausted and sore. I can't wait to go to our new home, but for now we are staying with my husband's sister. Though being a guest is tiring, it's a little more like home with my sister-in-law. Unlike my family members, my husband's sister and nephews have and will help(ed) us with many things.

We have lots of errands to run.

[MuddyBoots]

I just got back from the vet's. I cried because while my cats were in there (just checking their blood pressure) and I was waiting in the car, another couple drove up and they both went right inside carrying a cat. Because of covid, they only allow people in when you're saying goodbye. I know what room they went into and I was there just in August. I will likely be back in that room soon as I have two really freakin' old cats with kidney disease and high blood pressure (both being treated). I didn't know the couple or even recognize them, but I wanted so badly to give them some kind words and a hug. I hope they take it easy and remember all the good times.

I'm still crying. I feel like it's stupid because I didn't know them or the cat and cats die every day and there are a lot of bigger problems to be facing right now, but feelings, ya know? They're intense and beautiful but irrational and frequently painful.

I think it's a "bring my headphones on my walk" day.

[yellow_fleurs]

Hi all! I just had a termination session with my therapist, the one I was seeing for about a year and half. She was glad I had called to make the appointment. I was on the fence about it, but glad I did. I actually got up the courage to ask her if she was frustrated with me, and she assured me that she was not because as a counselor she understood it was all part of the process even if I were stuck. I also told her how therapy had confused me at times like what I was supposed to be doing or talking about and she encouraged me to speak up about that in the future. I had been rather unwell last time we met so it was nice to have a session where I was doing better.

In other good news I found my car title and did not have to go to that appointment. So, that made my day a little easier. I had put it away somewhere safe like I had expected haha. Going to run errands, grab some breakfast and then pack up. Last full day in my apartment.

[Mountaindewed]

I’m doing ok today. I have a good amount of anxiety right now so I don’t know how much worse it’s going to get throughout the day. But right now I’m not doing too bad. I am at the point though where I’ve started putting medical and therapy bills on credit cards. Which is exactly what you shouldn’t be doing. I had a Visa gift card so I was able to buy pants and shirts which I really needed. But basically my prescriptions are $10-$60 each and I get a $200 therapy bill each month. Plus the bills for my ultrasound and my gynecologist came in as well. I can hardly wait until we move so I can get back to working. We have the carpet people coming in on Monday and they are putting in carpet both upstairs and downstairs. so we have to take stuff off the dressers and bookcases and closets today. The new contractor got back to us so he’s going to start working soon. Things are coming along. I think I’m finally accepting the move.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Soupe du jour

I'm sorry I am so behind here. I'm sending hugs to all and will try to get a little caught up as soon as possible.

We arrived in Czech Republic yesterday late morning, after a brief stop in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The flights were comparatively pleasant and on time. The plane from NYC to Amsterdam was only about 1/4 full, so we slept stretched in a horizontal position over five seats. Nice! In contrast, the plane from Amsterdam to Prague was mostly full.

I have jet lag, and am just plain exhausted and sore. I can't wait to go to our new home, but for now we are staying with my husband's sister. Though being a guest is tiring, it's a little more like home with my sister-in-law. Unlike my family members, my husband's sister and nephews have and will help(ed) us with many things.

We have lots of errands to run.

I'm so glad you made it safely and comfortably. Soupe, what is the time difference between here and Czechoslovakia?

[Mountaindewed]

My anxiety has gotten pretty bad. I’m trying to tell myself Xanax is not a food group. I’ve already had 1mil. I should try eating.

Fought with my best friend the other day, haven't been doing to well with it. I left it on terms where I feel appropriate, so if we reconcile, it's on the table -- but I'm not holding my breath. It is what it is. I don't have much more to add for now.

[*Beth*]

I have a rather huge 4 shelf book shelf in my bedroom. Tall. Today I took all the books out, oiled the shelves, and cleaned and rearranged the books. It was a hard job, but it looks nice and organized now. Proud me.


I took the first dose of Wellbutrin this morning. I can't tell anything yet, of course. I have high hopes of it helping this depression, SI, and general insanity. I can't seem to get stable lately.

[Sunflower123]

Originally Posted by BethRags

I have a rather huge 4 shelf book shelf in my bedroom. Tall. Today I took all the books out, oiled the shelves, and cleaned and rearranged the books. It was a hard job, but it looks nice and organized now. Proud me.


I took the first dose of Wellbutrin this morning. I can't tell anything yet, of course. I have high hopes of it helping this depression, SI, and general insanity. I can't seem to get stable lately.

I bet the book shelf looks lovely. Good job!

I hope the Wellbutrin works quickly and helps you out. Sending good thoughts your way.

[Mountaindewed]

I have this secret I’ve been hiding from my mom. My therapist knows but my mom doesn’t. If she were to find out I’d just say it’s an odd transition thing. Sometimes it just drives me nuts trying to hide it that if she ever were to find out it may just be a huge sigh of relief. She’s been so accepting so far of everything. I don’t think this would be any different. She cleaned my room in October when I couldn’t so she very well could know already and isn’t saying anything. She did mention the mysterious packages one time and I just said it was something private. I also think she saw one of my things on the floor and didn’t say anything. But it’s been stressful.

[Moose72]

Went grocery shopping again today with N3. They totally have things upside down and backwards! There are shelves where the walkways used to be, perpendicular to the other aisles. There's a hidden section of maybe 5 old aisles where the floor is all mounds of brown dirt. However, we didn't have to wait long at the check out. But at least I have groceries now.

[bizi]

Originally Posted by BethRags

I have a rather huge 4 shelf book shelf in my bedroom. Tall. Today I took all the books out, oiled the shelves, and cleaned and rearranged the books. It was a hard job, but it looks nice and organized now. Proud me.


I took the first dose of Wellbutrin this morning. I can't tell anything yet, of course. I have high hopes of it helping this depression, SI, and general insanity. I can't seem to get stable lately.

How are you sleeping?
bizi

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Moose72

Went grocery shopping again today with N3. They totally have things upside down and backwards! There are shelves where the walkways used to be, perpendicular to the other aisles. There's a hidden section of maybe 5 old aisles where the floor is all mounds of brown dirt. However, we didn't have to wait long at the check out. But at least I have groceries now.

Are they changing the floor plan of the store? I find it thoroughly upsetting when grocery stores do that.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by bizi

How are you sleeping?
bizi

I'm taking 12.5mg of Seroquel and 10mg melotonin to sleep. So far, the combination is working pretty well. I always awaken early, but I don't mind that because I like to watch the dawn. Then I go back and sleep for a while. It's the nights when I go to bed and toss and turn, unable to fall asleep that bother me. The melatonin is helping with that. And the 5 warm cats on my bed .

[Moose72]

Originally Posted by BethRags

Are they changing the floor plan of the store? I find it thoroughly upsetting when grocery stores do that.

Yup. A vast majority is being moved elsewhere. Its most annoying to have to literally hunt for one's food!

[Soupe du jour]

Originally Posted by BethRags

I'm so glad you made it safely and comfortably. Soupe, what is the time difference between here and Czechoslovakia?

Thanks, Beth.

Czech Republic is six hours ahead of EST. Nine hours ahead of California time. As I type this it is 10:57 am in Czech Republic. 1:57 am in California.

[Soupe du jour]

Hubby and I are going into Prague today to visit friends and run errands. One friend is actually the one we stayed with (garlic house) in NJ. That friend travels between the US and Czech Republic frequently throughout the year, for business. It's nice that we will continue to see him, regularly.

Yesterday was an intensely tiring day, but productive. We set up a bank account, ordered new cell phones, TV/internet service, and even bought a nice used car. It is a Honda Jazz. A type not available in the US. Our car we had in the US will be shipped to us at a later date.

[Sunflower123]

Originally Posted by Soupe du jour

Hubby and I are going into Prague today to visit friends and run errands. One friend is actually the one we stayed with (garlic house) in NJ. That friend travels between the US and Czech Republic frequently throughout the year, for business. It's nice that we will continue to see him, regularly.

Yesterday was an intensely tiring day, but productive. We set up a bank account, ordered new cell phones, TV/internet service, and even bought a nice used car. It is a Honda Jazz. A type not available in the US.

I’m glad you made it over there safely and smoothly and that things are moving along. Fascinating. Absolutely fascinating. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

[Soupe du jour]

I'm glad you're enjoying my journey with me, Jennifer. I know that at some point it will go from seeming exciting to much more stressful and far less interesting. Believe me.

Hubby ended up going to Prague on his own. Instead, I'm here on my laptop. My sister-in-law and nephew are taking naps. I'm not a napper, so won't. But this is an alone time I crave, but I do wish it was at my own place already. Being a guest has its limitations. I don't feel so very free. Over these past several weeks I have also discovered what a horrible picky fart I am about food. I have my set usual requirements for eating, and like my own cooking much more than others' or even most restaurants'. In Czech Republic, the average family seems to eat/want far fewer vegetables than I like. Often there is literally no vegetable served at all. For example, today's lunch, the closest to one was the dill in a sauce. I have what I call a "two vegetable (or at least fruit) per meal policy" in my house. My Czech hubby likes that, too. We agreed today that I'm even becoming like his mother, who would never like anyone else's food as much as her own. Truly I know I should be ashamed, since being a guest is a kind gift. I have frequently offered to be a kitchen helper for my s-i-l, but I can't just take over the cooking. It's funny how distressing this can be.

Since Hubby has been in his native country, he's been drinking a lot more, too. Czechs consume more than people in most countries, and have the highest beer consumption in the world. I've been good. For one thing, I have a history of alcohol abuse. For another thing, my medications make heavy drinking VERY BAD NEWS. It's not just how it affects my moods, but my moodstabilizers and antipsychotic can be almost like Antabuse, if I drink heavily. Once I was almost poisoned and could have choked to death from my vomit. May sound gross, but it was dangerous.