Her food choices belong to her, but talking about them can be a problem
(Content warning: This is a discussion that involves a lot of potential triggers for anyone with an eating disorder history, or even just a very bad history with dieting and diet culture. This is particularly true of some of the links I share, so please consider carefully if it’s safe for you to read those pieces, and even my own thoughts on the subject.)
So, let’s discuss this Lizzo thing. I have a lot of thoughts about it, but for anyone going “wait, what?” here’s the backstory. Apparently, she went vegan at some point earlier this year. That’s totally cool……
Mortifying maybe but also pretty damn cool... her and your mom both, trying to be more open and talk about it. Better than my family who made Puritans look slutty.
Not just you. I've been getting better about being more open in general when I talk about sex, but like... with my MOM? Uh, no. I'm 45, and granted I had a fucked up childhood and a disconnected relationship with her for a lot of it, but still.
In Memory of Flash: Part 7
This is the final piece of my series, written over two years ago following the loss of our beloved basset hound mix.
Dear Flashy,
Two weeks ago you became a big brother. Your little brother is a terrier mix we’ve named Yogi. He’s just over a year-old. One of the crazy things we learned after adopting him is that his birthday is January 4th, 2017. We said goodbye to you on his first birthday. That was a bit of a sucker punch at first, but it also somehow feels… right? Poetic?
Before we brought…
In memory of Flash: Part 6
Is it too soon? I think it doesn’t feel too soon in part because of how long it already feels since we lost Flash. “Lost” Flash. I hate that expression. We didn’t “lose” him. That implies he can be found.
Since we said goodbye. It sounds dramatic or like I’m dancing around it. But what am I supposed to say instead? Since we chose for our dog to die humanely and with dignity rather than risk him suffering terribly when his heart couldn’t handle it anymore?
No one wants to hear that.
Since Flash…
In Memory of Flash: Part 5
Two weeks. It’s been two weeks since I pet your soft, warm little head last. Two weeks since I said goodbye to the best pal I could have ever asked for, to a love I never imagined possible because — as your daddy has said — humans simply aren’t capable of that kind of love.
It’s only two weeks since my world was turned upside down. Yet it feels like years. That might sound like a good thing. Grief takes time to process, after all. …
In Memory of Flash: Part 4
It’s January 13, 2018. I’m folding laundry. I see my bathrobe. The following thoughts run unabated through my mind.
The last time I wore this it was November and you were still alive. I was in the emergency room and then we came to get you from the PetsHotel and I was too sick from the food poisoning to come in to get you. Daddy had to go in alone. He said you realized quickly I wasn’t there and led him to the car to find me.
It was the last time we’d ever…
In Memory of Flash: Part 3
Note: This was published originally on my WordPress blog for Flash, along with the other pieces. I am sharing it as part of this series. I do NOT expect anyone to donate, BUT if you do want to, the campaign is still active.
The ASPCA sent me an email today to remind me it was time for my annual donation. I decided to turn it into something bigger, if possible. I created a memorial fund. We adopted Arthur from the ASPCA headquarters in Manhattan back in 2001, so it holds a truly special place in my heart.
In memory of Flash: Part Two
January 2, 2018
Flash has a vet appointment. He’s been really itchy. He’s had chronic skin issues since he was about 2 years old, so this is not new. But we’re also worried because he’s been coughing more often. Since he was diagnosed with a mitral valve prolapse in late August, any increase in coughing immediately sets me on edge. This time I’m also worried it sounds different. Maybe deeper. I don’t know. But my mom radar is up. His eating hasn’t been great, either, but he still has plenty of appetite for treats…
In memory of Flash: Part One
This is the first of a short series of essays I wrote over the course of six weeks following the death of our beloved basset mix Flash. I’d forgotten about these pieces, if I’m being honest. I was so raw with grief when I wrote them. But today I found them and felt compelled to share them, especially because Flashy’s 14 year adopt-a-versary was September 16th. They’re as emotional as anything I’ve ever written. I’ve been sitting here bawling since I started reading them again.
However, they’re very important to me. I suspect other…
