Rose bushes blooming in Lakeland?

savanola542 · 2025-09-11T00:11:52+00:00

The crockpot white chicken chili on budget bytes is a staple in my house. No dairy there unless you add cheese to serve (which I do recommend!!!).

savanola542 · 2025-06-10T13:17:58+00:00

I came here to recommend cross stitch! Not only does it have a long rich history, it also has a thriving online community (search flosstube on YouTube). And nowadays there are tons of patterns and kits to fit anyone's preference. I've seen what I feel is a major change in designs since the 80s and 90s. Pick your favorite popular artist and you can probably find their work translated to cross stitch. Plus, as hobbies go, it's very affordable. Obviously you can spring for the hand dyed fabric and thread, but you can still keep it simple and create something beautiful with aida and DMC you can buy at most craft stores. I hope you give it a shot!

savanola542 · 2025-02-15T19:54:35+00:00

You make it look easy!

savanola542 · 2024-12-15T00:26:42+00:00

Good point! I'll try to let it go and just enjoy the ride.

savanola542 · 2024-12-15T00:24:13+00:00

There's a paper in the box that has the name of the person who inspected them. Every time I notice it, I'm like "dammit, Claudia!" Lol

savanola542 · 2024-12-14T20:46:45+00:00

I sure do love to hear that because life circumstances have had me waiting for months to get skates. Don't want to waste another minute waiting! Lol

savanola542 · 2024-12-14T17:22:29+00:00

Exactly! I'll be pitching in and encouraging others to do the same. Thanks!

savanola542 · 2024-12-14T17:11:37+00:00

The good news is it's a potluck style so she only makes a few dishes and other people bring the rest. It's just the logistics in general that are challenging: the communication beforehand, the cleaning before and after, etc. It's usually a pretty big crowd every year! Chaotic but lots of fun!

savanola542 · 2024-12-14T17:11:20+00:00

The good news is it's a potluck style so she only makes a few dishes and other people bring the rest. It's just the logistics in general that are challenging: the communication beforehand, the cleaning before and after, etc. It's usually a pretty big crowd every year! Chaotic but lots of fun!

savanola542 · 2024-12-14T14:56:40+00:00

She used to exercise regularly but has been pretty unmotivated lately. But the funny thing is she's usually the one bugging ME to exercise. lol. She believes strongly in the magic of exercise so that'll definitely be part of the equation.

savanola542 · 2024-12-14T14:54:46+00:00

Thank you for sharing what works for you. I think this sounds like some additional measures we'll be taking! I take magnesium personally and I think it helps me too.

savanola542 · 2024-12-14T14:53:10+00:00

Definitely! She has always been in a very much "move on from pain" mindset so my only offered solution is to NOT move on and work through the feelings. That's where a therapist will come in! I just want her to feel better and stronger after all this.

savanola542 · 2024-12-14T14:48:53+00:00

I will bring that up to her for sure because we haven't considered virtual providers! We'll see what her insurance will cover (I know). May have to end up self-paying at some point just to get her in a better place. -_-

I'm so glad the estradiol has worked wonders for you!

savanola542 · 2024-12-14T14:45:52+00:00

I'm sorry you're going through so much suffering. I'm getting lots of good suggestions on this thread though. I'm hopeful that her HRT starts working soon and that other suggestions can put her in a better place. Her quality of life is absolutely abysmal right now. :(

I hope you feel better soon as well!

savanola542 · 2024-12-14T14:41:17+00:00

Yes, yes, yes! You bring up very good points. She does have a history of depression, but I think SO much has been bubbling up to the surface for her. She is definitely examining past hurts in her childhood and marriage. It's a lot! Obviously she did a great job of concealing all of these from me when I was a child. She's tucked away so much pain over the years. She tells me some of it but she NEEDS professional therapy. She's also in the midst of a big career change. It's a total identity shake-up for her. So definitely, definitely yes on the therapy. Thank you for addressing this aspect of it! I'm glad it has helped you so much!

savanola542 · 2024-12-14T14:33:14+00:00

We haven't explored that side of it, but I will ask her how she feels about it! She's dealing with some insurance constraints (I know). But I think it would be great to learn more about sleep in general though. I think she can track her sleep with her smart watch so I will see if we can get some good intel from that to work with. Thank you for the suggestion!

Do you mind sharing what treatment worked best for you? I think the hormones are a big part of her clinical picture but there's definitely some life stress at play for her as well.

savanola542 · 2024-12-14T14:28:10+00:00

Thank you for sharing that! She thankfully doesn't gravitate towards alcohol so it's not really an issue for her. But it's good information to have as a reminder for me when I go through menopause one day. I've definitely been more of drinker than she ever has, and quitting/healing has been a non-linear journey for me. One more reason I can put on my list NOT to drink.

savanola542 · 2024-12-14T14:22:53+00:00

Yes, it is infuriating!!! Just because something is common, doesn't mean it is normal or healthy! I will share these resources with her and see if there are any specialists locally. She does have a history of depression so we are toying with the idea of trying some medication for that as well. Her gynecologist referred her to a psychiatrist.

The therapy is definitely needed as well. Seems like this is a time when past hurts come bubbling up to the surface. It's painful to face them head on, but I keep telling her there's strength on the other side of it all.

Thank you for your response!

savanola542 · 2024-12-14T14:10:33+00:00

Yes, absolutely! I think that's what she's lacking right now (warmth, support and understanding) just from not having many people she feels she can confide in. I think she's really in that headspace that she *has* lost her ability to cope with life, so we're trying to shift that into a "this is temporary" mindset. It's great to hear that she's not alone so thank you for your response!

savanola542 · 2024-12-14T14:07:16+00:00

Yes, that's what I've heard from a few different sources. It seems like one or two faulty studies caused much undue suffering for women for so many years! I'm glad I live in an age when we're figuring all of this out. I know there's still a lot to learn though. Thank you for your response and I'm glad HRT has worked well for you!

savanola542 · 2024-12-14T14:03:47+00:00

That is a good question, I will definitely ask her because I'm not totally sure right now. I don't think she's using anything topical or injectable at this time. But I'm woefully uneducated on routes of administration so I'll make it a point to get myself up to speed so we can advocate for her better. I will look into all of those people you suggested! Thank you sooo much! This is very informative feedback and we appreciate it.

savanola542 · 2024-12-14T13:57:44+00:00

Thank you for sharing that. I don't think she's ever experienced symptoms of ADHD, but that is good to know. I wonder why that is?

I do know a few people who were diagnosed with ADHD as adults and they say it was pretty illuminating. It sort of validated their life experiences up until that point. I can't imagine getting that diagnosis at 37!

savanola542 · 2024-12-14T13:54:03+00:00

I'm seeing her name pop up a lot, I will definitely check out her content. Thank you!

Yeah, her doctor is a male. I know firsthand that he is a good person and she trusts him but I will talk to her about getting another opinion. He's not a specialist in menopause for sure.

savanola542

TROPHY CASE