How y’all doing? The news cycle is crazy. Stuff happening every minute. I highly recommend hitting a bookstore, preferably an indie store, and buying some books to improve the mood. Hey, the library works too. I avoid the news, never watch it, but a lot of my work is on social media so it’s impossible to ignore. But books? Books bring me back every time. We just have to take it day by day.
Right Now:
Church stuff and then later my MRI. Praying that the two remaining tumors are either totally gone or remained the same size. Also praying that the big sucker they took out last year is not coming back. It was attached to my skull and that portion of my skull was completely removed so hopefully it’s good.
This Week:
I don’t have any special commitments this week so the week is looking really good.
I do plan to either download one of those indoor walk fit apps. If you have a good one, let me know. Or, I will just throw the shoes on and head out with an audiobook. I’ve gained at least ten pounds since my surgery last year. Originally, I lost 27 lbs but I gained 10 lbs over this past month so I feel kind of puffy. Ick-ish. Need to get out and move. I was using the lack of my pup being able to go with me as an excuse but it’s time to do something.
Reading:
My book club discussion for Trust went pretty well. Plenty to discuss. My review is here, in case you missed it.
My review for Butter should be up soon. I really enjoyed it but it’s NOT a good book to read when you are gaining weight. Haha. A lot of food talk, I made the butter / soy sauce rice three times while reading it.
My review of Animal Farm is on its way as well. It was a re-read and there isn’t much new to say but heck, I will review it anyway.
So what am I reading now?
- Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
- Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips (March club pick)
Watching:
Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Reading is okay but I can’t seem to focus on TV at all.
Grateful for:
- Even though I basically got tossed out of my in-law’s house for trying to help last weekend, I am grateful for the break. If they really need us, we will of course help but they are going to have to ask.
- Fun gatherings. I alway roll my eyes a bit when I either host a gathering or get invited to one, but nearly every time I enjoy the heck out of it. I am quite the extrovert but at the end of the week I am just tired. Whew.
- Spring-like weather. I can tell it is going to be an unbearable summer already. I mean, it’s February and it’s been hovering around 80 degrees. It is nice though right now.
That’s all I have. I will post an update on my MRI results when I have them. Have a fantastic week!
Book Chatter 
Yep, today is absolutely gorgeous up here in SB. Not as hot as you but that’s ok with me.
I visited a retirement home with my parents this past week. As my father’s short term memory begins to go, I want them go get into a place soon.
Smart of you to find a place now. It’s nearly impossible for us to even have that conversation with my in-laws. One is pretty lucid but the other is really slipping. Yesterday, we had a 10 min conversation about an energy drink he wanted so I searched all over the kitchen, found it, and brought it up. No! The energy drink! I was like, this IS the energy drink. Turns out he meant his medication.
Oh dear. Aging is not for the weak and we are the sandwich generation. Good luck!
I do have one thing going for me. Through my own recovery experience I do remember how hard it was to shower, walk, transfer from chair to chair, etc. I find that I have much more patience with them than the rest of the family but it’s only because I’ve been there. The difference is that their situation will worsen and not improve.
First of all, thinking good thoughts for your MRI. Hope all goes well and the results are good. We’re going to have nice weather this week and I am so happy. Yes, I encourage you to get out and walk, however you want to do it. I’ve shared that I go to a couple of local rec centers and walk on their indoor tracks. Having had skin cancer that is better for me. I just put on my headphones and listen to my latest book. And go round and round. LOL
I don’t have access to an indoor track but I do have some nice shady walking paseos nearby. I miss having the pup with me though. She won’t use the stroller anymore after she decided to play “superman” and dove right out of it.
This MRI was uncomfortable. I wasn’t positioned quite right so something was stabbing me in my neck for the entire 90 min. I have my neuro consult on Thursday so I should have the results by then.
Yeah, I never watch the news, but I do get a lot of current affairs stuff on Substack and other social media platforms. Definitely need to stop looking at my computer after dinnertime. My insomnia is AWFUL and I know it’s due to all the anxiety from the mess in DC.
I sure hope all goes well with your MRI and that you don’t have to wait too long for your results.
I’m looking forward to nicer/drier weather so I can get back outside and return to my daily walks. I lost 10 pounds a year ago, but have gained a couple back this past month. Inactivity and stress…
If it wasn’t for my work involving social media, I’d be in a good place but these headlines. You just can’t believe what you are reading.
Yesterday it was 88 degrees here. I am wearing sandals again. It’s supposed to hit 92 Thursday. It’s nice but the wind is back.
I’m hoping the best for your MRI. Good that your book club hosting went well … I will check out your review of Trust. I started that book once but didn’t continue on … perhaps I should revisit it. The news is terrible every day now … distract yourself as much as possible. I liked the novel Night Watch but it has a couple violent scenes that are disturbing. Beware.
Thank you. I am pretty early into Night Watch and the breastfeeding scene early on gave me the heebie jeebies. Violents scenes to come. Got it.
Trust is very good once you get what he was trying to do with the format.
I watched the news every night from when I was 16 or 17 yrs. old but when my son went into the Marines I stopped and never started watching again.
I have Three Days in June and will be starting it in a few days.
You’re in my prayers that your test results come back ok.
Thank you. I am anxious for those results. It was a rough session. The helmet thing wasn’t on my head right and gave me such a neck ache.
I get my MRI’s at the local hospital and they keep asking me if I’m comfortable/ok.
Mine was at a hospital too. They usually make sure I’m comfortable since my head was sliced open not long ago. This time it was a set it and forget it. Ugh. I’ll live.
I’ve always gone to the hospital for the few MRI’s I’ve had but the last time I had to get one of my arm they sent me to a medical building.
Thinking of you as you await the MRI results. I won a copy of Three Days in June and plan to read it next month. I loved Trust… one of my favorites a few years ago. The structure was just so unique!
I hope the MRI results come back in your favor. I know that must be nerve-racking. I am so grateful for my indie bookstore right now. It really does feel like a refuge in this storm we are living in. I really need to get out walking. I’m having such a hard time motivating myself though. Are you getting part of the cold front that is coming to Southern California soon? It has been a pleasant week, but, you are right, it makes me think we are in for a very hot summer. I hope you have a good weekend, Ti.
We just had hail yesterday! Came out of nowhere. Wednesday rain. Not too cold though.
My MRI results came back good! No changes. Next scan will be six months out.