Well I spent the last week not doing too much of anything. While I was away my BFF had my room painted and almost everything is either hanging in the closets or in boxes - all neatly arranged. I started to clean out one of my closets and realized my niece would have a blast "borrowing" many of the items (sweaters/shirts/scarfs)...LOL! I need to try on every pair of shoes (way too many) to see if any still fit (not just my feet, but my life) and do I want/need them. I am sorting a little at time to determine which charity I'll go to first. I was able to clean out almost two boxes of papers/items that I had kept for whatever reasons. I guess being away from of this "stuff" has made it easier to clean out a bit. At least I'm not in a hurry.
I had a great time this past week as I caught up with several friends and former colleagues. A lot of "hugging" happened and I felt surrounded by so much love and support. I laughed more this past week than I have in a very long time. I am such a serious person most of the time so it was great to laugh and be merry so to speak. I have to say, I was a bit nervous about seeing many of my friends as life has continued to move on for them and I feel a bit behind. I also put on much of the weight I lost in the years prior to my retirement. I did not feel judged in the least and as many of them said, now it's time to enjoy my retirement for a bit and to take care of me. Still have many more people to catch up with and I will make every effort I can to see them.
I made it to see Dr. Julie (chiro) and Anna (receptionist). It was funny because when I called, Anna remembered my voice immediately and set up the appt for the next day. WOW my back/neck out of whack, but we are working on it over the next several weeks. Time to get back to routine appts. This coming week I have several dr appts set up to take care of the rest of me. We'll see if new glasses are in order (I think so). I have a few more appts to set up, but I'm getting there.
Now its time to look into a new mattress. I've had the sleep number bed for 20 years and the motor died right before I left here and I did not get it fixed. Well, now I'm sleeping on a mess so to speak. It's definitely time to get serious about the whole process. I guess after I visit the tax man this week, I'll know how much "extra" money I might have.
Lady is still a bit discombobulated. We walk a few times a day on the walking paths and try to avoid the puddles and mud. She still stumbles at curbs, but sometimes stops and waits for me to help her. She is still the "queen" of her domain and the "diva" when we are outside. There are so many interesting smells for her - sometimes she sniffs every board of every fence. We are still trying to avoid other dogs because they just freak her out. As long as she does not see the other dogs, she is fine. She can hear them barking behind a fence and will walk on by, but if she sees one in the distance, it's an all out alert. I have figured out the schedule of a few people so I know when to walk and where to walk.
I fit in a nap or two this past week. When I hit the wall I know I need to close my eyes for a few minutes. I curl up with my heated blanket and zone out. It's weird as I have not done that in a long time either so it feels a bit wrong, but oh so good.
I was reminded this week of the book by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross titled "On Death and Dying" I read this book years ago for school. It came up in a discussion about anger on the After Caregivers FB page. What I remember most about this book is a graph for the 5 Stages of Grief. It takes time and there is no set order, but we all go through it. I won't mention today what stage I am in, but I know I'm moving through them slowly, but surely.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
3 Caregiver Appreciation Day
3 I Want You to be Happy Day
3 If Pets Had Thumbs Day
3 Namesake Day - first Sunday in March
3 National Anthem Day
3 Peach Blossom Day
4 Holy Experiment Day
4 Hug a GI Day
5 Mardi Gras / Fat Tuesday - date varies
5 Multiple Personality Day
6 Ash Wednesday - date varies
6 Dentist's Day
6 National Frozen Food Day
7 National Crown Roast of Pork Day
8 Be Nasty Day
8 International (Working) Women's Day
9 Panic Day
I forgot to bring my stones and cards with me. There is a crystal/stone store in Herndon (I think it's still there) so I think I'll go there this week and snoop around. I hope my meditation group has an awesome session this week (pick a card for me). Holding you in a circle of love.
I found my old crossword puzzle books so I work on one in the morning and at night - keeps my brain engaged. I did finish reading a murder/mayhem book as well as a bunch of magazines. Always have a supply of books where I go...LOL!
I am going to leave it here for today. I hope you have a great week. Take care where you are and enjoy what you have. Chat soon. Marie
“You can never solve a problem on the level on which it was created.” – Albert Einstein
“Forgive for your sake, if not for theirs. Those who can forgive live healthier, happier, and less stressful lives.” – Lori Palatnik
“Our attitude toward life determines life’s attitude towards us.” - Earl Nightingale