Have I ever mentioned that I can't stand to go to the grocery store? People that know me are already aware of this idiosyncrasy of mine. I think the fact that I just came from the grocery store is why it's on my mind. I dropped papa off while I picked up an order at Staples. Do you have any idea of what it's like to be wandering a crowded grocery store with a man who is almost blind and deaf? He stops in the middle of aisles, comes flying out of aisles and gets very frustrated when he can't find what he's looking for easily. And, heaven help me if I try to assist. I swear when I come out my anxiety levels are extremely high. I am not asking for sympathy as I know I have it good in so many ways. I said to papa on the way home I hate that grocery store and he said I do too the other one is better and less crowded. I almost laughed as the only reason I went to that particular store at all is because he wanted to go. Oh well....I think it's the end of the month as we are getting on each other's nerves!
I started putting some of this blog together on Saturday night. I was watching another Saturday night of Hallmark movies and thought I should start putting something together. I was really thinking - you are a 57 year old woman who has spent several Saturday nights watching Hallmark movies and you know you cry every damn time! Why do I do that to myself? I guess I'm tired of the repeats on HGTV and Food Network. I mentioned my Saturday nights to someone the other day and she said, she does that too and yes she cries as well. At least I know I'm not alone. Perhaps I'm just a sucker for love and a happy ending. Do you cry at happy endings?
I went to a cookout Saturday today in the park where my parent's live. I joked that I was going to the old people's cookout and then said - wait a minute I am one of them now...I qualify to live here! Boy is that a realization! It was a nice event - a neighbor saved places for my dad and I. They ended up having about a dozen extra people at the last minute and were worried about running out of food. I think the coordinator said they had more people than they have had in several years. They had a very nice 3 piece band that played lots of older music. I got to be seen by many neighbors and several asked about my mom. I could see when my dad got a bit down so I said go home and I'll stay. I stayed until the end and helped a little bit with cleanup. The park is changing as several new people have bought houses in the past year as others have moved on. It seemed like a good group of people and they all seemed to enjoy the music - lots of chair dancing! I had a nice time and think I represented my parents well.
When my dad was declared legally blind his doctor notified a liaison person to evaluate him and set him up with the Federation for the Blind. I have to say it has been a wonderful experience. At first it was a bit tough for my dad to believe he was legally blind, but he has gotten used to the idea in many ways. He has received so much support from this group. They have provided him with tools and equipment that help him maintain his independence. They representatives conduct follow up visits to e sure he does not have problems with the equipment or if he needs other types of tools. I can't say enough good things about them. It makes me feel good that there are organizations out there that really want to help people.
I wanted to let a friend know I'm thinking about her. She is going through a rough time and recently hit her rock bottom. She is getting the help she needs and has a lot of support physically/mentally as well as family and friends. It's up to her now to do what she needs to do. Hugs my friend if/when you need me, I'm here.
Although I retired 1 year ago on 1 July - can you believe it because I can not - I felt such a sense of pride and accomplishment when I received notice the other day that a project I worked on over had gone live the other night. It was a fun project and if I had not retired I would have worked on it for the past year. I am so happy for the office and my former colleagues that it all worked out.
I am going to end it here for today. I hope you have a good week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"No matter what you're going through, there's a light at the end of the tunnel and it may seem hard to get to it but you can do it and just keep working towards it and you'll find the positive side of things." Demi Lovato
"I believe if you keep your faith, you keep your trust, you keep the right attitude, if you're grateful, you'll see God open up new doors." Joel Osteen
"Positive feelings come from being honest about yourself and accepting your personality, and physical characteristics, warts and all; and, from belonging to a family that accepts you without question." Willard Scott