Oh! I didn't think about the tight jeans/contractor comments being back to back! They are unrelated, but I'm glad it got a giggle out of you!
I don't know how long no contact is unacceptable. Ten days is a long time. I also believe that your H thinks his choices are okay because his sister has done what she's done. Is this how their parents brought them up? Were they taught that it's acceptable to leave when things get difficult? Do they think it's okay to do what feels good right now without thinking about the future?
I'll keep my fingers crossed that nothing breaks at your place. Unfortunately, that's already happened here at my house. My kitchen sink leaked, and that was a $300 repair. My upstairs bathtub cracked with water in it. The water went through the floor and then through the ceiling of my den. I lost a chair and ottoman that were soaked, and I've had a good part of my ceiling replaced. The carpet is leaving, and I'm getting hardwood (hence the contractors). Oh, and insurance doesn't cover a cracked tub!
Wine and music have been good for me, too. But running? Yuck. I've had a good time picking out paint samples, looking at other home improvement items (like a new bathtub!) and playing in my den with hardwood floor samples. I've also occupied myself with Law & Order reruns and grading papers. Whatever it takes, right?
How is your father faring? And what's this about your brother? When it rains, it pours . . .
My advice? Put on some tight jeans and call a contractor over to give you an estimate on something. Anything. Then wear those same jeans and a pair of boots, go to Home Depot, Lowe's, or your choice of home improvement store, and prance around there for a little while (my exact afternoon today). You'll feel better, if only for a little while!
