Your story is so familiar to me. I’ve had a bunch of surgeries over the past 10 years (orthopedic mostly - knee and foot surgeries). I would have to take medical leaves for recovery, and each time I went into it thinking I was going to get So Much Done (house organized, read hundreds of books, etc), then I’d be consumed with regret about how it wasn’t happening. It seems funny to me now. I’m the queen of unrealistic expectations. And I’m doing it again in retirement.
Good god. I’ve not mastered signing in. Anyway here’s a reiteration of my post. Mostly recommendations for podcasts, shows and comedians. All help me cope with Living solo, not working, health issues and a tough couple years. I’ve found a balance at least most of the time between sharing my crap and enjoying company and a few activities. So: Dave Biester recommends a podcast Say More is good (about therapy). I like the Moth too. Shows, so many: love and anarchy, sex education, good girls, bad sisters, Beef, The Bear, Kim’s Convenience Store, Silo, Somebody Somewhere. Google where they’re streaming but most on Netflix. Comedy John Mulaney, Tig Totaro, Wanda Sykes, Michelle Wolf. I like nyt spelling bee and connections. I think you said you’re not much of a tv watcher, but maybe a couple of beers and some chips will entice you. I can’t believe how many broken bones you have and that you seem to be somewhat adjusted to your injuries. I would be raging. Looking forward to more musings. I’m getting inspired by you!
Though I'm not calling myself a Crone yet, I find much here I can relate to. Maybe that's my flu commiserating with your convalescence? Nice to meet you. 😊
"Odd how I used to find comfort in choosing specific music to listen to over and over and now I just want an algorithm to surprise me."
This really hit me with a wave of memory: in 1997, freshly divorced, living in a new city where I didn't know anybody, I would get home to my studio apartment, and, before even taking my backpack off, instead of picking any of my hundreds of albums to listen to, I would turn on the radio. The radio then as now basically sucked -- I heard Lit's "my own worst enemy" and "intergalactic " by the Beastie Boys an unfathomable, unforgivable number of times -- but something about the unpredictability made it feel less lonely.
I think it's also about the feeling that someone out there is making a decision for you. There are times when you want to be in control and other time when you just want someone else to care for you by taking over
I really do appreciate your honesty, and I sincerely hope you find some form of distraction to dive into and take you away from the pain and frustration for long periods of time as you heal. A gentle (I've had those broken ribs) virtual hug.
My reaction to the slow pace of season 3 of Slow Horses coming out (I have really gotten used to binge watching) was to insist that we start watching season 1 and 2 first. Partly because my memory was that I was often confused, at least in the first season, and partly because if we do that, by the time we are done, more of season 3 will have arrived.
I started watching a dumb (ish) sci-fi thing called "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" which is further along and yet baffling as it seems to be a sequel and I can't find any hint of a first series anywhere. At least puzzling it out engages my attention. I have read the Slow Horses books and also watched the first 2 tv series, not sure I want to start over, but that's a good suggestion! Binging would be the best, though. I have a lot of time on my hands.
Your story is so familiar to me. I’ve had a bunch of surgeries over the past 10 years (orthopedic mostly - knee and foot surgeries). I would have to take medical leaves for recovery, and each time I went into it thinking I was going to get So Much Done (house organized, read hundreds of books, etc), then I’d be consumed with regret about how it wasn’t happening. It seems funny to me now. I’m the queen of unrealistic expectations. And I’m doing it again in retirement.
Too true! Though I have managed to de-pill a couple of sweaters.
I love your newsletter/substack. I wish you well in your healing journey. Keep writing!
Thank you!
Good god. I’ve not mastered signing in. Anyway here’s a reiteration of my post. Mostly recommendations for podcasts, shows and comedians. All help me cope with Living solo, not working, health issues and a tough couple years. I’ve found a balance at least most of the time between sharing my crap and enjoying company and a few activities. So: Dave Biester recommends a podcast Say More is good (about therapy). I like the Moth too. Shows, so many: love and anarchy, sex education, good girls, bad sisters, Beef, The Bear, Kim’s Convenience Store, Silo, Somebody Somewhere. Google where they’re streaming but most on Netflix. Comedy John Mulaney, Tig Totaro, Wanda Sykes, Michelle Wolf. I like nyt spelling bee and connections. I think you said you’re not much of a tv watcher, but maybe a couple of beers and some chips will entice you. I can’t believe how many broken bones you have and that you seem to be somewhat adjusted to your injuries. I would be raging. Looking forward to more musings. I’m getting inspired by you!
Thanks for all the suggestions! I was raging before, now I'm just resigned
Though I'm not calling myself a Crone yet, I find much here I can relate to. Maybe that's my flu commiserating with your convalescence? Nice to meet you. 😊
And you!
"Odd how I used to find comfort in choosing specific music to listen to over and over and now I just want an algorithm to surprise me."
This really hit me with a wave of memory: in 1997, freshly divorced, living in a new city where I didn't know anybody, I would get home to my studio apartment, and, before even taking my backpack off, instead of picking any of my hundreds of albums to listen to, I would turn on the radio. The radio then as now basically sucked -- I heard Lit's "my own worst enemy" and "intergalactic " by the Beastie Boys an unfathomable, unforgivable number of times -- but something about the unpredictability made it feel less lonely.
I think it's also about the feeling that someone out there is making a decision for you. There are times when you want to be in control and other time when you just want someone else to care for you by taking over
Oh yes
I really do appreciate your honesty, and I sincerely hope you find some form of distraction to dive into and take you away from the pain and frustration for long periods of time as you heal. A gentle (I've had those broken ribs) virtual hug.
My reaction to the slow pace of season 3 of Slow Horses coming out (I have really gotten used to binge watching) was to insist that we start watching season 1 and 2 first. Partly because my memory was that I was often confused, at least in the first season, and partly because if we do that, by the time we are done, more of season 3 will have arrived.
I started watching a dumb (ish) sci-fi thing called "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" which is further along and yet baffling as it seems to be a sequel and I can't find any hint of a first series anywhere. At least puzzling it out engages my attention. I have read the Slow Horses books and also watched the first 2 tv series, not sure I want to start over, but that's a good suggestion! Binging would be the best, though. I have a lot of time on my hands.