Have you finished your shopping? I had to go finish up some today and the stores were pretty busy but not overwhelming. At least I did not have to go to the mall - that's usually where everyone is on the hunt. I even got decent parking - did not have to pull the handicap parking permit out...LOL! I never use it unless my dad is with me, but I have considered it on occasion. I did order a lot online this year and I love that it either goes to the person directly or is delivered to my front door. What more can I ask for but convenience? How about you?
It was a busy week. My father and I should not have a free hour or so between appointments. My dad said let's go test drive a car! My dad had been thinking about it as the old car was 10 years old, but only had just reached 50,000 miles. I have been putting him off, but must have had a weak moment. I test drove the car by dropping dad off at the chiropractor which meant I drove on the highway and in some traffic. Then I went back to the dealer to get all the figures - this way he did not have to make an immediate decision. He ended up leasing a new car and traded in my mom's old car. He got a decent trade in for the 2004 Grand Marquis so I won't be driving a boat any more. He leased a 2015 Honda Accord and it is a nice riding car. We have decided not to tell my mom and today my dad almost slipped with something he said. My mom piped right up with "where's my car?" My dad immediately said downstairs in the parking lot. I almost choked as I tried not to laugh. Are you as silly as my dad and I when left alone?
Lots of activity at the nursing home this past week. Some of the patients were getting restless I think because of the weather or the moon not sure which. A few were a bit testy. I just say to my mom, stay out of it and keep to your corner so to speak. My mom is funny because she'll say, "watch out for that one; that one was fighting and slapping this morning or all that one does is swear and say bad words." There is a new male patient with Alzheimer's and he makes me nervous because I feel like he wants to pick a fight with the younger guy who has a traumatic brain injury. The older man has a booming voice that can startle many of the other patients and then starts saying things and telling the CNAs how to handle this young man. Also, put his fist together like he wants to fight him. I think everyone is keeping an eye on him just in case. My mom had a really good week except she forgot that she just can't get up and go. She tried to get up and go and the CNAs caught her before she fell. She was shaken up, but not hurt (thank goodness).
I was called upon this past week to provide some HR consulting to a friend who owns his own company. I joked that he will need to hire me to be on call. He actually said ok let's talk about it. I just laughed but it's something to think about. Of course he also let me know today that he needs to hire a new EA by the end of January and requested I keep an ear out for prospects. I don't mind helping out friends and it keeps me busy.
I have not seen any friends so far and with the holidays fast approaching I probably won't have time. My days are tied up between the nursing home and my dad. I am usually exhausted by the time I get home from the nursing home or dad's appointments and it's mid to late afternoon. Most of my friends live at least an hour away from here and it would be rush hour traffic which means about two hours away. My friends understand and we keep in touch via Facebook just sometimes in person with hugs is much better.
I am reading a couple of books, but I did finish one: The Mistletoe Promise by Richard Paul Evans. I enjoyed this book and yes I shed a few tears at the end. I am so far behind in my reading this visit. I barely keep up with the newspapers twice a week.
Last night with the snowstorm the satellite was not working so I watched two movies I recorded previously. I think I was a little thrown by not having regular TV so I watched two ends of the spectrum. I first watched Lone Survivor. I had read the book, but the movie was very impacting. I then watched Frozen. I was going to watch another movie, but realized my dad played with the dvr and stopped the movie about 30 minutes into it. Oh well, I'll try recording again tonight to have something in reserve.
I think I surprise my dad in that I can cook. Of course he does try to tell me how to do it, but I kick him out of the kitchen. I am going to make chili and chicken wings this week for Xmas Eve both of which I do from memory. Dad just walked out and said you should check the cookbook and if its close to what you do then use the new powercooker (pressure cooker). Yes, my dad watches infomercials and has a Powercooker with the tags still on it. He has been trying to get me to use this thing all month and I could not find the instructions any where. Guess what he just handed me? Oh my goodness I guess that means I have to use it this week.
A big shoutout this week to my niece Melanie as she turns 15 on the 23rd. She was our special Christmas present 15 years ago. My sister, Melanie and I will be going to see the Nutcracker performed by the Boston Ballet next week as an extra present (she knows about it). Perhaps we can do something in Boston while there for something different.
Have you started thinking about three accomplishments from the past year? I would rather focus on accomplishments even the small ones than worry about the things I did not get done. Perhaps there was a reason that things did not get done. Focus on the positive and let the negative go.
I am going to end it here for today. Have to finish wrapping the gifts I bought today and putting things away. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Blessings to all of you. Thank you for following my blog. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"Everything in your life is there as a vehicle for your transformation. Use it!" Ram Dass
"As we c ultivate peace and happiness in ourselves, we also nourish peace and happiness in those we love."Thich Nhat Hanh
"Enlightenment must come little by little - otherwise it would overwhelm." By Idries Shah
Referrals are always appreciated.