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"Life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful."
- Unknown

"That which does not kill you, makes you stronger."
- Handed down through the ages.

"Life's tough. It's even tougher when you're stupid."
- John Wayne



Home Alone

You know how 'All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy'?

Yeah, well, 'All People and No Home Alone Time Makes Chicken Mama a Crabby Girl'.

I haven't been home alone since last Wednesday, and that's about enough to make me crack.  Tom called this AM to see if he could come out to pick some things up and maybe take the dogs for a hike.  Of course, I said, "Sure."

As soon as I hung up the phone, I began feeling like I was in a glass box with all the air being drawn out slowly but oh, so steadily.


I called him back and asked if he could come out after 4:00 to just pick up the items and leave it at that (right before he goes to dinner at our friends' down on the highway).  I explained how I felt, and he totally understood.  Then, after I hung up, I cried.


I feel like shite having to turn HIM away, but I neeeeeeed today SO VERY BADLY.  And, he gets that.  So, I guess I have to get over the guilt and remember that I am very impressed by people who are strong enough TO say no . . . those who remember to take care of themselves.  I just wish it wasn't so hard.

8 comments:

  1. That's a very strong thing to do. First, know what you need. Then, ask for it. Well done!

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  2. Jordan is absolutely right. We have to LEARN to say no. And remember, practice makes perfect.

    Saying yes to everyone and everything is something we as women (for some skewed reason) feel compelled to do. If I hadn't spent so much of my life bending my whims and wishes to accommodate everyone else, I wouldn't be the cranky, maladjusted, weird old hag I am today.

    Listen to your old mom. You did good!

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  3. Alone, alone.... leave me alone! I totally understand! My time is coming soon... in less than 3 weeks hubby will deploy leaving my with the kids 24/7 and zero adult conversation for a good part of the next year. I need to get better about asking a friend for relief just so I can get my haircut or go to the library or bookstore by myself! I am very bad about that, never asking for help, and with the closest family 1200 miles away it can get pretty claustrophobic around here with the kids talking incessantly! Take your time, you need it! So I take it you started your new job?

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  4. It only gets harder with full time work, I'm sorry to say. But, spoken one introvert to another, you WILL find ways to balance it all. It takes some creativity and mind games with yourself, but you'll do it. Good for you for saying no, and I'm sure Tom totally understands. He knows you.

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  5. The other thing is, you have to take care of yourself. No one else will do it for you. Go for it...foxylady

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  6. Ha! I'm now a proud follower of Chicken Mama - too bad I thought I was already!

    Ditto on the other comments. I have recently joined a bunch of Meetup groups, and it's been good to have some choices of things that are set up, and I just have to decide whether or not I want to attend. If I feel like staying home and not being social I can.

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  7. I totally, totally get it too!!! But good on you for taking the time you need. It's hard, so hard and that guilty feeling is pretty compelling but as your mum says, practice makes perfect!!!

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  8. Hey Dear! HOW did I miss that you'd gotten the job???? Yay for you! I'll be glad to see you whenever you're ready, and I'm glad you were able to ask for what you needed. I'll see ya when I see ya and I'll keep you in prayer until then! ;) Hugs! (Now I'm going back and see what I've missed in the last week!)

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