One Sentence ......

I was asked where my blog was today by a few people. I told them I had writers block and I would write later on in the week and again next weekend. I made note of this in a response to a FB post by the founder of my favorite writing group “Beach Shack Writers”.  Cindy told me to write at least one sentence before I went to sleep.

So here it is one of my shorter entries made up of a few singular sentences......

I dread 5:00AM even though it is my own fault I get up that early.
I want a solid two week vacation.
Sunday’s are depressing......because of  Monday’s.
I miss my family.
I need to drink more water during the week.
Jif is the best peanut butter.
I wish the floor of my car wouldn’t get wet when it rains.
I watched “The Best Years of Our Lives” today.....great classic movie.
I was a little bored today.
I need to get to the pool and have some endorphins kick in.
I wish I had spent my life writing but at least I get to do it now.
It was great to connect with some old friends yesterday.

And the year is almost done  because Memorial Day is over......heed those words..... it will be Halloween in the blink of an eye.

There you go Cindy Whitman......one sentence times a few.....writing assignment completed!!


See you next week......

The Struggle....I LOVE/HATE Holidays....and other random stuff.....

I doubt there are many people who love Christmas more than I do.....but I also hate it. As with many other holidays, I enjoy them but the memories of past holidays also make me sad. My memories of Christmas Eve, Mother's Days, Father's Days......flood over me as the day begins.

I spend the waking moments of a day like today thinking of Mom and how much I miss her.

Similar to the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the next few weeks will be challenging.....Mothers Day, Fathers Day and my anniversary are all within the next few weeks. The reminders of what no longer is can be painful.  And as I have adjusted to life without Mom and Dad, I am also adjusting to life as a single....

Then there's Jenn......the reason I get to celebrate today......she is my biggest and best accomplishment!! She is my cheerleader......and the person who kicks me in the butt and pushes me when I say "I can't".  Oh and now that she is an adult......she is my friend too....my best friend as my Mom was to me......

There is nothing I can do about the past and those that are gone except relish the memories and look to create new ones. 

The Ghosts of Christmas Past......the memories of Thanksgiving tables filled with family.......the clay ashtrays (OMG think about that) that we made for Dad, the very expensive perfume ( I think they called it Eau de Toilette.....explain that title to kids now...LOL) for Mom and the anniversary dinner I made every year (same meal- antipasto, veal and tortellini in cream sauce).....all part of days gone by not to be experienced again.

But there are new adventures and happy days ahead.  I have to remind myself to not get stuck in the past....

And here is the random stuff.....

Audiobooks....how did I survive without them??? OK maybe that is a little strong but OMG !!!! I am starting my 4th book in less than two weeks.  For me who struggles for Donna time, listening to books is such a joy to me !!!! I missed finding time to read but now WOO HOO I use my commuting time to read !!

Sleep mask......Jenn got me one last Christmas.  I used it this week for the first time and it works like a charm.  One side is gel filled and you can heat it in the microwave or put it in the fridge depending on what you want or the other side which is very soft.  I have definitely slept better this week using it although I am sure I look really strange with it on......

Kohls .....I ordered two new lampshades.  Regular price $60 each on sale for $40.  Had a $10 off certificate, a $40 gift cert and a 30% off coupon.  By the time I was done including tax and shipping they cost me $28 for BOTH of them.

Another reward cert provided me with a new top that started at $29 and ended up $9 my cost including shipping and tax !!

Beach Shack Writers.....next Saturday, I get to attend another workshop!!  I can't wait to see what is planned !!

Let me end with a quote and one more thought......

Quote- "Life does not come with a manual, it comes with a Mother"

A few pictures of why I celebrate today.....

Happy Mother's Day !!

Last time I saw Mom 7 years ago....

 

 

Jenn and me.......

 

 

See you next week.....

Not Like Last Weeek But It Could Have Been Worse

Last week, I had a great entry about all the small things that happened that made the week special.  And I ended with......if this coming week is just half as good, I will feel very lucky and blessed............

This week had it's ups and downs.....

Handling the new system and old system at work simultaneously has been interesting to say the least. As usual, I am learning from my mistakes.  I am better at remembering something I did wrong and having to correct it.

My most common thought this week is "look at the procedures that have been provided".  The procedures are very good but I want to not have to look at them and know it all.....now.

In addition to the new challenges at work, I also had some dental/oral surgery on Thursday.  Once again, the wait up to the event was not my strong suit.  I just wanted it over.  The surgeon's office said I should not be alone afterwards so Jenn took a few days off to keep an eye on me.

The words "we are going to put you to sleep" scare the crap out of me.  Being the positive person I am, I always think "am I going to wake up?"

We arrived right on time.  I didn't have to wait long to be called back.  When I walked into the room, I did start to tear up.....my nerves were shot.  I could see underneath the cover on the tray table the things they were going to use on me......some looked a little scary. I looked out the window at the trees and thought...."is this the last thing I will ever see?" The IV took 4 attempts...not super painful...a little uncomfortable.  Then the Dr. said "we are giving you something to relax not put you out yet."  Um...he lied....LOL.  Next thing I knew, I had a mouth full of gauze and I was being unhooked from all the monitors and IV. I woke up pretty quickly.  The nurse went to give Jenn all the info as she told me she doubted I would remember anything she told me......and that was pretty much true. I shuffled down the hall with Jenn and the nurse and was on my way back home in pretty short order.  We stopped at CVS to fill some pain prescriptions.  I had it in my mind to not take the hard stuff and opted for the Motrin 800mg.  It worked like a charm!!

Once home, I felt pretty awake.   Jenn said I seemed more awake then after other procedures where I have been put under.  I sat in my recliner and watched TV.....or so I thought.  Jenn said she would look in on me and I was dozing off and on. 

I have been on soft foods for the last few days which hasn't been horrible. I finally had coffee today for the first time since Wednesday!! I still feel sore and am watching what I eat.  I felt a little light headed today but also realized I hadn't taken any meds and maybe my diet was lacking something to help me feel more like myself. 

While my in-home-care nurse, Jenn, was always around she did find time to complete some additional painting projects that we had discussed.

Old and new table trays:

Old and newly painted coffee table:

Painted footstool:

Old and painted bedroom table: (it matches my night tables perfectly...thanks to Lowes and some machine they have that can match paint colors).........

 

 

I cannot thank Jenn enough for being a great nurse and for taking on these projects....that all look great and add something extra to each room !!!!

While not the knock it out of the park week from last week's entry.....the surgery is over and I have some beautifully painted pieces of furniture to show for the last 7 days.

I can't wait to see what's around the curve for the next 7 days......

While I usually share the picture below to show how tired I am by the time I get to the end of the week.....it is more appropriate now considering the sleeping I did Thursday after I got home from the appointment.

See you next week.....