Yes, well, it's Christmas in Chicago, but Christmas left our neighborhood a half hour ago. However, I'm still on Christmas time.
I slept a lot today, mainly because I had taken so many pain pills that I was knocked out a lot of the day. Otherwise it wasn't too bad a day.
I got five loads of laundry done. Not a spectacular achievement, but for me the folding is. I still haven't put the clothes away, though. They're in the basket waiting to be put where they belong! Quite a pile, by the way.
This is how lazy I have become. I dress in the laundry room. I undress in the laundry room and put the dirty clothing in the washing machine. When the machine is full, I wash a load. If I want to do whites, which I do about twice a month, I hold out the underwear until I get a load of whites, then I do the whites.
I know, that's not the way my mother taught me. She always did whites at least twice a week. Since I only launder once a week at most, I think twice a month is plenty to pull out the white clothing. You have to know that I wash and rinse with cold water and unless I have something new to put in the laundry which is brown or red or black, I mix up all the clothing. If it's something new, I wash it separately so that all that excess dye gets rinsed out.
And I did prepare a spectacular duck la'orange dinner. It was really, really good. I couldn't finish the amount I had given myself to eat, but I almost did. I really only had a few slices of the breast meat and the wing. The rest of my half of duck I put into the soup pot. Alan made fast work of his half, but left me some for the pot.
I cut it with kitchen shears -- which I have never used before -- and I cut it into quarters, with the back the fifth piece. So Alan ate his wing quarter entirely, then went back for his leg quarter, but only twisted off the leg, so I could put the rest into the soup pot. It was certainly easier to cut the bones with the shears than with a knife or cleaver.
I think duck soup (the food, not the movie) is the best soup that I make. I make an awesome vegetable beef soup, but my duck soup is better than that. I'm looking forward to eating it tomorrow, and if there are left overs the following day. Yummmmmm.
I watched several Christmas movies and saw a couple I had never seen before. I thought I had seen them all, but apparently there are a few that I haven't seen. So, since they're showing seasonal movies longer this year, I'll have to check very closely the listings to make certain I catch all of them.
And to all a good night!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Addendum to busy, busy, busy
I had four near misses today while we were out on errands. People are in such a hurry today. The parking lot at Kroger's was the most treacherous. I don't like parking lots.
I go very slow backing out of a parking place because most times I'm wedged between two SUVs and can't see a thing on either side so I "peek" out and slowly back up. Today, there were two ladies unloading a car behind mine on the other side of the driving lane, and were talking and walking around into the middle of the driving lane as I was backing up. I saw them in my mirror, so I only backed up about 1/3 of the way into the driving lane, then pulled back up, and turned my wheels tightly, and backed up 1/3 again. It took me three back-ups to finally get out of the parking place because the ladies were there. Then there were three cars waiting for my parking place. I didn't see who finally got the space, but I'll bet it was that SUV waiting for a space!
I also had a really near miss at an intersection. I went through on a yellow light, and I was going straight so I had the right-of-way. But the guy coming the other way in an SUV (they know they can kill cars, those drivers) was turning left and he turned in front of me. The light turned red and I was in the intersection. The person on my left on the main road I was crossing was on the phone and didn't see me in the telephone until....
Well, let's say he had 2 inches before my bag would have blown up! Then there was Walgreen's parking lot. I usually do okay in there, but today, there was a car going the wrong way, not following the arrows, and again, a near miss.
Tonight I burned the chicken, so I called it blackened chicken. Alan loved it, I hated it. I couldn't believe he wanted more. He doesn't like chicken. I guess I found the key -- just burn it and then let it get dried out. He'll love it.
Not only did I burn the chicken, I burned my hand and my arm.
Not my best day ever.
ttfn
I go very slow backing out of a parking place because most times I'm wedged between two SUVs and can't see a thing on either side so I "peek" out and slowly back up. Today, there were two ladies unloading a car behind mine on the other side of the driving lane, and were talking and walking around into the middle of the driving lane as I was backing up. I saw them in my mirror, so I only backed up about 1/3 of the way into the driving lane, then pulled back up, and turned my wheels tightly, and backed up 1/3 again. It took me three back-ups to finally get out of the parking place because the ladies were there. Then there were three cars waiting for my parking place. I didn't see who finally got the space, but I'll bet it was that SUV waiting for a space!
I also had a really near miss at an intersection. I went through on a yellow light, and I was going straight so I had the right-of-way. But the guy coming the other way in an SUV (they know they can kill cars, those drivers) was turning left and he turned in front of me. The light turned red and I was in the intersection. The person on my left on the main road I was crossing was on the phone and didn't see me in the telephone until....
Well, let's say he had 2 inches before my bag would have blown up! Then there was Walgreen's parking lot. I usually do okay in there, but today, there was a car going the wrong way, not following the arrows, and again, a near miss.
Tonight I burned the chicken, so I called it blackened chicken. Alan loved it, I hated it. I couldn't believe he wanted more. He doesn't like chicken. I guess I found the key -- just burn it and then let it get dried out. He'll love it.
Not only did I burn the chicken, I burned my hand and my arm.
Not my best day ever.
ttfn
Busy, busy, busy
That's what I've been, b..., b...., b.... And I still have a pile of gifts to wrap! But I made a small dent in the pile, and there is now room to get a vacuum into my office. After the Christmas things are all dispersed, then all I'll have to do is have a sale of the excess scrapbooking samples and my office will once again look like it did shortly after we moved in -- cute, homey, cozy. I'll be so glad to be rid of all the mess.
We had a wonderful time at Cyndi's last night. I was feeling so good in the a.m., then I fizzled by around 2 p.m., but was able to go on again by the time we had to be at her home, which looked beautiful, I might add.
Today is another good day. Alan and I went out and ran several errands -- bank, hair cut for him, Kroger's (he went in, I didn't), Walgreens (I went in, he didn't), etc. And now we're back home and getting ready for a nap.
When you're a baby you take a nap, then you get too "big" to take a nap, then you get old, and "nap time" is one of the joys of your life. Is that what is meant by "the circle of life?"
ttfn
We had a wonderful time at Cyndi's last night. I was feeling so good in the a.m., then I fizzled by around 2 p.m., but was able to go on again by the time we had to be at her home, which looked beautiful, I might add.
Today is another good day. Alan and I went out and ran several errands -- bank, hair cut for him, Kroger's (he went in, I didn't), Walgreens (I went in, he didn't), etc. And now we're back home and getting ready for a nap.
When you're a baby you take a nap, then you get too "big" to take a nap, then you get old, and "nap time" is one of the joys of your life. Is that what is meant by "the circle of life?"
ttfn
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Argh!
Okay, I want to know how they know that I'm cooking dinner and am not real close to a telephone?
It happens almost every night. No matter what time I fix dinner, whether it's between 5 and 6, or 6 and 7, or 7 and 8. It seems I no sooner get started on the cooking part, you know the part where you can't leave the stove because you have to turn the meat, or stir the rice, or lower the boiling potatoes, or something like that? And, ring, ring, ring, off goes the telephone with someone calling to tell me to vote for somebody, or would I please give to this charity or that. And, yes, we're on the list of "don't call me."
Well, tonight, was no exception and it went downhill from there. And because I was having a bad walking day, Alan bore the brunt of my angst. Poor thing. I feel so sorry for him. First, he has to eat whatever I prepare, which is almost always something I like, and rarely something he likes (like ham). Then he really has no input as to what sides he can order, he gets what he gets. And I rarely do dessert, which he loves.
Well, tonight it was the clicker thing again. I mean it's so annoying when he wants to see what's going to be "on tonight" during the last five minutes if NCIS, you know the part when they wrap up the show and let you know "who done it?" So that was irritant number three or four, I had lost count by then. And then when I got up to put the dishes into the kitchen, he wanted me to walk back and get him the clicker before I headed into the bedroom and back into bed. Well, I blew up. And he didn't understand why. And I couldn't explain it.
All I could say to him was I don't know why I blew up, it's just that I hurt really bad and you wanted me to walk those extra steps to get you the clicker. What I didn't say was, he could have gotten up and gotten the clicker just as well as asked me to get it.
Then, as I was turning my body and going out of sight (that's a play on Santa's actions in The Night before Christmas) I said to him that I needed to give him a shot and I would do that after CSI, at which point he told me I also HAD to put drops in his eyes and rub the rub on his chest. Whereupon I retored, I don't HAVE to do those things if I choose not to. You can do them yourself. And he could and has had to when I've been away. But he really couldn't give himself a shot.
So after the blow up, which I'm still fuming over -- and not because of Alan, but because of those stupid phone calls which started the whole thing -- I went into the bedroom and laid down to watch CSI (Because I thought it was the last one with Grissom) and low and behold I fell asleep before CSI started and woked up around 1/2 hour ago.
Will I sleep tonight? Probably not! But I didn't get up until 2 p.m. today, and after only five hours of being awake I was zonked out. It must be my hybernation season. I go through those seasons.
And, one more thing (to my dear diary), I am so very glad that it is almost December 21, because on December 22 that means that the days will be getting longer (daylight hours) and I will be a much nicer person. I know that because daylight makes me happy, and it seems these nonsensical political/seasonal give to me calls only happen after dark.
ttfn
It happens almost every night. No matter what time I fix dinner, whether it's between 5 and 6, or 6 and 7, or 7 and 8. It seems I no sooner get started on the cooking part, you know the part where you can't leave the stove because you have to turn the meat, or stir the rice, or lower the boiling potatoes, or something like that? And, ring, ring, ring, off goes the telephone with someone calling to tell me to vote for somebody, or would I please give to this charity or that. And, yes, we're on the list of "don't call me."
Well, tonight, was no exception and it went downhill from there. And because I was having a bad walking day, Alan bore the brunt of my angst. Poor thing. I feel so sorry for him. First, he has to eat whatever I prepare, which is almost always something I like, and rarely something he likes (like ham). Then he really has no input as to what sides he can order, he gets what he gets. And I rarely do dessert, which he loves.
Well, tonight it was the clicker thing again. I mean it's so annoying when he wants to see what's going to be "on tonight" during the last five minutes if NCIS, you know the part when they wrap up the show and let you know "who done it?" So that was irritant number three or four, I had lost count by then. And then when I got up to put the dishes into the kitchen, he wanted me to walk back and get him the clicker before I headed into the bedroom and back into bed. Well, I blew up. And he didn't understand why. And I couldn't explain it.
All I could say to him was I don't know why I blew up, it's just that I hurt really bad and you wanted me to walk those extra steps to get you the clicker. What I didn't say was, he could have gotten up and gotten the clicker just as well as asked me to get it.
Then, as I was turning my body and going out of sight (that's a play on Santa's actions in The Night before Christmas) I said to him that I needed to give him a shot and I would do that after CSI, at which point he told me I also HAD to put drops in his eyes and rub the rub on his chest. Whereupon I retored, I don't HAVE to do those things if I choose not to. You can do them yourself. And he could and has had to when I've been away. But he really couldn't give himself a shot.
So after the blow up, which I'm still fuming over -- and not because of Alan, but because of those stupid phone calls which started the whole thing -- I went into the bedroom and laid down to watch CSI (Because I thought it was the last one with Grissom) and low and behold I fell asleep before CSI started and woked up around 1/2 hour ago.
Will I sleep tonight? Probably not! But I didn't get up until 2 p.m. today, and after only five hours of being awake I was zonked out. It must be my hybernation season. I go through those seasons.
And, one more thing (to my dear diary), I am so very glad that it is almost December 21, because on December 22 that means that the days will be getting longer (daylight hours) and I will be a much nicer person. I know that because daylight makes me happy, and it seems these nonsensical political/seasonal give to me calls only happen after dark.
ttfn
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Four wonderful days
NOTE: AFTER I WROTE THIS EPISODE, I published the pictures of my home on the Runnemede Remembered website (link at the side). I've included one of those pictures here.
Well, the Lord gave me four wonderful, relatively pain-free days. Praise Him!
Even with the fall down the steps, I was able to walk without aid and pain. However, this morning I was wakened in pain again. Another flare up? We'll see. I've drugged up and I'll know shortly if that works. I hate drugging up, because I don't see well, I'm in a fog, and the only benefit is that the pain is reduced.
We went to a church small-group Christmas party last night. I did nothing but carry in a vegetable tray that my personal shopper picked up for me to bring to the gathering as my contribution to the food table. I also had a tray of cookies to take with me, but I forgot them! Duh!
My neck is very stiff today and that could be from the fall. After a bout with dizziness yesterday, which laying down seemed to clear up, I have had no ill effects from the tumble.
My little elf -- decorator -- finished what I started on the stairs and my "vision" is really pretty. I'll have to take a picture and post is. In fact, I'll have to take several pictures and post them because my home looks really, really nice this year, even without a big tree. The small ones are just enough, and while I would like to have a tall tree, we just don't have a place to store it when Christmas is over. So, I'm content with such things as I have.
I thank God for the days of relief he gave me and pray that today will pass quickly and relief will come back.
One more thing: If you haven't read the book: Multiple Blessings by Kate Gosslin (of Jon and Kate plus 8 fame), get a copy and read it. What a wonderful book. Best I've read in ages. And it tells how God got them through the ordeal of birthing 6 healthy children (all at one time) and how their reliance on our Savior for their daily lives through that and since then has been what has upheld them in the past 5 years. It's a great book. For you non-readers, or moms who think they don't have time, this is a quick read -- it took me three hours, start to finish.
ttfn
Well, the Lord gave me four wonderful, relatively pain-free days. Praise Him!
Even with the fall down the steps, I was able to walk without aid and pain. However, this morning I was wakened in pain again. Another flare up? We'll see. I've drugged up and I'll know shortly if that works. I hate drugging up, because I don't see well, I'm in a fog, and the only benefit is that the pain is reduced.
We went to a church small-group Christmas party last night. I did nothing but carry in a vegetable tray that my personal shopper picked up for me to bring to the gathering as my contribution to the food table. I also had a tray of cookies to take with me, but I forgot them! Duh!
My neck is very stiff today and that could be from the fall. After a bout with dizziness yesterday, which laying down seemed to clear up, I have had no ill effects from the tumble.
My little elf -- decorator -- finished what I started on the stairs and my "vision" is really pretty. I'll have to take a picture and post is. In fact, I'll have to take several pictures and post them because my home looks really, really nice this year, even without a big tree. The small ones are just enough, and while I would like to have a tall tree, we just don't have a place to store it when Christmas is over. So, I'm content with such things as I have.
I thank God for the days of relief he gave me and pray that today will pass quickly and relief will come back.
One more thing: If you haven't read the book: Multiple Blessings by Kate Gosslin (of Jon and Kate plus 8 fame), get a copy and read it. What a wonderful book. Best I've read in ages. And it tells how God got them through the ordeal of birthing 6 healthy children (all at one time) and how their reliance on our Savior for their daily lives through that and since then has been what has upheld them in the past 5 years. It's a great book. For you non-readers, or moms who think they don't have time, this is a quick read -- it took me three hours, start to finish.
ttfn
Monday, December 15, 2008
I always knew...
that the extra padding I have on my body would come in handy. Actually, it has come in handy many times.
Today --
Well, let me begin at the beginning. I was feeling really good again this morning, so I went to the Post Office and took care of some mailings I had to do, then I went to Busken's and got some really good Philadelphia Cinnamon buns. Yummmmm.
Then after finishing a bun and some coffee, I decided to finish decorating. I was going to put something on the landing shelf that was Christmas-y, and take away what I have there now.
Well, I got the lights, the angel hair, and the bubble wrap down to the landing, but I forgot there was an extra step, that turns the stairs around. It's been a long time since I've gone down the steps. My exercises were taking me up the steps.
Anyway, I missed the step and fell down the rest of the steps, all 8 of them. Bang, bump, boom. I hit my head, hurt my wrist, but nothing else. In fact, my legs and knees are fine and except for maybe a stiff neck tomorrow, I'm fine. No concussion (I was worried about that because I saw stars when I hit my head), and no broken bones. At least if I have any they don't hurt, so I'll just leave them alone.
It was difficult, however, getting myself back up. Poor Alan. I scared him to death. He thought I was a goner. After a struggle of about five minutes, I wedged myself between the wall and the floor and pushed myself into a sitting position on the bottom step, then Alan was able to give me the leverage I needed to stand up.
Then I walked up the steps and Alan forbade me to touch the Christmas things on the steps. I am to leave them for Tamara or Rachel to work on. Okay. I'll try to stay away from them, but I hear them calling me. And I don't think I'll take a tumble again. Once burnt, you know.
So, I'm okay. Like you needed to know anyway.
10 DTC
Today --
Well, let me begin at the beginning. I was feeling really good again this morning, so I went to the Post Office and took care of some mailings I had to do, then I went to Busken's and got some really good Philadelphia Cinnamon buns. Yummmmm.
Then after finishing a bun and some coffee, I decided to finish decorating. I was going to put something on the landing shelf that was Christmas-y, and take away what I have there now.
Well, I got the lights, the angel hair, and the bubble wrap down to the landing, but I forgot there was an extra step, that turns the stairs around. It's been a long time since I've gone down the steps. My exercises were taking me up the steps.
Anyway, I missed the step and fell down the rest of the steps, all 8 of them. Bang, bump, boom. I hit my head, hurt my wrist, but nothing else. In fact, my legs and knees are fine and except for maybe a stiff neck tomorrow, I'm fine. No concussion (I was worried about that because I saw stars when I hit my head), and no broken bones. At least if I have any they don't hurt, so I'll just leave them alone.
It was difficult, however, getting myself back up. Poor Alan. I scared him to death. He thought I was a goner. After a struggle of about five minutes, I wedged myself between the wall and the floor and pushed myself into a sitting position on the bottom step, then Alan was able to give me the leverage I needed to stand up.
Then I walked up the steps and Alan forbade me to touch the Christmas things on the steps. I am to leave them for Tamara or Rachel to work on. Okay. I'll try to stay away from them, but I hear them calling me. And I don't think I'll take a tumble again. Once burnt, you know.
So, I'm okay. Like you needed to know anyway.
10 DTC
Sunday, December 14, 2008
I did it!
I cannot believe how well I feel today. I started feeling really good last night (after dinner) and have improved so much since then.
Now what is it that makes this happen? One day I can barely move, the next, I could almost kick my heels together (not quite, but almost). Today was such a day. I think it's because I slept clear through for 7 straight hours and I didn't toss in the bed as I usually do, which means the legs don't move where they're not supposed to and that causes those joint bones to rub the wrong way.
Anyway, I decided I would take advantage of the well-being. I love Chinese. Alan hates for me to just go to the Chinese restaurant and get food -- according to him it's a waste of gas. But today, I decided to hit two places and see how I stood up to it.
First, I went to the Hallmark store, which is practically next door to the Chinese restaurant. I overspent, but I had to get individual Christmas cards to put in the mail for each of the grandchildren. Do you know how much cards cost? I won't go there! Anyway, I qualified for several of those snowmen things that you can get for $14.95 instead of $25. I bought two! One for me, and one for someone else.
Then because I parked halfway between the Hallmark store and the Chinese place, I walked to the car, dropped off the Hallmark purchases and went into the Chinese place. It smells so good in there. And I ordered up -- stuff to freeze, and things for lunch for me for a week, as well as dinner for tonight!
And, here's the best part. I'm still walking. Still sitting. Still laying down and no pain. It's just amazing. Somebody out there has been and is praying for me, and to them, I say THANKS!!!!!
DTC-11
Now what is it that makes this happen? One day I can barely move, the next, I could almost kick my heels together (not quite, but almost). Today was such a day. I think it's because I slept clear through for 7 straight hours and I didn't toss in the bed as I usually do, which means the legs don't move where they're not supposed to and that causes those joint bones to rub the wrong way.
Anyway, I decided I would take advantage of the well-being. I love Chinese. Alan hates for me to just go to the Chinese restaurant and get food -- according to him it's a waste of gas. But today, I decided to hit two places and see how I stood up to it.
First, I went to the Hallmark store, which is practically next door to the Chinese restaurant. I overspent, but I had to get individual Christmas cards to put in the mail for each of the grandchildren. Do you know how much cards cost? I won't go there! Anyway, I qualified for several of those snowmen things that you can get for $14.95 instead of $25. I bought two! One for me, and one for someone else.
Then because I parked halfway between the Hallmark store and the Chinese place, I walked to the car, dropped off the Hallmark purchases and went into the Chinese place. It smells so good in there. And I ordered up -- stuff to freeze, and things for lunch for me for a week, as well as dinner for tonight!
And, here's the best part. I'm still walking. Still sitting. Still laying down and no pain. It's just amazing. Somebody out there has been and is praying for me, and to them, I say THANKS!!!!!
DTC-11
Saturday, December 13, 2008
What a nice break!
Well, I did it. I actually made dinner for more than Alan and myself. Yes, my son, Phil and his wife, my dear daughter-in-law came over for dinner -- at my invitation -- and I cooked. I made a veal roast with mashed potatoes and corn and some cranberry relish. I didn't do a salad because I'm the only one who really enjoys a salad. I don't think Amy really likes salad, but she eats it to be polite, so I just didn't make one.
We had water and Summer Wine with the meal, and lots of good conversation.
We were able to do this because tonight was "free" night at Phil's and Amy's church. They were able to have free baby-sitting for three hours, just enough time for dinner and some chatting. And I'm so glad we were able to have them over. I really am. It was a nice break.
I felt like my bones were broken by the time we sat down to dinner, but by the time dinner was over and I was able to relax for a while, I felt pretty good.
Amy is obviously not over pneumonia. Phil has bronchitis. And my dear Amy was so tired, just walking up our steps exhausted her. I should have sent the elevator down to the foyer for her. Well, we all took the elevator down when they left, and I went out to their car with them and passed several bags of goodies from my car to theirs -- things I've been carrying in my trunk from Becky and Cyndi (for Amy) for over a month. I also had a bag of sheets that don't fit on any of our beds, which will fit hers.
All in all I was very, very pleased with the evening. Oh, I said that, didn't I?
DTC - 12
We had water and Summer Wine with the meal, and lots of good conversation.
We were able to do this because tonight was "free" night at Phil's and Amy's church. They were able to have free baby-sitting for three hours, just enough time for dinner and some chatting. And I'm so glad we were able to have them over. I really am. It was a nice break.
I felt like my bones were broken by the time we sat down to dinner, but by the time dinner was over and I was able to relax for a while, I felt pretty good.
Amy is obviously not over pneumonia. Phil has bronchitis. And my dear Amy was so tired, just walking up our steps exhausted her. I should have sent the elevator down to the foyer for her. Well, we all took the elevator down when they left, and I went out to their car with them and passed several bags of goodies from my car to theirs -- things I've been carrying in my trunk from Becky and Cyndi (for Amy) for over a month. I also had a bag of sheets that don't fit on any of our beds, which will fit hers.
All in all I was very, very pleased with the evening. Oh, I said that, didn't I?
DTC - 12
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
I'm back for a short while
Well, I was away from the computer for five days. I didn't miss it much, either.
Well, yes, I did. I am getting caught up on the 10 BLOGs I read every day -- if they are updated. And then I'm off to bed.
It's been a very painful five days, but in that time, the house was cleaned again, and it smells so nice and fresh. A young lady put up my outdoor lights and decorated the inside as well. It looks rather nice. She was selective, and told me frankly she thought some of my stuff was, well, dated. So we got rid of the "dated" stuff. Pitched it. That should make my children happy -- getting rid of junk.
I still have a box of Christmas tree ornaments that will either go to one of my children, or one of my grandchildren, or be pitched. I want to get it out of the minuscule attic I have.
Back to the pain. I had another fibro attack and am leaving most of the pain behind. Again, I over did, and the doctor told me I need to really learn to pace myself. But who can pace themselves at this time of year. It's rush, rush, rush, and then when you think you've got it under control, someone throws in another party or two and you're obligated to make something to take with you, which puts pressure on someone for whom cooking is the most painful task of all the tasks that have to be done. And then anxiety sets in and the circle starts all over again.
I MUST learn to pace myself. I MUST learn to pace myself. I MUST learn to pace myself.
ttfn
Well, yes, I did. I am getting caught up on the 10 BLOGs I read every day -- if they are updated. And then I'm off to bed.
It's been a very painful five days, but in that time, the house was cleaned again, and it smells so nice and fresh. A young lady put up my outdoor lights and decorated the inside as well. It looks rather nice. She was selective, and told me frankly she thought some of my stuff was, well, dated. So we got rid of the "dated" stuff. Pitched it. That should make my children happy -- getting rid of junk.
I still have a box of Christmas tree ornaments that will either go to one of my children, or one of my grandchildren, or be pitched. I want to get it out of the minuscule attic I have.
Back to the pain. I had another fibro attack and am leaving most of the pain behind. Again, I over did, and the doctor told me I need to really learn to pace myself. But who can pace themselves at this time of year. It's rush, rush, rush, and then when you think you've got it under control, someone throws in another party or two and you're obligated to make something to take with you, which puts pressure on someone for whom cooking is the most painful task of all the tasks that have to be done. And then anxiety sets in and the circle starts all over again.
I MUST learn to pace myself. I MUST learn to pace myself. I MUST learn to pace myself.
ttfn
Friday, December 5, 2008
Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ
I was laying in bed thinking about Mary and what it must have been like for her in last month of pregnancy, carrying the Son of God, and then delivering the baby.
I know with my first child, every little movement my son made, every tightening of my belly, every cramp was a little frightening. Was this twinge the beginning of labor. How long would my labor be? Would it hurt a lot? (Yes, it did.) Would it be a long labor? (No, it wasn't.)
Did Mary have any fears or was she so aware of God presence with her during that time of her life that she had perfect peace knowing that soon she would deliver God's only begotten son?
When it was time for delivery, was it a quick labor? Did she even have to go through labor? Or, was God merciful to her and she delivered her baby with some Braxton-Hix (not yet invented) contractions and then with just a few cramps? Did she even have any cramping before she delivered our Lord, Jesus Christ?
Was she embarassed to deliver her baby with her husband's assistance -- a husband who did not "know" her?
After she birthed our Lord, was he a "good" baby? Did he cry a lot? Did he sleep through the night, or did Mary endured what all new mother's endure -- sleepless nights and sleepless days?
We know so little about Mary and her birth of Jesus, but we know it happened, because it is recorded in God's Word.
These were just a some of things I was wondering about a few days ago.
mtf
I know with my first child, every little movement my son made, every tightening of my belly, every cramp was a little frightening. Was this twinge the beginning of labor. How long would my labor be? Would it hurt a lot? (Yes, it did.) Would it be a long labor? (No, it wasn't.)
Did Mary have any fears or was she so aware of God presence with her during that time of her life that she had perfect peace knowing that soon she would deliver God's only begotten son?
When it was time for delivery, was it a quick labor? Did she even have to go through labor? Or, was God merciful to her and she delivered her baby with some Braxton-Hix (not yet invented) contractions and then with just a few cramps? Did she even have any cramping before she delivered our Lord, Jesus Christ?
Was she embarassed to deliver her baby with her husband's assistance -- a husband who did not "know" her?
After she birthed our Lord, was he a "good" baby? Did he cry a lot? Did he sleep through the night, or did Mary endured what all new mother's endure -- sleepless nights and sleepless days?
We know so little about Mary and her birth of Jesus, but we know it happened, because it is recorded in God's Word.
These were just a some of things I was wondering about a few days ago.
mtf
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The days pass swiftly
The older I get, the faster the days speed by. Today was another one of those fast days. I mean some days -- rarely, though -- are slow days, most are speeding by at warp speed. It is just me, or is that something that happens as one gets older and older and older? Life goes faster and faster and faster.
I went to the doctor today. All is well. My BP was down and so I'm on a new lower dose BP medicine -- yes! And I didn't go up on any of the other meds. I told her (my doctor), and I'll tell my "diary" that I think I've found a good mix -- at least it seems to be working pretty well.
I still hurt when I walk too much, but I did walk a bit today and, while I've been suffering leg cramps when I walk a lot, I am not having any today, so maybe I just needed to walk more and get some strength back. You see, I forget, and I should remember, because Alan has the same problem -- when you don't walk much you lose the ability to walk well and need to get those muscles working again. Even if it hurts, I have to make myself walk even if it's only 10 times around the house.
I did quite a bit today -- after I went to the doctor, I spent an hour at Dollar Tree. I love that store. I got more stuff for our Christmas bash -- more costume stuff. I mean if the children are going to act out the Christmas account as told by Luke, I needed some angel wings because there were angels in that account. And shepherds -- I got a couple of beards! I figure shepherds have beards. I hope the kids enjoy this "play" they're going to put on for me.
Then Alan had made an appointment for ME to take the Hyundai into the service center to get a part replaced. That was real special -- NOT! I had just gotten situated in the waiting room, and they told me it was fixed already. I was glad it went fast, though. I don't find those waiting room chairs very comfortable.
And, I made a superb dinner tonight. At least I thought so. And, Alan finished his whole plate and would have had more if I had made enough for more than two people.
It has taken me a long time to learn to cook for two. When I was growing up I cooked for six, then it was the two of us, and I really never learned to cook down as we almost always had someone (a hungry student or two) drop in for dinner. Then we started having babies, and before I knew it I was cooking for five, and now it's two, and has been two for many years, and I think I finally got it right. Oh, sometimes, I make too much, but then we just eat the left overs the next day.
Now, how did I get off on that tangent? Well, it's late at night. I'm tired. I've been up and moving since 7 a.m. I think it's time I turned in.
ttfn
I went to the doctor today. All is well. My BP was down and so I'm on a new lower dose BP medicine -- yes! And I didn't go up on any of the other meds. I told her (my doctor), and I'll tell my "diary" that I think I've found a good mix -- at least it seems to be working pretty well.
I still hurt when I walk too much, but I did walk a bit today and, while I've been suffering leg cramps when I walk a lot, I am not having any today, so maybe I just needed to walk more and get some strength back. You see, I forget, and I should remember, because Alan has the same problem -- when you don't walk much you lose the ability to walk well and need to get those muscles working again. Even if it hurts, I have to make myself walk even if it's only 10 times around the house.
I did quite a bit today -- after I went to the doctor, I spent an hour at Dollar Tree. I love that store. I got more stuff for our Christmas bash -- more costume stuff. I mean if the children are going to act out the Christmas account as told by Luke, I needed some angel wings because there were angels in that account. And shepherds -- I got a couple of beards! I figure shepherds have beards. I hope the kids enjoy this "play" they're going to put on for me.
Then Alan had made an appointment for ME to take the Hyundai into the service center to get a part replaced. That was real special -- NOT! I had just gotten situated in the waiting room, and they told me it was fixed already. I was glad it went fast, though. I don't find those waiting room chairs very comfortable.
And, I made a superb dinner tonight. At least I thought so. And, Alan finished his whole plate and would have had more if I had made enough for more than two people.
It has taken me a long time to learn to cook for two. When I was growing up I cooked for six, then it was the two of us, and I really never learned to cook down as we almost always had someone (a hungry student or two) drop in for dinner. Then we started having babies, and before I knew it I was cooking for five, and now it's two, and has been two for many years, and I think I finally got it right. Oh, sometimes, I make too much, but then we just eat the left overs the next day.
Now, how did I get off on that tangent? Well, it's late at night. I'm tired. I've been up and moving since 7 a.m. I think it's time I turned in.
ttfn
Monday, December 1, 2008
Eye okay
Well, today was Alan's second post-surgery visit to the doctor. He's clear for another month. The eye is healing nicely, but still not well enough to get examined for glasses, if necessary. So, we still do the drops-in-the-eye thing four times a day and the patch at night. Last night, Alan forgot the patch and promptly poked himself in the eye. Duh!
I was up again at 5:30 a.m. Don't know why my body is getting me up so early. I haven't gotten up that early since I had to when I was working. Of course, I hit the hay at around 11:00 p.m. and am out like a light, so it's okay to be up so early.
Am I getting more things accomplished? No, of course, not. I did get out some snowmen today, though and got them set up. So, I'm starting to get my home decorated for the season. My season lasts until mid-February, because while everyone else decorates for Christmas, I decorate for the season -- WINTER. I put snowmen all over the place, and I put up trees with lights on them -- small trees, four-foot-high trees. No large tree for us.
First of all, it takes up too much storage space. Second, it is too hard for us to put together anymore. The last time we did the large tree thing, Alan was so exhausted it took him a week -- no joke -- a whole week to recover. And that was with my help. I couldn't do it alone, nor do I want to do it alone. So, while I don't have a large tree, I have mini-trees, and I think they look nice.
So, I'm slowly getting boxes out of the attic. Very slowly. If I hurt, I don't move any boxes. If I don't hurt, I move one box. And, I'm limiting myself to two boxes per day. That way, I figure I won't injure anything.
I guess I did accomplish something in the wee hours this morning. I did two loads of laundry. That's something, right?
ttfn
I was up again at 5:30 a.m. Don't know why my body is getting me up so early. I haven't gotten up that early since I had to when I was working. Of course, I hit the hay at around 11:00 p.m. and am out like a light, so it's okay to be up so early.
Am I getting more things accomplished? No, of course, not. I did get out some snowmen today, though and got them set up. So, I'm starting to get my home decorated for the season. My season lasts until mid-February, because while everyone else decorates for Christmas, I decorate for the season -- WINTER. I put snowmen all over the place, and I put up trees with lights on them -- small trees, four-foot-high trees. No large tree for us.
First of all, it takes up too much storage space. Second, it is too hard for us to put together anymore. The last time we did the large tree thing, Alan was so exhausted it took him a week -- no joke -- a whole week to recover. And that was with my help. I couldn't do it alone, nor do I want to do it alone. So, while I don't have a large tree, I have mini-trees, and I think they look nice.
So, I'm slowly getting boxes out of the attic. Very slowly. If I hurt, I don't move any boxes. If I don't hurt, I move one box. And, I'm limiting myself to two boxes per day. That way, I figure I won't injure anything.
I guess I did accomplish something in the wee hours this morning. I did two loads of laundry. That's something, right?
ttfn
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)