I've had a week of ups and downs as I'm sure many of you have had. The week started on a low with horrible staffing issues at the nursing home where mema resides. Thank goodness I'm not afraid to pitch in and help as needed. I stayed a bit longer than normal, but when the nurse on duty (one I have never seen before) asked in a semi panicked voice, "are you leaving?" I replied rather firmly, "I don't work here." I truly wanted to wrap mema in a blanket and take her home. If Lady had not been at home waiting, I probably would have stayed the entire shift. I had a long face-to-face with the Director of Nursing as I'm not afraid to document (even with the State) when I need to. I had to have a meeting with the budget office as well as they messed up mema's personal account as well. The account got straightened out pretty quickly. I'm afraid the staffing issues may take a bit longer, but you know (and the nursing home knows) I'll stay on it.
I learned something about myself this past week - perhaps others already knew this about me - I like to have a battle to fight so to speak. I believe it's because I then have a sense of purpose. Of course, I want to win the battle or at least settle into a truce. But I get so wrapped up in trying to right the wrong, so to speak, that time flies as I research and battle. How about you?
I donated a few more things this week. I'm sure if someone saw the sun porch in this house they would think I'm a really messy person...LOL! As I fill a box for donating I bring it out to the porch. Once something is on the porch I will usually take it out within a few days. This past week, I donated the last of mema's winter coats. When she was more mobile we would take her out for lunch. I realized last week that she had not been out in quite a while and probably would never go out to lunch again. I washed and air-dried all of them and dropped them off at the coalition along with a box of hygiene products (male/female), and a bag of men's shoes (all in good condition). Still more to do, but I see progress. Are you conducting fall cleaning? How does it feel?
My heart is blessed in many ways and a big one occurred on Thursday. I was sitting with my mom and out of the blue she looked at me and said, "You don't have to worry about me." I have to say I looked at her and said what? I thought I heard wrong. She then said, "I'm ok." I replied, "well you worried about me all those years so now it's my turn." She shrugged her shoulders and said ok. I had to get up and leave the room as I shed a few tears. I've said all along that she observes what happens and knew it was a rough week. She also said my name a couple of times this week which she hardly ever does.
For those of you that have pets, do you find yourself talking to them? I find myself talking to Lady a lot! She does not react most of the time (unless she needs to go out or wants some people food). Perhaps it's because I am alone and need to hear my voice once in a while. I'm afraid that when I am with people I blab and blab (not a good thing). Guess I better learn how to have a happy medium.
Are you watching any of the fall TV shows? Thank goodness for the DVR as I spend some free time catching up. (I hate to tell you, but I don't NETFLIX or stream anything.) Any new shows stand out for you? I adore "The Good Doctor" and I'm so happy that "Will and Grace" is back. I am still into dramas so much more than comedy - I think I like the problems resolved in an hour. I do get wrapped up in the characters many times. What about you?
Reading any good books? I have not finished a book in a couple of weeks. I'm still doing crossword and word search puzzles every day. I have to keep the brain active. I'm also playing a lot of solitaire on the computer when I sit down to watch TV.
I am going to leave it here for today. I want to finish prepping Sunday dinner - baked rigatoni today with meatballs. I hope you have a wonderful week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” ~John Wooden
"When faced with fear, one must certainly look deep inside of one's self and find that moment in their life where they had triumphed against all odds and say to themselves: I'll get through this, I'll get through this." - Justin Laursen
"I was blessed with certain gifts and talents and God gave them to me to be the best person I can be and to have a positive impact on other people." - Bryan Clay