I am headed to my parents house for a couple of days. It isn't the healthiest place for me to hang out...but knowing this I should be prepared. I have been telling myself to just relax and enjoying my mothers nattering and my father's silent presence. I've been telling myself it isn't necessary to be careful what I say, what I eat, and how I act. I should just enjoy that my parents are still alive and that I live close enough to see them sometimes, but not so close for it to be a burden. Just be myself...

However even at 53 I am still their "child". And all of those childlike behaviours and thoughts are circulating through me even as I write this. So I am bolstering myself up mentally for this visit. Preparing scenarios in my mind for the inevitable chiding I will get for any number of small transgressions. And I know it is likely I will overeat and then feel terrible when I get home. So I am also going to stop on the way down and take a long walk in a park not far from them. The dogs will enjoy it and I will clear my mind and burn a few calories in preparation. At least the food is good and not just empty calories!