19 Comments
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Talli Buchanan's avatar

I was listening to the show while I was dogsitting and when you got to the part about ADUs I remembered this sign on one of the houses in the neighborhood: “Join the ADU Club!” (Advertising for a contracting company specializing in converting garages into ADUs.) It really is a thing here in LA. (Btw, the sign is still there.)

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Corinne's avatar

A more mundane comment: they are called ADUs here in Long Island too 😂😂

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Jade Lake's avatar

OMFG - my kid had lice this season too - for the first time - UUUUUUUGH

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Sim's avatar

It was a great episode and I'm glad we got one over the holidays. I'm enjoying some serious quiet time. I had actually planned a trip, but cancelled so I could just rest and have some quiet time. I've been marathoning Grey's Anatomy, but allowing myself to forward through the really depressing stuff, and so far, it hasn't made me all depressed!

Next week, getting back to my normal active social life, my workouts and still have some time off left. I took 2 and a half weeks off and I am happier and happier with the decision every day. I literally "wasted" this week and still have plenty of vacation left to do all the productive and fun things I wanted to do!

One question: what is the name of the book you ladies were discussing in this week's episode? The one Busy is reading? I was washing my hair when it came up, so I couldn't pause and write it down and I have no idea of the timestamp of when you discussed it...!

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McAllister's avatar

Death Valley - it's a novel

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Sim's avatar

Thank you!!

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Ten's avatar

Thank you for this episode among the holiday overload- it was much needed!

I wanted to DM Busy this on insta but I don’t think I can: given she’s had two tummy bugs this year (and her IBS) she could benefit from a heavy duty probiotic to reset the good bacteria levels in her intestine. A brand called Visibiome saved me after very high bacterial overgrowth- they send it to you in a cooler so it’s serious lol I swear I have no benefit from mentioning it, my heart just went out to Busy after this story, especially after the vomiting limo story. Glad she’s on the mend tummy and skin wise!

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Michelle Camac's avatar

Yay! A late Christmas podcast gift!

Here is my reading soapbox. All reading is reading. Audiobooks, graphic novels, children’s books, etc. I can’t listen to an audiobook for the same reasons as Busy. Also I’m sorry but I read 150 books this year. I just love reading so much that I cannot stop.

This Christmas my dad brought back an old family tradition of playing rob your neighbor. All the grandkids had so much fun! We were all ruthless. 😝 It was such a wonderful low-stakes family gathering.

Wishing everyone here a happy new year!

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Robyn's avatar

After visiting my entire family for the first time since 2019, I got Covid for the 1st time 😞 I was in and out of sleep listening to the pod last night & had a fever dream that you & busy were coming to my house to deliver this "pink milk concoction" that would make me feel better. I sadly woke up before you made it to my house 😆 this year was a rough one, but I want to thank you both for helping me through it. Laughing & crying with you all has been so therapeutic- even though you don't know me, thanks for being my friend. May we all find some peace & have a gentle 2024 ❤️

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Caissie St.Onge's avatar

Robyn, I hope you feel better. Working on a pink milk cure for 2024!

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Jade Lake's avatar

What a gift!!! Thank you ladies - listening tonight ♥️

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Jennifer A Bertram's avatar

Christmas was quiet for us. So, the Monday night before Christmas, my kids' dad's fiance (fiancee?) fell HARD down the stairs and was knocked out. She has a severe concussion, several broken bones, and is kind of screwed. And he stayed with her and hasn't seen his kids for two weeks, not even for Christmas. So now she will have a huge recovery, and I probably will have the kid full time for a while, because she should probably not be left alone and is kind of helpless with broken bones and memory and cognitive issues.

Oh yeah, and I'm recovering from gallbladder surgery. Apparently the surgeon said I was a tough case and I made him work pretty hard to get that thing out but I should feel some relief, once I get through the recovery process. It's been painful, but it's subsiding. But hey. Who has time to recover from surgery when you are a single mom and your ex's GF falls down the stairs? Not this girl.

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Caissie St.Onge's avatar

Wow, Jennifer, that’s a lot. Sending you lots of good gallbladder vibes! We are here for you. 💜

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Jennifer A Bertram's avatar

Thank you Caissie. 2023 has been a LOT. Wishing you and your family a gentle and fun 2024. I appreciate all the wisdom you share on the podcast, and your generosity of time in our FB group. You're a gem and I'm thankful for your kindness.

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Adair Wallace's avatar

I did my best this Christmas by simplifying!!! I live alone and this year, for the first time EVER, I did not put up a tree. I decorated my mantle as usual with the family stockings, put out 2 candles and hung a couple of wreaths! Done! My friend said “Doesn’t a tree and all those decorations make you happy?” and I said no. Because I was the happiest when it only took me about 30 minutes to get everything put away. Then I read a book for a couple of hours.!!!! Christmas should be fun...and each one of us has our own definition of holiday fun/spirit. You do you besties - and have a Happy 2024!!!

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Ruth Baril's avatar

We're kind of used to lousy Christmases in my family, and this one is no exception.

I have not listened to the episode yet because I've been prepping for our first holiday party since pre-Covid all day. As I cleaned and prepared way too much food, like 75% of our guest list slowly changed their RSVPs to no. 😭

So I'm sitting here, wearing *actual makeup*, in front of a beautiful spread, waiting for the handful of friends who have not sent their regrets to maybe arrive.

All this after spending two days in the ER with my 19-year-old who was, and continues to be, so wracked with panic we're not sure what to even do.

But! Christmas day was actually pretty nice, and the kids are being kind to each other, the house is clean for the first time in a while, and the fudge is delicious.

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Caissie St.Onge's avatar

Hoo boy! Hope your kiddo is doing ok. Hope that despite the unexpected smallness of your gathering that it was enjoyable. And good fudge never hurts!

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Ruth Baril's avatar

I am happy to report that we had a lovely evening with the small group that came. ❤️

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Lisa Morgan's avatar

What a great surprise - needed this! Let’s normalize lousy Christmases. It’s the reality for some of us, but yet we feel bad or like anomalies - surely it should be all joy and mistletoe, like we’re shown everywhere.

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