I'm really sorry to hear about your grandparent. Also, I work in development, so I know the pain of dealing with terrible/rude donors all too well.
Do you listen to podcasts? "Another Round" has been making me laugh in public spaces recently.
This recipe was LIFE CHANGING. The recipe is weird as hell (I have no idea what the mixing/resting is about?!) but so so worth it.
Everyone's already made great recommendations! BUT I'll add that if you feel like something news-y, I've really been enjoying the podcast version of the Rachel Maddow Show. Not sure if you're in the US, but her coverage of the election has been fantastic.
Ugh I'm sorry that happened. That sounds really unsettling and scary. That said, I'm so glad that someone awesome stepped in to help you out! It's a good reminder that while some people (that dude, for example) are the worst, many people are not! I had an experience a few years ago during which a coworker and I were leaving work (in a pretty empty part of East Harlem) after working late, and a dude started following us. We didn't really want to go back to our office and have to spend time getting out our keys, unlocking the building, etc., so we just ducked into a dollar store, walked around the aisles for a few minutes until we lost him, then hauled ass to the bus. I honestly don't know what I would have done if my friend hadn't been there.
I'm a big proponent of no contact, even though it can be really challenging and sad. It's totally weird and jarring to cut someone who was your best friend/confidant/etc. out of your life completely, but you CAN adjust to it (if you decide it's the right thing for you). I've been doing it since my breakup in December, and while it occasionally makes me feel kind of guilty/cold, the reality is that I'm in a much better place at this stage in the process than I've been in past breakups when I've tried the whole keeping in touch/trying to be friends thing. All of this is despite the fact that this was a way more serious relationship, and a much greater loss, than what I've experienced previously. It's obviously really hard, but I framed it for myself as, the only thing I can control is how I react to this breakup, so I'm going to make sure to do it in as healthy of a way as I can, and I'm going to prioritize what I need/my own well-being above all else. And ultimately I know (as it sounds like you might, based on what you said above?) that no contact will ultimately make me feel the best, so it's what I've been doing. It doesn't mean ruling out the potential for future friendship, but kind of acknowledging that right now it would not be a great idea for me. (I keep telling myself that I could only do the friend thing if my ex were like, "Hey, I'm dating a person!" and I were in a place where I could be like "Cool, I'm happy for you!" and mean it. Soooo maybe never?! TIME WILL TELL. OR SOMETHING.)
I think the most important thing is to be kind to yourself, not beat yourself up for anything you're feeling, and try to prioritize your own well-being. (Fun fact: this is all easier said than done!) Sending big virtual hugs your way.
Yesterday one of my coworkers made Bailey's cheesecake cupcakes for Saint Patrick's day and I was PRETTY EXCITED, but then I tried one and it was one of the worst things I've ever eaten. I think she forgot sugar AND vanilla? I felt really badly throwing it out, so I hid it under the other things in my trashcan JUST IN CASE she came into my office to...dig through my...garbage?
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Medley