I'm so glad you've escaped. It really is leaving behind a whole life you've curated. And people wonder why it's so hard! But so many people that you don't expect to turn on you, turn on you. Another hard lesson is learning how fake so many people in church can be. The truth is, a lot of people can't handle it when life strays from how it "should be" and your leaving interrupts the way they see life. I've seen this in that show, "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" (might do a post on that) and how so many women who are the breadwinners are in abusive relationships. You'd think when you have money, you can get out easier, but then you think of someone like Bethenny Frankel (from Real Housewives of New York) and how long it took her to get rid of her narcissistic relationship with her own money. I do hope more psychology will be devoted to abusive relationships and how to get out of them. Not to mention the court system and how to make it fair to leave an abuser without losing so much (sometimes even your life!) The church generally sides with the narcissist because he looks like he's playing by the rules. Not to mention, they've already painted you as unstable in the church. If I could say one thing to those women, I'd tell them being free of an unstable foundation on the daily is worth it! And those people in church who would judge aren't your friends anyway.

Yes, I am working hard to get back on a regular schedule. I think it will be much easier when I'm in California, but maybe that's wishful thinking.

I will say Arizona has thinned my blood significantly. I am ALWAYS freezing here in California. : )

As a fellow Arizonan, you know that moving back is a little scary. I'm so grateful I got to go through covid in Arizona! I'll miss the sunsets and that perfect sunshine. I'm in California right now and freezing! One good thing about being in CA is I get more done. I don't know why, I'm just more productive here. Being a SoCal native, do you miss the beach? I was never much of a beach person, but I miss the mountains and the oaks!

Everyone is an expert. LOL Try raising twins after two boys lady, then get back to Tony. LOL

I don't even have a library card in Arizona. I never went when I was in Cupertino because it was so busy all the time. LOL I'll keep you posted when I read it.

Wow, he sure has turned into a disappointment, hasn't he? I missed that whole music era, but I remember how vilified Britney was during that time. I never thought he was Mr. Innocent so I'll be glad to get her side of the story. If she was pressured into having an abortion, I think that explains a lot about why she had an emotional breakdown.