The New Normal

The grapes are washed, the raisins and peanuts mixed. Only thing missing are the baby carrots, which I passed up at Kroger last night because of the cost. Sure, I probably could have gotten everything for a lot less at the Wal-Mart across the street, but I had neither the time nor patience to navigate…

The grapes are washed, the raisins and peanuts mixed. Only thing missing are the baby carrots, which I passed up at Kroger last night because of the cost. Sure, I probably could have gotten everything for a lot less at the Wal-Mart across the street, but I had neither the time nor patience to navigate the long, wide aisles and dodge short, wide people for just a few items. It was nearly 7:45; I wanted to be in bed by 10.

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Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?

I made it to bed by 11:30, still bright-eyed and a bundle of nerves. Iโ€™m due at the office in about 90 minutes.

Some people would rather do the opposite: Run their own business rather than work for someone else. Success depends on the market, and right now the market demands I get my behind on someone elseโ€™s payroll.

In the 10 years Iโ€™ve been on my own, Iโ€™ve flitted in and out of a few truly awful situations. Wonโ€™t invite any negative energy by detailing them here. Suffice it to say there are some power-mad, self-hating shysters out there. The trick is listening to your instincts rather than your dwindling bank account.

Itโ€™s been in the past 10 years that Iโ€™ve gained the most weight. I dove into books like What Color is Your Parachute? and Career Bounce-Back and The Well-Fed Writer โ€“ that last one, by the way, I highly recommend โ€“ instead of dealing with the emotional issues of be self-employed, but unemployed, and really needing to move in order to find a decent-paying position in my field, but not wanting to move my family yet again.

I pushed through it all, not admitting to myself or anyone for the next eight years that underneath that go-getter, smiling, highly social demeanor I was very likely clinically depressed. Even I didnโ€™t know what the true problem was. Depressed? Not moi. Then I went to see Dr. Bean a few years ago about getting some prescription appetite suppressants or something, and the dam burst.

Eight years. What a tremendous waste of time. And yet, would I be the fabulous person I am today without that experience? ** LOL **

So hey, Iโ€™m packing lunch, healthy snacks and, of course, my water bottle. Until we figure out how to deal with four different skeds with just two cars, not sure when I can resume my morning gym routine. Hopefully weโ€™ll be able to get a โ€œbeaterโ€ car soon.

OK, so Iโ€™m sitting here writing when I should be unbraiding my naps, getting dressed and reintroducing myself to rush-hour traffic. Gotta go . . .

When your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt. ย ~ย  Henry J. Kaiser

โ€œFriendโ€ me on the Less Leslie Facebook page!

Leslie J. Ansley is an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur who blogs daily for TheRoot. She lives in Raleigh, NC.

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