I do think it's funny that suddenly we have a Singles Awareness Day (SAD) is a holiday celebrated by single people. It serves as a complement to Valentine's Day for people who are single, that is, not involved in a romantic relationship. Some people who observe S.A.D. do so out of spite for Valentine's Day, as a Hallmark holiday, or for other reasons. Is it me or am I the only person that think this is crazy? I don't need another type of holiday. I am happy for those that celebrate Valentine's Day and want to spend all that money. Yesterday we picked up roses at the grocery store and they were more than double the normal cost just because it's Valentines. What do you think?
Most of the week went fairly well. Mema was a bit cranky at the beginning of the week, but mellowed out by the end. I got to see her at physical therapy the other day and she was having a ball (and I got to participate). I was happy to see this morning that the recreational person brought in secret valentines for all of the residents from the 2nd grade class her mom teaches. It was so sweet to see all the different artistic works of the students. The misspelled words were so endearing as they provided information about themselves. We read many of them out loud and I almost cried to see how happy the residents were when looking at their cards. Many of them are now hanging in their rooms. The students also made bookmarks and little satchels of potpourri. This afternoon they are preparing a Thank You note for the students. I wish more schools would do this for nursing homes and seniors.
More changes at the nursing home. Sometimes the changes in personnel drive me crazy, but I know people do not stay in jobs long. Many of these jobs are thankless and when you can't leave because your replacement does not show, I definitely understand the frustration. There appears to be a good new group of people as well as a few seasoned people, but there are days. They had a good group of recreational people, but one of the new people made a mistake, she owned up to it, but is now gone. She was good too so I'm hoping they can find someone like her. Change is hard on this group of seniors and they don't like strangers.
I had a bad Saturday with papa. I almost packed up and headed home because I was so upset. I do not appreciate being yelled at like I'm a teenager when all I'm trying to do is help where I can. It all had to do with the car registration (which expired in January) and him not believing that it had. He kept yelling at me that he told me to call the insurance company at the beginning of the month and I never did so that's why everything was all screwed up. I told him I have been dealing with the RMV and Honda (because it is a lease vehicle). He was so obstinate he went to the car to get the original registration. He still did not believe me when I read the registration to him. He went to his reading machine and then found out I was telling the truth. He then apologized and made a joke about yelling at me. I said, I don't like it and I definitely don't appreciate it. He then went off to his TV room. I was so upset and suddenly so exhausted that I took a short nap. I could hear papa moving around and when I opened my eyes he was bending over me to check on me. I reached out to my sister as I was going to escape to her place for a while but she did not respond. Don't worry we are on track again, we went to church last night (I prayed a lot) and papa cooked dinner. I know this might sound like a silly argument to you, but at 57 years old I expect to be treated like an adult. I hold my tongue a lot too so as to not upset papa.
I think the one thing I have to keep remembering is the more time I spend with papa the more patience I need. I feel like I tap into a reserve. I know it is hard for him having to depend on the rest of us for so much. For someone with as many health issues as he has, he is very independent. It is very frustrating for him to have to ask for help or depend on everyone else. I get all that, but it does not mean he gets to yell at me when he is frustrated or upset. Of course, by last night he was over it.
Papa and I went to a dinner of their friendship club today. Many of the people were glad to see papa and let me know that they see him walking the dog. I met a few new people and we discussed restaurants for breakfast (I have been to a lot more than them) and bakeries. It was a good day as I won two door prizes - a tray with homemade pumpkin and gingerbread cakes - which I will share tomorrow at the nursing home. I also won a basket with a bottle of wine, two glasses, a candle and romantic CD. I will be drinking the wine and using the glasses and candle, I think I'll donate the CD. I will admit I was the youngest person there, but it was a nice dinner and chatting with others is a good thing. I think papa had a good time and it was good to see him socializing a little. He wants to go to the St. Patrick's day lunch, but I won't be in town so I'm hoping my sister can attend with him.
I finished a couple of fun books this week nothing inspirational. I did read a lot of local newspapers (you know I love newspapers). What are you reading this winter?
On FB I have been posting stories about papa. I never want any one to think that I'm making fun of papa. I try to make them humorous without being insulting. I find when I tell a story with humor it is normally a learning experience for the reader and myself. When I put this blog together I try to look at my week and also what's happening in life in general. I try to write my stories so that the reader can find something to relate to and hopefully learn from. I also hope that you will take the opportunity to send me comments or tales of your own. I think many of us have more in common than we know. I admit I don't know everything or have all the answers (boy would I like to), but together we can all help each other.
I am going to leave it here for today. I hope you have a good week. To my Bunco Babes - Have a great night! Take care. Chat soon. Marie
I just found this ...I hope you enjoy it as much as I did
“Promise Yourself
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you.”
― Christian D. Larson, Your Forces and How to Use Them
Referrals are always appreciated.