Things I Can't Handle These Days

I have always been proud that I was  a woman who was driven and ambitious and could handle anything that came my way.  I wanted to go to college, so I went–but I had to pay for it, as we didn't have a lot of money.  I wanted a cool job, so I took one in Washington, which, at the time, might as well have been China.  I wanted to travel and I did–I actually went to the Middle East with only $100 in my pocket.  I wanted to get married and I did.  I wanted a better quality of life, a more fulfilling job.  I wanted to be a writer, but I didn't worry about being published.  I focused on the actual writing, and voila, I became a writer.

All of these things were it was a lot harder than I am tossing out here today, but I really always felt capable of handling all the obstacles I faced.  However, now–because I am older or softer, I don't know what–I am finding there are a lot of things I can't handle.  Here is a list of things that I can't handle this week, in no particular order:

1.  Cow Knuckles.  These are not the most disgusting things made for dogs to chew on now (that would be the cow's esophagus), but it's the one thing I can touch and bring home to Moosey-boy.  But in the last couple of days, I cannot look at the knuckle.   It's disgusting.  Of course, Moose loves it, but I can't handle it.

2.  Pool filters.  Ours needs to be emptied every day.  It's not that big of a deal, but I approach it with sheer dread.  I am scared that when I pop that top, something awful is going to leap out at me.  I can't handle it.

3.  Grocery Stores:  First, there are too many choices.  Second, I have no self control.  Third, I spend too much money.  Fourth, I have to take the groceries home and put them away and I HATE that.  Fifth, I always have to spend money on things like bleach and toilet paper and that makes me sad.  I can't handle it.

4.  Email.  It's so out of control, I don't know how to get it under control.  I can't handle it.

5.  Book releases.  To think that the thing that used to fill me with unbridled joy now fills me with dread.  Don't get me wrong — I love writing, I love having written, and I love to see the finished product on a shelf or display.  That is really cool.  But I cannot stand the wondering how it is doing, or how readers will react to it.  I would like to leave the country every time a book comes out and come back in a month.  I can't handle it.

6.  Dieting.  I have been on some kind of diet for most of my life, and I am reaching the point where I just can't–or won't–handle it any more.   Been there done that.

There's a whole lot more I can't handle anymore (The Bachelor, non-HD TV, gas prices, etc.) but there is not enough room.  Come on whiners, and whine with me!  Tell me what you can't handle.  And remember, with every whine you post here, you are entered to win our Nook!!