Doing the Math

Somethings should be done (or not) regardless of what the math says. Too bad my brain usually does the math anyway. For example, one should never do the math on a pet, or the food a teenager ingests. I am REALLY excited about meeting my son in Mongolia and serving as his junior companion for a couple of weeks after his release date. This is a priceless experience but some part of me just had to consider alternate uses for the money (around $2000 just for the airfare) . . . I can see why some folks think I'm no fun. In this case I am glad that I have to sacrifice to make the trip happen; there is power in making a good choice that has significant cost. Besides, I have certainly spent more because I allowed myself to be pressured into going along with questionable choices in the name of getting along. Thankfully that trait is in remission.

Birthday Presents

They say it is the thought that counts... I say what were they thinking.

Action: Your spouse you birthday party the weekend before a test in a graduate class that is eating your lunch.

Reactions: Everyone makes a big fuss over the spouse for being so thoughtful. You are thankful that everyone tanks the test and the entire class gets a do-over. You later find out it was part of a smoke-screen to cover his extra-marital activity.

Action: your abuser blows his brains out on your 17th birthday.

Reaction: You wonder why he couldn't have done it on your 4th which is about the time the 8 (or 9) year nightmare started.

Action: You give your self a headache trying to be nice to someone else.

Reaction: Isn't it about time you started giving yourself the presents you want and need . . . if you don't you might keep getting the same old #^*@%.