Well I started a new routine this past week and so far so good. It has to do with being online...Yes, once I get online during the day, the hours fly by and I seem to have nothing else done - especially if I get bogged down in Solitaire. So this past week, I decided to NOT get online until the afternoon. I do check FB while still in bed, but I limit myself to 15 minutes max. During the night there are many caregivers who post and I try to offer words of comfort/encouragement or make note if I need to go back to one or two later in the day. I'm trying to make Sunday the only day that I get online once I get up and write the blog. So far so good and it's amazing how much reading I have gotten done as well as cleaning up/organizing a bit. I'm going to do my best to keep this new routine going. Have you started any new routines in the new year?
I spent much of the week wrestling with Lady to take her medications or cleaning up after her accidents and other stuff. She was on her second round of antibiotics and although, somewhat better, still not up to par. I have to admit it's not pretty when I give her meds and I feel bad for making her take them...she is worse than a child and has just as many tricks. She is one smart little dog. I took her back to vet yesterday for more tests and now we are in a wait/see mode. They are pretty sure she has kidney disease and perhaps something else. As I told the vet, as long as she is not in any pain. I could tell she felt a little better when we went for several of our normal walks during the days we had good weather.
Yesterday was a miserable rainy day and we all spent much of the day napping. I put the new blanket I got for Xmas to good use as I napped on the couch. I realized this morning that I lost most of yesterday when I did not have any of the local newspapers to read. I usually pick up the Saturday papers as they have all the ads. Yes, I'm old fashioned and still love to read newspapers. I can get most of the information online, but there is something about a newspaper. You will laugh to know that I downloaded a coupon app the other day, but we'll see if I remember to use it...LOL!
My mom's week was pretty quiet. She is not talking much. She seems comfortable and I switch between music and TV shows for background noise for her. I know when she's had enough of me as she won't turn her head my way. It's a little game we play...I even call her on it sometimes. I sing to her almost every day some songs from my childhood and hold her hand. She does make me laugh sometimes with her looks. I can tell when the angels are visiting by the expression on mom's face or her conversations. It provides me peace to know they are here for her. The hospice nurse said to me a long time....this is called the long good-bye.
I am almost finished reading: "I'VE BEEN THINKING" by Maria Shriver. It's a book of reflection, prayers and meditations. I follow her on FB and read her weekly posting. I also finished two other books murder/mystery/mayhem. Glad I started the new routine.
Have not had a chance to attend meditation class. My goto aid has had some health issues herself and has not been available. Not sure this coming week will work either although I am trying. If it's meant to be, it will all work out. Go with the flow Go with the flow...
One of my cousins in Ireland posted via FB yesterday about Women's Little Christmas which I had not heard of...Yes, I've heard of Little Christmas but not Women's Little Christmas. I researched (you know me) and this is what I found. Always love to learn new traditions/customs.
Nollaig na mBan Womens Little ChristmasIn celebration of the feast of the Epiphany in Ireland, January 6th is marked by Nollaig na mBan or Women's Little Christmas.
On this day it is the tradition in Ireland for the women to get together and enjoy their own Christmas, while the men folk stay at home and handle all the chores. It is also common for children to buy their mothers and grandmothers presents on this day, though this custom is gradually being overtaken by Mothers Day.
Although Nollaig na mBan is slowly dying out in many parts of Ireland, in Co. Cork on the South West coast, the tradition is still very strong. Many bars and restaurants in Cork City report a near 100% female clientele on this day, as the Corkonian women meet up with girl friends, sisters, aunts and mothers to celebrate their own little Christmas with Nollaig na mBan.
I am going to leave it here for today. I have a few other things on my list of subjects, but I'll save them for another day. I hope you have a good week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"FAILURE ISN'T FATAL, BUT FAILURE TO CHANGE MIGHT BE." - John Wooden
"IT'S YOUR ROAD AND YOURS ALONE. OTHERS MAY WALK IT WITH YOU BUT NO ONE CAN WALK IT FOR YOU." - Rumi
"THE MIND IS EVERYTHING. WHAT YOU THINK YOU BECOME." - Buddha