Ever felt like the black sheep? In this week's episode I explain why labeling myself that and viewing it as a negative, made me attract people in my life that ONLY saw me that way. They would see me as I saw myself. Different, dramatic, lazy, crazy, sloppy, clumsy... to name a few. So, when a friend would point out these traits as "faults" my subconscious mind would rebel! I truly didn't want to be this way OR even labeled at all! BUT this was my own doing. For years I would reinvent myself, which I found to be quite easy since I was born under a new moon (more on that later). Over and over changing myself trying to find what kind of person people wanted me to be so I wouldn't get hurt. But again and again, this would backfire. Now, I finally stopped trying to find the "forever mask"...I realized committing fully to who I am IS the forever mask. Sobriety came first; good friends left some new friends came and left QUICKLY...BUT all that remained were the ones who have always loved me for who I am. Thus, now I can handle push back from my core people in my life because I know the relationship is built off of respect and truth. I have boundaries and respect the ones presented to me. Anyways, this episode is the most typical BLACK SHEEP thing I've ever done. It can seem quite contradictive. But I see it as acceptance.

I was six years old when the school tested me. The results said I had a receptive vocabulary in the 99th percentile—gifted range. They also said I was slow, disorganized, and needed to be watched. They called me "average" and sent me on my way.

What followed was decades of being called a problem, stupid or dumb. Yes by adults...one teacher went as far to call me a freak of nature for not fitting the mold. The life long problems followed me around were created by a system that had the data but not the will to see me clearly. I was placed on ADHD meds, denied GATE services, funneled into SPED for subjects I actually excelled in, not the other way around. And again, I was told my whole life that I wasn't enough.

By 23, I was drinking 24 hours a day to hide from the trauma. By 26, I walked into a detox center with a BAC number that should have killed me. It didn't.

In this episode, I walk through my own educational and psychological records from the 1990s. Scores that show a classic twice-exceptional (2E). WHICH BY THE WAY... I had no idea what that meant until this week. I had never heard the term. Not one professional person at that time explained to me how my brain ACTUALLY worked. Nor was it properly explained to my parents ( at the time. ) IMO my profile was buried under bureaucratic indifference. I break down what the numbers actually mean, how the system failed me, and how I finally started to understand myself now at 36.

This episode is for every parent who has been told their child is "lazy." For every adult who grew up knowing they were smart but feeling broken. And for every kid right now who is slipping through the cracks because they don't fit the box.

I am not a doctor or a therapist. I am someone who lived it. And if you are ready to stop being gaslit by your own file, this one is for you.

Understanding the Recent Storm Impact on Cape Cod & the islands: A Deep Dive

I just couldn't sit back and watch the towns I love and grew up in be so devastated and not report on it. Stay safe and warm out there and help out a neighbor if you are able.

SHOW NOTES:

Residents have expressed frustrations regarding power restoration efforts and the visibility of utility workers "sitting idle in their trucks". I think it's important to understand the operational safety guidelines and regulations faced by utility companies that may prevent workers from operating under certain conditions.

Historical Context: Past Storms and Their Impact

- *February 2005:* 30,000 residents without power for three to five days.

- *March 2018:* 40,000 residents without power for up to seven days.

- *Current Storm:* Over 150,000 without power, highlighting the increasing severity of weather patterns and the impact of La Nina.

These historical storms taught us there was need for better emergency preparedness on the Cape, particularly regarding warming shelters and power restoration protocols.

CALL #211 for help getting to a warming shelter.

Regional Shelters (Overnight Capable)

These are extended or overnight accommodations for residents whose homes are unsafe due to no heat, medical needs, or other hazards.

Barnstable (Hyannis) – Barnstable Intermediate School, open and accepting residents Barnstable County.

Dennis / Yarmouth – Dennis‑Yarmouth Regional High School, opened at 8 PM Mon, accepting additional demand Barnstable County.

Nauset High School (Eastham) – Closed due to heating issues; residents relocated to Dennis‑Yarmouth or Barnstable Intermediate Barnstable County.

Warming Centers (Daytime / Limited Hours)

These are temporary, short-term locations for warmth, device charging, and basic support. They are not overnight facilities and may have limited services.

Brewster – Brewster Town Hall, 2198 Main St., open Tue, Feb 24, 12–5 PM. Accessible entrance, bathroom, no pets. Transportation: 508‑896‑3701 after 10 AM Barnstable County+1.

Chatham – Chatham Community Center, 702 Main St., 8–9 PM. Personal care, warming, charging, accessible, service animals only. Transportation: 508‑945‑5191 Barnstable County.

Mashpee – Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Community & Government Center, 483 Great Neck Rd S., open as warming center, service animals only, no pets Barnstable County.

Orleans – Orleans Town Hall, 9–6 PM Tue. Transportation via police/fire‑rescue on case‑by‑case basis Barnstable County.

Provincetown – Provincetown Community Center, open as warming space Barnstable County.

Truro – Truro Community Center, open Tue, Feb 24, 10 AM, warming & charging Barnstable County.

I share my personal story of hitting rock bottom and the importance of recognizing the dangers of alcohol and drugs. PSA in case you don't know THERE IS NO WHERE FOR NEWLY SOBER HUMANS TO GO ON NANTUCKET ONCE THEY GET SOBER. No sober living options and it makes me boil.

I started working in restaurants at 14 years old…

Nobody talks about what that actually does to you.

It can turn you into a machine under pressure.

OR it can quietly wire your brain for addiction, chaos, and burnout.

The restaurant “OOZE” is real.

Some of us became pros.

Some of us became local mutants.

COMMENT: What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen working in a restaurant?

#RestaurantLife #Server #CareerJourney #MutantChronicles #YoungAndWild #PodcastLife #WorkExperience #Foodie #Nostalgia #ChelseaChannel #SummerJobs #SaveTheYouth

At the beginning of this episode, I give a sneak peek into the upcoming Patreon deep dive: THE MOON.

What is its true controlling purpose? How did ancient cultures interpret the once a month, intoxicating beauty of the full moon? And what connection..if any..does it have to the blue light emanating from your cellphone?

I do the research, so you don’t have to.

Subscribe to the Patreon to follow me deep down rabbit holes, where I offer guidance and insight across a wide range of topics. As a member, you’re invited to share your thoughts in open chats, sip a glass of tea, and explore the investigative nature of these Patreon exclusive episodes together.

THE MEAT OF THE EPISODE: As we end this snake year, February 16th, I share how hard it truly has been for all of us, to let go of old bad habits. I take a look down memory lane to see how I was doing the last snake year in 2013. AND LET'S JUST SAY, it was good not great. Maybe, just maybe, you can relate.

Welcome to the second edition of the previous episode of Shedding the Skin. Same topic, different POV. WARNING: I am not the person you might think I am. I have forever changed, and I am ready to tell you what, where and why it all happened. AND of course, I share on the hope that you can learn how & do this too! It feels nice to win one in the "self-growth" department for once. Enoy the new skin and view! You silly snakes =)

Happy New Year! This episode I expose myself entirely. Also, I might spill some 20-year-old tea...But beyond that, listen in and let my soft voice float you away into the new year with tales of my experience as "the most sensitive person I know". And as always, entangle yourself with the forever podcast discussion of how to change your life in a positive direction. CHEERS to 2026!

After I drag on for far too long about the effect my hormones have had on the Podcast you'll hear the meat and potatoes of today's episode theme. If you make it through the weeds, I began to discuss the cultural shift towards smaller communities. I can sense the collective desire for genuine connections, and the moving away from the influence of mega-influencers. I strongly predict, that as society becomes more aware of its divisions, people will seek out deeper, more meaningful relationships. Hope this resonates! Merry Christmas! XOXO

Why does your inner child actually matter. This episode discusses the complexities of healing and the potential dangers of revisiting painful memories tied to our inner child. I question whether bringing up repressed memories is always beneficial. I question my own practices and intentions constantly.