Good morning! The weeks just blend together, don’t they? Here we are, halfway through February. Already. We’ve had a little rain this past week. A good thing. Of course, when it rains I just want to stay at home, eat soup, and read my book.
Right Now:
Church stuff in the morning and then a visit to my in-laws later. I will have to skip the post church nap. I mentioned their failing health last week. It seems to be escalating. Lots of impromptu visits, lots of extra doctor’s appointments and physical therapy. Both of them want NONE of it.
This Week:
I am hosting book club this Wednesday and I have yet to read the book. This meeting just snuck up on me and I’ve had all these personal “events” to take me out of reading. I will get it read.
This coming Saturday a colleague of mine invited my husband and I to see Twyla Tharp at the Soraya. This is the performing arts venue on campus and it’s gorgeous.
I am going for some pre-bloodwork tomorrow in prep for my MRI this Sunday. It’s just a follow-up to make sure the two remaining tumors have not grown and that the massive one shows no regrowth after its removal. Pray for me! Wish me luck. All of it, please. I feel very good. They botched my contrast three months ago so the status of those two small tumors is unknown at this time. Hope they don’t botch it this time. I’ve never had someone look for a vein in my elbow. Seriously!!
Reading:
My book club read is Trust. I will finish it in time!! It’s pretty good. I’ve read about 50% so far.
Also reading Butter. Really enjoying it. Food talk and murder. I am so in. Except, I’ve added butter to everything lately because of the book and gained five lbs.
Also reading Animal Farm because a dictators and revolutions happen to be on my mind these days.
Watching:
Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Reading is okay but I can’t seem to focus on TV at all.
Grateful for:
- The sound of crashing waves. I visited Manhattan Beach a couple of weeks ago and the sound of those waves is the best medicine.
- Plants. Some of my plants have grown so much that I transitioned them to outdoors and guess what, they hate me for it. BUT, I am trying to make it up to them by providing a little extra care. Of course I didn’t expect us to plunge to 36 degree temps. That was unexpected.
- The pup’s funny little personality and side eye. She is still here and let’s us know it. We follow her everywhere to do her bidding. Love every minute of it.
It’s been a week. Between the in-law stuff, a hectic project load at work, and just not sleeping great, I am not running at 100%. Nothing a good nap and a really good taco can’t fix.
Book Chatter 
Whoa. Ti. That’s a lot. Be compassionate with yourself, I’m thinking. It’s completely understandable with the book club and not sleeping well. This might sound odd but when I’m in the midst of “it,” whatever it is, I put a hand on my heart to recognize it. “This is hard,” I tell myself. You don’t have to do it around others, but it does help me…some. Not a cure all, no, but a way to self check in and self regulate.
All the luck for you… And all the prayers for your in-laws. Enjoy your tacos and naps when you can get them… And Twyla Tharp. 👯
The tacos helped. Never got that nap though.
Ti, you have A LOT going one. Make sure to take a moment for yourself. You need to focus on you, too. Praying your results are great! And, praying for your in-laws. Definitely enjoy that taco – yum! I was never a napper, but now I see the appeal – so take that nap, too. How cool – Twyla Tharp!
Wishing you a great week!
Thank you. The in-laws seem to think they can manage stuff so we are taking a break from them today. Maybe. Depends how bad off they are.
It sounds like break today is well-deserved and necessary for your well-being. I think with all that is going on in this country right now, every day issues and problems are amplified, adding to everyone’s stress. I know I’m feeling more anxious these days and need to get outside and walk to clear my head. Take good care of yourself and I’ll be sending positive thoughts your way for your MRI.
I didn’t take my own advice and went over there to bring them food. Their nutrition has been very poor. No real meals for several weeks. That was a bad idea. We both got tossed out. We went home very glum and went to bed early. Today is a new day but we are out of the picture.
Ti, I’m sorry about the declining health of your in-laws. We’re dealing with the same for my husband’s mother and stepdad. And, they are a little (or more than a little) ‘determined’ to handle all things themselves. I’m just here for support is what I tell my hubby – been there, done that with my own folks years ago. Anyway, will keep all of you in my prayers. Also for your MRI. I do agree that the sound of waves is very, very calming. After my mother had passed away, we took a vacation to Oregon and rented a house on the beach. The sound of the ocean was so, so peaceful. I thought I would read all the vacation – I mostly listened to the waves. Take care, dear friend!
Thank you. After a particularly bad visit with the in-laws on Sunday, we have officially backed off. They are lucky to have so many in their corner but they don’t want it so we will honor their wishes.
MRI. I still get a little nervous with these follow ups. Plus, they are so long. It takes nearly 90 minutes to get the scans they need. I am not claustrophobic but staying awake is a necessity or I will for sure move around.
Oh Ti, you have a lot on your platter. But I will be thinking of you and sending really positive thoughts for your MRI. Just get some rest so you can cope with everything going on. Ugh in-laws … it’s tough — lost mine 2013 & 2015. it was sad. Stay well … and get the taco and enjoy book club.
Yes, I am looking forward to book club. Maybe a bit too much. I bought a lot of food and wine.
The in-law thing will iron itself out. We were basically tossed out on Sunday. They don’t want help, don’t they need it even with the two of them having broken backs from falls. So be it.
That is a lot to cope with and I do hope you’ll manage it all.
Thank you so much. Appreciate the encouragement.
What a week. I hope you can get some time for yourself amidst the chaos of impromptu appointments and your own medical follow-ups. My husband and I have been watching Dark Winds on Neflix, which has been interesting. He has some Native American ancestry so it’s interesting, though focused in the Navajo reservation of the United States — I would wager between 1960s and 1970s era.
This week is kind of all over the place. But after the MRI things should die down a bit. Gosh, I hope that scan looks good.
It sounds like you had quite the week. I am sorry you’ve been dealing with so much. I hope you get your book club read done in time. I am glad to hear you are enjoying it so far. I still need to finish my two book club reads for upcoming meetings this week. Like you, I am optimistic I can do it. I’ve heard really good things about Butter. I hope your week this week is a better one, Ti. Take care!
Well, I DID finish my book club book for my meeting tomorrow. It was really good. Interesting format. There will be a ton to discuss.
Aging in-laws and parents is no joke. Sending good vibes your way for the MRI!
I just said to my mom that I want a day to get shit done. No work, no travel, no appointments, no board meetings, just get my own stuff taken care of.
A day to get it all done, sounds wonderful. I do like to feel as if things are in a good place.
Ti, you have so many stressful things going on right now. I’m praying that you will find peace amid all that is swirling around you.
Thank you. I am good most of the time. But after difficult in-law visits I am despondent for a few days. This last Sunday was a doozy. We are all taking a step back now.
Glad to know you are enjoying TRUST. I am hosting book club tonight and we are discussing Piranesi. I can’t think of any questions. Eeek.
Oh, Piranesi is so good. I think I mentioned it before but when I hosted that book, one lady convinced everyone that the main character was suffering a psychotic break so then they couldn’t see it any other way!