As my previous blog stated I went to Universal Studios Florida for a few days with my youngest nephew. Although I dealt with a cold and sinus stuff leading up to and during the getaway it was a wonderful time. I got to enjoy being present with him, warm weather, great food, and a couple of naps. We talked about lots of things and I think he got to know more about me and the adventures I have taken and some of the high/lows of my life. He has a bit of anxiety so just listening to him and then trying to help him learn from what he's thinking/feeling took a bit of work, but it reminded me to stay present. I had to keep him a bit quiet at the airport as he does not realize what he's asking - which are good questions - but freak other people out. The parks were wonderful, but in many ways, they were a side factor in the overall time we spent together. Neither of us like rides, but we both enjoyed the walking (5 miles per day), the characters, the overall atmosphere and people observing (he likes to do this too). As it was a resort, I did not mind him wandering off for walks in the afternoon while I took a rest break. We would check in to determine what would happen next. He was adventuresome in trying some different foods. I posted pictures and such on FB of our time together. The only problem were the plane rides - he is 6'3" and I did not think of this when I worked with the travel agent as I'm only 5'4". The poor kid was folded into seats - thank goodness not an extremely long flight. Next time I have to remember emergency aisle, or we go first class. I tried to be light on this trip and go with the flow as much as possible. I just wanted him to have fun and enjoy our time together. The greatest moment I had was while waiting for the bus at Logan airport to take us to my car. Suddenly, he put his arm around my shoulder, leaned down and said, "thank you auntie. I had a really good time" and kissed me.
I laughed a lot about how I carry cash (no worries I had plastic as well) and he carried a debit card. I realized that kids today really don't know about money as they just pull out plastic to pay for everything. He works so he has his own account and such, but it threw me that even for the smallest things he would whip out the card. I asked him one day...do you have any cash? He said NO I use the card. I said you have an envelope you were given with a few dollars in it, he just laughed and said, I left that in the room. He purchased all his own souvenirs during the trip. I appreciated him taking a moment to realize how much things cost and decide whether to purchase.
I did not realize how much I needed a break until I took it. I was tired upon my return, but a good tired. Since my return I went to the chiropractor - after moving furniture and then traveling I needed it. I also attended meditation class - WOW! I also had a massage and energy work - WOW OH WOW! I think for the first time in two months I can actually walk normal - at least for a few days. I am learning constantly from my energy work and really trying to pay attention to my body and mind. Yesterday, as I was leaving the nursing home I had an overwhelming feeling of woe/sorrow...so much so that it brought tears to my eyes. It literally came out of nowhere as I got on the elevator. It's a slow elevator and I was by myself, so I took a moment to breathe and ground myself - it's when I realized I did not have any of my stones with me. I took a moment to acknowledge the feeling and said a quick prayer, then let it go. I came home - walked Lady and then delivered the newsletter to the neighbors. I have to say I was glad that most were not home, so I could just drop off and not hold conversations. I then relaxed for a bit. Feel much better today - slept very well.
I felt so sorry on Friday for a family member I met at the nursing home. I don't have the whole story about how her mom became a resident (I think it may be temporary) - I think the state and her brother are involved - but this poor daughter was so overwhelmed. I could see the look of absolute horror, fear, and terror on her face as she tried to calm herself and her mother down. I ended up speaking with her and trying to help her and her mom get a bit settled. I was so unimpressed with how the social worker handled the entire situation, but kept my mouth closed. I'll help her as much as I can and add her mom to those I check on every day. It's so hard to walk into this type of situation and not know what to expect.
Lady has been my shadow since my return. I move - she moves. Poor thing has been getting up fairly early to be sure she does not miss something. If she's sleeping on the couch and I start to get out of the chair, her head pops up and she watches like a hawk. If I head to the kitchen, she jumps down to see what I'm doing. She does make me laugh as she has become a little more vocal about wanting snacks. Guess I was spoiling her a little too much. My neighbor called me first thing the morning I returned to let me know there was a coyote spotted on the path I usually take behind his home. He is making me a weapon to carry on my walks just in case.
I had some work done in the house while I was gone. So far things are coming along and now that I've returned it's time to get down to business tomorrow (I took the rest of the week to settle back in). Next up contacting charities tomorrow to pick up furniture - it will go to who can pick up soonest. I need it out of the way, so I can determine next steps. I am researching motion detector cameras and such for safety - received a couple of suggestions, please let me know if you have a suggestion.
I did not read much during the vacation - a little here and there. What are you reading?
I am going to leave it here for today. I will admit I have not kept up with the Olympics as much as many others. I do watch the highlights and focus on many of the personal stories. I wish I had half their focus and half their talent. Have a good week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently.” - Maya Angelou
“Though nobody can go back and make a new beginning... Anyone can start over and make a new ending.” - ― Chico Xavier
“Don't be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” - ― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart