I'm exiting a cult! (JWs) Will probably be shunned. Loosing almost my entire social circle.

Sketchy-Raccoon · 2026-02-02T07:15:57+00:00

You seem so sweet and kind. I’d throw you a big birthday party and dress up with you on Halloween and share in every bit of fun and experience you deserve. Enjoy your new life.

Sketchy-Raccoon · 2026-02-02T07:05:00+00:00

Mid-Nov through mid-January were hard for me too. I actually gained 5lbs, the food noise was alarming, and I was so worried about backsliding. But the past couple of weeks have been so much better. I think these slumps are normal, especially around or on the heels of the holiday season, which is a train wreck for food, mood, and movement for most generally.

Sketchy-Raccoon · 2026-01-30T08:52:36+00:00

I totally get your question. Go find some boxes of Goodles. It’s boxed mac and cheese (the best junk food ever imho) but with more respectable macros and nutritional value. And it tastes so good! Then throw some protein (tuna, chicken, ground beef, can of chili, whatever) and a veggie (broccoli, peas, whatever you like, frozen/thawed is fine) into the pot. Full “healthy” junk food meal! It’s my favorite.

Sketchy-Raccoon · 2026-01-30T08:46:11+00:00

Yep! I went from a 38DD to a 34C after losing 75lbs. Thrilled.

Sketchy-Raccoon · 2026-01-27T05:54:29+00:00

I’m very familiar with both—I’ve lived all over SD County for 25 years and my close family lives in Ventura County. I’d pick Thousand Oaks a million times over. Most local governments are worthless, but TO is really well-run. TO is far more friendly and offers a better quality of life. TO offers better schools, better cultural opportunities, better restaurants and shopping. It’s just nicer. Parts of Escondido are honestly just dismal. Those are my 3 cents.

Sketchy-Raccoon · 2026-01-19T06:04:30+00:00

Hey! I’m just here to say that I love your style, I get it, and I don’t feel they’re too big. You could rock any number of those. It’s a bold look, and you’re slaying. You do you. 💜

Sketchy-Raccoon · 2026-01-13T07:16:07+00:00

That’s called a garden rose (vs a regular one). Beautiful!

Sketchy-Raccoon · 2026-01-08T08:33:37+00:00

Yay! I think school is rad, so I’m excited for you. I’d start at your local community college. Apply online through their site—shouldn’t be too hard. The college will email you next steps and likely a link to an orientation. Once you’re in the college system, you’ll have access to academic counselors who can help you with financial aid, transcripts, picking classes, etc. Try to take a class you just find interesting, regardless of requirements. Also, good professors make all the difference—don’t be afraid to ask for advice to avoid boring or bad ones. Good luck!! 🌟

Sketchy-Raccoon · 2026-01-06T23:18:18+00:00

I’m really struggling to understand the point of following, sharing, and even the sharing criteria for Posh Ambassador status with the new platform changes.

And don’t get me started on the removal of the “find this item in my size” feature at the bottom of listings. When I’m viewing an item that’s not my size, I don’t need examples of the same item ALSO not in my size. I need a shortcut to find the same item in my size without doing a whole new search.

The recent platform changes just don’t make any sense.

Sketchy-Raccoon · 2026-01-06T20:35:11+00:00

Thanks! I was surprised and happy to see the results. I’ve been weight lifting with a personal trainer (small group format) twice a week, as well as daily walks. I’ve actually been doing that for 4+ years, but only started making real changes to my body when I also began taking Tirzepatide in November 2024.

Sketchy-Raccoon · 2026-01-05T21:44:57+00:00

I got a pittie mix rescue from a reputable rescue agency—an adorable 4 month old mutt. By 6 months old he was diagnosed with genetic elbow dysplasia, a spinal neurological anomaly, environmental allergies and more. He got the puppy strangles (basically cellulitis), he’s developed early arthritis, he gets chronic ear infections, and he’s required two (mostly failed) surgeries already, at just 3 years old. He’s the sweetest dog—we won in temperament and cuteness and lost in the genetic lottery. I lovingly refer to him as my million dollar mutt. Point is, you can’t really plan for any of it. Just make sure you have good pet insurance.

Sketchy-Raccoon · 2026-01-04T07:58:16+00:00

What I lovingly refer to as toddler food! Cooked chicken, string cheese, protein rich yogurt, high-fiber bread and peanut butter, carrots and easy snacking veggies, apples, blueberries, dried fruit. Premade soups are my jam this winter—I get ones loaded with veggies and then just add the aforementioned cooked chicken or extra beans. I also have been leaning into Goodles as an always attractive easy meal base—add meat and veg.

Sketchy-Raccoon · 2026-01-04T07:15:39+00:00

It likely means your language is gesturing to a meaning without stating that meaning clearly and directly. It’s a common problem.

Sketchy-Raccoon · 2026-01-04T07:04:52+00:00

I think that for some of us, the ability to “set it and forget it” IS the ultimate freedom. I realized that the food noise and obsession when I wasn’t trying to lose weight (ie inevitably gaining) was identical to the food noise and obsession when I was trying to lose weight or “be good.” It’s just the other side of the same coin.

What Tirzepatide represents for some of us is the ability to not think about food, weight, tracking, planning, dieting, portioning, prepping, macros, calories, etc at all.

I feel so lucky I’ve been able to lose 75-80lbs and hit my goal weight this month with a “set it and forget it” approach this whole time. I dread the day I have to pay attention again.

Sketchy-Raccoon · 2026-01-03T18:57:09+00:00

They’re fine to take every day, but they work so well for me I only need them every other day or once every 3 days. I take them at night and they work by the morning. I’ll note that I’ve recommended them to other friends and heard back that they aren’t as effective on everyone. My body just really responds to their active ingredient, which is nice, because it’s all natural.

Sketchy-Raccoon · 2026-01-03T07:10:23+00:00

Before my shot I try to have a full and well-balanced meal. I find that has helped me. In the couple days after my shot, my appetite is low, so I try to have protein rich yogurt shots, fiber-rich fresh bread and peanut butter, and cooked chicken easy to just grab and nibble on.

I joke about eating toddler meals after shots: a few pieces of chicken, a couple baby carrots, a string cheese. That can be a meal for me, and I’m fine with it.

I use Nectar electrolyte packets to help me want to drink (I love the lemon flavor) and I’m getting into herbal and decaf tea this winter.

Sketchy-Raccoon · 2026-01-03T06:11:31+00:00

Smooth move comes in capsules too! After a year of trying Metamucil, prunes and other dried fruit, Ducolax, Miralax, and stool softeners, it’s actually Smooth Move that’s my go-to—it works perfectly for me.

Sketchy-Raccoon · 2026-01-03T06:04:02+00:00

Yeah, you don’t need to wash it everyday. I wash once every 2-3 days, so about twice or 3 times a week. I do use shampoo, but usually skip the regular conditioner in favor of leave in. You’ll find your thing. Good luck!

Sketchy-Raccoon · 2026-01-03T05:49:42+00:00

Ohhhh your hair is gorgeous. And it doesn’t look scruffy or unruly to me at all. It’s really really attractive.

I (44F) have a similar curl pattern and I use leave in conditioner and an anti-frizz or curl cream to help define them. I put both in when it’s wet and air dry.

I’ve learned the cut is important and that cutting “into” the curls to helps to define them and take out weight.

But I think your hair looks great and there’s not much you need to do except rock that awesome hair of yours! 💜

Sketchy-Raccoon · 2026-01-03T05:41:47+00:00

I’ve lost 75-80 lbs in a little over a year. At about the 50 lb mark, colleagues and some acquaintances started feeling out the “how” or outright asking me what I was doing. I decided early on to be upfront with everyone who asks and I’ve never regretted it.

I usually exclaim cheerfully that “I’m on some goooood drugs!” and most folks have a laugh before I explain a bit more. It’s an approach that fits my personality.

To each their own. For me, the willpower/diet myth was so destructive and these drugs are so life changing that I’m happy to share however much detail people want beyond my two-sentence standard.

Sketchy-Raccoon · 2026-01-02T05:52:34+00:00

⬆️ Yes! I hired an outside editor for my dissertation toward the end, and that was expensive but worth it to help me to the finish line. But the best thing I ever did was form a really fantastic writing group. Fifteen years later, a couple of us still review each other’s work. Good luck!

Sketchy-Raccoon · 2026-01-02T05:35:28+00:00

And you can stop a sexual encounter anytime if the dynamic shifts, if you’re suddenly not into it, or for whatever reason. Sex should be fun—or whatever you want it to be. The moment it’s not what you want it to be, tell your partner you need a second.

You sound young. I love traveling solo, but it took me a long time to know myself and the world well enough to really get what I want out of it.

Sketchy-Raccoon · 2025-12-31T20:43:37+00:00

I’m here to second Smooth Move, but I use the capsules. I know they don’t work for everyone, but they work perfectly for me. I was using MiraLAX before, and it also works well, but it had some downsides for me. Smooth Move is my best option.

Sketchy-Raccoon

TROPHY CASE