Today was not my best day. For some reason, I didn’t sleep at all last night. I became very emotional today. Drank. Sprained my ankle and fell in front of the new neighbors trying to get Banjo inside. Drank some more. It was just a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. I think I’ll move to Austrailia…
So I am going to continue watching Hallmark movies and feeling stupid. I don’t want to watch Below Deck yet, because I really like the show. And I want to enjoy it later. Also, I might have called Austrailia… JK
This book is making me feel better though. Perhaps I’ll recap Below Deck tomorrow…
So what had happened was… the new neighbors have like a really big family or something. And there is a really cute young boy. The really cute young boy likes to …. wait for it… SKATE BOARD. Which is a great thing for a really cute young boy to do.
HOWEVER, Banjo loses his everloving mind over skateboards. So the new neighbors have put down some plyboard or something so the really cute young boy can practice his moves, right near the fence. I’m already worried about the EXTREMELY CUTE little red haired girl age two sticking her hand through the fence trying to pet Banjo. So anyway it was a whole thing. I love my new neighbors but neither Banjo nor myself are used to having people living next door. Neither of us are handling it well. We have the best of intentions. But neither of us are really socialized and it is new for both of us.
Also. I had paused the Hallmark Channnel so I would not have to watch commercials and now I am apparently taping two things at once so here I sit watching Below Deck pretty much against my will. And my ankle hurts.
Wow, a light bulb just appeared over my head! I need this book for my son when he has bad days. He has been getting so frustrated and acting out due to communication issues. You just made my week! If nothing else, know you just gave me a valuable tip.
It’s so difficult when people think all animals automatically are “ok”. And worse, they may perceive the owner as the meanie who is stopping a deep canine-human connection. Until the (rescued) chihuahua jumps up and tears a pant leg through the chain link fence.
Very much in sympathy with the whole awkward neighbor and pet thing. Hugs to you both.
I am still coping with last week’s Below Deck (Ashton strip, the goofy 10 courses just to have 10 courses, etc)
My folks have a 3 year old lab. They bring him to work (I work with them). Another pet peeve of mine is when people come in and ENCOURAGE the puppy to jump up on them. And tell you it is “OK”. Um, NO IT ISN’T. We were actively training him NOT to do that while he was still a puppy b/c we knew he was going to be a big dog and could not someone right on their ass later on in life!
Nothing wrong with some day drinking on days like that TT 🙂 Cheers
Yikes! I hope you feel better soon, TT. All I’ll say is the last week has been very rough out here, but I’m trying my best to hang on. I did some work earlier today, but I’m binging on podcasts and looking up random stuff online because it’s helping me feel better.
You should listen to the video it made my kids feel better. I used to read it to all the “bad kids” that were always sent for “time out” in my classroom. Sometimes I think they misbehaved just to get there because, I GET IT. 🙂
In other news. The Beef Tongue thing is one of the most over the top story lines production has ever come up with.
Perhaps I’ll try it. I know this sounds crazy, but “family friendly”/kiddy stuff scares me the most. I can binge my way through freaky-ass sci-fi/horror TV shows and true crime podcasts, but just getting close to my childhood stuffed animals causes massive waterworks.
I’ll save the rest for my next “weekly appointment”. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences here, and for giving us the space to be ourselves.
It’s a book, my love. Kids books can bring happiness and validation. Just shut up and watch the video.
A kindred spirit. I think of myself as “Urban Spock” 🙂
Haha, yes, some of us have very weird tastes. I’m listening to a “true crime comedy” podcast right now. For me, it’s therapeutic to listen as the hosts mock all the crazy shit that’s going down on this documentary about the neighborhood scary clown.
TT, I’m sorry your having a rough day. It sounds like you were such a good teacher. After my Dad died I had the absolute worst teacher. I didn’t want to participate much and she would “ground me” by making me move my desk to the back of the room and face the wall, she also made me go take some type of test to see if I should be in special ED. After I told my Mom the principal tried to make me sign some type of confidentiality agreement on my own in 5th grade ??? I ended up being homeschooled for a few years after that until high school, but damn teachers really have a huge impact on our lives. And I’m sure there are a lot of kids out there who are very grateful that they had you in their lives.
There were asshole teachers who hated the behavioral problems. As a walking behavioral problem I loved them. Which is what they needed. They were angels in my classroom sometimes they would journal (i gave every kid a book to just write or draw in) and I let them talk if they wanted too. Then THE ASSHOLE TEACHERS stopped letting them come to my class because it was not a “punishment.” Never was sure why punisihing kids was the goal. I too would send my kids to time out in my room or when I needed a break from them in another room. VERY RARELY. But I had kids in my room A LOT. Whoever the teacher didn’t like. And I loved them.
I’ll shut up now because I know I am sounding like Mother Teresa. But Y’all have me right? I read the the riot act. But I also let them respond/
I get it. I wish I’d have had you as my detention teacher! We’re compadres age wise so that wouldn’t have worked for me personally, lol.
I was very naughty for too many years, still struggle, I love hearing your life stories.
This is everything, and also my teaching style! Props to you!!!!!!
You’re right. Everything you say to a child could have a lasting impact on the rest of their lives. It is so important that teachers think about what they are saying to a child. It becomes their inner voice.
Those were some lucky kids. I am sure they remember you fondly
I lost my dog today…Spotucus…Spotty….Spot. A rescue beagal who was the smartest dog in the world. Even though I have 3 more dogs and 2 cats (the cats are older than 14 yrs)….my spotty was the sweetest and the one I could least afford to lose. I am an animal lover. I have cried all day. I leave the back door open just in case….even though I know my husband buried him in our own pet cemetery in the back yard. over the years I have lost muddy muddy, stubby , scooter bambini, lady and all her pups, blackie, flossy and her kittens… it doesn’t get easier. In fact it gets worse…I won’t get anymore animals after these are gone. I just can’t take it anymore.
It never gets easier… the rewards outweigh the sorrow. But sometimes it’s too much. I hope the good memories of Spotty will get you through the worst times.
My puppy I’m obsessed with getting has been held up due to my fear of the loss. I’m 60, and will be 75 and still ticking meaning that I could have to deal with the loss. It’s too much. (My last dog was 15, lost her 12yrs ago) still dream about her often!!
It’s really difficult and I think if I don’t go look I’ll be okay.
I saw a really cute pup, Chris said okay call see $. It was $3,400.00
Lol.
Cheryl B., do consider a rescue. There are so many available. I’ve done nothing but rescues for the past few decades, & now that I’m older, just senior rescues as I’m trying to not outlive them. There are often discounted prices for seniors rescuing seniors. My dear toy poodle Coco Chanel was only $200. She was adopted out-of-state, so I bought a baby blanket & a soft toy hedge hog & slept with them under my nightgown one night before sending them to the shelter so Coco would know me when I arrived to pick up my new baby. She was a tiny one-eyed raggedy waif between 8-11 years that no one else wanted 2-1/2 years ago, & now she is a bright delightful 8-1/2 lb. service dog that is adored & adoring. She flies with me to California every year & went with me in her pink stroller on my first date with Fly Boy so he would understand we were a package deal. She wears a pretty dress every day & eats specially prepared warmed food, usually with homemade brown & wild rice & gravy. I also cook her boneless chicken breast every week & often fat-free beef. She is a breast cancer/double mastectomy survivor (bad original owner who did not have her spayed when young), but our angel vet loved her almost as much as me & brought her through even though the tumor was huge. I cannot imagine how I lived most of my life without this sweet bargain baby, & if I must lose her at some point I will know that I would not have missed my years with her for all the tears & sorrow I know I will experience. There are special spots all over my heart for all the babies I’ve loved & lost.
Thank you MizGrandma, I think I know what I must do.? ?
Im so sorry to hear that. I hope your pain eases quickly.
I’m so sorry!! My thoughts are with you. There is no way one can really be prepared, it just takes time. Buy yourself a little something special or do something fun. Sending a hug.
Pam, I am so sorry to hear your sad news. We are a blended pet family with our own backyard cemetery, & each loss is a new heartbreak. May the day come soon that the memories of your precious one bring you smiles instead of tears–
So very sorry to hear! So hard to lose a pet! But thank you so much for being such a wonderful person to take animals in and give them a wonderful life!
Pam. Read this a couple of days ago and could only bring myself to respond now (after a bit of tequila, to be honest). I am so sorry for your loss. I’m literally laying here in bed with my Simon’s ashes next to me. Lost him at the end of September. He was 19… and in telling people I was half apologetic for being emotional. Then a friend/co worker (who I don’t think is even an animal person) expressed his condolences and when I was all “its ok, he was 19″.. HE then said well, I could lose my grandma at 95, a good long life, but it would still hurt and I would still miss her.” I could have hugged and kissed him at that moment, but his wife might have an issue with that. I’m absolutely grateful for every moment of the last 19 years, but I also miss him hard! He wasn’t even sweet to most… to be frank, he was an asshole that had a caution sticker on his file at the vet and I adored him for it. With ME, he purred so much he drooled. I know I’ll have another animal some day… but I’m not ready yet. I feel like his spirit will let me know when it is time and will lead me to the next fur baby.
Mercury in retrograde/full moon… so not surprised by your day but I hope tomorrow is better. I am also a teacher (high school English) who favors the “difficult” ones.
Australia totally sucks right now. Catastrophic bushfires and we won’t be seeing any more days under 30 degrees for about 8 months. Note good for those of us at a certain age and dealing with The Crazy. But , come in June, you’ll be able to go outside!
Have never commented but just love this website where everyone seems to be friends and support each other…. as well as talk some smack! Tamara I am sorry about your ankle. I think you will be making some friends with your next door neighbors… they will love Banjo. Prop your ankle up, add an ice pack and add ice to your cocktail.
I have to wait another 45 minutes for Below Deck and the ass-licking beef tongue debacle. WHAT WOULD POSSESS a chef to serve beef tongue? To offer it as an option, FINE, but to come up with that. I may have to eat my words (NPI) after watching, but it seems like a chef with an ego as big as NeNe’s ass is thinking he can be the miracle worker who makes everyone like tongue.
Is Kevin the worst chef to ever be featured on a Below Deck franchise? So far, the food sucks and he is just bland. Redeeming yourself on beef tongue is not that impressive. At least Leon was snarky, and Matt had more personality.
Kevin and Leon should open a restaurant. They could call it Tongue ‘n Cheeks.
LOL. Best idea EVER. Thanks ya’ll for the kind words. I’m tryinng to rally for RHOC. But we shall see. Y’all are the best.
If you can’t rally, we will be here when you can. Rather have you feeling better than feeling awful for a RHOC recap. Ewwww. Awful thought, lol.
HW always come AFTER YOU, and your well being.
Xo
That’s THE BEST. Even better than Milk, Milk, Lemonade around the corner from a fudge factory.
You needed a drum roll. Freaking funny.
Very funny!!!
I respectfully disagree. Leon was nasty to Kate. He made the same dishes over and over. Matt only shined when he had Kate helping him with planning the menu or Bruno in the kitchen helping him. Kevin took a chance by serving tongue, but they all ended up liking it. I was impressed by his 10 course meal. But then again, I eat Spam so what do I know??? ?
Sorry to hear about that Tamara! I sprained my ankle three months ago riding on my bike (trying to exercise) and about two weeks ago I sprained my back jumping on the trampoline. I think my body doesn’t like physical activities.
You sound like you were an amazing teacher. I wish all teachers were like that. My kids had some good ones, some really bad ones too.
Be sure to ice & elevate your ankle. Watch Christmas movies & try to get some rest. The new neighbors might become new friends as well only time will tell.. xo Marc
Oh nooo, the ghetto is turning into Wysteria Lane! Poor Banjo, he is not ready for this. Hope your ankle feels better, ice and elevation.
I hope you are feeling a bit better today TT. We love that book in our family.
I find that the older I get, the less it takes to set me “off” and I just want to go back to bed and get under the covers. Isn’t it enough that my body is getting older without my emotions becoming less strong?
Sorry to hear you’re going through it. Change is hard. New neighbors are hard. Sometimes it’s all you can do to keep your sense of humor intact and retire from the field of battle (so to speak) with a good book or a good binge session in front of the tv.
To that end, might I suggest that you also check out Judith Viorst’s books for adults. She has a wonderful sense of humor and writes essays on women and aging…as well as books on being “too young to be 50” and “too young to be 60” and “how the hell did I get to be 70??” etc. etc. I highly recommend her!
Much love to Banjo!
I’m recovering from ankle surgery. Keep it elevated, iced and take ibuprofen. That’s the prescription for you, too, TT.
My mother-in-law was a special ed teacher in elementary school, and was proud of the fact that she had practically ZERO trouble out of her kids. She took in the children that no other teachers wanted to deal with. And at 4’10”, some of the students were taller than my MIL! Even though she had over twenty kids in her class, she says she always found a way to make all of them feel special, and made sure each of them had one-on-one time with her. My MIL is 85 now, has some mild dementia, but to this day, we will run into some of her students, and to see them as adults and how happy they are to see her (and how happy it makes my MIL) makes my eyes leak! And she somehow remembers their names and can tell them a memory she has about them! People who can teach are worth more than gold. And you, TT, are at the top of that pile of gold with my MIL. <3
Your posts are increasingly a cry for help.
So is that an offer to help, or a condemnation? There are WAY better sites out there than this one. Perhaps explore until you find one you like. I’m not for everyone….
Model music plays in the background.
o.
Hope your ankle is better today!!!
If you ever need someone to put a tack on a chair I’m your girl. It’s all about technique. A well placed tack is always placed upon one of the two posterior leg boots so as to be camouflaged. Despite having confessed this year’s ago absolution only goes so far. Is there a smoking section in purgatory?
I am so glad that Abbi is gone. She got married to her captain last week. Let’s see how long before it’s just now for her. As Capt. Lee says her mouth wrote a check her ass couldn’t cash.
I wonder who the new deckie will be. I hope it’s Dave or Connie. Maybe Logan? I was thinking it might be Ross, but he’s been a bosun, so not likely.
Oh wow, they actually got married. Good for her, why not.. She quit a fancy yacht scrubbing decks and incessantly wiping surfaces and rolling towels, for a sailboat on the Aegean with her husband. I know where I’d rather be!
My friend, for REAL, Captain Lee is being a dick to her on Twitter. He’s giving her the Rocky treatment. I feel bad for her.
I love Abbi. I might even go visit her in Greece if the opportunity presents itself.
I’m super curious who the new deck hand will be. Has anyone seen anything on social media?
When Ashton asked Capt Lee about the new deckie’s CV, he said that you already know them, so I was thinking it has to be one of the deckhands from last season’s BD…. Maybe Rhylee or Tyler?
There is a reason almost everybody will rather talk about anything but “Below Deck.” So far this season has been a total snooze fest. Pity. It was one of my favorite franchises.
Thanks for the cute video TT! I’m gonna give that book to my niece fir Christmas. ?
I hope your ankle heals quickly. BTW, I think Rhylee’s the new deckhand. In the preview Captain Lee told Ashton he already knows her.
I hope she annoys the fuck out of him…
Me too! If she comes back shes gonna give him the buisness!
I am disgusted by Ashton. I said it elsewhere, but I will say it again here. Ashton, no one wants to suck your dick because it stinks of desperation.
Slowly catching up on my shows and just watched this. (Awesome realization: I have more non-Bravo shows than bravo shows on my DVR! #Progress!) I feel bad for Abbi. She’s clearly a young girl who was trying out different things to figure out her path in life. So she realized motor yachts aren’t her thing…big deal. Great to hear she actually got married! I’m a huge Captain Lee fan, but a bit disappointed in him if he’s being a dick to her on SM. I’d hardly call her a quitter, she was obviously more cut out for sailing. I’m interested to see who’s coming to replace her!
Finally an interior crew I can love. Courtney’s dress for clubbing was so pretty. I get it, not really a club outfit. But I suspect she packed something versatile. And good for her on the personality thing. I only dated guys who had great personalities. Still friends with all, even after 27 married years.
I pick my dogs for personalities, too. Spouse commented on (new) dog’s coloration and I said I never noticed. I only cared about her smile.
Speaking of dogs, Simone is my imaginary best friend, who dances with me and the dogs around the living room. She is so great.
Finally, Kate. “My mouth is not a receptacle for your jealousy and insecurity “. Priceless.
Dogs can smile?
Have you ever met a labrador retriever or golden retriever?
Lots of Golden retrievers in our family. Maybe they were just sad? But um, ours had snouts not faces. Perhaps they were defective?
Buckle up sweetie, because I might be DMing you smiley dog pics when I’m bored at work. 🙂
My current avatar on fecesbook is my (rescued) poodle, Kizmet, smiling.
Happy dogs open their mouths, kinda pant at us, and smile. Could be a learned behavior from their humans.
Poodle taught new dog how to climb steps today.
I guarantee you Banjo smiles at you.
I just realiized I prolly accidentally emailed to Erica rather than commenting but Banjo, like most dogs, has a snout and “smiling” is not a possible thing
I didn’t get an email, but clearly Banjo is just a badass like my Simon was and could not possibly be caught being a goofy shithead like a goldie or a lab. It would ruin his ghetto rep. Clearly.
My Pomeranian mix rescue smiles all the time. People smile at him all the time when we walk because he such a happy, little guy.
I love Simone too!! She’s so great. I am really curious as to who is going to replace Abbi. I don’t think Tamara has told us yet….
This season has been kind of fun. The marathon is on today and it’s the season with Rocky. What ever happened to her. Did we ever figure out why she looked at the ceiling in the later interviews?
In the reunion she said she was looking at butterfly in the corner of the ceilings. I miss her & her wackiness!
When Captain Lee was telling Ashton that he got a replacement for Abbi, he said something to the effect that he already knows her. Ashton mumbled, “I hope she doesn’t have red hair.” After thinking about it, it would totally make sense and up the drama if it’s Rhylee. My money is on her being the replacement!