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I just read The Royal Runaway and wanted to recommend it as a really fun, easy, chick lit kind of book — total brain candy. It's the kind of book you gobble up quickly and then are really sad when it's over.
The author, Lindsay Emory, is new to me, and the plot seemed so completely crazy that I wasn't sure I was going to like the book or roll my eyes at it.
Here's the bit from Amazon:
Princess Theodora Isabella Victoria of Drieden of the Royal House Laurent is so over this princess thing.
After her fiancé jilted her on their wedding day, she’s finally back home after spending four months in exile—aka it’s back to press conferences, public appearances, and putting on a show for the Driedish nation as the perfect princess they expect her to be. But Thea’s sick of duty. After all, that’s what got her into this mess in the first place.
So when she sneaks out of the palace and meets a sexy Scot named Nick in a local bar, she relishes the chance to be a normal woman for a change. But just as she thinks she’s found her Prince Charming for the night, he reveals his intentions are less than honorable: he’s the brother of her former fiancé, a British spy, and he’s not above blackmail. As Thea reluctantly joins forces with Nick to find out what happened the day her fiancé disappeared, together they discover a secret that could destroy a centuries-old monarchy and change life as they know it.
Funny, fast-paced, and full of more twists and turns than the castle Thea lives in, The Royal Runaway is a fresh romantic comedy that will leave you cheering for the modern-day royal who chucks the rulebook aside to create her own happily-ever-after.
In fact I wound up loving the book, and although the heroine is a bit too perfect I really, really liked her.
(I just finished it early this morning and was thinking how much I was reminded of 90s-era heroines like the leads in Bring it On or Buffy — capable, can-do attitudes with a bit of snark.)
If you're a fan of Sophie Kinsella and other light romances this one is definitely a must try. It's $2.99 on Kindle at Amazon, or the paperback is $8.99.
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Sales of note for 11.5.24
- Nordstrom – Fall sale, up to 50% off!
- Ann Taylor – Extra 40% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything + extra 25% off with your GAP Inc. credit card
- Bloomingdales is offering gift cards ($20-$1200) when you spend between $100-$4000+. The promotion ends 11/10, and the gift cards expire 12/24.
- Boden – 10% off new styles with code; free shipping over $75
- Eloquii – Fall clearance event, up to 85% off
- J.Crew – 40% off fall favorites; prices as marked
- J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything + 60% off clearance
- Lo & Sons – Fall Sale, up to 35% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Neiman Marcus – New sale, up to 50% off
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – Buy one, get one – 50% off everything!
- White House Black Market – Holiday style event, take 25% off your entire purchase
Sales of note for 11.5.24
- Nordstrom – Fall sale, up to 50% off!
- Ann Taylor – Extra 40% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything + extra 25% off with your GAP Inc. credit card
- Bloomingdales is offering gift cards ($20-$1200) when you spend between $100-$4000+. The promotion ends 11/10, and the gift cards expire 12/24.
- Boden – 10% off new styles with code; free shipping over $75
- Eloquii – Fall clearance event, up to 85% off
- J.Crew – 40% off fall favorites; prices as marked
- J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything + 60% off clearance
- Lo & Sons – Fall Sale, up to 35% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Neiman Marcus – New sale, up to 50% off
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – Buy one, get one – 50% off everything!
- White House Black Market – Holiday style event, take 25% off your entire purchase
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- What to say to friends and family who threaten to not vote?
- What boots do you expect to wear this fall and winter?
- What beauty treatments do you do on a regular basis to look polished?
- Can I skip the annual family event my workplace holds, even if I'm a manager?
- What small steps can I take today to get myself a little more “together” and not feel so frazzled all of the time?
- The oldest daughter is America's social safety net — change my mind…
- What have you lost your taste for as you've aged?
- Tell me about your favorite adventure travels…
Anon
I need to be a nicer/happier person. I’m not cruel, but I can definitely be sarcastic and sometimes say the first thing that pops into my mind, which isn’t always the nicest. I’m not depressed, but I’m just not a bubbly, cheery person. It’s starting to affect my relationships with people in ways I don’t like, and I need to work on it. Has anyone else dealt with this?
Anon
Yes I’m a very cynical and pragmatic person… to
Balance this, I make a conscious choice to always choose the more generous and kind of my choices, whenever I am faced with making a decision.
Lilac
I’m more focused on being a good person than being a nice person. This means always making the most conscious choice even if it violates social norms. It works for me because I never compromise who I am and don’t have to deal with the discomfort of doing something to appease others.
AnonLawyer
This reminds me of a passage that stuck with me from The Falconer by Dana Czapnik which I just read and really enjoyed — basically, that there’s a difference between being a good person and a not-bad person. Being a not-bad person is easy but being a good person is hard because it requires making decisions to do the good thing, rather than simply refraining from doing the bad thing. Kind of obvious, but I’d never thought about it in quite that way.
Lilac
It is indeed a lot of choices, but a great way to live.
Senior Attorney
Having been on the other side of this, I just want to commend you for making the effort! Maybe remember the Maya Angelou quote, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” And it costs nothing to make them feel good instead of bad.
tesyaa
I’m actually a little cynical and judgmental, but I try to measure my words. OTOH, I feel my husband is a nicer, better person than me deep down, but he tends to be snarky and direct. I think people perceive me as the nice one and him as the less nice one. I think it’s possible to change with conscious effort, maybe working with a coach of some sort.
Lobbyist
I’m essentially like you but am happy and bubbly and positive. I got that way by writing down 20 unique things each day that I am gratfeul for. After a year, my outlook was more optimistic and grateful. I also work with many different people each day and the way I do it is by focusing on the good in them or what I like about them. Rather than think oh he is annoying, dumb, stole my idea, or whatever, I find something genuine and true that I like about him to keep in the back of my mind when we interact. It helps.
Anonymous
Force yourself to take a pause. When I’m on calls, I sometimes write a brief note on what I want to say–then try to soft it a bit when I deliver. Or I’ll write an email and re-read and soften before I send. Doing helps with skill building for the tough times when you are in person. It’s probably not healthy, but I also come home and share with my husband some of the dingbat things and make jokes so that I’m not tempted to let slip the same sarcasm with colleagues.
This may be controversial, but I’d also try to step back and look a bit more closely at whether your lens is the truth. You may be off–as women, I think too often we overthink directness. I’ve also realized that sometimes the catty thoughts are only that–maybe catty internal scripts that aren’t expressed as much as you think. I’ve had not once but twice someone tell me I’m a good mentor when the reality is that I haven’t felt like I’ve done much to foster their growth–mainly because they didn’t seem to have the aptitudes and skills of others I’ve coached along the way. I figured they realized that I wasn’t that impressed with them. I hate writing that–it is so awful to actually put out there about others. I know I need to work on giving aid regardless of my “favorites.” But it just goes to show that sometimes experiences can be quite different for the observer.
Anon
You might try to intentionally practice gratitude. There’s more to it than I can put in a comment but basically instead of looking at what’s wrong, take a moment every day to write down, say, 10 things you’re grateful that day. If you want to take it a step further, you can do this publicly, whether on social media, or by actually thanking people for things they weren’t expecting thanks for.
We could all benefit from practicing a little more gratitude. I need to remind myself to do this as well, and I’m generally a glass-half-full person.
rosie
One thing I have been doing: I know based on comments on this site that I’m not the only one who has judged other women’s (strangers) outfits/shoes/hair/etc. when I’m out and about. But I don’t let myself think it–if I find myself noticing something about another woman, I find at least one compliment I would give her. And I don’t mean that I used to think “she cannot pull of that suit” and now I think “what a great suit”…more like I consciously notice an awesome haircut even if the suit isn’t my favorite. I wanted to make sure my default was never to take another woman down, and it has become a way for me to think more positively.
rosie
In case it wasn’t clear, this is all my thoughts, it’s not that I used to go up to strangers and insult them.
Jules
I actually compliment other women all the time, if the situation wouldn’t make it otherwise weird. I don’t say something in a crowded elevator, say, or chase someone down, or comment on someone’s appearance in court or a hearing. But I’ll say to a woman if we’re alone in an elevator, “cute shoes!” or “I love your hat for this cold weather.” I told someone during a brief interaction recently (she was a bank teller or a building front-desk guard or something, I don’t remember) that her lipstick color looked fantastic, because it was a bit unusual and it really did look fantastic; she seemed genuinely delighted to hear that.
I realize this is no help to the OP. For that, all you can do is wait a beat before speaking, to make sure you really are saying what you want to say.
BTDT
I seem to be “naturally” cynical, jaded, leaning towards mean-style humor.
I definitely try to be different. I try self-talk to myself and think about teaching kids to be kind, preserve their innocents, take things literally. It sounds a little bit syruppy sappy-sweet, but that’s OK. I really try to look on the positive with others and almost assume that they’re dealing with horirble self-image or doubt and how can I help them and build them up, and try to do the same to me. It works. I’m still… well, pragmatasist, realist, a little more pessimistic, but I don’t think anyone would describe me as too mean anymore! It’s tough but you can do it.
Ellen
I think we all need to soften up a bit. If we are cynical it is b/c things are not going the way we want them to. I think that when I had a boyfreind, I was less cynical b/c I knew that when I came home, he would be there for me, and even tho he was a looser, he was MY looser, and he was there for “gardening any time I wanted it (tho the actual tilling of my garden was pretty FOOEY in retrospect). Therefore, it is my philosophy that we can be happier and softer if we have a man in our life, even if not a perfect one.
Annony
I think there are two approaches here … what you think, and what you say. You could work on changing your internal monologue and I think a lot of the suggestions people have are really great for that … practicing gratitude, extending more empathy for other people, etc. If you can be more “generous” with your thoughts, there’s less negativity to express.
But I think it’s also totally fair to think whatever you want, in which case it’s just working on what you say out loud. If you are the kind of person who just really wants to have your say, that might be a tough nut to crack. If it’s more about impulsive control, the suggestion to just take a moment is probably the best approach initially. Not everything needs to be said, you know? Is it true, is it kind, is it necessary?
In all sincerity, kudos to you for recognizing this and wanting to do something about it. I know I’m an adult and my reactions are under my control, but as someone who has really thin skin, sometimes it’s very hard for me to brush off a cutting comment, even if I know there was no ill intent. I’m trying to meet you halfway, I promise!
Anon
I feel like I am like this. I feel like it is because I’ve dealt with a lot in my life and I don’t have the emotional bandwidth to make others feel good for the purpose of making them feel good. I just have been telling it like it is and not caring how it comes off. But then I realized that so many are doing that for me…Trying to make me feel good. Probably in part because I seem difficult due to my personality. Then, I feel guilty like they are a better person than I…because they are putting more effort in than I am. At the end of the day, where does my worth lie…Probably in being good and nice. I will be an old hag, I will never cure cancer, but how will I be remembered? Yes, this sounds crazy, but that’s how I feel…
WestCoaster
This. Not having emotional bandwidth to make others feel good for the sake of making them feel good. Totally relate. I used to think that a measure of someone’s “goodness” was how nice they are… but over time (or as I get older and crustier), I have grown to believe that if you are fundamentally a good person, if you are inherently well-intentioned and empathetic, if you don’t intentionally hurt others (even with seemingly innocuous back-handed comments), then you don’t have to be extra nice or friendly to be a good person.
Anon
No, I don’t mean being a pushover or bs-ing people, but I’m saying my “directness” kinda rubs people the wrong way sometimes. I can soften my edges a bit and show people some grace, knowing that I am certainly not without flaws.
And we do have nice things running through our heads like we have not-so-nice things. We can express the nice things sometimes if people do that for us.
Sure being a good person is more important that being a nice person. As someone touched upon on the board, women are socialized to bs people, and it is called “kindness”…but deep down, we realize we are not as nice as we present ourselves to be. Anyway, not sure where I’m going with this, but I think we can strike a balance…
Anon
I felt a real internal struggle over this topic. I am sarcastic, cynical, and a lover of black humor. Once I gave myself permission to feel and think what I wanted, as long as I filtered it properly, I found human interaction a lot easier.
Trying to force my mental state into a sunny disposition only made my brain double down in stubbornness, and truthfully I like who I am and don’t want to change. Being constantly skeptical and prone to pessimism has served me well; like when I avoided scheduling a beloved HS teacher because he made me uncomfortable. He’s now in jail for student molestation.
I don’t feel fake for being outwardly positive in small doses, or outwardly neutral when I can’t manage to be positive. Social niceties have always required performative theater, and nobody owes the thought police full authenticity.
I encourage you to read Barbara Ehrenreich’s Bright-Sided, which was a huge help to me in becoming more comfortable with myself. I’ve always respected her investigative journalism, and seeing her take on forced positivity was a huge eye opener. Optimists sometimes do need us to rein them in–we just need to keep balance.
The best thing you can do is just to slow down. You don’t have to blurt out a response every time someone initiates interaction. Pause a beat, gather your thoughts, do a cost-benefit analysis. Does the immediate situation call for pessimism, optimism, or a blend of both?
Anonymous
This is also something I’m working on. I can get snippy when frustrated, and it’s something I don’t like about myself. What I’ve started trying to do is to remind myself that the world is tough enough for everyone as is, do I want to be a putting good energy out there, or bad?
Selfishly, I also remind myself that the feeling you have after you are a little less than kind is usually sucky enough that isn’t worth avoiding that sensation.
Senior Attorney
TGIF! Lovely Husband and I are taking a road trip to Las Vegas tomorrow, coming back Monday. We have an event Saturday night but the whole day is free Sunday (have tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s O in the evening). Any must-do or must-see or must-eat suggestions? We’re staying on the Strip and have a car (obviously). Thanks in advance!
Anonymous
I’ve never managed to get there, but the food at Raku is supposed to be amazing.
Anon 2
Neon Museum, zip line down Fremont street, Mob Museum, brunch at Bacchanal in Caesars Palace
Senior Attorney
Wait, what? There’s a zip line down Fremont Street?? We are staying right next door so that is a big yes!!
Anonymous
Get reservations ahead of time if possible. We tried to go on a weeknight and it was sold out.
Anon
I haven’t done this, but I’ve always wanted to go to the neon museum and there’s a really famous thai place off the strip that everyone raves about. I’ve also always wants to see pen and teller perform!
Jo March
went to that Thai place (Lotus of Siam) last year – LOVED it!
MKB
second this rec – it feels super sketchy because it’s kind of BEHIND a strip mall, but it’s amazing
Stars
Due to landlord issues, Lotus of Siam moved to a new (no longer sketchy) location on Flamingo. There’s ample parking so you can drive there, but Lotus has a phenomenal wine list so perhaps you won’t want to!
What do you & your husband like to eat/to do? Happy to provide recs. Also, you picked the perfect weekend to come – it’s going to be mid-70s and beautiful
Anonymous
My teenage daughter and I were in Vegas last year and got these really over the top milkshakes at Black Tap in the Venetian.
Calico
Frankie’s Tiki Bar!!
Ms B
If you are staying near Fremont, I like Downtown Cocktail Room. Divey, yet delightful.
For eating, I second the rec for Raku; get a rez for after your show (if you can). Otherwise, Lotus of Siam (the new location). Brunch on Sunday at Bardot Brasserie in the Aria before driving home.
Also, if you are in the mood to shop, I like the David Yurman outlet at the north outlet mall. Ask for Roe if she is there
Anon
I could use a new scent for spring. Anyone have good perfume recommendations? What notes do you like?
In the past, I’ve worn CK Euphoria, Replica Beach Walk, Bvlgari Omnia Indian Garnet, and Juliette Has a Gun Anyway.
All I hear about lately is Jo Malone (30/40somethings) and Glossier You (younger crowd, but the notes sound like I’d like them. but i hate that I can’t sample it anywhere!). TIA!
Anonymous
I’m obsessed with Hermes. I like Un Jardin en Mediterranee best, but Un Jarden sur le Toit is also delightful.
Equestrian attorney
+1 I love un Jardin en Meditaranée, and also like Kelly Caleche.
SW
I have worn a lot of the perfumes you listed, and I do love Jo Malone. Wood Sage and Sea Salt, Blackberry and Bay, and Mimosa and Cardamom are my favorites. I also ordered some of the Phlur samples that were mentioned here a month or two ago, and I liked them way more than I was expecting to. Their website gives a really detailed description of each scent and you can order a little sample box for $18. I also wear a lot of the Tocca fragrances – I have Cleopatra, Collette, and Brigitte (which I actually think has been discontinued).
Anon
+1 to mimosa and cardamom. Fairly unique but not overpowering. I love it.
Small Firm IP Litigator
Jo Malone Basil and Negroni too!
anon
Blackberry and Bay is one of my favorites. A new bottle is on my birthday wish list :).
The original Scarlett
Blackberry and Bay was my wedding scent – I love it
ThirdJen
I’ve been obsessed with Arizona by Proenza Schouler. Floral, mineral, and sunny.
PolyD
I like Hermes Un Jardin sur Nil – I’m also a fan of Juliette Has a Gun Anyway (and their Not a Perfume, although it doesn’t have staying power) and the Bvlgari Indian Garnet, so we may have similar tastes in perfumes.
I also like Jo Malone’s Wood Sage and Sea Salt – I find it similar, although a little less floral, than Jardin sur Nil (although that one isn’t super-sweet floral).
Bean74
Replica Sailing Day is my go-to for spring and summer .
kk
I wear Glossier You every day, Hermes Jour d’Hermes for dates/nights – both have a spicy note. For special occasions, I really like Aqua de Parma Peonia Nobile- it has the best staying power of any perfume I’ve ever worn, although it’s way more floral than the others I wear frequently. I liked Ralph Lauren Romance and hated Aerin Amber Musk.
Anon
That is so funny, the two you mention. For my daughter’s recent birthday I got her Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia, because she took a sample I had and loved it, and Glossier You, because she mentioned that she had smelled it in a friend and loved it, and also because in her mind anything Glossier = good.
She’s been wearing both of them regularly, but I’d say she has more of a mmmmmm reaction to the Jo Malone.
Anonymous
D&G L’Impératrice is my summer favorite, it has watery and melon notes, but isn’t sweet.
Anon
I tried to read this book and thought it was so bad my eyes almost fell out of my head.
tesyaa
I was wondering how it compares to the Crazy Rich Asians series, which I loved and I found pretty humorous.
Kat G
I just finished the CRA trilogy — also really enjoyed it. I’d say this book is a bit lighter/fluffier, more bingeable, if that makes sense.
Lana Del Raygun
I thought CRA was really bad! It was a fun plot, more or less, but Kwan is just not a good prose writer.
Anonymous
Well, yes? I don’t think anyone would seriously call CRA “prose”. I mean, its not poetry, but it’s not trying to be literary. Its a crazy soap opera plot. That’s what some people like.
Lana Del Raygun
Well, sure, but CRA was so bad it constantly distracted me from the plot.
I also felt like it was mostly written so we would all know that Kwan went to fancy prep schools, lol.
Is it Friday yet?
Same! It wasn’t the plot that was the issue, it was that his writing was stilted and mediocre. There’s an art to writing light and fluffy well, and he just doesn’t manage it. I really wanted to like it, too!
Anonymama
Huh, I am often annoyed by bad writing but didn’t mind Kwan’s. I think it had a kind of Asian-American conversational tone which rang very true to me, but I wonder if it sounded stilted to others.
Another anonymous judge
Oh no hahahahaha. I just spent $2.99 on it so if you are interested I will report back.
nona
Bad in what sense? Objectively bad (incomprehensible plot, grammer, editting issues) or subjectively bad (didn’t like the plot, character voice, etc.)
Anon
I’m not the original Anon, but I had a go a the sample at Amazon and I knew pretty quickly from the sample that this isn’t a book for me, and that’s a language issue.
I don’t mind silly (or even outrageous) plots or escapist or fluffy novels, sometimes that’s just the thing! But I am quite sensitive to language or tone. A character’s voice may very easily annoy me, and the main character in this book had me annoyed by page two. (That’s why I love samples!) To me, the language reads a bit stilted and not-wholly-successfully-purposefully archaeic, but I’m not a native speaker and YMMW.
I’d recommend Rhys Bowen’s “Her Royal Spyness”-series for anyone who likes a royalty-adjacent fluffy mystery. :)
Jessica
You had me at Buffy.
stuck in Tampa tomorrow afternoon
I have to drop my rental car tomorrow around noon (maybe an hour later if I fudge it) and don’t fly out until 8. The airport doesn’t have lockers; the mall with Nordstrom that I was kind of hoping to visit doesn’t have lockers. My hotel is too far away to leave the suitcases and then go back for them. Any suggestions on how to fill the afternoon with baggage in tow would be much appreciated.
Anon
Can you call and extend your dropoff time?
anon a mouse
Can you check your bags early?
Anonymous
Can you check your bags? I don’t know how early is too early.
stuck in Tampa tomorrow afternoon
Good point, everyone. But I’m hoping to carry on. I may wind up doing something fun early, hitting the airport to drop off the car unshowered, and Ubering to a gym somewhere nearby. Sunrise over the beach?
anon
The sun doesn’t rise over the beach in/near Tampa. If you want to see the sun set over the beach, you’ll miss your flight.
There’s a Marriott directly connected to the Tampa airport. You could call and ask if you can check your luggage there for the day. Your chances are probably better if you’re already staying in a different Marriott this weekend and can get your hotel to call them, or if you’re a regular Marriott customer, but it couldn’t hurt to ask. (They also appear to have day use rooms if you want to pay for a place to exercise, nap, shower, and store bags, but it might just be cheaper to extend your car rental.)
If the Marriott doesn’t work out, I’d call the Nordstrom at International Mall and ask if there’s a way to store luggage there while you shop and wait for your flight. They’ve always had good customer service (although I haven’t been in years). You could also consider booking an appointment with a personal shopper, in which case I imagine you’d get even better customer service.
Anon
Why do you have to drop off your car so early? Call them and ask them for a few more hours.
rosie
Does the Nordstrom have a package check or something like that? If you’re only doing carry on, I think it’d be not a big deal to keep it with you. And I wouldn’t fudge anything with the rental car — either extend your drop off with them or return it on time. If you keep it for an extra hour because you decide that’s ok, you’ll end up paying more & not getting it the whole time you want it.
Anon
If it’s a corporate contract, that’s typically written in with no penalty. YMMV.
Anon
Anyone else hate the term brain candy? It feels unnecessarily judgy/snobby. This may be a personal thing but I feel like I read the term with a “oh I would never read such trash, I only read novels that the average person requires a dictionary to read”
Anon
I don’t imply brain candy to imply value judgment. I just interpret it to mean it’s light and easy to get through. No matter what a person normally reads.
tesyaa
It doesn’t bother me and it’s better than the sexist “chick lit”.
Monday
+1 on getting rid of the sexism element. Most action movies, pulpy sci-fi, spectator sports, and video games are complete fluff intellectually, but they get more respect in our culture because men like them. “Brain candy” works for me across the board. And I personally enjoy both brain candy and actual candy.
Anon
OP here. I’m all for getting rid of sexism but I have honestly never heard the term brain candy used to describe any of the things you did (action/sci-fi) I literally only ever hear the term applied to romance/rom com type books written by women for women or teen fiction, which also usually is written by women with female protagonists.
Anonymous
Yes, but a book is too much of an ask. If I want really Brain Candy, I want Hello! and all of the airport-newstand magazines (esp. the ones that cover minor European nobility) and Hola and People en Espanol. And Robb Report — it is so crazy and over the top. I need pictures and no plot line to follow.
Vicky Austin
It can come off that way, I guess, but if I’m gonna consume candy, brain or otherwise, I’m gonna enjoy every bite of that candy for the candy that it is, and I don’t care if you think I shouldn’t be having candy.
I’ve also heard the term brain popcorn.
anon
I like the metaphor, although my family has always used “brain twinkies.” With a limited amount of time to spend reading, it’s important to know what has nutritional benefits and what does not. Also, I frequently swop in a binge-read for a less healthy indulgence.
Mpls
Yeah…I’m with you. I kind of cringe everytime I hear the term (even though I used to use it all the time), because of the reasons you state. If you told someone you ate a diet of actual candy all the time, they’d judge you. All sorts of reading should be embraced – its not going to rot your brain!
And also because it’s used to down play genres like romance (predominately written by women for women), and is not something I typically hear used applied to mystery or sci-fi genres. In fact, I consider it still be subconsciously gendered because you’d use it for chick-lit, but not for dick-lit, right?
Anon
Yes yes yes! I’m the OP and this captures my thoughts so well.
Anon
“All sorts of reading should be a embraced” – well, as a mom of a daughter, I will say the typical romance novel trope of a man being a jerk to a woman for basically the whole thing, and then it turns out he was just a jerk because he loves her – I think most adult women can put this where it belongs, but it can be damaging to a young girl who is just forming her ideas of what dating and relationships can be like. I’m not saying it shouldn’t be published, but I think we as consumers shouldn’t support it.
anon
+1, that’s pretty much why my feminist mom put a limit on how many books I could read of the sort that would “rot my brain”.
Mpls
Um…wow.
1. Clearly, you haven’t been reading any of the good stuff from the last decade.
2. You are letting the patriarchy tell you women aren’t allowed to have happy endings.
3. You aren’t giving your kids enough credit in telling reality from fiction.
4. What better place to explore bad relationships then in fiction, before the you get hurt in real life?
5. Literary fiction isn’t bursting with good relationships either? Hello, Romeo and Juliet? Talk about an overly-glamorized unhealthy relationship. The classics don’t have a lot of happy endings. Do you know what does? Romance novels. Full of smart, strong women who know they deserve nothing less than someone who loves them just as they are. Are you telling me THAT isn’t a feminist message? And THAT isn’t something you want your daughter to learn.
The more someone reads – good, bad, genre, comic or literary fiction – the more analytical and critical they have the potential to be. You don’t have to like it all, but you should at least be willing to try it all. Geez.
Anon
Times like this I wish I had an eyeroll emoji @ Mpls
Inspired By Hermione
Way better than chick lit. Sometimes I want a brain candy book. Something quick, fun, and that doesn’t take a single bit of thought. I think of it like candy in that it doesn’t do anything for me “nutritionally” (intellectually) but it’s the perfect thing for a pick me up.
BWE
What would it take for you to leave a job without another lined up?
Anon
A lot of savings. And the job I’d be leaving would have to be truly awful.
tesyaa
well, a 25 year old in my office is leaving to travel the world for 2 years. I guess if you’ve saved up money, have no dependents or responsibilities, and want to live in hostels, it’s doable.
Anon
i cant speak to really awful situations at work. In my perosnal case, what itmwould take is a restrictive non-compete agreeemnt combined with desire/need to leave the company and work in that sector.
My contract stipulates 6 months of non-compete and is pretty enforacble legally as far as those agreemnts go. So if I really wanted to switch to a competitor or client I would leve, treat it as a sabatical for 6 months, may be study something in the meantime, and then apply. Yes, we could survive on the one salary but it would be very hard.
Anon
A trust fund. Which I don’t have so
nona
Situational depression. Which I had, so I did. It was just me (no family to support) and I was renting (no mortgage) and I had some savings to carry me through. And family that I knew would backstop me if I needed the help.
Anon
Ditto. I think I had situational depression because of my job and quit without another job lined up. It took much longer than I thought it would to find another job and I’ll carry this gap in my resume forever, but, at the time, I really felt like I didn’t have another option. FWIW, it all worked out okay for me.
embees
I made this choice about 3 years ago. For me it was: reasonable indication that a new job was “gettable” (e.g. had already started searching and gotten nibbles), comfort with my fallback plan if unemployment lasted (savings + working spouse), and a long-running/constant series of negative impacts to my health/wellbeing from the job (meaning it wasn’t just a bad day/week/month). In my case, I gave notice and ended up with an offer for New Job while working out an extended notice period, which was about the best possible scenario. (Not a lawyer/in law, in case that makes a difference)
anon
I just left my job, in almost exactly this situation, for the same reason. It’s really comforting to hear your story, embees!
Anonymous
A working spouse that could support us. As a late 20’s something who is single and worked at ToxicJob for 3 years until she screamed at her boss daily to keep the peace, apparently ToxicJob wasn’t enough. The boss would engage in massive gaslighting, which still wasn’t enough for me to quit because the money was amazing for my years of experience and I knew I couldn’t get that anywhere else.
Ellen
A HUSBAND! If I had one, I would not even care b/c he would be supporting me, emotionally, $exually, and most importantly, FINANCIALLY!! When I get MARRIED, I will reconsider working, other then to give my husband a baby or 2 and to move to Chapaqua near Rosa.
Anon
Did it a few years ago. Had literal PTSD by the time I left. It took me six months to be able to interview like “myself” again, and job hunting thereafter was easier.
My manager was sadistic and was making physical threats to me at the end. I left because I honestly worried I would leave in an ambulance otherwise.
Anonymous
I may end up doing this in a few months…we are saving money like crazy in anticipation. For me, it’s a combination of:
1. the job I am doing is not the job I was hired to do and I feel like I was sold a bill of goods just so they could get me in the door (i.e., they hired me saying the job was higher-level strategic work and much of my day is spent doing customer service, no kidding)
2. I hate hate hate the work I do which they keep saying is “essential” for the job and they can’t give it to anyone else (because no one else will do it)
3. I work in an environment with a lot of toxic, cranky people who seem to live for stabbing others in the back
4. This job is not helping me build skills or experience and I am actually hurting my career the longer I stay here
5. My physical and mental health are being affected, to the point that my doctor has recommended I ask to take a medical leave of absence
It’s really numbers 4 and 5 that are driving me to quit without having another job. I am at a point in my career where I can’t stay in a job that is a huge step backwards, skills-wise, when there are other jobs out there that are aligned with my skills and what I want to be doing. I am going to try to find one before I quit, but it may not happen fast enough because – see number 5. I don’t feel like any job is worth my health and my health is suffering right now. I have IBS and migraines and both are out of control right now (I’ve been in an IBS flare for over a month). I am also just not the person I want to be at home because my work is so toxic and I end up dragging it home with me.
I don’t know if you’re in a similar spot, but if you are – big hugs, and I have faith things will work out for both of us.
Anonymous
Does anyone use those Guerlain pearl makeup things? Is it instead of highlighter or is it just a fancy powder?
nutella
Yes, I have used the loose pearls for years. (Never tried the pressed powder version.) I like that it dusts on really light and it sets nicely with my makeup and blends nicely with foundation before I put on bronzer and blush. I sometimes won’t pack it if I’m traveling and notice that my bronzer and blush are streakier without it. It isn’t quite a highlighter (too faint for that – you can dust it all over your face, which you can’t with a highlighter) and isn’t really a pressed powder. It’s sort of a powder for people who hate powder…? Note that if I am going to an EVENT and need to look super glam, I may dab on pressed powder in my t-zone so it isn’t shiny, but I still use the Guerlain pearls everyday and have basically since college? Love!
BCP
Partner and I are going to start trying to conceive later in the year. In preparation, I need to start weaning myself off my medications, including birth control. I’m nervous. I’ve been on birth control since high school and have loved the clear skin and happier periods I have while using it. What changes did you notice when coming off – either positive or negative?
Anonymous
Only change I noticed is that I get a small pimple on my face (usually chin area) in the week before my period. The freedom from not having to remember to take a pill at the same time everyday is awesome!
MomAnon4This
How do you wean yourself off of birth control? I guess I just went “cold turkey” and I did not notice too many changes.
nona
+1 – you don’t wean, you just stop taking it.
I noticed that my cycles were shorter (25-28 days) after BC, where they’d been more like 30-32 pre BC. The duration of the period itself is also much shorter (3-4 days, instead of 7), but that means the first couple days are heavy. And I was only on BC for a year.
Anon
This is getting semantical. I said wean because I am taking other medications that do require a slower process. I understand that birth control isn’t like that, so this is really a preachy tangent to the question being asked…
nona
Shrug. We don’t know what you do/don’t know about BC – your question was worded ambiguously. And it’s a site that is known to be frequented by lawyers. And its the Internet. Are you *surprised* it got pedantic?
anon
OP: Toughen up a bit. We recently had a poster who truly intended to wean off the pill because she was so worried abt the side effects of stopping BC after a long period of time. Your post read a bit like hers, though I didn’t automativally assume you were the same person.
anon
No OP this place has basically turned into r e d d i t where if you don’t phrase something with complete precision people are ready to pounce, and mundane statements are cross examined for the sake of it.
-signed, a lawyer who is pedantic af when appropriate
Anon
You did say wean off birth control and plenty of other people have asked the same question.
anon
The tone may come off a bit harsh, but being pedantic is just being clear when you’re communicating by text with people you don’t know in real life. Part of the online experience. Acknowledge/correct and move on, getting defensive is just annoying and tells the rest of us that you’re insecure.
Anon
This isn’t really about insecurity. I acknowledge that some of the prefacing info in my post may not perfectly clear, but the question is. Given that, it’s easier to just answer the question.
anon
I didn’t read any insecurity into your response, actually, but did find it a bit off putting. You were asking for help and someone thought you had the idea a bit wrong. You could have simply responded–“Oh, yeah, no, I wasn’t quite clear–I won’t be weaning off my BC but will be other meds.” Instead you elaborated that it was preachy, which was unnecessarily defensive (and annoying).
Now you’re just walking yourself down a rabbit hole. The last sentence of your paragraph reinforces the weaning concept–you used “coming off” instead of “came off.” I will 100% acknowledge that I am being absurdly pedantic at this point, however, I think it is entirely reasonable for someone to have thought that you actually meant you were planning to wean off BC because of the reinforcement (“weaning” plus “coming off”). Also, I find the side comments on this board extremely helpful and rarely (though sometimes) spiteful. Directly answering only the question would often leave out valuable tips that can come from interacting humans but not a search engine.
Finally, I am of the opinion that we should all be as precise and accurate as possible in our writing no matter the setting. It makes communicating easier and less fraught with unknown intent.
Anon
Ladies stop. Take a breath. This is a dumb thing to fight about.
rosie
Migraines got a little less severe, although I still get them. The biggest positive for me was reduced anxiety–I remember being on a trip a few months after stopping BCP that I had been really worried about when I had been planning it and it was no big deal.
Cat
higher s3x drive, lost a few pounds, but periods got heavier and more crampy.
Anon
I went off a while back because I was having bad reactions to it. I went on it because I was really irregular when I was a teenager but as I got older I generally evened out (occasionally late one month or early another, but by and large more regular than I used to be before the pill). Periods also aren’t as bad as they used to be back then (but worse than when I was on the pill probably).
Anon
Honestly it’s different for everyone, the only way you’ll know is to stop taking it. I don’t notice a change. I’m not sure what you mean by wean yourself off of it, but you can get pregnant immediately after stopping though you can also stop a couple months before you want to try if that is what you feel comfortable with. It’s doesn’t have to be a huge process, though.
Jules
When I first went off BCP, a long time ago (25 years, egad), I had the mother of all PMS. It was the depressed kind, not ragey; I simply could not get off the couch, felt utterly desolate, was convinced I had sudden and severe mental illness. Then it went away. However, the pill’s formulations probably have changed a lot since then, and I don’t think my experience was typical, so YMMV. But I’d say be prepared, you don’t know how you might react.
Anonymous
I ended up seeing a “functional” MD and following a protocol from a book on fixing your “period.” I would normally prefer medicine with more research behind it, but it’s a joke how little research has been done into women’s health complaints.
Calico
Hey OP, I *do* plan on weaning off BC the next time I stop taking it. The reason: I got horrible acne the last time I stopped cold turkey. It was the worst acne I’ve ever had in my life, nothing like the pimples I would get here and there as a teen. I read this happens to many women and have seen recommendations of weaning to avoid this potential side effect. YMMV
Anon
How do you even do that?? It’s not a thing.
Anonymous
Irish PM bringing his boyfriend to St. Patrick’s day brunch with Pence is giving me life today.
Happy weekend all!
Anon
+1
Never too many shoes...
It was just beyond awesome.
Senior Attorney
I loved all their little shamrock boutonnieres!
NOLA
This makes me sooooo happy!
Anonymous
I try never to interrupt people, because I despise being interrupted, and also it’s just plain polite. But pretty much everyone I work with is prone to answering questions the longest-winded way they possibly can, and in order to get a handle on my own time management, I’ve started trying to curb them (politely, I promise). I still don’t feel good about interrupting, even to say, “I just need to know ____” or whatever. Get over it or stick to my standards?
Anonymous
Can you soften it to “I appreciate the background/context but I only need to know…”
OP
That’s a good phrase. Thanks.
Idea
Do you show that you “get it” what they’re saying? Like, do you nod or offer affirmations of “Yes, I know — I’m just asking about ____” It seems to me that this is conversationally normal.
OP
I try. Definitely something I can keep in mind.
anon
Are you benefiting from the tangents? I let my mentor go off on long tangents because I’ve learned so much about my field from them, even though I know I’ll have to repeat my simple question to get an actual answer. OTOH, when people walk up to my cube and politely wait for a break in my neighbor’s monologue about his dog…there won’t be a break, he just talks for hours, and he can’t see them standing there waiting, so I have to loudly interrupt him.
OP
Sadly I think it’s more like the neighbor problem than the mentor problem. Neighbors also take up the boss’ time, so I’m standing there listening to a very lengthy description of how an invoice was paid, waiting to ask boss a question, taking up my own time…
anon
Are you asking really direct questions? If someone comes into my office and says “where are we on x matter” when what they really want to know is “has x been filed” they’re going to get more information than they want.
OP
I hadn’t thought about targeting my questions. Thank you, that’s a good point.
Anon
I have one of these colleagues – can’t read the signals to stop talking no one wants to hear it – recently I have had to stop friend by saying “I have to stop you there because I have to go do X or I have to finish X”. You have to take control of the conversation and kindly direct them to stop. You may say “Let’s pick this up later when we both have much more time”
OP
Thanks, this is a good boost for me to be assertive.
Anonymous
This may be a generational and/or cultural thing – you can be high context and low context. Whether or not you can interrupt depends on level of seniority IME.
OP
Good point, I studied the cultural dimensions but forgot all about it. Thank you.
anon
I am inclined to ramble and make stories longer than they need to be (my mother taught me this wonderful trait). It bothers me when I notice it and it’s worse when I’m drinking. I do read social cues reasonably well and take no offense at being interrupted—like NONE at all. I actually appreciate it sometimes, especially if the person I’m speaking with needs me to get to the point/doesn’t feel like chatting or whatever. So, my advice to OP is to know your audience and read the room. I think the other suggestions are also great. As a side note, I have to make a strong effort not to interrupt people. I grew up in a large family that all talks over each other so if you waited for a break in the conversation you’d never get a word in. I do work on it and make the effort—but am not great at it.
Anon
It’s not always rude to interrupt people. If they’re rambling more than they should, you have every right to interject.
Nikita
I’m graduating from a masters program this year and looking for a job. A good friend and classmate just got one. I feel happy for her, jealous, and anxious. I am getting interviews but no luck yet, and I feel bad that I feel jealous. Just. . . .ugh.
Anonymous
Congrats on finishing your studies! If this is the first time you’ve been out of school, relax into the concept that things no longer progress in lockstep, and that people go different directions and different speeds in the workforce. You will find your way.
Anon
Beto? Is anyone interested? I have a pretty “meh” response honestly but I don’t live in or near Texas and didn’t pay very much attention to the Senate race.
AnonInfinity
I’m aggressively “meh” on Beto. For one thing, I’m not sure I want to throw unbridled support by someone who just showed he couldn’t beat an unpopular incumbent. I listed to the 538 about him yesterday, which explained some of the reasons he could potentially win, but I’m certainly not excited about him.
anon
Cruz is not unpopular in Texas, where the race was held. I live in a blue city in Texas (as most Texas *cities* are, now, even Fort Worth went w Beto!) and despite that I had acquaintances tell me that as bad as Cruz is they couldn’t not vote for him because “their family’s mineral interests would be taxed more” if Beto won (or some other BS reason). Even if they didn’t like Cruz, they just stayed home–with the family history they just couldn’t bring themselves to vote anything other than red.
As for Beto, I was a huge supporter in the senate race, but I’m withholding judgement at the moment for the presidential race. I love that he doesn’t take corporate money and that he has fed government experience. But, I think he may (?) have been too far left for the senate race. I didn’t mind anything he had to say during the debates (which is when I heard most of his policy stances) but I knew that many (even left leaning) peers of mine would have a harder time with it. I read recently that he’s less far left than many of the other Dem candidates, though, which I think would be a good thing–even though I tend to align further left. I just don’t think our country will vote as far left as I would like and I want the current incumbent out more than I want far-ish left policies.
I’m also of the opinion that getting the senate to go blue would be a massive help with getting the policies I actually care about–maybe more so than the presidency (though I still want T out just because he is an awful human being).
Nikita
Also was not impressed by this:
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/15/us/politics/beto-orourke-wife-amy.html
Thought they should at least have known the optics would look bad. Did his wife even need to sit next to him for the announcement? Think his adorable kids might have even been better
Anon
Oh my god, so meh. He doesn’t have any ideas and is only in the race because he thinks he was born for this? Thank u, next
Anon
So meh. He epitomizes the saying “have the confidence of a mediocre white man” to me.
Anon
I’m not super excited about him but honestly I’m tired of the view that the president has to have a signature thing to accomplish. If you have some law you want to pass, join the legislature. Governing and having big ideas for new initiatives are two different things. Beto doesn’t fit this bill but I wish more mayors/governors would run for president, I think being able to balance a budget, keep the trains running on time and consensus building are more important for the office of president than having some “great” idea
Anon
He couldn’t beat Ted Cruz. Ted. Cruz.
anon
In. Texas. The senate race was not a national race. SO much of Texas went blue for him–if this is your reason for not liking him, please look a bit further and I think you’ll be impressed with his performance in that race.
Anonymous
He’s done some major position flips (Politico had an article on them).
Anon
I actually don’t view this as a bad thing. I wish more politicians were willing to re-evaluate their views. I don’t get the hatred for people who change views. Having the same beliefs forever basically tells me you’re unwilling to compromise which I think is a pretty undesirable thing for a politician, especially in an executive role
anony
ive had an unbelievably hard week. cried three times, couldn’t fall asleep until 3am 4 nights in a row due to worry, yelled at my husband, avoided my child, locked my office door and just stared on several occasions. i know i’m good at my job and well respected in my field and i usually am confident and self-assured and a generous boss and good employee, but man, this week really had me down on myself. i know i don’t know any of you, but if you could just tell me that things aren’t as bad as they seem and will get better, i really need to hear that right now.
Ellen
You will be OK. You have a job, a husband, a child, and most women would long to be in your shoes. So just take it slow, take a long hot shower, put on a nice pair of PJs and invite your husband to go to bed early with you (without any need to garden). After a good nite sleep, you will feel much better, and tomorrow at this time, you can then garden away! YAY!!
anon
Hugs from an internet stranger. It will not always be as bad as it is right now.
FWIW, I’ve heard similar rough-day/rough-week things from a number of people this week. Don’t know if it’s mercury in retrograde or the time change or what, but you are not alone.
AnonZ
Things are definitely not as bad as they seem, and it’s okay to have an off week!
Your husband still loves you, your child still loves you, you are still good at your job and well-respected in your field! These are all sturdy, dependable things that can easily weather some bad or stressful times.
You are loved by many, and after having some time to rest and relax this weekend, this week will be behind you and you’ll be ready to face what’s next!
Anonymous
They will. Promise. Go to bed early, reread Harry Potter, use your fanciest lotion. You can do this and things will get better.
Anon
Lol I just blew through the first Harry Potter eBook last night and it was very therapeutic!
Anonymous
Things aren’t as bad as they seem and will get better.
Hugs
I’m sorry. This wasn’t my week either, and I could be you but for the hubby and kid. But know it WILL get better. The only way out is through, so take a deep breath, try to smile, and know that tomorrow is a new day.
Anonymous
Time to give yourself the advice you would give one of your team members who is feeling burnt out. Get some rest, and do something to give yourself a break so you regain perspective.
NOLA
FWIW, I also had a bad week. Really crappy week dealing with crises on the first full week after break. I was so tired when I met with my boss yesterday morning that she insisted that I take the afternoon off today (one of our meetings was moved to this morning from the afternoon, so I could). I got my errands run so I can plan with friends tomorrow. I’m trying really hard to let myself have some fun and do things I wouldn’t normally do. I’m going to the St. Patrick’s Day parade tomorrow with some girlfriends and probably to a friend’s concert on Sunday afternoon. Match isn’t really working – in fact it’s really demoralizing – and after almost backsliding with my ex, he made me cry before work on Wednesday and I cut him off. I am determined to cut the unhealthy and negative relationships out of my life.
Ellen
Good for you, NOLA. Life is to short to be unhappy, either at work or in our personal lives. In your case, you have freinds you can look to for support in addition to the HIVE. Morover, I agree that the Internet is NOT the best place to meet guys. Even tho they sound great on the screen, in the flesh, they are for the most part, a let down. One guy who’s name was given to me by Myrna’s assistant asked me out and I met him downtown at a bar after court, and within 5 minutes, he had his hand up on the inside of my thigh! Can you imagine where that dirty hand might have gone had I not stood up to go to the toilet? What is it about men these days that makes them think that just b/c they have a job (hello? so do we!) that we automatically will let them do stuff to us after 5 minutes that we do not otherwise want people to do until we are in a relationship? FOOEY on all of that! Even tho I am not a 22 year old any more, I did NOT let men do that when I was 22, and I am pretty sure that 22 year old women today do NOT just let men do this to them after 5 minutes in a bar after they buy you a drink. This is NOT socially acceptable behavior to me. Am I wrong? I sure hope not b/c otherwise we are goeing to be a messed up society 10-15 years from now when those women are my age and all they have to show for their 10-15 years is a list of guys who have had $ex with them, but NO marrage! DOUBEL FOOEY!
Another anonymous judge
NOLA I’m sure I am right when I say there are lots of internet strangers cheering you on from afar! Go, you!
NOLA
Thanks!! Much appreciated.
Ses
Internet hugs. I wish you a much better next week.
CA Mom
We are traveling from CA to New England in April. We have two nights in Rhode Island, would you spend it in Providence or Newport? It is a mom and two teen boys, we are trying to get a feel for “New England” and will be looking at schools….I was planning Newport but I just had a dinner with a friend from the area and she said no way do Providence….(also spending time in Boston and Vermont)
Anon
For those who have gone to couples’ therapy, what were the major outcomes for you? DH and I have been having trouble since our child was born. We used to be the couple who did everything together and genuinely enjoyed and sought out shared experiences. Since kiddo was born (now 3), things have been really different. Originally, I had insisted on splitting up chores because I was so, so exhausted and had some intense health issues at the same time (not related to childbirth). Like, we used to always go grocery shopping together and it took me some months convincing DH to start doing shopping on his own. On the weekends, kid being too small to do things or in the middle of a nap, one of us stays home while the other does hobbies or errands. We’re now at a place where our only interaction most days is dinner as a family. The major effect is that we don’t really talk about anything and it seems any time we have a conversation, regardless of the subject, it explodes into some sort of an argument with each party seemingly wondering WTH the other person is thinking. I imagine this is what’s called “growing apart”. So, clearly we need more touchpoints and/or to figure out if we’ve really obtained conflicting values in the last three years. I’m sure I’m missing something about this situation too, so I’d love to hear about others’ experiences. My question is: is this something that therapy would be useful for?
Anon9
Everyone’s marriage is different, obviously. My kids are 6 and 3.5. It’s really hard carving out time to just be a couple. And the stress of two hard core jobs on top of kids is really tough. Do try to make time together – date night can be at home too after kiddo is in bed. Glass of wine and sitting at the table together to talk about nothing. Remember to think of marriage as the marathon not the sprint. And make sure you garden together on the regular. My marriage is definitely stressed by kids/job, but we are both trying.
Celia
I know this is a tardy response, but I have a 1.5 year old and a crazy job, and think my husband and I have gone through a lesser version of what you’re describing, so maybe this will help! We have built a silly little hobby together: every day we finish the NYT crossword. At night we will snuggle up and do it; and if one of us is too tired the other one does it so we can celebrate keeping our streak alive! It’s a small thing but it’s our thing, and it really helped us giggle together again, even when we’re sleep deprived and haven’t had much time to do “us” stuff. DATE NIGHT is huge, I really believe that. Grandma or babysitter or anything it takes, at least a couple of times a month. Leaving the house and be a couple on the town even for an hour is amazing. And no matter how annoyed I’ve been about home and work stuff, a good meal with my husband always ends with me remembering how lucky I am, and he is always more relaxed afterwards too! Choose one day in the next few months to play hooky — can you both disappear from the office for a few hours? We did this last week when I had an unexpectedly light day, and went to see Captain Marvel and it was magical and a total reset, and being out and alone and together in the daylight was therapeutic. We watched the movie, laughed, went to pick up kiddo from daycare together, and just generally felt lighter. Finally, can you afford to farm out some of the errands that require you to split up on weekends? There are a bunch of services that aren’t expensive. We use instacart for groceries, which is worth the couple of bucks we spend on tip, and a lot of grocery stores in my area will even do curbside pick up for free. That’s a two hour save on weekends that we can use to do, well, any thing else.
Lobbyist
Thanks for the book recommendation! Read it this weekend and really enjoyed it.