SUCH A BUSY DAY

What a busy day! I was out of my house more than I was in it. I had a physical therapy appointment, eye doctor appointment, ran errands and then, an acupuncture appointment. 

I saw the physical therapist for my neck and shoulder. The PT used Rocktape to see if that helps my shoulder.

Then, I drove right over to my eye doctor appointment. They needed to check my eyes because I take plaquenil. Nothing changed. 

Then I ran over and picked up my clean comforter and to get my enlarged photos. The photos look fabulous enlarged! I'm hanging them in the kitchen where I am replacing my flower pictures from three years ago. The pictures are of some of my food photos. 

Then I ran over to my acupuncture appointment. I really needed it. I got lost going to the appointment. I knew where I needed to be but I forgot how to get there. I got a nice tour of the area. 

I got the rest of the results from my lab test. No UTI. My doctor agrees that it might be inflammation in my bladder or kidneys. I decreased the Prednisone last Sunday. I am down to 4.25. 

That is enough for today.

Until tomorrow...

NEW CELLPHONE

 I got my new phone! My old phone was in a bad way. I had to turn it off several times a day. I bought a new Motorola. The phone came in one box and a second box contained the screen saver. But there was no case. I checked my order on the website and it said the case was delivered yesterday. I had no case. I called and got this very nice woman on the phone. After a few minutes she said the box was sent back. I did not send it back. She asked me what case it was. I told her and she asked if I really want that case because it is bulky. I said I did not so she went on Amazon and found me a case like I wanted. Since the first case was returned, I will get my money back. I bought the case on Amazon. 

Then I turned on the new phone and proceeded to set it up for hours. This is why I hate getting a new phone. At least this transfer went fairly easy. I have a few kinks but mostly it was easy. 

So happy that is done before my visitors come. 

I got the results of the urine test. I’m waiting for the doctor to read them and tell me what she thinks. 

Until tomorrow…

MBSR COURSE #4

 Tonight was my mind body stress reduction course. We did standing yoga meditation amongst other things. I did some of it. I will explain more below. Then they did an exercise with an ice cube. You hold the ice for a minute while doing breathing. I did not do it because I have Raynaud's and holding an ice cube would not be good for me. 

This morning it hurt when I went to the bathroom. At first I ignored it. Then there was a bit of blood. I emailed my doctor and she asked if I had any antibiotics from previous situations. I did but before I took it I went to the lab to donate my urine. I got the results back and it is not saying UTI but high protein. I am drinking lots of water. I guess we need to see what the results of the second test say tomorrow.  That is why I didn't do the standing yoga meditation.

I finally received the cushion for my outdoor bench. I bought one over a month ago only to have Walmart tall me it was not arriving (after an email saying it was in transit). I had to find another cushion that fits my bench. The cushion arrived as if the air was sucked out of the plastic bag. It was so tiny. The directions say I have to wait 5 days to have a plush full cushion. I am glad I don't need it right away!

Until tomorrow...

SLIGHT MIGRAINE

Just another day.  Until I got a slight migraine. It has been years since I got a migraine because the preventative medicine has been working. I titrated doses of the preventative medicine over the last few months. I stop in the last week. 

I stopped the medication because one side effect is memory loss. We wanted to see if ceasing the medicine would clear up the memory loss. It doesn't seem to be making a difference. 

I continued the clearing out of junk in my home. Today I finally cleared out these little cheap drawers that I have had for close to thirty years. It has items in it and my unused fishtank on top. 

I switched the drawers with a open cart type item. I bought some pretty, fabric containers to put the items in the drawers. I think it looks so much better now. Plus the old drawers blocked the heating vent and this repurposed cart is open and will not block the vent. 

Until tomorrow...

MORE CLEARING OUT

I began clearing out junk from my home. Today I went through more junk. I already have two boxes to shred. 

My handyman came by to fix a leak in my sink that seemed to fix itself. He did show me that my faucet has a filter on it. The screen was full of sentiment. I didnt even know it was there.  Then he installed my new sprinkler timer. 

Until tomorrow...

PRIDE DAY 2023

I decided early on not to go to Pride this year. I stayed home and cleared out piles of "crap" from the past three years. I went through mounds of papers and was left with just a few. I put those few away and recycled the rest. I can see a portion of my counter top that I haven't seen in years. 

Lucky showing her Pride! 

Then I went to the supermarket. Yes, the supermarket. I figured since everyone was celebrating Pride the store would be almost empty. I was almost right. For a Sunday pre-COVID, the store seemed very empty. I was not the only person wearing a mask. I got the items I needed and left. I had to use my 6 coupons for the peanut butter before the end of the month. Each coupon was for $7.00 so I wasn't letting that go to waste. Plus the peanut butter was on sale! While I was there I also got Pam grilling spray. For some reason I was not able to get it through home delivery. 

It is the GLBT film week so I have been watching a few movies. I watched two on Saturday. One of them was really good Big Boys. It's about a kid who is a bit overweight and awkward who goes on a camping trip with family and gets a crush on his cousin's fiance (who is also a bigger guy). It was sweet. 

Then I watched The Mattachine Family about a same-sex couple who fosters a kid. They end up loosing the kid who goes back with his mother. It shows what happens in the aftermath. As you can image that movie really hit home with me. It makes me want to foster again. 

Today I watched a movie about a kid who is androgynous and they have a hard time making friends. They make a friend but is he the best person to be friends with? It was Before I Change My Mind. 

Then I made dinner for me and cooked for the next couple of days. I made Shawarma Encrusted Roasted Cauliflower. It is phenomenal and pretty easy to make. I got the recipe from, believe it or not, People Magazine. 

Well, that is my day. 

Until tomorrow...

PINK SATURDAY 2023

Pink Saturday is the Saturday before Gay Pride. I started my day going for an MRI on my foot. It all went off with a hitch. I already have the scans but not the report telling me the results. They said it would take about a week. 

I came home and worked on the puzzle. I am about 90% complete. I have one week to finish it before the house cleaners arrive.

I went down to the garage to do laundry and looked in a box. Inside the box was some old stuff. Some things I have been looking for. I found my graduate thesis and my boating license. I went through a box of old receipts. Now the box is a shredding box. I cleared out two boxes. I'm going to have to take a trip to the shredder soon. 

Lucky had another episode tonight. They are so scarey. Her eyes roll back, she twitches a little and she doesn't seem to see me. I checked it doesn't seem to be a seizure but a synapse. It's scarey to watch but this is not the first time. It may be because of high blood pressure or dehydration. 

Until tomorrow...

PLEASANT AND UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCES

The exercise last week for my MBSR course was to write about a pleasant experience. What happened, how you felt, etc. I write about taking photos at the car show. I love taking photos and old cars. 

This week we have to write about an unpleasant experience. I wrote about an interaction I had with customer service at my cellular phone company. I wanted to purchase a new phone. I had a very pushy customer service person who kept trying to up-sell me even though I told her no multiple times. Then when the payment was screwed up, I was transferred to a very sweet billing person. She tried to make it right but it was late on a Friday and it has to wait until Monday to resolve. I was frustrated and annoyed that after one hour on the phone the payment was still screwed up. I may or may not have a new phone next week. 

I spent time today in search of disability and LTC insurance. I will keep you posted on my results. 

Until tomorrow...

INTENTIONS

Today was a nothing special day. I did my meditation. I worked. I walked the dog. 

I have been working on setting intentions each day. There are different topics but I think about what I want to work on that day. If you don't know what intentions are, think "I want to be nicer to my neighbor" (who is currently slamming doors at 11:30pm), or "I want to find a place to volunteer where I will be needed". They set the tone of the day. 

Until tomorrow.. 

MBSR COURSE #3

 I woke up really early to meet this guy I met at my old tai chi class, to do tai chi. I met him in a park at 7:30 am to do tai chi. He is willing to teach me for free. He just likes teaching people. He is 83 years old! 

He was very patient with me since I have limited capacity to remember the steps. He just showed me the first two steps. The reason tai chi is difficult is because there are different types and different lengths and different number of movements. He does the 128 movement alone but does the 64 movement with me. Or should I say the two movement tai chi since that is all we did. I met another person who he taught and they do the long version on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I met him before her class. Turns out she has dementia and is doing tai chi for memory and exercise. I may go more often. Let's see.

Tonight I had my third MBSR class. We did lying down yoga as well as other things. I could only do so much because my hands can't grasp things. We had to grasp our legs and knees for a long time. That is when I "tap out". The pain in my hands is enormous. It is not for me. I did the rest of the lying down yoga that didn't include hands. 

I started putting Lucky in the doggie stroller. I think she needs to get used to it. Her arthritis is getting so bad in her back legs. Here is a photo: 

She is such a good girl. She just sat down and let me push her around. We need to keep testing before I trust her. I put my previous dog Happy in it once and she leapt out in the middle of the street and almost choked herself. Don't want that to happen with Lucky. She does look cute though, doesn't she? 

Until tomorrow...

UPDATE DOCTOR APPOINTMENT

It was my first day of meditating at 7:30 am. I have to say it was quiet and I enjoyed it. Until later in the day when I was sleepy. 

I had a follow up doctor's appointment with my concierge doctor. We went over all the tests (MRI, bone density scan, etc.) and spoke about next steps. I am going to get signed up for the memory clinic, hold off on genetic testing and medication for now. I downloaded a memory app to play games to increase my memory. 

I am also going to get an x-ray on my back and start more physical therapy. 

I ordered some vitamins and coconut water for calcium and potassium. 

Today was a flurry of appointments and purchasing things. 

Until tomorrow...

JUNETEENTH

I decided to switch my meditation time from the evening to first thing in the morning. By doing the meditation in the morning it took away the stress of being rushed in the evening. I can meditate in the morning now that the construction noise is gone. 

Since I had the day off, I decided to take it easy. I went to physical therapy and did laundry. 

Then I booked a house cleaning service. I have houseguests coming to visit in a few weeks. These will be the first houseguests since before COVID. They aren't staying with me but they will come inside. I planned the housecleaning after the construction is complete. At least I hope the construction will be complete. 

The house will get a good vacuum, dusting, windows washed, kitchen cleaned and bathrooms cleaned. I can't wait. I have been saving for this for awhile. 

They will be using eco friendly products and wear masks and booties. Now I just have to pick up all my mess so they can clean! 

Until tomorrow...

CAR SHOW

Today was a busy day. I woke up early (very early for a Sunday) to go to a car show. I used to go to car shows with my brother and his good friend. I love looking at cool old cars. I used to date a guy with a sooped up Camaro and my brother had a Chevelle SS. My brother restored the Chevelle and another car. 

This car show was small compared to the car shows I've been to before. My neighbor had his car there and I found out it is quite a rare car. I took a bunch of photos. If any come out good, I'll post them. 

I planted another round of herb seeds. Between the contractor and the animals, my basil, thyme and dill died. I took this opportunity to replant them.

I showed up for my virtual book club but no one turned the virtual meeting on. Too bad.i actually read the whole book. A Whisper of Bones by Hart. It was a good mystery. 

I spent the book club time making vegan chocolate chip cookies. They came out okay.

In between it all I rode my stationary bike, meditated and walked Lucky. 

Until tomorrow...

ANOTHER BUSY DAY

Another busy day. The handyman arrived early in the morning and got to work. He patched holes, touched up paint, made a shelf and painted it. He fixed a light, cleaned a fan and some other things. I didn't say I was busy! 

I sent an email last night out to family and friends telling them about the MCI situation. Today I received emails and phone calls from concerned folks. It was nice to get the support. 

I worked on my puzzle and finished my book club book one day before book club. 

Until tomorrow... 

BONE DENSITY SCAN

I got up early this morning to go get my bone density scan. Earlier this week the woman called me to remind me of my appointment and give me specific instructions so "I didn't get lost". I am wondering if there is a mark on my digital file that now reads "gets lost easily". 

I made it to the appointment early with the aid of the wonderful directions. The bone scan is a painless test where you lie down and a machine runs over you. It is about 2' above you. Super easy. My whole process took 30 minutes and that included filling out a form and going to the loo. 

I was told the results would take a day but 2 hours later I had the report. I guess it was not a busy day. No shock, I have osteoporosis. Between having osteopenia after my last bone density test, going through menopause, and being on steroids for about 15 years, I expected it. I am not happy about it but I expected it. 

Once I got home I rode my stationary bike for 30 minutes before I had to head out to acupuncture. This acupuncture appointment was great. I have been so stressed and tired that once she put the needles in I fell asleep. Face down on the table with needles in me and I was asleep and drooling. The sleep was fantastic. Deep and relaxing. 

When I arrived home I had this list of things to do and instead I just wanted to rest. Then I got hungry and did my evening meditation.  

I wrote an email to my family about the MCI situation trying to explain what is going on. It was getting harder to hold this information and not tell people. Especially when I have problems remembering things like who I have told and who I haven't. This way I could control the narrative. 

I am exhausted and need to go to sleep. 

Until tomorrow...

NEWS FROM THE NEUROLOGIST

 Today I saw the neurologist. She saw the report from my brain MRI. Yes the report said my brain MRI was unremarkable but that is a good thing. No cancer, tumors, MS, etc. 

She said that at this time my symptoms were consistent with an MCI diagnosis but that she was going to do more testing. She wants me to completely stop one of my medications and see if that changes anything. She is suggesting I go on a new medication that is helpful for short-term memory loss. She suggested I take a genetic test to see if I have a marker for dementia/alzheimer's. She also suggested going to a memory clinic. I am taking all these suggestions seriously. 

She wants me to come back in four months and three months after that where she will test me again. 

Anyway, that was the news. Tomorrow is my bone density scan. Have to get to sleep. 

Until tomorrow...

MBSR CLASS #2

 Today was a day of mindfulness. First I went to have my teeth cleaned and got my next set of invisilign braces. 

I got my photos back from pictures I took a long time ago. Only about two were any good. It was a long time since I used a film camera. 

Then I went to Tai Chi. There was a Tai Chi master watching the class and I liked his style better. Unfortunately he practices at 7:30 am in the park. 7:30 am! I have to think about this. He does the 64 movement tai chi which is the style I learned 15 years ago. The current class I have gone to twice does the 128 movement tai chi. I don't know how to do it and it really isn't a class that teaches, it is more of a class where people do it and you have limp along to figure it out. Not the best teaching style. 

Then tonight was MBSR class #2. Lucky was not cooperating with me and wanted to play 3/4 of the way through. This is a good thing so I turned off the video and played with her. She hasn't wanted to play in a long while. The class was over 1 hour of different types of meditation (including Qigong) and then after break, the teacher talked and then we broke into break out rooms. No one was talking so I started acting as facilitator. I met some nice people. We got out of class early so I am happily going to bed. 

Until tomorrow...

BUILD DAY 10 (YES, I SKIPPED DAY 9)

 Today the builders painted the inside stairs, put on the gutter and the trim on the windows. Then they cleaned up because they will be gone for a week or two on vacation. So far it looks good. 

After calling and emailing the insurance company almost every day, I finally received a phone call back today after leaving two messages and an email. It turns out the rep was away and didn't leave an "out of the office" message. I resent some paperwork and she said she would call the contractor before he leaves the country tomorrow night. Fingers crossed! 

I tried to meditate today but Lucky interrupted me. Half way through she pitter-pattered around the house and peed on the floor. I had to get up and clean it up. Oh well. I am looking forward to a bit of time with peace and quiet to meditate early in the morning without contractors banging.

Until Tomorrow...

RECEIVED MY BRAIN MRI RESULTS

I was on pins and needles all day for my brain MRI results. All I get is a report. After lunch the report came through. It was anti-climatic. Unremarkable brain MRI exam. My brain is unremarkable. 

I thought my brain was a little remarkable but alas, no. Basically, that means they didn't find a tumor or cancer or MS or anything else bad. I'm happy about that. I don't want any of those things. 

But it didn't answer the question of what is going on with me. I see the doctor on Thursday. Let's see what she says. 

The house is moving along. There was lots of discussion about paint today. Do I have the right colors, flat, semi, gloss, blah, blah. 

They may remove the current stairs tomorrow if the stars align. That way they can build the new stairs on Wednesday. If not, it has to wait two (marvelous) weeks until they come back from their tropical vacation. As much as I want it completed, it will be nice to have peace and quiet for a week or two. 

I called the insurance company again and no response. I think this needs to be my daily thing to do. 

Until tomorrow...

FIRST DAY OF VOLUNTEERING

 No word on the brain MRI. 

I got up this morning to for my first day of volunteering. I have spoken before about flagging. Flagging is simple. People gather somewhere, play music and twirl these special flags to the music. The twirling of the flags takes a little practice. 

Today was my first day as a volunteer with the flagging group. I was to show up early and help set up. Easy.  I got there on-time and found a parking spot within reason. I reported for duty. There was very little for me to do. I helped empty a car, go get trash/recycling cans, lay out the extra flags, put trash bags in the cans, and stand around. Since I don't really flag, I took photos. I took a lot of photos. 

One of my goals was to meet people. Many of my friends have moved away in the past 4-5 years and I love them dearly but they aren't here to do things with.  I need some people to go to the movies with or play a board game with. I met some people that were very nice. I hope that since I am now committed to going each time, I will see them again. 

It was a lovely day and the music was great. My old neighbor/friend was there and he was awful sweet to me. 

Until tomorrow...

BRAIN MRI COMPLETED FINALLY

 Before I start this saga, I want you to know the brain MRI was done and the results may come back tomorrow.  Whew!

I woke up in plenty of time to do all the things I needed to do (feed animals, shower, eat, dress, etc.) before my taxi arrived. I had a pretty sleepless night. Last night I decided to food shop and set the delivery time for today. This morning I woke up and realized I set the delivery time before I would get back most likely. (see my on-going problem!) I called the delivery number and spoke to a very nice guy who rescheduled my delivery for this evening. 

Having the food delivery issue in the morning already got me stressed. I made another mistake because I didn't calculate the time I would be at the MRI and time to return home. Okay, I tried to relax after that phone call. 

The taxi driver showed up early and I sort of rushed out of the house. He asked where I was going. I gave him the address and he said I know exactly where you are going. I sat back confident he was taking me to the right place. Wrong. But we were early so I didn't panic. An annoyed security guard told me some vague directions and either I misheard or she said something I didn't understand. 

Well, I went out the building like she said, went across the street and turned left. I walked and walked and walked. For about 15 minutes. I got to the address I thought she said and it wasn't a medical facility. It was now 3 minutes before my MRI time. I tried to call the medical facility but I got voicemail. I started to cry hysterically. I can't even imagine what the people walking by were thinking. I tried to call a taxi but my phone kept saying "your call can't go through". I finally called my cousin in FL hysterical. She was asking what happened and I couldn't tell her. I was sobbing. I finally explained that I was going to miss my time slot and I waited so long to get this test and I could not walk all the way back. 

My cousin came to the rescue. She called and was transferred to 5 different people before she got the technician. The technician told her to tell me not to worry. It wasn't busy and she would take me when I got there. Meanwhile I calmed down enough to call a taxi. 

A taxi finally came and took me to the right place. The guy was so nice that he said he could go around the block but that would take longer than if he dropped me across the street and I walked. But he pointed out the building and where I had to walk in. I hopped out and walked. Everyone was so nice when I got there. They had me fill out the paperwork and whisked me into the room. 

The MRI was not bad. It was probably the most stressed I have ever been in an MRI so it seemed a bit difficult. For a brain MRI, they pack your head in a helmet-like device called a head coil. It is like being in a small cage around your head. Plus I was wearing a face mask for COVID so it was hard to breath with both these things. Then they put you in the machine which is inches from the top of the head coil. 

I have never been claustrophobic before in an MRI machine but this time I almost got close. The mask was too tight on my nose so I couldn't really breathe through my nose well which means I had to breathe through my mouth. That made it hot. Anyway, I used my meditation skills and, as always, I just think about the show Survivor. This is just a test to see my resilience. 

The test was 20 minutes long and I usually doze off when I get MRIs but not this time. I think I was so stressed from all the events of the day. It probably took me 15 minutes to stop breathing fast even with my meditation breathes. 

I made it through and could not wait to get home. I basically sat on the couch while I did laundry for the rest of the day. 

Until tomorrow...

REBUILD DAY 8

 The builders are moving along. Today they finished painting the trim outside. I know they did other things but I was away most of the day so I didn't pay much attention. My neighbor texted me to tell me the back of the house looks good. That is where they have been working. 

I had my third acupuncture appointment. This time she put the needles on my back and feet. This was also the first time a needle pinched me. It was such a shock because I have not felt any of the other needles at all. She took the needle out. She was surprised because normally the front of a person is more sensitive. 

I started to get ready for tomorrow's MRI by taking out my earrings and getting out my mask and documents. 

I meditated first thing this morning and it went terrible. I really had no idea how noisy my area was in the morning. Garbage trucks, people parking, dogs being walked and construction. It was so distracting! I think meditating later in the day works better for me. It is much quieter in the afternoon or evening. 

Tomorrow morning is coming fast.

 Until tomorrow...

REBUILD DAY 7

The back of my home is yellow again!💛 The trim still needs to be printed but it looks great so far. 

Garden update: my carrots are coming up. I wasn't sure they were carrots at first because they looked like blades of grass. I researched it and found out that is what carrots look like before the blades of grass-looking things sprout. 

My squash, green beans, lettuce, cucumbers and strawberries look wonderful. My tomato plant is struggling a bit. The herbs either didn't come up or are struggling. I feel like such an urban farmer.

Today was my podiatrist appointment. I saw a podiatrist back in March and he said I have a neuroma in my foot. He gave me a painful shot in my nerve. I decided to go back to my podiatrist from years ago despite the fact that she is out-of-network. Better to not have a painful foot. The doctor remembered me immediately. She decided it was a better idea to do an MRI on my foot and see how bad it is. So, another MRI. 

Then my ex-foster kid called me to tell me he arrived to visit a school near me. I went over and we toured the school with a group of other kids. I'm so happy that he is open to touring schools. 

When I got home I did a 45 minute meditation. I was good for 35 min and by 40 min I was twitchy. I need to work on it. 

Now I need to go to sleep, tomorrow is a big day 

Until tomorrow...

REBUILD DAY 6

Today the builders began painting. I have a lovely lite green color primer on part of my yellow house. I'm guessing it was primer leftover from another job. I am not really sure whàt else they did because I was in and out all day. 

I went to my first tai chi meet up. It is not a class but a place where people gather to do tai chi. There were two women there; one substitute teaching and the other was at her first day.

Later I took Lucky to the vet. She hasn't seemed well since Monday night. They gave her fluids and did more blood work. The results come tomorrow. 

Then in the evening I had my first MBSR class. It included a 30 minute breathing exercise, introductions of all 27 people, and a 35 minute body scanning exercise. There was also a lecture by the instructor. During the first hour I struggled to stay awake during the lecture but then the rest of the class I was very awake and active. We have a bunch of homework to do before next week and it's late and I am going to bed. 

Until tomorrow...

REBUILD DAY 5

Progress, progress, progress. This is moving fast and I am so happy. 

Today they finished the new shingles and sealed the small leak on my main roof. It rained this morning and I was freaking out because the roof was not fixed but my handyman already patched the water stain. So far so good. 

The potential gig I spoke to on Friday has not contacted me back. She was so sure she needed my help but then nothing. What can I do? 

I have been working on the puzzle and it is 3/4 of the way complete. I was hoping to have it done today so I can have the room for the stress reduction course but it didn't happen. 

My rug showed up and now my meditation nook is finished. I will take a photo tomorrow when I have it all out together for class. 

Until tomorrow...

REBUILD DAY 4

 First thing this morning the builders were back. Today they worked on the shingles and the flashing. I don't really see much done but they were cutting things all day. I have been warned Monday is the day the stairs will be taken down to be replaced. We have 1.5 weeks before the builder goes on vacation so we have to really work to get as much completed before he leaves. 

I also had my handyman here too. It was a busy day with a lot of testosterone everywhere. My handyman patched and painted some cracks in the ceiling (earthquakes make cracks), splits in my wainscotting in the bathroom, fixed the new chair that arrived broken, and fixed the spot in the guest room that had a small water leak.  He also sanded a cabinet that stuck, figured out that the timer on my front lights died and figured out my dishwasher does not have a food trap (is that what it is called?). I am sure he did some other things but he was super busy. 

It was a miracle that I got so much work done with all the guys working in my home. I sent Lucky to the park so that was one less thing to worry about. I don't know how many more times she will be able to go to the park with the dogs. She is slowing down again. Hills are getting harder for her and I don't like to keep her drugged up all the time to keep away the pain. When the time comes, I will know and do the right thing by her.

Until tomorrow...

READ CHAPTERS FOR MBSR COURSE

After a slow start, I took Lucky out for a walk. We ran into the neighbor who built the community library and chatted with him. 

I came back and read the chapters for my MBSR course. Even though I slept late, I kept falling asleep while reading. I have this overwhelming fatigue. This is usually a precursor to a flare. 

The chapters laid out what to expect and how the course can help me, not lessen pain, but refocus my feelings about the pain. I'm not sure I am saying it correctly but it seems anecdotally it has helped people. I do have to get my head around that I will be meditating 45 minutes each day. Not that I think that will be hard but they want me to set aside time each day (the same time each day) to meditate. Also, night time is out because they say it is hard to focus at night. I am not a particularly great morning person. I have a few days to sort this. 

After eating some crunchy crackers, I started working on the puzzle. I am getting closer to finishing it. I think I am 2/3 - 3/4 of the way done. 

I rode the stationary bike and ate dinner. I was in bed at 8 pm. 

Until tomorrow...

DAY OF PEACE AND QUIET

As much as I want the house construction finished, I was happy to have a day of peace and quite with no workers around. I woke up later and read the book for my MBSR course. 

I worked on my puzzle and walked Lucky. My meditation pillows arrived. It was a busy day. 

After some investigation I found out the grass like things are actually my carrots popping up. That means all my veggie seeds have worked. The herb seeds were not as successful. I blame the raccoons who dug up the earth after I planted the seeds. It seems only the dill made it. Possibly the parsley made it; I will have to wait until it gets bigger to see. I'm going to reseed the thyme and basil after the construction is complete. The guys are not very careful. 

Until tomorrow...

REBUILD DAY 3

Today was exhausting. The guys showed up early and got to work drywalling the downstairs. 

I had my "interview" for the MBSR course so I was occupied. The interview turned into a conversation. It was very helpful and the trainer thought I gave him some good information about my RA and fibromyalgia. It will help when we do yoga and such. I also talked about my past trauma of losing foster kids and my previous relationship. I told him how people keep telling me to relax and I think I am relaxed. He said that people who suffer from chronic pain and trauma have a heightened level of stress that they don't even see because they have been under stress for so long. He said this course will help me. I hope!! 

Then I went to accupuncture. This is round two and this time my left leg was sort of cramping but restless. It made it hard to relax. She said I should have rang the bell and she would have done something. I guess this is also a trait of people who have a chronic issue. I don't like to bother people. I can stand the discomfort. I would have rung the bell if it HURT.  But it didn't. Also I was cold because I turned down the blanket. Won't do that next time! 

After accupuncture I went to a floor store to look at bamboo flooring. The place was closed for lunch so I had 25 minutes to kill. I called a potential new client and she talked and talked. Meanwhile I was in my hot car for almost an hour. I got the gig and I up-sold her for more work. 

I finally went in to the floor store and I was glad I did. There were two options and I thought I wanted option A but once I got there, I saw option B and I liked option B better. Plus option B is less expensive which is always a bonus. It is $1.00 less per square foot. I don't know how many square feet we need but if we need 100 that is $100 saved! 

I finally got home exhausted. I really wasn't supposed to do all that after accupuncture but I was desperate. The flooring had to be ordered today if I wanted the project done before my parents arrive. 

Oh by the way, another client let me know he will be renewing my contract at the end of the month. 

At the end of the day, the under floor has been ripped up. The wall has been drywalled and mudded. It looks good. He promised he would rip up the stairs and lay new stairs in 24 hours so I don't have to go days with no stairs. They will return on Monday so I will have peace this weekend. 

Until tomorrow...

REBUILD DAY 2

 Day two of the rebuild.  A lot of progress took place. First they put the roof on the area outside of my kitchen where the deck goes. They put on a three layer roof that took all day. For a roof the size 15'x5'.  It looks beautiful. It is wonderful to have the tarp gone and sunlight coming in again. 

Then they put the insulation in the walls and ceiling. It is a special insulation made from wool and rocks. It is not pretty that is for sure but I hear it really works. 

Tomorrow they start with the drywall inside and taking off the shingles outside. They are really moving along. Looks like they will meet the deadline. 

I had my "interview" with the Arthritis Foundation folks this afternoon. To be a facilitator of a group, you must attend a course and meet with the AF folks. It was quick and painless. The course took about 20 minutes. Now I am waiting for my mentor to contact me. 

My alter arrived for my meditation nook. It is smaller than I thought but just big enough. Here is my nook so far. 

I am waiting for my pillows and rug. I just heard the rug has been delayed again. Ugh! 

Until tomorrow...