If you’ve been here long enough you can tell that I’ve been wavering in and out of a depressive period for awhile now. I know it will pass. I know it lies. I know to hold on. It stops up my head though and nothing clever can come out.
In an hour or a day or a week the light will come out and I’ll bang out a chapter and cry with relief but for the moment I’m in that place where writing would make it better if I was healthy enough to write but since I’m not I feel worse…like my head is constipated.
I promise to be funny again soon. Until then, thank you for sticking with me.
Sharing this video because Victor sent it to me and it was so completely on point that I’m fairly certain someone is in my house watching me.
Also, three months ago I was literally wearing a cardboard box on my head in front of my neighbor. Full circle.
Want to help? YOU CAN’T.
Sorry. That was the depression talking. You actually can. Tell me something good that’s going on in your life right now. Even if it’s little.
I’ll start. I saw The Last Jedi yesterday and managed to avoid all spoilers. Still haunted with the question of why Chewbacca is always naked and what his junk looks like. Also, how does he wipe? Because when Dorothy Barker just gets a little bit too hairy in her downstairs department I’m constantly having to cut dried dingleberries off of her butthole. Seems like Chewy would have serious problems with his dumper. I may have thought about this too much.
I came home from France and it’s finally warm and moist in Canberra. Keep it up.
You are enough
I’m getting a bunch of stuff cleaned out of my house!
My daughter got her first official college acceptance letter this week and on Friday I head to KY with my entire family intact(son home from college) to spend a week with family for the holidays.
I have an entire tag on my tumblr dedicated to happy things.
http://drclairefraser.tumblr.com/tagged/happy%20things
My daughter comes home for Christmas this week. So excited to see her.
I’m going to seriously try freelancing. Putting plans together. I’m terrified, but I’m doing it. Also, I love you.
I’m proud of you for reaching out. Hugs.
I have been wanting to get out of teaching and a random LinkedIn job suggestion led me to a reputable accreditation company who keeps giving me follow up interviews despite my teaching schedule and I feel hopeful. A by-chance opportunity that might get me outta here. – Amanda
Something good, today I wrapped presents with my 4 year old and when it went wrong and we ran out of paper we laughed and used the tape to stick cardboard deer antlers to our heads instead.
I’m currently looking for a job so our Christmas is a bit scaled back this year. However, my son who is in his first job (YAY!) has stepped up (on his own, without prompting) and is buying something for his little sister that she dearly wants and we would not be able to get otherwise. I think I raised him right. 🙂
My Big Kid moved to Austin & got a job working with the same Pastry Chef who gave her her first big break in Chicago. Yay for good peeps! Also, my Big Kid is in your town and would make you food in a heartbeat if you needed it.
During an early morning walk with my husband this weekend, we saw three deer. A momma, her yearling, and this year’s baby, in the park behind my house.
They were super chill, and just ignored us, even though were were only about 10 feet away from them.
So it turns out that when you pose for photos with 5 foot beyonce look a likes in the flea market? People remember you and that bringing a black light to look for uranium glass doesn’t even register on people’s radars after the chicken fiasco and the sombrero fiasco which is a whole nother story.
Good things in my life? I found a duplicate of my childhood vintage toy from 1984 online and got it for $8 thanks to my mom! In other news I’m feeling pretty good physically which is rare for me even if my anxiety is bad. But I really need to get another black light. I just want to carry one with me at all times
I don’t know how to reply to comments here, but I totally read #7 as freebasing, which is drugs, right? I thought hey, reasonable to be terrified. Still reasonable to be terrified, just with less chance of ending up in jail. 🙂
First of all, hugs to you and anyone struggling. Something good? My husband just discovered something called AR stickers where he can take video of our house with his phone and impose Star Wars storm troopers, etc. in the living room. Pretty sure making a video of R2D2 on the front lawn is happening next.
Okay, I’m laughing out loud thinking about Chewie’s dingleberries. Therefore you are funny RIGHT NOW. So imagine how funny you will be when your head is no longer constipated! Hang in there! Love from Wisconsin!
Last Wednesday I had a hysterectomy to have a large uterine mass removed – the thing was bigger than my actual uterus. Today the pathology report came back: it’s NOT cancer. I am so relieved & glad I can just focus on recovering from surgery!
My therapist recommended I try ketamine for my major depressive disorder and oh my god, it actually is working!
My family will have a Christmas this year because of you and your readers. Right now it doesn’t get any better than that for me and my family. Thank you for making a difference.
I attended my son’s Christmas band concert where he is a 6th grade drummer and was blown away by his triangle skills.
It was one note. But it was GOOD. A whole note.
Am currently attempting to persuade him to specialize in this vs. expanding snare to full drum kit.
Stay tuned.
With the help of the Internet and a toothpick, I managed to fix my Keurig, thereby saving a lot of money on a replacement and insuring an uninterrupted supply of coffee.
I don’t have anything going on right now, but here are the finalists for comedy wildlife photos of the year. I can’t decide if the laughing doormouse or contrail goose is my favorite. https://www.comedywildlifephoto.com/gallery/2017_finalists.php
I’m spending this Christmas cancer free and with hair. Last year I couldn’t say that.
We managed to host a holiday party last Saturday in a manner that didn’t leave us exhausted and throwing out tons of food we’d never eat (the trick is to tell guests NOT to bring food, so only a few ignore that and do anyway).
I am empowered by you! Thank you for sharing your struggles with us. My good thing is that I got my Christmas bonus Friday, so now I can pay off my credit cards and (hopefully) start a budget so I don’t have to pay my utilities on said credit cards anymore.
I took my nieces today ‘elf school’ and one of them loved it so much she took all her souvenirs including the letter I’d sent her ‘from the elves’ into school to show her teacher, and my heart exploded into a thousand pieces. Oh and I got tickets to see Pearl Jam in London, there music saved me when I didn’t know I needed to be saved, and I love Eddie vedder l
You definitely thought about that too much. LOL. I am also struggling right now. I got a helpful dear futureme letter. Also its Christmas, so everything is sparkly and pretty!
Instead of Xmas presents for my son’s 2nd grade class, I asked the teacher what the classroom really needs and she said books! So I just got to spend about $80 on books and can’t get yelled at by my husband BECAUSE IT IS FOR SCHOOL lol suck on that Dan.
My 9-yr old spent hours making scarves and carrying a bag of them around town so she could find “the perfect” places to leave them for people who might need them. She was excited to give them away, but is too shy to hand them to people so she put tags that said, “I’m not lost…” (link to instagram pic)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcycFN2nWlQOtmAi-WjICguHzW3rFBROaR870Q0/?taken-by=ginnydrisc
I just moved house and our new place is lovely! Our accidentally tiny xmas tree 🎄 is very cute and I started a new job which is going well so far. Now I need a nap.
I finally got my Christmas tree up and my cat hasn’t knocked it down yet.
Also, Chewie wouldn’t have the same dingleberry problem as Dorothy Barker because he can reach his area and clean it. All she can do is run around with it until someone (you) help her out. I used to have a long-haired cat with the same problem. 🙂
I watched my 8 year old’s school Christmas play, and the highlight was Mary unceremoniously shoving Jesus head first into the manger!
We are thoroughly enjoying watching the slow melt of our snowmen in the front yard. The kids built them last Saturday and since they are positioned on the north side of the house they are still around. First their carrot noses fell off, then their heads shriveled away, now they are down to their bottom ball of snow. Soon they will be gone. Until the next snow.
I am getting my son the therapy that I should have had when I was a teenager. My husband, my sons stepfather has never experienced depression, but bought your book last week to try to empathize with what he’s going through. A little spark of brightness when you’re in the pediatric emergency room trying to come to terms with mental illness.
You don’t HAVE to be “funny”. Just be YOU. That’s what we love, that’s why we’re here.
Only two more days of work before I get to spend Christmas with my family!
I’m pitching a television series based on my blog to interested parties this week.
It may not lead anywhere, and I’m nervous as hell, but it’s taken my mind off my friend who took his OWN life this summer.
And that’s good thing.
A real good thing.
Hang in there, Jenny… YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Well, I assigned my child to take some pins up the bathroom. Later on, we discovered that he had ‘dropped’ the pins on the toothpaste tube, and apparently, they are magic, because they poked at least 47 holes in it. Which, by the way, looked really cool with the blue coming out. And also, duct tape won’t stick to a toothpaste tube, so now you know how NOT to repair a holey toothpaste tube.
Anyways, point (hah!) is that it gave me a brilliant idea that’ll let me do some writing.
I got through my portfolio review for graphic and web design this semester by rereading furiously happy and telling myself to pretend to be good at presenting. Waiting for my grades but I think I passed all my classes 🙂
So I just wanted to tell you a brave thing I did today which is that I called two estate agents to make viewing appointments for houses even though I am totally scared of moving out and it makes me super panic. I did it. So. A good thing. I think?
A random stranger gave my 5-year-old $20 and said “Merry Christmas.” Blew all of our minds and made me cry. There are still good things happening.
My husband and I just signed papers for our first home on Friday (in one of the most difficult real estate markets in the country, no less), and will be moving in in January when the sellers move out. We’ve been saving up money and advancing in our careers for 15 years, and it’s finally paying off!
My MIL kept asking my 13 year old (days away from 14!) what he wanted for Christmas. She hounded him about making a list to give her of things she could buy for him, something that he really wanted.
He called her last week to tell her that he had thought of something, his list had only one thing: He wanted to spend the day with her, antiquing, just the two of them.
She turned 80 last month, and has had some health issues over the last few years. Her last sibling died this year, so the boy is aware that while she is good at the moment, she may not stay that way forever (despite our best hopes). So, that’s what he asked her gift to be – time spent together.
I cried. So did she.
Chewbacca dingleberries. Bet you could sell those on eBay. I know nobody can cheer you out of a depression – believe me, I know. But if it makes any difference, there are a lot of people, including me, who accept you as you are. Some days you make me snort whatever I’m drinking through my nose. Other days you want to wear a box on your head. And that’s okay. I’ll be here, we’ll all be here, no matter what. Because we care.
My cat is sitting on my lap while I’m working, and playing with the pen as I’m using it. He’s fuzzy and warm. He’s making me laugh even though he’s messing up my productivity.
My daughter told me she’s having a baby, due in June! That is the ray of sunshine I’m hanging on to right now. 🚼
I literally just used the constipated head thing to try to explain exactly the same thing to my husband this weekend. He found brain constipation inordinately funny, which did not help me, but apparently made his day brighter.
My beloved daughter, who has severe depression, is well enough to move into her own apartment with her partner, hold down a job she loves and manager her life without much assistance. This is, in no small part, because of you and others like you who make her state of being normal, acceptable and reasonable and something that can be managed, lived through and sometimes even enjoyed. Thank you – you are more than enough.
Just recently, at age 64, I was diagnosed with ADHD. That my life MAKES SENSE finally makes me giggle with joy. I got the right person to listen to me. I like listening to you. Also, a fucking squirrel just ate the last of the suet I put out for the birds.
In that galaxy far, far away they have bidets. With bum dryers. That’s all I’ve got there.
I broke my leg two weeks ago, and last night my 6 year old said “if you didn’t go to [martial arts] class, you wouldn’t have broken your leg!” I didn’t kill him or anything, just allowed that he is right. I’m sort of out of the holiday competitive Olympics which is refreshing.
I actually got my shit together long enough to bang out some Christmas cards last night. Yay me.
We have two kittens at our house this year and they consider the Christmas Tree to be their personal playground. It would be annoying if they were SO CUTE while they are running laps around the tree and using the tree skirt to SLIDE on the wood floor. So we just moved all the ornaments UP and let them have the lower third
. Because: Kittens Rule.
Thousands of kids will have presents this year (and the previous 7) because of a movement that you started…
That makes me pretty happy!
Here for the good times and the bad, dear laydee. x
My sister and I have called each other “cat head “ for so many years that I don’t even remember how it began, but she gave me a cat head pen yesterday and I love it!
I figured out a way to feed my lizard, Eugene, withoit giving him the opportunity to use my hand as an amuse bouche. He’s a sweetie, but a very aggressive eater.
after working over 20 yrs at a job I hated for most of that time, I am retiring in 5 days. I am walking out of this place, opening a small pet sitting business and going to spend my time doing things I love.
My son almost got a job but he is such a good experience with is first interview he is not so nervous now. He is so nervous and shy. I am so grateful to this lady that she treated him so well. Hopefully he will be able to find work soon. Lol
I once dyed my eye-brows and looked like Spock.
I’m with you sis–ta, the tunnel is long, the sun is short, but I’ll be damned if don’t celebrate all the small things that make me smile. Hugs from Canada.xo
I’ve laughed several times at things you’ve posted in recent weeks, so that tells me you’re funny even when you think you’re not. Here’s something good: my dog Jesse turns one year old tomorrow, which means its only 14 more years until I’ll be getting him all dolled up to celebrate his Quinceanera.
I finally got my gall bladder out and can now eat whatever I want, just in time for Christmas!!!!
Australia finally legalised gay marriage!! 2 very good things from my perspective
I got the job. I thought I was going to die from anxiety the day n minutes before. But I pulled it off and got the job. Just had to tell myself I could do it and if my heart stopped I’d poop my pants in public. You wished me luck on Facebook and it helped.
I am working from home today, so no train commute for me today.
Husband has a (temp) job that he loves. This is the first job I can remember him loving in as long as I have known him.
I had a brain cancer scare a few months back. Turned out to just be scar tissue from a childhood accident. That, I can handle.
I work with and for people who are creative, brilliant, musical, funny, and human. I value that.
My meds are working and I feel human for the longest stretch I can remember. I do not take this lightly.
2017 is almost over and 2016 is almost a full year behind us. We can do this. And we’ll be here for you when you get back.
Tonight is my Final Final of my master’s program…After this I start a career change as I near my 39th birthday…
I graduated with my Masters degree after 21 long months. I am syarting a book club with my friends to keep me busy now. You’re on my list of books to pitch.
I was invited to apply for a job that would be a huge promotion. This after struggling with my professional identity and a bad case of imposter syndrome.
So now I have the Rufus & Chaka Khan song, “Tell Me Something Good” running through my brain. Might have to belt out a few lines to wake up my co-workers. That’s good, right?
I’ve never posted before, I think. Can’t remember, really.
But I’m taking my husband to Las Vegas for his first time, right after Christmas. We’ve made it together 17 years, each with our own particular brand of craziness. It’s good. 🙂
My wife started her new job today after working 10 years for the same company. She’s terrified and excited and I may have need to remind her about pants this morning, but she’s the best and is going to kick ass. Plus our dog (Hadley) and cat (Pumpkin) got matching sweaters for an amazing family photo…my wife & I may or may not have the same matching sweaters as well…
Maybe wookies only have to poop every five years or something. It’s like Wookie Life Day, only it’s Wookie Poop Day. Everyone wears robes and Bea Arthur sings and Harrison Ford looks confused. Magic!
My friends got engaged. I’ve been going to too many funerals and not enough weddings, but my friends who I’ve been rooting for for years got engaged. They’ve both got things they struggle with, but they’ve always made each other better, so I’m glad a future wedding is official (not just a foregone conclusion)
I LOST ALL OF THE WEIGHT I GAINED DURING THE FIRST HALF OF PATERNITY LEAVE!!
badparentingwebs recently posted https://badparentingweb.wordpress.com/2017/12/17/guest-post-droppings-8-winter-is-coming/, and it was pretty hot. A bunch of people lost their shit and just started sending him money and sandwiches!
I left a string of LED lights on the sofa because I haven’t gotten around to stringing them up in the living room yet, but they look so bright and awesome sitting there … colour draped over the sofa’s arm all casual-like. Total personification. Like a new kind of intelligence they discover in Star Trek. Bright and shiny and cheerful and all things happy.
My long-time-saved-for trip to Hawaii is paid for and arranged! March should be lit! (small downside: swimsuit?…ack…)
I’m spending my first Christmas with my baby girl. We tried for three and a half years for her. After a miscarriage, and failed fertility treatments, we stopped trying. I gave birth to her in March. I spent my 40th birthday with a newborn. Life can be pretty surprising.
a group of moms from my area collected and donated 1500 gifts for a Christmas shop at a very underprivileged elementary school in a different school district (97% FRL, 80 homeless families, high refugee population). the kids earned attendance dollars and every kid got to pick out 3 gifts for their family. some kids said that it was the first time they’d ever gotten to ‘buy’ a gift for their parents. there was enough gifts leftover, paired with extra donations, to adopt all of the homeless families for the holiday season. they also provided a staff lunch celebration for the school staff with small thank you gifts for the teachers.
a wonderful lady named Kimber worked tirelessly to make it all happen, and it was amazing. she also organizes monthly outings to serve the homeless population in downtown Denver. truly an inspiration!
I had an honest-to-goodness tea party yesterday at my home with a dear friend. There were scones and cupcakes and sandwiches with the crusts cut off. We sipped our drinks from china cups and got cramps in our pinkies from holding them up so high. It was delightful. Even better than the tea parties I’d had with Barbie and He-man and Optimus Prime when I was 5.
My husband had a job interview last week! And has two more potentially lined up!
I finally admitted to my younger sister that I tortured her, pretending I was asleep and then flinging my arm or leg over her (trying to sleep) body when we were, like, 7 or 8 years old. I laughed like a hyena after I told her; she didn’t find it that amusing.
For Christmas, the surprise gift my in-laws had for me is a spa day with my mother-in-law. At the naked Korean spa. This is actually not good at all, but I hope it makes you laugh. My husband finds it hilarious. I just keep wondering where I am going to hide my flask.
I don’t know if this is good, per se, but it is funny, so I hope it makes you smile. I keep Kleenex right by my bed; I have to blow my nose first thing in the morning because if my dog gets to me first, he will try to lick the boogers from my nose. He’s disgusting, but I love him. I also have to make sure I put the boogie tissues in the toilet because he will dig them out of the trash and eat them for the boogers. I mentioned he’s disgusting, right?
You make me laugh, giggle and guffaw with your knack for detailed humorous observations. I am now picturing Chewy struggling with a roll of Charmin. Thanks!
I think I’ve got my courage up enough to publish my 2nd poetry collection on time (around New Year’s). I’m terrified-excited.
Currently sitting with my feet up & my fuzzy asshole of a cat lightly snoring between them. Also, looking up “shittyflute” on YouTube always warms the cockles of my heart. I know you know you are not alone already. ❤️
The Squatty Potty changed a small but significant aspect of my life. https://www.squattypotty.com/
Re. Chewbacca’s issues – flushable wet wipes?
Happiness… I commented much the same the last time I saw you were in this position… I am now (after 3.5 years trying and in my late 30s) nearly 36 weeks pregnant (no intervention).
I totally believe that it was reading Furiously Happy that created a catalyst in my head and heart which made this possible. The things you put out into the world have a huge and wide-reaching effect to all four corners. Thank you x
Just over two weeks ago my niece celebrated her first birthday. When my sister was pregnant with her she was repeatedly told she would miscarry and lose the baby. When my niece was born at only 26 weeks the doctors kept saying she’d have brain damage and lifelong health issues. But my niece has shown them all. She’s perfection. Normal. Smart. Growing like a weed and so very happy. She’s a blessing and I’m so thankful we get to have her in our family.
So in the past two weeks my mom wrecked her car and my daughter had a weird health scare. How is this good news? Mom needed to stop driving but getting those keys from her was going to take a pry bar and a tranquilizer gun. Now that problem is solved and no one was hurt and that crazy woman made money on the deal via her insurance! And my daughter is fine. Totally fine.
And I only lost my temper once at work and it was at the conspiracy theorist/liar who needed a wake up call so I used my Irish temper for good and not evil.
And you are loved and appreciated. Your books are what I gift to my struggling students who are wrestling with mental illness. You make them laugh and cry and feel less alone. So I hope you, too, feel a bit less alone today.
Did you miss this in Star Wars? Because I did! “The Young Ones” live again!! https://twitter.com/rianjohnson/status/942767862367731713
My sister and I just saw Lady Gaga in concert. It was so awesome. Her whole personality just makes me feel a little better about the world. Stay brave and know it will get better and you are loved.
Three weeks from today, I won’t be pregnant anymore! I mean, I’ve got a baby girl on the way! (But seriously, I am 40 and tired and so ready to not be pregnant anymore.) And it was sunny and 50 today so my toddler and I could go to the playground without the usual protracted mitten battle.
Last week, after 2 degrees and 12 years, I paid off my student loooooaaaaannnnnssss!!!!
My husband is so supportive we actually get into arguments about it. I’ll say I’m shit at something, and he’ll say I’m not. Then I’ll insist that he’s biased and he’ll say he’s not, he’s just being honest and it goes back and forth until I finally concede that I might be okay at whatever the thing is. He never gives up. Unwavering support. How did I get this lucky?
Oh, also, my cat gives me shit whenever I come home because I left her forever!!!!! but then gives me kisses as if to say, “Sorry I yelled at you, hooman, but I just miss you when you’re not here. I cannot operate the food things without you.”
The washing machine died. But, my one and only kid, who is my tenant, will help pay for a new one. It’s all about the laundry. I hope you feel much better soon.
After being unemployed since 2008 or so, and thinking I’ll likely never be able to be employed, my friends eventually convinced me to turn my photography hobby (that I started in 2015) into a professional gig. Much to my surprise, because I had been comparing myself to incredibly experienced masters of photography and didn’t think I was good enough to charge, people have been booking me before I’ve even had a chance to advertise.
I’m on disability so I don’t have to worry about making enough to make ends meet (and disability allows me to make quite a bit without penalizing me for it because they understand employment is fulfilling and enriching and want to encourage us to do it) and I can take on jobs as my mental health allows me to.
Mind you the trick is to not take on too many jobs, and I’m floundering a bit as I learn that, but what a wonderful problem to have? Knowing that you’ve got more work offered than you can reasonably take on at the time. I’m currently working on catching up with all my current paid work and then my backlog of unpaid projects, then I can focus on creating my portfolio and website and can start advertising.
This is making a lot of goals that looked out of reach before seem far more possible and it’s very exciting for me. Not least of which because my work is being appreciated and validated.
I talked my girlfriend into reading Furiously Happy. I think it will help her. Even if it is to show her there are some people crazier than her…
I am still in my pajamas at 11:20 am but have gotten through a large list of stuff to do today. I do have a migraine but not a curl up & die one, so win!
I was offered a job today after three months of unemployment and no income. It doesn’t pay enough to cover the bills and there are no benefits but it’s much needed income. I guess that means things are looking up.
i got published for the first time today! it was a literal dream come true. thank you for always providing me comfort. http://www.refinery29.com/2017/12/184871/feeling-depressed-self-harm-cutting
I am bouncing off the walls because I am so excited to host Christmas Eve this year for my husband’s family… something must be wrong with me… but I will go with it. HAHAHA
Also, after finding out that my daughter failed English… because she did all of her work, but turned everything in late or not at all, we sent her off to her grandparents for the week. Needed a break from teenage angst for a week. Yessssssssssssssssssssssssss!
Flying home this week to spend the holidays with my boyfriend and dog. We live in different states now and I miss them both like crazy.
My boyfriend asked my Dad for permission to propose to me.
You are incredible every day. Thanks for sharing the ups and the downs! Your courage and humor have gotten me through some crazy shit 😉
Loved the video and can totally relate! Something to make you smile, I was inspired to start a doll house with my daughter after seeing your magnificent one and scored over 30 pieces from a person on Freecycle. Some of my favorites? A mini cast iron oven, double porcelain sink and a wooden musical piano. Jenny you are an inspiration and your words build bridges for people everyday to get over things big and small. You are wonderful!
An all-white kitten has “adopted” me at work, and my patients love him. I named him Ghost (sorry, John Snow) and he’s just a huge cuddlebug. Just don’t tell the hospital administrators!!
PS… on my previous elation about hosting Christmas Eve for my husband’s family… maybe the medication is working too good????
Hope you feel better soon!
My boyfriend asked my Dad for permission to propose to me.
Found out today that my high functioning autistic son will graduate high school with two honors diplomas. It’s a lot of work dealing with your own Sheldon.
I finally figured out that the reason aliens perform anal probes on humans they capture on Earth is because it’s socially unacceptable to do butt stuff back home. Oh, and I like gravy.
I’m up to number 8 on the hold list at the library for “Let’s Pretend This Never Happened”… I was number 17 or something when I first joined the list so that’s something good for me! And I’m new around here so I just scroll on back to read some of your older posts (luckily for me, the people I work with are used to me laughing hysterically at this point).
I’ve been working for 10 years at a place where people hated me for the first few years. (Not my fault, I swear.) I had to get cancer for them to feel sorry enough for me to get to know me a little. This year I got an award for being not so bad after all. Hooray! Time to retire.
Hm. My good thing is that I haven’t had a migraine since the night before Thanksgiving, AND I have a promising med to try if I get one.
Also, I had a very fluffy cat. I know the harvesting of the dingleberries well.
My dog didn’t poo on the rug……yet today. 🙂
Anyone who can use the term “dingleberries” in a post can see the light at the end of the tunnel and know that it is not an approaching train. You are loved hugely Jenny and that is my something good.
My 1-year old twins are just beginning to walk. And they apparently like Star Wars since they refused to stop staring at the screen over this week’s marathon. I’m so proud! (of the SW obviously, who cares if they walk lol)
My son got a job! He’s been unemployed for months but just got word he’s been hired for a job he interviewed for last week. Merry Christmas to him. And us.
Stephens and Walker winery just had their 4 foot metal chickens go missing from the front of their tasting room. Check your backyard- you may have visiting
Holiday Chickens!
My cat is currently laying on my chest and purring loudly. I am petting her with my face so that my hands are free for internetting. This is bliss.
The feral cat that I have been feeding for the last couple of months decided it would let me touch it and scratch its head. Now it follows me to the barn and back and tries to trip me the whole way. It waits for me at the front door and meows when I come out.
I’m making waffles.
Also, sugar. Tastes good, that is. Not good for you. Maybe I shouldn’t put sugar. But WTH it makes me do a happy dance.
Here is my good (I suppose) news. My husband is 72. He is going through a phase. He does not want to be an old man. But he did not buy a sportscar. No. He bought a horse.
Impostor syndrome didn’t destroy the first semester at my dream job as the Open Education librarian.
I got a new puppy a week ago. I’m overwhelmed: he’s adorable and a ton of work and I miss both my old dogs who died in the last year. I know he’ll he good for me, and I’ll love him, but right now we’re all taking this a day at a time. I’m not giving up, because anxiety isn’t going to win. Also, the cat isn’t impressed: yesterday he humped the puppy’s head. What the hell.
Found out my Cancer had not metastasized afterall.
After 20 years of having no idea what to do with my life career-wise, a totally random event set off an a-ha moment in me and I’m suddenly inspired by a new career path! I’m so excited!
I pooped today!
Jenny, honey, you’ve done so much for us out here. We’ll be here for and with you for as long as you’ll have us.
Something(s) Good: I have a shiny new (five months) job, doing what I’ve always wanted to do for an amazing organization, and a life partner I just can’t stop kissing — even after seven years. I have an adorable mother who is as giddy as a schoolgirl because she’s under contract on a new house. I have two of the most amazing and inspiring sisters who make me laugh like no one else. All this, and depression/anxiety too! But I have a new medication that seems to be making a difference, which is such a relief.
My two dogs are finally making efforts to be friends rather than worst enemies.
Two months ago, I had a terrible drop after a year (A YEAR!) in remission from depression. So much so that I ended up cutting myself, for reasons that made sense at the time.
But I’m back to being me again, after a long haul upwards. And it’s great. My husband and I have just celebrated 19 years of being together (met 1998, domestic partnership 2009, equal marriage 2015) and he remains my rock. Everything is really good, and depression can go fuck itself. x
My 3 year old granddaughter recently said, “Gme, who cut your haya (hair)” …with a very judgemental look on her face. But loved it at the same time. Otherwise, here’s a virtual hug if nothing else. Love you. xo
Even though this is high desert where I live, it’s still almost warm enough if I run at 3 or 3:30 so I get to go out into the desert daily and get a dose of sun and silence (or sun and music, depending). Pretty good for mid-December. It’s possible that I’ve just acclimated, too, and that’s fine – we’ll find out Friday when it’s supposed to be a high of 19. Being outside with the cottontails and jackrabbits makes me happier.
I got distracted for several minutes thinking about giant, industrial power bidet functions built into R2D2.
FYI, my dog Alyce informed me it is not called a butthole on a dog. They refer to it as their “cloverfield”. Not my idea, just passing on much needed information.
Good point about Chewbacca’s grooming – we used to have a bichon that we never groomed, so got all too familiar with the problem… Fun fact: with sheep, your dingleberries are called “dags” – hence the NZ saying “rattle your dags” (i.e. get a move on).
PS: when we had a Star Wars monopoly set a few years back, the kids all knew that I always had to be Chewbacca. Something about the way he just howled and moaned. And was armed and dangerous.
Your Chewbacca question makes me think of one of the dumbest jokes ever….A bear sees a rabbit and asks him, “Does poop stick to your fur?” The rabbit replies, “No, why?” The bear says, “Just curious” and the grabs the rabbit and uses him to wipe his ass….maybe Chewie has a stash of wiping bunnies.
I spent the weekend walking around NYC, my home of 10 years, taking in the holiday spirit. This city knows how to dress fancy! Tomorrow I am going to my other home, where my parents and in laws live, it won’t be as fancy, but it will be filled with love! I am lucky to have two great families.
I thought a coyote had eaten two of my feral carport cats but they both finally showed up. So they are either resurrected coyote eaten zombies or they just hid from the coyotes. I live in the middle of a town, there shouldn’t be any coyotes but one was seen in my front yard by a neighbor. I am happy my cats weren’t eaten because they are beautiful and my neighbors and I went to lots of trouble to trap them and get them neutered. They follow me in a parade when I walk the dog. They are more afraid of me than they are of the dog.
It’s “warm” here today (30 … I live in Michigan …) and also I just found out I’m getting 2 weeks pay as a holiday bonus. 🙂
I am a double major in college at age 47. In English, creative writing and in studio art, focusing on glass. My teacher wants me to do a student exhibition combining the 2. I’m freaking out.
#1: You are a good person, a really good person, even when you think you’re not. Because despite anything, you make people all over the world laugh and think. In other languages.
#2: One of our mature red oak trees had a huge, long cavity in it, and the tree and could have crashed down on our house. And the cavity is the den of some local raccoons. (As opposed to visiting raccoons.) But our arborist had his tree climbers just remove the canopy (top!), leave most of the rest of the tree (called a spar aka snag), and put flashing on the top so the cavity aka raccoon home would stay dry.
Without the weight of the top of the tree, it’s not going to come crashing down since the base is solid. And there are trees around it to hold it up. And birds will still enjoy it.
A friend of his runs a golf course with tons of ash trees that died. So the ones not near where gold carts roam were turned into snags and then the snags turned into mega bird houses with holes put in them.
Go snags/spars! Let’s hear it for nature and those who consider it! Rah.
I’m in that same place right now, so thinking of something happy is kind of hard. But, umm, Christmas soon. And even if you don’t like Christmas, it means a Doctor Who Christmas special. So. That’s something to look forward to.
I’m having a tough time right now, too. Not sure why this time of year is such a bitch. It’s nice to know it’s not just me. Fight on!
My 13 year old sister and I had a very long conversation about different periods of history. We are 14 years apart in age, and Im very glad to have something in common with her. Thank you for sharing your struggle; You are amazing
My son totally conned me into learning to play a game on my phone (introduced me to my phone drug of choice).
Last week I was beaten by some kid in the Midwest who named himself “Lord Big Weiner.”
Appalled yes
Kinda in awe yes
The universe provides
I’m snuggling with my newborn. My third little dude, and the first delivery I haven’t had postpardum anxiety terribly. Learning what it is to love the newborn stage 🙂
My 10 year old daughter (who suffers from severe anxiety) just achieved level 3 Bodan belt in Martial Arts. Just two steps below Black Belt. It’s taken her three years, and I couldn’t be more proud of her!!
Hello,Dorothy Barker! I love that little Papillon wave! My Riley used to do that all the time. The good thing in my life right now is sad, too. My mom died this fall so it’s kind of a sucky holiday season for me but I’m spending Xmas with her family, which is the good thing. I haven’t seen some of my cousins for years. I need this.
My 9 month old daughter started crawling this weekend! Been going backwards for weeks, then last night, BAM! Outta nowhere, started going forward like she’s been doing it all along. Not a huge deal, I know…. but after waiting 9 years for her…. pretty much everything she does makes me happy <3
I’ve followed your blog for a long time, just like depression has followed ME for a long time. Here’s something I try to do If I can verbalize my way out of the fog. I say out loud to anyone who can hear (which are my cats and my husband b/c I am usually too paralyzed to go anywhere) ……
“I REFUSE TO YIELD ANY PART OF MY HEAD OR MY HEART TO THE DECEPTIVE DEMON. SO, BACK OFF YOU MOTHER FUCKER BECAUSE I AM TEN THOUSAND TIMES BETTER THAN YOU CAN EVER HOPE TO BE.” So, that’s it. I do it really loud. Yeah, and I sleep a lot. And I comb through your blogs for your humor, and your understanding. BTW, I am an extrovert and a Christian. And I believe there’s a higher being that wants to pull me through all the darkness. That’s why I yell it really loud. Sometimes you just need to get His attention.
I signed a three book deal last week – something I never thought would happen. And I turn thirty on Friday (which I am actually excited about). Also, my cats survived being alone for a few days and didn’t murder each other (they are a feisty bunch). So that is a plus.
Although my vagina has randomly gone rogue, all is well.
Just as I thought I couldn’t take “one more thing,” we visited my brother for the weekend and it was like a heart-centered reset. Now I can go on again. The little things make all the difference sometimes.
There are two lions who just left the Netherlands to go live at Emoya in South Africa. Brothers Bruno and Omar were saved from eastern european druglord type people -and were in extremely bad shape; emaciated, wounded- and Stichting Leeuw here in Holland fixed them up. They were fed, taught how to hunt and be proud lions, they got strong, manes grew back in… And this past week they were flown to Emoya in South Africa, where they’ll have a huge enclosure to be proper, happy lions in. There are good people in the world who try to make it a better place. Like the volunteers who make it all happen. As for me personally, I have a diabetes check-up this week, and I am blatantly unconcerned about it because the low-carbing is working out pretty well for me. My thyroid’s still a mess, but it’s being tackled, so there’s hope there. Christmas is coming, and although there’s some stress over that -understatement- I know I’ll spend it with good people whom I love, and who, inspite of my introverted borderline personality disorder/depression and many other ills, still love me for some reason! I’ll be exhausted long into february, but it’ll be worth it. And Jenny, thanks for everything. I’m re-reading Furiously Happy in little bits because it gets too emotional for me sometimes, but really, it’s not about you being funny, not about you having to be funny…. You make me feel like I’m not alone. People terrify me. I hide in my home, all day, every day. And when someone I look up to does the same, well… Maybe being nuts isn’t all that bad. Because you’re still one of the coolest people out there. Thank you for making it easier to speak out about mental illness, for letting me be able to just explain to someone why I can’t do something for them while I really want to, would give anything to, but am not able to leave the house to photograph 12 strangers or something… For letting me know it’s okay to be open about what’s going on in a mind. You rock. (And don’t even start on imposter syndrome. This is my perception of you, deal with it. ;))
We have a new puppy named Jasper. He is a Newfoundland/Standard Poodle cross. He is three months old today, and weighs 24 pounds. When grown, he will be about as big as a Clydesdale. He hasn’t figured out running, but is fantastic at galumphing.
I made a pot of meatballs that are really amazing. My husband is half Italian and sometimes food helps in times of need when sex is scarce. He’s very happy, building up to his birthday Christmas eve when he gets a cheesecake.
Hubby got a ten percent raise starting Jan 1. This in a company who gives 3% if that. I’m not working right now (been looking) and grateful for this.
tomorrow I’ll officially be done my fourth exam and the first semester of second year AKA the most stressful 4 months of my life!!!
My sister is coming home for Christmas for the first time in 21 years!!! So excited!! And my little online shop might get expanded in the New Year!!!!! https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/FrenchToastKitty SO excited.
My daughter’s little tuxedo cat is being adorable, stretched out in a patch of sunshine on the carpet.
omgomgomg! My ONE WHOLE POUND of Live Red Wiggler Worms just came in the mail to add to my Trench Composting project. Don’t you wish you were me?
We got kittens this week, and they are sending tiny, furry hugs your way!
My older brother and my boyfriend are teaching me how to play the bass guitar. I’m struggling with finger strength, but I’m getting it!
My 3 year old daughter wanted an orange bedroom…. so we now have an orange bedroom, because orange is “happy”. She got a complete room makeover with big girl bed and all. She’s happy, I’m happy….. it’s a great week.
I’ve come to the conclusion that people long ago in a galaxy far, far away didn’t go to the bathroom. Consider how much of the Millennium Falcon we’ve seen. Did you see a toilet? Because I didn’t. The closest allusion to it has been the trash compactor, but I’d rather not contemplate the ramifications of that.
Anyway, I’m sorry that depression is being a lying turd. Mine has also been adversely affecting my writing for [undisclosed period of time] now, where you don’t even necessarily trust yourself to come up with something worth reading. But even when you think you’re not funny, your writing is still clever and interesting.
ANYway, you asked for something good, and I’ve not yet delivered on that, so… looks around frantically um… I have a new Star Wars T-shirt that I got for five bucks! And it’s of the original Star Wars movie, from back when they didn’t know there’d be 8+ other movies.
I thought I had a weird skin thing but the doctor scraped off the dried pancake batter and then told me to go home and enjoy my day.
My adult daughter invited me for the first time to go to a function with her! And when I asked her if I should go bald or wear a funky wig (I shaved my head cause the teal faux hawk I had with the multi-shapes cut into the bottom and dyed multi-colors had gotten boring to me after two weeks and I just needed a clean “pallet” to start over….at 63!) and she said to do whatever pleased me and she would not be embarrassed. How cool is that? I guess having a mom that has always danced to the beat of her own drum (down the middle of grocery aisles when a good song comes on over the sound system) has finally stopped embarrassing her. So tonight I shall rock her church’s women’s Christmas party with a bald head with some glitter added just for festivity!
I’m finally leaving the garbage fire state I live in currently in ONE MONTH. I have suffered through this hellhole for eighteen months and it’s finally, finally ending. I could cry with relief.
My one and a half year old actually napped without yelling at me for an hour first. The past 2 weeks he’s been a right rat regarding naps so this is a major win for me
I found a $5 bill in a pair of slacks I haven’t worn since last year!
Younger Daughter and I wrestled her old mattress out of and her new mattress into her bedroom by ourselves. No male help. We are strong like Amazons.
My best friend was declared cancer free today.
I went to the San Diego Zoo last night and got to be personally cussed out by an aye aye, a creature that was literally made to flip the bird. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHs5POy8-8Y
Our daughter is coming home in only 2 days!!!!
I gave to the James Garfield Miracle this year for the first time. I’m going to make it an annual tradition. No one knows I did it, but it made me feel good. And you were part of that. So, Thank You.
I saw The Disaster Artist yesterday and it was awesome. You think it’s going to be about how the world laughs at this weirdo but it’s actually about this lovely friendship.
Finished my dollhouse in time to enter the contest! Very excited.
I got to spend an afternoon dogsitting five fluffy dogs recently. Playing on the floor with them, sitting on the sofa surrounded by my doggie army, getting covered in hair and drool, lots of fun!
Also, we are living in a wonderfully nerdy time. Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who, The Orville. It’s a great time to be a sci-fi geek.
I took my medication today. Thanks for being you. Your honesty helps me know I’m not alone.
I have cardinals at my bird feeder! Not the Catholic kind. Though they would also be welcome to my sunflower seeds and cracked corn.
I’ve decided to try minimalism and I bagged up 4 large garbage bags of clothes as my first step. My anxiety is out of control and all the crap in my house is making it worse. 🦄🌈
We’re almost done with our seasonal jobs for Amazon, and even though we’ll be spending December 24 & 25 on the road getting from TN to TX, I double do not care because we get both of our sons at the same time in January, and that hasn’t happened for two years.
Also, we’ll be helping my brother’s family with some Hurricane Harvey repair work, and that’s gonna feel hella good, and hella right. Yay!
I won a ribbon for Most Creative Christmas tree for our work’s Christmas tree contest. I glued tiny pictures of some of the microscopic organisms that we image on our microscopes onto Christmas ornaments.
What a dork. I TOTALLY forgot to add that my mom is cancer-free this Christmas!!!!! (Unlike last Christmas) AMAZING NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My 96 year old grandmother was kicked OFF of hospice care, for being too dang healthy! 😀 And the hospice nurse even arranged for her to keep the hospital bed. For free. How awesome is that?
I had my first book signing on Saturday, and I actually sold three books–two to complete strangers!
Hugs& love.
My cat held my hand and slept with me head to head on my pillow this morning.
The more I write for my first memoir, the more I understand that what happened to me — and writing about it — won’t kill me after all. A nice, unexpected revelation.
My son has been disabled for three years. We took him to Hawaii for two weeks to relax and get some sun. Very nice time together.
My boyfriend was talking to one of our neighbors and trying to find something to talk about when the neighbor mentioned that he was reading a book called “Furiously Happy” by Jenny Something. My boyfriend triumphantly said “Jenny Lawson! I know who that is!”, and a conversation was born:)
I got out of bed and did my hair today. That was big for me. My depression is at an all time high (low?) and so getting up was huge.
The Santa gifts we bought for a friend who was unable to afford Christmas this year will be arriving tomorrow! The kids are gonna be so jazzed when they open them!
My mom, who was diagnosed with stage IV endometrial cancer in Sept of 2017 and who has been through chemo and radiation, including internal radiation, had something show up on her CT scan right before Thanksgiving, which meant she had to have a PET scan. Her oncologist called her in last Thursday for the results–we braced ourselves for the bad news. What turned up on the CT scan was changes from the radiation. No signs of cancer. We live in 3 month intervals as that’s when her next scan is, but Christmas is back on at our house!
I just mailed my friend a Christmas parcel, and in it, I included your book, ‘Let’s Pretend This Never Happened’ because it is the funniest book I have ever read, and I want her to laugh her way through her pain. That is the gift that you are to me and so many others. Remember that, today and every day.
My daughter is getting married this weekend. She’s so excited but The Viking and I are a little wild-eyed at her choice of a groom. I’ve chosen to ignore that part so I can be excited for her. The Viking, on the other hand, has been snorting and shouting and cursing about the whole thing because he doesn’t know how to ignore one part of something so he can enjoy the other part of something. Vikings are like that. It’s either all or nothing with them. That’s why they get so shout-y and curse-y – it’s embedded in their DNA. Thankfully, Vikings today have learned to control their Pillaging and Raping instincts and are quite docile in domestic situations. Unless he doesn’t like the groom of his beloved step-daughter. I’ve hidden his Battle Axe and his Shield (yes, he has both) though. Just in case.
This probably isn’t helpful at all but it’s all I’ve got on short notice. :o)
I’ve had two friends give me home brewed booze in the past 16 hours. This is how I plan on surviving my holidays.
Oh, and our kitty had the runs, was covered in dripping shit… And she let me take it off in the shower without ripping off my face! Yaaaay! I was so surprised I couldn’t believe I was already holding her wrapped in a towel. I kissed her so much I almost sucked her brains out.
A few weeks ago, I was anxious and running errands when I stumbled upon the “Soon to be…Famous” Chicken Car in an office parking lot in the Chicago burbs.
Beholding such magical beauty out in the world would have been enough. But a search revealed that Chicken Car and her owner also have lovely souls. Last year, they and two friends went on a cross-country tour to raise money and awareness for NAMI.
And yes, Chicken Car can be rented—in case you need a mascot for your next book tour. You’ll need a trailer too; like many of us, Chicken Car is a little broken and can’t go far in life on only her own steam.
More info:
https://chickencar.weebly.com/
https://twitter.com/ChickenCar1
https://www.facebook.com/Chicken-Car-257373817633468/
The diarrhea and stomach cramps are going away. Have not crapped my pants since yesterday!
I’ve recently lost 90lbs and I just got a nose piercing as a congratulations gift to myself 🙂
My 18 month old daughter “helped” me decorate our Christmas tree today. And while I was typing this she figured out she can scootch backwards to get under the bed and is now giggling like a fool.
A few weeks ago we heard about a family who just moved back to Philly from Puerto Rico after the hurricane and needed furniture (specifically beds) and warm clothes. We had a bed in the garage just taking up space so we decided to give it to them. Long story short after talking to various family and friends – and very much inspired by James Garfield – on Saturday we delivered a queen bed, a new mattress, a set of bunk beds, a microwave and a car crammed full of wrapped presents and warm clothes to some very excited children and a teary mom. You inspire good!
My middle son is applying to grad schools (which must mean he’ll be graduating this year – it’s been a long process for him). I hope the light breaks through the darkness soon.
I started back up to working out and while I have no stamina at the moment, I’m happy for the progress!
I just got my book up on Amazon pre-order. It’s been a lifelong dream and after many times of starting and stopping and being convinced my story wasn’t one anyone cared about — it happened! I can’t tell you the size my heart grew to – not just at the site of my name and title on Amazon, but the deluge of friends on my feed that posted “pre-ordered” screenshots. I’ve have been battling some serious dark times these past few months, but that? It’s a light I”m going to hang onto.
My ‘non-romantical’ (yes, that’s our word, ‘romantical’) told me he found a song for me…
My boss told me that he’s sure I did much better on a project than I give myself credit for.
I’ve made a good dent in my Christmas baking that I should have started last weekend, but I didn’t because of reasons. I’m on the uphill slope again and I’m ecstatic about that fact. 🙂
I think Chewy parts his booty hair like curtains before pooping. That’s the benefit to having arms that can reach your butt.
The ONLY benefit. As a daughter of a 7 month old, I’m grateful that she has yet to discover that she can reach her own butt, and diaper changes are not yet an incredibly messy endeavor. So that’s my good thing 🙂
I never, ever would have thought of such a question but I have the solution: Chewie uses the sonic shower. Sound waves blast the shit away!
As for something good, my ebook rewrites are going well. I’m getting better every year!
My 7 year old got me a survival wristband with a compas/ whistle/ Firestarter for my birthday. I love wearing this bulky thing.
I’m finally getting clients for my freelance copywriting business. 🙂
It was suggested that our family dog of 14 years be euthanized over the weekend but my mother refused. This morning the vet called and said she thinks our dog may actually make it. I know this isn’t all that happy, but it’s hopeful. And that’s something.
Lol, I was totally going to use Star Wars as my happy thought for you!
I’ve seen it twice already and I loved it both times. I have a few teensy tiny criticisms, but I made a decision a long time ago to enjoy Star Wars as much as possible and not let anyone’s snobbery ruin it for me.
My personal happy thought right now is that I just found YOU! I listened to your Hilarious World of Depression episode yesterday, and I’m already knee deep in your blog posts. I ALSO love taxidermy and live with anxiety & depression! Yay! lolz. There’s this shop in San Francisco called Loved to Death that has the most beautiful and creepy pieces. Unfortunately the shop has rebranded a bit recently and it’s far less gothic, more hipster now (boooo) but anyway, it’s so nice to find someone else who loves that stuff and doesn’t think I’m weird. 🙂
Thanks for getting a few words out, even when it’s excruciating. You’re helping us both.
xoxox
I made a new friend and that’s really hard for me, especially at (almost) 30.
I got to watch the sunset from a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean. It was pretty fantastic.
I was interviewed by a magazine (it’s in French) and they asked me my fave book….I of course said “Furiously Happy.” So you are now famous in Luxembourg (which is such a tiny country in Europe, that you might blink if you miss it.)
My family decided to donate to an African mission I work with I stead of buying stuff we all have too much of. $2.96 feeds a family for a WEEK. A week, for what a coffee costs.
Also, we went to the Old Courthouse in St Louis and heard a high school madrigal choir do Christmas music.
I’m excited to be getting tattoos next month. The store I work at isn’t shutting down, just changing names. I found out my bra size and found a bra that fits perfectly.
All I can say is you are SO NOT alone. I am surprised and disappointed to say this does not improve with age. However, having survived some very DARK and lonely times I can tell you that it was worth sticking it out and I am glad I did. It may not always get better and time does not heal everything, but my oh my what wonders there are yet to be discovered….even when you are old. What can be even better are the good folk sharing the same time and space. Every once in a while the magic connects. You are such for me and I admire and thank you for your courage and bravery in sharing….it is a gift to us and you! Looking forward to sharing the upcoming new year with you. Take care and be patient with yourself.
I just had a semi-mostly liquid lunch with my coworkers and we told stories and laughed and then we did it all again. Lunch lasted nearly 3 hours. It was magical. Just when you think “it” is all bad and horrible, life hands you an oasis. Grab it.
This weekend my girls, age 9 and 11, watched Sound of Music with me – from start to finish – all 3 hours of it. I got to tell them how the Sound of Music was the only vhs tape we had when we were stationed in West Germany and my younger brother and I watched it obsessively. I got to share the time my brother and I held hands and skipped through the arbour path at Mirabell palace (Salzburg) in our own re-enactment of the famous scene.
I felt like I passed on a part of me for them to always remember.
I made a choice out of desperation a while back and got a job in retail that was slowly killing my soul, so last week I put on a performance that gave Meryl Streep a run for her money and quit. I stayed home and went back to my old job that I can do in my jammies if I want to. Made the same amount of money in a week that I used to make at the retail job, and with way cuter coworkers. Best decision I ever made. (The cats are overjoyed they have a lap available 24/7 again, too!).
The introvert video is hilarious, and spot on. I LOVED The Last Jedi. I just successfully converted some old code to new code!
You said little…so my six year old is finally cleaning her room after me asking for a week, trying to bribe her for a week, resisting the urge to threaten for a week…it’s happening. All it took was her seeing the Trolls Christmas show on netflix for her to decide that’s worth her cleaning her room.
I am pregnant with my first child after trying for 9 long years.
I see my son in less than a week.
I had some issues with The Last Jedi, but now you’ve raised a whole new set of concerns it never even occurred to me to think about.
After a very stressful semester, I managed to get very good grades 😊 felt good
My entire yard was completely decorated for Christmas a week ago! And my daughter understands her 11th-grade physics! My 22-year-old son moved out. (OK, that one is good but also sad, so maybe skip it.)
I also have it on good authority (can’t name sources) that wookies don’t shit like humans. Can’t provide details but dingleberries are not a problem, although dirty feet might be.
My son came home from college for break last night and it was the first time I’ve hugged him in over a month. It was the best hug!!
I am having a baby boy in February. And you have helped me get through this pregnancy. Thank you.
After teaching in the regular classroom for 17 years, I’m finally moving to special education. I’ve wanted to be a SpEd teacher forever but I haven’t had the money to pursue my certification. I’m so excited!
While I was in the shower this morning, my puppy broke down the baby gate, escaped the kitchen, peed on the floor from excitement, burgled the Christmas tree and… very cleverly opened just the one present addressed to him. MY PUPPY CAN READ! Now I’m wondering what else I don’t know about him.
Even when you’re feeling low – your mind is beautiful and hilarious. Now of course I’m contemplating Chewy way more than I should … but you made me laugh! THANKS.
I’ll tell you something good, your blogs really make my day and make me laugh out loud in real life. It’s nice to feel like somebody else out there understands and doesn’t say “Can’t you just control it?” That Chewie story was just what I needed this afternoon……….dingleberries..HAHAHAHA
Over the weekend, we had a wonderful gathering with a good friend of mine who I haven’t seen for a long time. It felt really good to get out of the hamster wheel of house, kids & work.
I hope the dark period passes soon.
One of my friends is dying of cervical cancer. This morning, an Amtrak train derailed in my state of Washington. In the middle of my sky-high anxiety and feelings of grief, this is not helping. I’m literally shaking inside. So I went outside for a walk, and when I say outside, I mean into the wilderness, sine that’s where I live. As I walked along our wild river smelling of rotting spawned out salmon, I watched my dogs blissfully and happily running ahead of me. So here’s the moral of my story: I’m pretty damn grateful to be alive, not dying of cancer, not careening of the train tracks. My life is awesome. I have wild rivers and deeply green mountains to breathe in every day, I have three beautiful children and a husband who worships me, and two insanely happy dogs. And in the spring: baby goats.
You are amazing. Thank you for being you, whether that’s happy you or depressed you. We love you regardless. As for the happy, my puppy is FINALLY starting to be gentle and not a bitey demon-face. Most of the time anyways. Also, for the first time in years I both got family portraits done AND sent out Xmas cards.
Sorry you are feeling that way. I’d give you a hug if we were in the same location and you wanted one. I’ve been in a pretty bad depression all year, but one good thing is that I saved two kittens this fall who would have died or possibly gone blind (bad eye infections) without my intervention. They are so cute now and growing quickly.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10214093183785020&set=a.1597032847129.2077943.1275213666&type=3&theater
What is good for me at the moment is that I and we all have you in our lives. You are open and honest about yourself. It is refreshing although, of course, it can be sad. We need people to speak freely and share their experiences be it good or bad. What we endure, what we enjoy, how we cope, how we live, and when we do not, all of the happenings in our lives, they can be a moment that we say, “I never thought about it that way”.
I know I am in my pillow fort most of the time as things haven’t been all that great lately. But. You inspire me to keep writing. Even when times aren’t great. There is something happening in my lying brain and I think I can take them and turn them into what is the truth. Then and only then can I write. I write the lies. I write my thoughts about those lies. I write what I feel is the truth.
When my mind clears, as the clouds and the darkness abate, I look back. I stare at my previous thoughts. I see where I was and how I thought. And I adjust. Constantly adjust. Endlessly. But no matter how many times this roller coaster ride of life happens, every up, every down, every moment at the top, stopped, looking out at the wonders of the world while I can, I can think. Sometimes. I need this. I need to know it WILL pass. When? No one knows. How? Same answer. Why? OK, you get the point. It just does. Waiting for it and wallowing is so frustrating. But I keep trying. Or hiding. In my fort. And maybe with my cats. Peace. Stay strong.
My husband just made the most awesome home-made mushroom soup today.
I created a game and am selling it on Amazon and it’s doing pretty darn well for one month in. And indirectly, I owe part of this success to you 🙂
Some of the best advice I ever received: You’re going to have good days. You’re going to have bad days.
The advice was from a physical therapist, but it applies to all of life.
When I posted this wisdom on FB, my friend Patti said, “But it is very vague. It could apply to every situation.” Yes, that’s why it’s such great advice.
The best, very specific medical advice I ever got was from a podiatrist: if you suffer from Morton’s Nueroma, tape your toes together. The two right next to your big toe. It’s miraculous advice and I’ve passed it on to others and it’s helped them.
I made myself a promise that while Christmas shopping I would not lay down on the floor of any stores and cry. I was successful. A big high five to me!! That’s a good thing…right?
My sister is coming here for Christmas and her plane is literally flying over my house in the next few minutes so I’m going to wave madly at the sky.
Also my house is clean for the first time in…. um… years? Yay for breathing more easily!
You have saved me more than once. (and my cat is snoozing next to me right now)
This kitty stealing a stuffed tiger always makes me smile. https://youtu.be/ug8Dcz3kyOA
I survived 6 rounds of chemo, am feeling fine, going to have surgery in a couple of weeks, then radiation. My journey isn’t over, but I honestly think I’ve been through the worst of it. The good news is that I’ve learned not to sweat the small stuff anymore, and that friends make life worth living. Oh, and to find something that brings me joy every day, no matter how shitty the day has been. Hang in there. Reading your words always brings me joy.
A couple weeks ago, we moved our bed to the guest room to make space for a new master bedroom bed that was being delivered the next day. I thought our cat would be sad and confused about where we (and her nighttime snuggles) were. Instead, she ventured downstairs and found us in the guest room to snuggle all night.
we celebrated the 1st of 5 christmases saturday. i was given an instant pot and a ton of books that i wanted. better than that was my in-laws (finally) acknowledging my 40 lb weight loss
Our three year old wanted to send a Christmas card to the dog in the window that we see every morning on our way to nursery (British preschool). So we did.
The dog sent one back and left it taped to the window. Our little boy is beyond thrilled.
I can’t even relax right!!! This time of the year always gets me down too, although I love it. Anyways. Sat down by the fireplace last night to indulge in terrible tv…when I got up my legs were asleep, so I just smacked my head on the tv stand. Pouring blood…broke my glasses and my face….I look fucking fabulous. Not even a good story. I look like hell and all I can say is…my fat ass made my legs fall asleep
Our three year old wanted to send a Christmas card to the dog in the window that we see every morning on our way to nursery (British preschool). So we did.
The dog sent one back and left it taped to the window. Our little boy is beyond thrilled.
I just finished a baby quilt for a dear friend of mine and it is nice and fluffy and the backing is lamb soft. It’s the first quilt I’ve ever done totally on the machine. Before I was quilting by hand alone.
My hubby, son and I had the same conversation about Chewbacca waiting for the previews to start! I confessed that I always had a small crush on Chewie, and then it just went downhill from there. “No, Rick, I have NOT googled “Chewie’s woody”!
Let’s see. Good things. An incredible dog was just delivered into my house by God and good faeries, my son made a 90 on his Chemistry mid-term, my daughter is home making cookies, my critically endangered Neon Day Geckos hatched a baby and didn’t eat it (yet), a critically endangered tortoise surprised me with an egg, and our Bloggess Tribe Twitter holiday swap has involved about 40 people in 4 countries and 2 continents. So that’s good. And maybe even great.
How about this. It’s mostly because of your books and posts that I understand my 16 year old daughter that struggles with severe anxiety/depression/OCD/allofthethings. So when you write about how much your life is sucking, you are making hers better <3
You just made me laugh – thank you! I’m sorry you’re depressed – hang in there.
my toyroom is my happy place, even in winter when my hands go numb taking photos down there, even when i’m in a dysphoric low or my brain is falling out from grief, some small thing there reaches through the darkness to comfort me, some nostalgic little toy or old kid’s book illustration or long lost & found quarter machine trinket.. something makes me want to create, paint, write, keep on going..
take care,
http://friendlyghost.typepad.com/lost_found_vintage_toys/
bren/ghost
Search up “Otters holding hands”. They have never let me down!
How about I just give you some Dolly? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvK1F6bUrzU
This is a conversation that happened between me ( L) and my eight year old daughter ( R) this morning.
L: What’s this? R: I made you a cup of coffee. L:…You Did? R: Yeah. I put all the things you usually put in your coffee, too. L: oh man! That-s so sweet-Wait. What do you mean by “all the things”? R: One can never be sure now, can they? L:…..umm…. R: There’s no more coffee left. L: DAMMIT. I better not find boogers in this. But thank you. I THINK that that was a very kind gesture. Maybe.
I am almost done with my holiday baking. Can’t what to share with coworkers. Plus no fires in my area of California.
I just reread Let’s Pretend and now I’m reading Furiously Happy, and I am buying additional copies for someone who will love them and really be helped by them.
I survived another semester of grad school and should finish in spring.
No pity B’s on my papers, strong solid B’s. 🙂
We are in Michigan for the holidays even though my husband claimed no way this year. Lol
I am actively working on an updated edition of my cookbook (because it can be better), not just thinking about working on it.
Also, I made homemade marshmallows yesterday and they are good!
You are funnier when you are depressed than most people are on their happiest days. Keep telling us your insights and observations, please. As to Chewbacca’s dingleberry problem, perhaps as a baby (cub?) his mother taught him how to clean his ‘downstairs’. The good news is I have on-going Internet access so I can read your blog.
I finally had the cloud of depression lift last night! I feel a lot better, just took some therapy,some meds, rest and lots of puppy kisses!! Keep moving – it will lift, it always does!!
I’m excited and terrified but I’m resolved to start the first of my architecture courses and not screw it up. Also I’m giving myself a new look for the new year (lol I know it’s cliche but it’ll make me look and feel, to myself anyway, less gloomy)!
speaking of chewbacca’s junk… I have a picture you might find amusing. I’ve tweeted it to you… but here’s the link as well.
https://twitter.com/chemgirljaime/status/942852408920567808
Watched Star Wars this weekend!! But then had to spend the rest of the weekend with people so now super tired. Taking a me day complete with lots of books and chocolate.
My husband and I found out we are having a girl! It took us awhile to get pregnant and we are so excited!
I have four-day work weeks for the next three weeks. Woo hoo! And we’re seeing Star Wars: The Last Jedi tomorrow. And I’m still giggling about the Bad Lips Reading of Stranger Things even though I haven’t seen it in a few days.
I saw my first shrew in the wild & it was ADORABLE! And I saw a horse laughing at his two horse friends. Don’t ask me to describe it but if you ever saw a horse laughing you would recognize it immediately as such. It was freakin awesome!!
I was able to do more James Garfield gifts than I could last year. And that warmed my heart.
I thought I was getting the flu so I started dosing up on preventatives. After a couple of days of feeling lousy I’m better. Yay!
My wife and I are $5,000 away from being out of credit card debt, which is more impressive when you know that we had more than $50,000 two years ago.
My friends brought me flowers. Granted, I hired them to decorate the waiting room at work with plants and flowers, but they brought me my own pretty flowers to take home.
I’ve never switched anti-depressants before, and I did for the first time this semester. It hit me hard. I did not care about anything for a while. But I still managed to get As and one B. Woot!
I leave Thursday for a week-long holiday vacation to visit my mom.
I just got asked to start teaching knitting classes at the craft store where I work.
I quit my toxic job today. I finally listened to ALL my family and friends who said it was time. Seriously – they all agreed. I had an epiphany last night, if I even have HALF the faith in me that they do, I will succeed elsewhere. Better yet – hubby is insisting I take a month off before job search so I don’t fall into same trap.
This made me laugh this morning, and it’s even on topic, sort of. https://www.facebook.com/radiojamfm/videos/10155852495654831/
You said you couldn’t be funny while depression is your master. Sorry, that Chewie bit made me laugh. I may never be able to look at him without searching for dingleberries. Thanks.
My something good: the dog we’re pet-sitting was off her food and puked a couple of times. Today she’s feeling perky, eating her food, playing with toys, wagging her tail, and running through the forest. That, and the puke came out of the very expensive looking cream throw rug. Very good, indeed!
1) i made it to work today!
2) Thanks to starting LDN last week, i’ve discovered i was in more pain than i knew, but only because it’s not there anymore!
3) My ex-stray cat is getting friendlier and cuddlier every day. She mothers me very well and is trying to remove the nasty human stank from my skin.
4) Only 6-12 more months left of a teenage kitten.. the little shit will make a great grown boy, but omg is he an irritating teen!! He also has extra toes.
5) I live with a maine coon. Which always rocks.
(3 cats total, in case anyone was wondering)
I also saw Star Wars yesterday and avoided all spoilers! I am currently listening to my 3.5 month old figure out her voice, it is very adorable!
It was warm enough here today so that I could walk the dog around the neighborhood. Then I gave her a Pupperoni for being such a good girl.
I have talked my company into letting me start an entirely new department, to train our customers, and in 3 weeks, I spend a week at the second company to use the new service, training them in something I don’t actually have any experience using. Stressful, but way exciting!
My coworker found a half frozen, half dead butterfly in a head of lettuce on Saturday. I took her home anyway, thinking at least it will be a pretty specimen, but she stood up and ate at an orange! She is still alive today, by some miracle, and is the most beautiful bug I’ve ever brought home. I have pics: http://www.yellowmellearts.com/blog/painted-lady-visitor
It’s not SUPER “good” because it’s now about wintertime and I don’t feel like it’s safe to release her (I don’t think she can fly?), but I’m more than willing to keep stocked on oranges for her last days/week. :3
Your James Garfield Miracle has restored a big chunk of my faith in humanity. Seriously. So much kindness and generosity, so much joy for little ones who might otherwise have had a bleak holiday. Being able to participate by sending a present felt like a gift in and of itself.
I am on vacation right now,but don’t have to leave my house for another 7 days. When I see my MIL for the holidays, I will be somewhere I can drink (usually live in a place where alcohol is prohibited). My husband has been gone for nearly 2 weeks but both kids and I survived. He is expected to beat the coming blizzard home today. I passed the counseling grad class I took last semester meaning I am one step closer to a career change that I find exciting and terrifying. No one in my family is expecting a perfect holiday this year…so most of the pressure is off.
Actually it’s kind of funny that “I took her home” could easily refer to a coworker instead, and reading the rest of the comment as if I imprisoned a coworker and fed her oranges is giving me a chuckle.
We ripped out the nasty carpet in our hallway and living room and put in wood flooring, and now our cats have discovered how to run like hell down the hall, then slide sideways into the LR – they keep doing it over and over. Also, Chewbacca does have dingleberries, but he rips off the head of anyone who mentions them to him, so nobody does.
I decided to frame some artwork that I did when I was feeling good. I hung it so I can see it from my comfy chair when the depression comes back.
My therapist told me that most of what I feel I HAVE to do for Christmas is self-imposed and unnecessary and other people can handle those things just fine. So I actually let go of several tasks I don’t like, and my family stepped up to take care of the ones that are important to them. The world didn’t end. Everyone is still happy. And I feel so much less anxiety and dread with the stakes lowered like this.
You are not alone. We love you when you’re funny and when you’re struggling and we aren’t going anywhere, so don’t let us be the burden that drags you down with “shoulds.” Thank you for the James Garfield miracles all these years!
I live in Michigan. Three years ago when I got separated/divorced I bought a house in my home town to be closer to family. Yesterday a family friend stopped by and gave me my very own snowblower. No more shoveling snow for me!! It might not seem like a big deal but I have RA and I’m 2 months out from my fourth major joint surgery so shoveling is really, really hard for me but I’m trying to stay as independent as I can for as long as I can. This magical gift of a snowblower is life changing for me! I love you, Jenny. Please hang in there.
Obviously chewie uses a bidet….one of those fancy Japanese jobs with a built in air dryer for afterwards. My big great news is that for the first time in I don’t know how many years I was happy this weekend for no other reason than I was in a good mood. It felt weird and I got a little paranoid about it, but it was really nice at the same time. Lots and lots of love for you and yours
Me 38 yr. old son went on his first date since he was divorced in 2011. That makes a Mama happy.
Our son is happy and well, and coming to visit us !
(p.s. I treasure you. You’ve helped pull me out of the worst and longest crying days I’ve ever had, and I’ll be forever grateful to, and for you. I’m sending you waves of strength to help you through this tough time.)
Although 2017 is a shitshow of a year for many reasons, it’s also the year I was first reunited with my birthmom. It’s been the most amazing and positive experience and has far exceeded anything I ever dared imagine.
I went back to school, after 7 long years, to get to narrow my broad Biology degree and I took 12 credits tbis semester and got a 4.0 Grade Point Average. After having 35 jobs since 2005, that feels amazeballs.
Our new kitten is experiencing his first Christmas and Christmas tree – which is still standing! He romps around underneath it mostly, but I come in and he will be just sitting and staring at it with the widest eyes. The elderly cat who spent most of her time sleeping before the kitten arrived has been busted on several occasions romping with toys and will stand in the kitchen just yelling at crinkle balls. Pretty sure it is feline for “get off my lawn” or “kids these days”.
I did not have to prepare a rabid skunk to ship for rabies testing. If you think skunk smell is bad, you haven’t smelled it when they evacuate all the butt juice. Even if you only handle it after it is deceased, the odor permeates, and you smell for the rest of the day.
I gave up teaching for this.
I have managed to not slay my annoying-as-papercuts boss, despite his best efforts… not having to find a place to hide the body is ALWAYS good news!
I am listening to Christmas wizard rock music which is an offshoot of Harry Potter fandom. Sonorus is gorgeous and playing right now:(https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sonorus/376903260?i=376903822). It makes me happy even though I’m in a major crash (ME/CFS). Wishing you beautiful music!
I got a new job, and I still laugh hysterically every time I read your post about Beyoncé the chicken and the bear head.
My child who is on the autism spectrum, and who was actually on hospital home-bound from school for half of 7th grade due to anxiety, is now a freshman. He has attended every day (except for viral / bacterial illness). He has straight A’s going into finals and is competing on the boys swim team. Seeing him conquer so many things and put himself out there, seeing him talk to and laugh with his teammates, seeing him be dedicated enough to get up at 5 am to go to practice 3 days a week and after school everyday till 6… is AMAZING! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve just been overwhelmed by him and his courage. I managed to somehow create two wonderful children who I am in awe of every single day! Sending you some love and gentle hugs!!
I’m pretty sure they have sonic bidets a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. Also sonic showers because Chewie could star in a Panteen commercial. Also non-royalty never changes clothes but they are still willing to gather in groups.
The ability to accept this as a reasonable explanation is my good thing.
I left an abusive man, now live in an apartment with my amazing boyfriend, my niece who was born at 27 weeks is now 2 years old and amazing, my depression and anxiety is still a huge factor in my life but I have managed to get it under control enough to live how I wish to live. I went from a mopey pessimist who thought I would never get better, never leave him, never be who I want to be, to a not so mopey pessimist who can usually remember the light comes back when you’re covered in the darkness.
Thanks to the James Garfield Miracle this year when the snows came down my kids had lovely waterproof boots to go to school in. 🙂
Winter sucks, but it’ll get better.
I work for an edtech company (we create software used in schools) and we had a quarterly meeting last Friday where one adult ed school that uses our programs shared with us that they awarded a 94 year old woman her GED this year. UGLY TEARS AHEAD – http://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_jersey/at-age-96-south-jersey-woman-proves-its-never-too-late-to-graduate-from-high-school-20170728.html
Love you!!! Please never stop being our Jenny!
Dear Jenny (may I call you Jenny? I started with “Dear Ms Lawson” but that sounded a bit threatening. Argh – please forgive me. My anxiety is showing. And my inside-my-head voice seems to be typing this now… I was about to delete all this and start again, but then that felt like a betrayal. So sorry: I’m afraid that this is how this comment is starting).
I have only just discovered your blog, and have spent the last 2 days tucked up in bed, catching up with the archive, and weeping (with a mixture of relief and joy. And also pain, because there is always a little pain when something feels so true). THANK YOU for your bravery. It made me just a little bit brave, and allowed me to post my fist comment EVER on a blog.
Finally, the thing that is managing to make me smile today: I fully expect you have seen this, but I loved it.
http://botnik.org/content/harry-potter.html
Especially the lines “Ron was going to be spiders. He just was. He was not proud of it, but it was going to be hard not to have spiders all over his body when all is said and done”.
This just sums up, for me, those mornings when I wake up and I can already tell the day ahead is going to be hard, and I’m going to be, well, spiders. I just am.
Also, I just got a video of my nephew and his nursery school class doing a performance of “When Santa Got Stuck Up The Chimney”, and all the children were sort of mumbling the words until they got to “Achoo, achoo, achoo!” and it was fantastic cacophony at such an unexpected volume that I actually jumped. It was glorious.
Also, I just remembered we have 2 whole packets of Brady Beans in the cupboard! Maybe today I will be slightly less spiders than I thought….
Something good in my life; hmmm. Well the first thing that comes to mind is that I saw the title of your post and now I have an excellent ear worm that I need to pass along to you. Chaka Khana and Rufus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OB4JDJiet5M
You’re welcome, and feel free to infect others!
Jenny, I have two dogs with dingleberry issues, so I feel your pain.
What’s good? I have not had a massive anxiety attack in FOUR months. I never thought I’d see the day, given what my year was like.
I am loving my new job, even though one of my co-workers won’t stop talking. Ever. But I can close the door, and that’s awesome.
We are taking our rabbit, Pippin, to the vet to get his Santa photo done. Our lovely vet decks the surgery out with masses of fairy lights and giant toy soldiers and if you bring your pet in for a photo with him in full Santa garb you get $50 off your pet’s next vaccination. He also saved Pippin’s life last year so we’re so happy that a year later he is still hopping around (Pippin, not out vet. Actually, he hops a bit too. You should see the Easter display.)
My good thing is that this is the first year I’m out to my family, and my aunt is so excited to meet my girlfriend that she is just beside herself. I’m so so excited and grateful to have some family in my corner (also the best gf ever). <3
My something good for the day is reading this blog post and getting to be amused at the thought of how Chewie wipes…
Oh, and I baked shortbread cookies from a recipe that I struggled to use last year (turned out the recipe had been written out wrong, but I figured out the problem) and aside from one tray being overdone, they turned out!
I lost 30 pounds this year. 🙂
IN a space of five months, I was hospitalized four times (once for sepsis), had three major surgeries and three procedures under anesthesia. I had a nephrostomy tube from my kidney through my back to a bag o’pee which I called George. I had three MRIs, two CAT scans, two nuclear medicine scans, two sets of x-rays and innumerable blood tests. All due to kidney cancer. At last, they took out my kidney. Now I am moving around and getting my life back. This too shall pass! We all love you, Bloggess!!!
Voortman and Archway Christmas cookies are available in most grocery stores. Buy all varieties of the nougat types, eat them. That is the best good thing I can think of today.
My downstairs neighbor/friend decided that this year, her theme for Christmas dinner is going to include making 12 desserts, to represent the 12 apostles (apparently it’s a French thing, maybe? Last year’s theme was Italian, with the feast of fishes.) Anyhow, as the upstairs neighbor, I am going to get to sample ALL OF THE DESSERTS. (Don’t worry, I’m pitching in to help at least a little and baking some cookies! That’s…the extent of my baking prowess beyond eating them. I’m really good at eating them!)
Jenny – YOU ARE ENOUGH, YOU MATTER! (Until you multiply yourself by the speed of light squared. Then you energy. 😀 ) Your blog always brightens my day, even when it’s not about 9 ft tall chickens and Dorothy Barker getting into shenanigans! So here is my little good for the day, because this holiday season has been rough for me. We had my company holiday party on Friday and it had a photo booth, and I made my entire IT Team, of which there are 9 of us and I am the only female, take photos with me, with props, and it was GLORIOUS! I will link you on your FB page, because hopefully they will make you laugh. 🙂 From one Jen to another, great big hugs and love.
This is the first time I’ve wanted to decorate Christmas in too many years. And I feel lighter inside too.
Writing an essay about a bright, wonderful woman who took her own life, finally helped me drive by where she died and not wince. Now I bless her soul and all others like her when I’m near that spot.
Gratefulness. That’s my happiness right now. This last summer was the darkest depression/anxiety that I’ve ever been through but I’ve found a med that’s been working for over a month and I’m grateful for that. And grateful that I can listen to music again. That I’m healthy enough to listen to music again, And grateful for friends for sticking through those long months. And grateful that even though it’s cold outside, the sun is shining through the window and the greenhouse effect still works so I’m warm. And grateful that I’m thinking about painting again, even though I’m not confident that I’m healthy enough for that yet. And grateful that during the darkest times, I could remember your mantra that depression lies and get through another moment. I am happy that I can feel grateful again. Take care of yourself. Let others take care of you. Thank you for opening up to the world so that I could open up to the people that love me.
https://www.lizjameswrites.com/news/2017/11/21/you-are-not-failing-christmas I read this, which made me feel better about the holidays.
My Christmad minion did not blow away in the wind storm last night. Little victories!
I was in the store and two little kids were bugging their mother for ice cream, she told them she had told them they came for diapers for the baby and they had money for nothing more. The littlest one (both boys) said to his mom, or to all of us, “We haven’t had ice cream forever since you got that baby, if you can’t feed us ice cream you shouldn’t got another baby.” The mother looks at her kid and said: “Tell that to your father.” I was biting my bottom lip, because I wanted to laugh and I wanted to cry. Then the other kid said, “What’s he got to do with it?” I hear snickering and then a guy pushes pass me drops a big box of ice cream sandwiches on the counter throws a 10 on top of it and says: “Happy Holidays Kid.” And leaves the store. The kids are all crazy happy and then the little one gets real quiet and says, “Not sharing with the baby (which appears not to have been names yet) she gets everything.” The bother just big sighed and gathered her stuff up and walked out of the store like the whole world was on her shoulders. I walked out soon after and there they sat in beat up old car, mom, dad, baby, two sons everyone eating ice cream, talking and laughing, but the baby she was breastfeeding under a blanket. I am not sure if this is a good story or a bad story, but it made me feel…well both I guess. I did love the guy that popped for a box of ice cream sandwiches…so that part was really good.
It’s solstice soon and the days will get brighter again.
I got my brother and his wife to agree to do Jolabokaflod for Christmas because reading books and drinking/eating chocolate is basically the best ever. And I’ll get to do it with my nieces and nephew!
So…..funny and true story. My 4 yr old granddaughter has this baby doll that is called “Baby Strawberry” I started doing the voice for the doll about 2 years ago. The other day we were doing blanket toss with Baby Strawberry, and then my granddaughter decided it was her turn.
So she has me hold one end of the blanket, and gives the other end to Baby Strawberry. Then granddaughter lies down on the blanket and waits. Well, I do my part and lift my end.
After a couple of my tugs, granddaughter looks at Baby Strawberry and tells her, “I must be too heavy for you” She’s dead serious, and a little sad.
It took all I had not to laugh 😄😄😄😄😄😄
Two years ago I was so depressed, I couldn’t imagine a future where I didn’t want to die.
Today my publisher officially announced my first novel. (https://www.worldweaverpress.com/blog/our-two-newest-acquisitions)
I’m so proud of past me for hanging in there.
Just got a picture of a foster dog from his new Mom and she loves him and had his picture taken with Santa. I’d post the picture but don’t know how. sorry. Trust me he is adorable and who doesn’t love a happy story about a puppy!
My kiddo is homeschooling this year and she has spent the entire day with her co-mom in the other room laughing near-constantly as they busily suck at sewing for Monday’s home-ec class.
Seriously, the things they have made today are all fail, and they could not be more amused by it.
My toffee came out perfect. It shatters exactly like it’s supposed to when you bite into it. We aren’t discussing my fudge this year. I have made frosting instead. Yup. It’s frosting. Got any ideas for 3.5lbs of orange vanilla frosting that’s supposed to be fudge?
After one year of trying, two chemical pregnancies, and 48 hours of hard, complicated labor later…I have a baby! She’s tiny and perfect and makes noises like a little bird. Can’t even be mad about the sleep deprivation cause I’m so happy 🙂
Thanks to a wonderful family of 5 and their gorgeous Great Dane, my dog Maddie is safe. Back gate was open and she took herself on a 20 minute walk. People are good. Dogs are good. God is good. (She is my sanity, comfort animal and little sister.)
You don’t need to be funny for anyone. You need to take care of you first and foremost. I hope that the light comes sooner than later for you.
Here’s my happy thought:
I’ve recently started weaving (about 8 months ago as craft therapy to help me with anxiety and PPD) and I’ve been selling my work for about 5 months now and I might actually be able to make this work. My whole life I’ve felt like I’m drifting along with no direction. Being a Mom gave me some of that, but that can’t be all that I am. Finally I feel like me. I feel like I’ve found something that I love, that I’m good at, and that could actually help support my family (or at least make enough to let me stay at home with the kids – daycare is hella expensive). I still have brutal days but I’m excited about the holidays and feel like I’m on the right track. This got really ramble-y. Anyway, the happy thought is that I now have people come to see me and my art and confess to be fans of my work. It’s weird and humbling and awesome that I’m able to create something that brings other people joy. That’s what you do. You bring joy. Thank you so much for being so open and sharing your struggles. You helped make it easier for me to share mine. (I use the spoon metaphor all the time. I know it’s not yours but I found it through your book so I found it thanks to you and it’s really helped me explain my struggle to others.). Thanks again
We got out first two pieces of furniture to start replaced the furniture we lost in the flood. They were bookshelves, naturally ❤️❤️
I told my love I feel like I’m about to break. He said that if I do, he’ll keep track of the pieces, and, when I’m ready, help glue me back together.
I then found out my dad will be out of hospital for Christmas. It’s the only gift I wanted, and a ginormous broken bit that now, we won’t have to glue.
I booked my vacation in the sun and I found a snorkel mask that fits my weird face.
My Extremely Anxiety ridden introvert of a 15 YO daughter dyed her hair freaking GREEN! I love it! You go girl!
I feel like the best good thing to tell you is that you have an awesome husband who gets and apparently supports you in the rough times. Love the video he gave you! Everyone who has an introvert in their lives should watch. (Hoping you strangle this depressive episode soon.)
I also want to say that I laughed out loud several times when reading Let’s Pretend This Never Happened, and guiltily chuckled reading Furiously Happy. You’re a wonderful weirdo and the world is better for your being on it.
I went to a scholastic book fair warehouse sale and got 13 books, to give to 6 kids, for under $35. BOGOF!! My daughter is home from college for a month, my boss is buying a new credenza to match my new cabinet and desk, I GOT TO THROW AWAY THE UGLY fake plant today, but instead of throwing it out, we are going to start leaving it in one truck at a time, til someone gets sick of it.
I saw a 2 month old baby at the mall yesterday that only weighed 7 1/2 pounds ( she was a preemie )
<3 <3 <3 <3 <3
My good news is I just came out of the scariest and worse depressive episode I’ve ever had and it was as easy as stopping a weight loss med my doctor put me on. It’s like a breath of fresh air on the other side, you’ll get there again!!!!
Fairly depressed myself….60th birthday, just lost my beloved pup at the same time as my husband’s decade anniversary of his passing….I forced myself to pull out the decorations for the grand’s sake. Found this that my DiL made for me a few years ago. Made me chuckle. Hang in there girl…Hope you can see this…https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10212669389942138&set=p.10212669389942138&type=3&theater
Amy Brown: YES!!! dip pretzels in it
I worked out for the first time in a long time (to a program designed by a pro wrestler, no less) and I did it. Took a freakin’ hour, but I did it.
I may have ugly cried afterwards, but it was good.
I just want you to know that you inspire me. Because of you I have stepped out of my comfort zone and am running for public office. I’d rather stay home and read a good book but if Jenny can step out in the world so can I. I don’t want to leave my name here because I don’t want anyone to think I’m trying to garner votes. Thanks Jenny
You are amazing! You inspire and uplift so many of us! You have many people who love you! This dark period will pass! Also, dingle berries! Heehee
My baby recently started saying “Kitty”, which is adorable, since we have several.
Of course, he’s a baby, and sucks at pronunciation.
So long story short, my days are now filled with a tiny madman screaming TITTY TITTY TITTY at the top of his lungs.
-Cats! They are always amazing. Cole & Marmalade are pretty sweet.
– Also, the video of the otter eating makes my heart happy (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QCMTGz938KU)
-Oh! The Columbus Zoo has the most amazing collection of great animal videos!
Oh you made me laugh and I love you for that. But I got a 5ish ft. Douglas Fir which is all I really wanted for Christmas and though it is small, it is glorious and I keep hugging it. Gently, of course.
I am listening to Furiously Happy and I feel loved me I have a best friend. I’m in a dark time too. Thanks for making it a little lighter.
Between being in a pretty bad depressive episode myself and unsure how my MS would be doing, I was worried about how our vacation in Colorado Springs would go. Today I “climbed” all over rocks and trails and barely even thought about it.
When I posted the introvert video on FB, my bestie said “cool, now I’ll tickle your belly” So that backfired 😀
After a year and a half of trying, and multiple rounds of fertility treatments, my husband and I are finally having a baby!
In the last year, I have lost 85 pounds, from 320 to 235.This means I have a lower chance of dying of a heart attack. My father survived his in his 50’s due to advances in medicine, but his father died of a heart attack at age 52, and HIS father died of a heart attack at 52. I am 49, and feel like I have just had 30 years added to my life.
YOU are something good in my inbox all the time. YOU don’t need to be funny, happy, or sane for me. I love you just the way you are. P.S. plus, you’re always funny.
After years with no friends, I finally have an AWESOME friend group!
I have been listening to your book Furiously Happy on Audible for the 3rd or 4th time, I can’t remember. I, too am going through whatever the heck this numb I can’t get my crap together feeling is but while listening to your book and reading your blog, we are not alone. We are not alone. This makes all the difference in the world. YOU are not alone. I am right there with you. YOU and I are OK or will be soon. Also, I passed the semester with a 3.06. gpa
My daughter called me on Saturday night to tell me she had just gotten engaged! It made my day and my year.
About a million little things went wrong today, so I blew off the rest of my responsibilities and took my dog snowshoeing. She was deliriously happy, ridiculous in snowsuit and dog boots, and you really can’t beat that for getting you to smile.
I had fun making sugar cookies with my 8 and 6 year old nephews. It’s so fun to listen to them chatter when they think no one is paying attention.
Someone wonderful talked about Chewbacca’s dumper and it made me laugh and laugh!!
Everything’s going quite shitty here bc we’ve taken turns getting sick for a week and now it’s my turn and I have no voice to yell at people for not doing the dishes…. BUT ON A POSITIVE NOTE I JUST DID THE DISHES AND THE KITCHEN IS CLEAN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A WEEK!!! 😄😄😄😄
I got to go out and eat dinner in a restaurant with my wife like we are proper adults.
Hi, Jenny. I’m proud of you and all of us that continue to persevere in the face of darkness.
After a rough year I just found out that my son and I are at the top of the list for public housing in our area. This is wonderful news because it means that I will get to move us out of my dysfunctional but loving family’s home and into our own health home.
Also I am sort of dating sort of not dating a human and I’m not even psycho about it yet.
Thanks for inspiring me.
I found a really cheap bookstore. Thriftbooks.com & OUAT crackvideos on Instagram is hilarious. My friend Garrett on Twitter sent me a bracelet that helps me know I’m not alone. You are not alone. I’m struggling too. I’m losing my therapist. Among other things. Hugs and love to you.
I had a conversation today where the first time I rehearsed it in my brain it went terribly and the other 47(?) times it went meh but the last time it went pretty okay so I finally had the conversation in real life and it went better than I could have possibly imagined, the person is totally on board. Weird/good!
Oh.my.god. That’s video. I really did laugh out loud. Thanks for sharing!! Thanks Victor. He rocks.
I so hear you. And my past year has been… strange. I’ve discovered some things about me that I wished I’d learned long ago, but this is a step towards the next chapter in my life. Thank you, and your readers for sharing so much of your lives, and making me laugh, sometimes tear up a little, and learn so much.
I’ve been meaning to share my appreciation for an animated short I saw a while back, based on a book (that I didn’t read): “The Lost Thing”. The short is a (touch) sad, wonderfully strange, with a happy ending for the titular ‘thing’. Bonus: Tim Minchin narrates. Apologies if you’ve already seen this. Reminds me to keep noticing the strange ‘things’.
The cold and dark part of winter so majorly sucks, but it doesn’t last forever. Write when your ready, and remind yourself you are so loved even when you don’t feel it.
Thank you.
P.S. Now I wonder if anyone has ever told Chewy “let me put a towel down first”…
My mom is going to be laid off next year, but she already got hired by the company they’re outsourcing her department to. A couple of my friends got engaged. And I successfully got my grandma onto Medicaid.
I’m thinking that there’s a fancy Japanese toilet on the Millennium Falcon. Problem solved. (BTW, haven’t seen it yet, so thanks for the No Spoiler Zone!) 🙂
I totally get it — my depression has been creepifying lately. I feel like I’m in a light saber duel with low batteries. I can still bonk the depression over the head and cause a nasty bruise, though!
For my goodness to share: I had my final kittenectomy this morning. She’s so cute, I’m sure she’ll be adopted as fast as her chubbier siblings were last week! Now I can go back to giving some of the long-time shelter dogs a little home break. 🙂
One of my sweet students who has need of a great deal of love hugged me so hard today and told me how much they loved me.
I had to go to the mall – a place I avoid like the plague, even when it isn’t crazy-busy because of Christmas – and it was “Pet Photos with Santa” day, so there were lots of happy dogs there. And not as many people as I’d expected. Whenever animals outnumber people, it’s a good day!
I have been ringing bell for Salvation Army with my Kiwanis Club every Saturday since Christmas. It really gives my the true Christmas spirit. Amazing to see some who have little, put a few coins in the kettle, or families teaching children what giving is about. There are still generous people wanting to help others in this crazy world.
You did make me laugh! And now I can’t get Chewbacca’s naughty bits and dingleberries out of my head. Ta-dah! And thank you.
I have FINALLY got my living room project completed. New paint, new trim, new flooring. It’s been put off for 2 years. Between injury, and financial issues, it was impossible to complete. My family is finally doing a lot better, and I don’t feel embarrassed to have visitors in my home.
Just be who you are right this second. Tomorrow will take care of itself, today has enough worries if it’s own. To quote an old friend: Keep the compass set and the fog will clear. Love and Joy to you and yours, Happy Christmas!
My friend recently introduced me to No Lights No Lycra where a bunch of strangers dance in the dark. It’s not a nightclub, there’s no drinking, no hook ups – just the pure joy of dancing like no one is watching.
I’m in a very dark place right now. My bright light is you. Thank you. You make it better.
i love the way you think. i loved the last jedi and your comment about chewie now has left me with serious questions in that area. LOL. we’re adopting a dog from a rescue and get her on the 23rd – she is our christmas present and we’re all very excited. she is the cutest.
I meet a lady a few months ago that is her job to just follow chewbacca around and brush him. No seriously that’s her job and on the movie sets 🤷🏼♀️
Jenny, you are never NOT funny and we love you even when you think you’re not funny. And if you ever aren’t funny, that’s okay too because we are your tribe!
I love that your find humor in anything and everything. I almost died laughing at that video. Direct eye contact is the worst, especially right after you are asked a direct question that requires an answer! Extroverts are scary. I avoid them at all cost.
We recently spent the evening trimming the cat’s chaps, so yes that’s a thing I had previously assumed was a euphemism.
I found your blog and writing back when Beyoncé was a shiny new giant metal chicken. I was, and sometimes am again, severely depressed with a side order of galloping anxiety.. 2017 has been so damn hard for so many people. I think you’re wonderful and thank you for remembering that depression lies, and that whenever it gets better, it’s worth it.
I spent the day making Christmas crackers for a family dinner, so now my desk is covered in remnants of paper and small explosives. Result!
First, YOU MATTER! To all of us. And to your family and to yourself. The world needs you (and also Dorothy Barker’s dingleberries, I mean, who else would do that). We love you.
Second, I feel so good since I had total knee replacement surgery last summer. Recovery and rehab was really painful so it took about 3 months for me to start really feeling better, but now I feel like superwoman. Thank God my husband and I were able to do it.
A bat got stuck in the main floor of our house last night, which is gutted due to a remodel, and I bravely went there and opened doors and windows and waited for him to fly out. Hopefully he’s reunited with his family and will regale them with stories of the strange cave he was temporarily trapped in and the woman who appeared and only cringed a little when he swooped past multiple times.
We listened to your appearance on “The Hilarious World of Depression” last night – it was awesome. Thank you for being so open about your struggles – it helps a lot of people. 🙂