About 8-10 years ago, the Navy wanted to transfer those dolphins to Bremerton (the base near Seattle) to ‘patrol’ there. Bear in mind Puget Sound is a good 30 degrees colder than SD’s Pacific. Their plan was ridiculous, completely scientifically unsound, and of course it’s horrible what they are doing to those…

Unfortunately, Rep. Waters probably would not have a case against the photographer.

You might look up the site Ask A Manager. The advice person at AAM is a woman named Allison and she gives great advice on how to handle work issues. She has really good tags for her archives. Maybe you can find some guidance there. Or write her!

Crisis lines are just for that - crises. Keep calling, keep talking. I know you think that light is a train, because I’ve been there myself.

Holy cow! Do they get any work done??

Yes. Cats can develop dementia. She could also have an endocrine or thyroid issue. Does she use a box, or mainly an outdoor kitty? She may be having kidney issues.

Can’t speak to Nextdoor, but that’s definitely some racist stuff right there. So your pills are not the crazy-type.

Are you familiar with CaptainAwkward.com ? She gives very thoughtful advice on these types of issues. She even writes scripts you can use to start discussion/set boundaries/Say NO, etc. Look her up, you will find a lot of guidance there. Good luck!

PLEASE call The National Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255) available 24/7. They are there to help you.

Ha! I wish we had Taco Bell in these parts (downtown DC) I’d give teeth for a Burrito Supreme right about now!

Been there, and I’m sorry. My best friend from high school (two years older than me) died suddenly. We have not been in touch for years.

That is awesome!

You’re going through a huge life-change, so that alone is anxiety-inducing. I would echo Foucault and getting into a therapist, if for no other reason than to get all these feelings out of you and into the open. Just urp it all out.

Echoing demi-human in that, you’re off to bigger things, and she’s...not.

I do get it. It sounds like you are in the growing pains of recognizing the socialization of pushing down intuition, and starting to find your own voice and trusting it. I think it just takes a lot of self-awareness/being in the moment so you can respond as YOU want to respond. If that makes sense.

I’m not NO contact, but it’s very low. It sound like you have all the reasons you need to go no-contact if you choose to. Not that you need a specific reason...

I’m so sorry you are all going through this. Assuring her that she can always have a place in your (you and your kids) family, I think will be very comforting to her. Sending Good Thoughts. Keep us posted.

Try not to worry about the unknown. As my grandma used to say, “Don’t borrow trouble!” You’ll have answers soon enough, and when you do you can address them constructively. If anything, concentrate on the positive steps you are taking to care of you. Good luck and keep us posted!

Fun hair!

UGH.