Or the appearance of the 14th Doctor, though I imagine I'd be the 15th?!

Been a rough haul of late. Got out of one medical drama (husband) and then moved onto anxiety issues with my oldest son (one stemming from a moderate medical condition that unfortunately coincided with DH's medical issue). Two visits to a pediatrician (one covering/one our regular), an ultrasound, a visit to the specialist. Conclusion: outpatient surgery can eradicate the problem if it persists.

My goal now is simple and healthy living. In the future that may include art therapy/yoga/acupuncture/massage/etc. - all that is holistic and whole. Of course, this decision doesn't coincide well with our summer spent away (though a change of scenery to a beautiful place without the stress and chaos of our usual lives will be welcomed). I've decided that the grocery budget needs to be increased. [Full disclosure/confession: my bout of depression made it virtually impossible to do anything other than survive - and it was a lot of prepared and convenience foods.]

Biggest thing I've done is stop comparing. That comparison thing that I'd do made me feel bad and I turned into one of those people dwelling on the negative. Authentic living? HA. Call me a fairly successful fraudster. More than several people said they couldn't believe what was going on (DH's medical issues) because I didn't say anything and my demeanor didn't change. The real friends knew, but acquaintances from church not really.

So we've had two graduations (oldest from high school last Sunday, oldest son had cap and gown Mass yesterday). We've got a party planned for June 4th. My mom has gifted me some funds to get started with the planning and buying. It's an open house and I've invited roughly 100 people (some of those are largish families with smallish children). My daughter purchased "2016 Graduate" t-shirts for herself and brother E. I thought that was very sweet of her - they have a nice bond.

Well, that's about all for now.

Fiscally, I have:

1) Gotten tired of tracking and spending

2) Gotten tired of looking at ads and coupons and stacking

3) Not used credit cards with the exception of opening one for a $200 credit on airline tickets

4) Switched my family over to cell phones from landlines, consolidated phone plans, put us all on I-phones (4s or 5s purchased certified refurbished from Amazon) which will save significantly in the long run

5) received good news about financial aid and scholarships for the 2016-2017 school year