Uplifting and Lively Messages. No holds barred..
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TaRenee - what a mischievous big eyes your fur baby has! We had a black cat. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 18. We miss him dearly! We have 2 cats now and they are fat a lazy. Soon to be 13! I would love a kitten again but realize that would not be smart for me. One round of cellulitis makes you think!
Grocery shopping now but I will be heading home to the warm up!
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I would take the approach of lining up my medical resources (just in case) and get a kitten. Because I am all about doing things that bring me joy.
One lady I know recently got TWO kittens. Turns out the Ace Hardware place can be dangerous. These guys will fill any holes in her life in terms of excitement.
One of my vexing issues got solved today with the new Dell firmware update. YAY!!! No more weird screens after it goes to sleep. I was right that I wasn't the only person suffering from the screw up with a December software update. NEXT!!!!
Glad for a quiet evening in with dinner in the oven. Chicken thighs with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potato. I will also make a baked potato.
Helped out one of my long term clients/friends an hour or so ago who had a research dilemma. I think I gave her enough info to write a winning proposal. Did some more of the same earlier today with another client, but will be compensated for this one.
I went to a memorial service this afternoon for the daughter of one of the former volunteers at the nonprofit. Got there late as was rainy and slow traffic, plus took the wrong exit. But I got there, and so glad I made the journey. 34 is far too young, and she left her husband plus 5 children. So sad. A rare form of cancer. The former volunteer was so happy I came.
Wore my Saint Laurent sweater that I snagged on eBay last summer with some of the bling from my recent haul. Talk about fabulousness!!!
That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. - Claire
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Love all the updates!! It was mid 40's in Illinois, and we had dinner, along with 50 of our friends at our lake club. It was a 50/50 queen of hearts drawing and someone won $12,000. It starts over again, and will run most of the year. It makes our Friday nights fun and lively.
I saw my mother today at the Emergency Care Urgent Center. She ended up being admitted to the hospital with a blood clot in her leg. She does not use her legs much and is in a wheelchair. Her 89th birthday is in March. I am not upset, both of my parents enjoyed long lives. If my father were alive, he would be 101 this year. He was the age of my husband's grandmother. Both my mother and father waited to have children, until they could afford to educate, house, and care for their children. My father was around 50 when I was born and retired when I reached middle school. He enjoyed a long retirement.
My MO won't allow me to be around hospitals or sick individuals. I wore a mask to run in the urgent center and see my mother. At Sam's yesterday, I purchased some probiotics for her and gave them to her. I work hard to stay healthy, and always wear gloves. Would like to see my mom at the hospital, but I can't weaken my immune system. The phone will have to do. My nieces, nephews and sisters can visit with her.
My mother...Dorothy...almost 89 years old...
Hugs to all my girls.....
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michelle, sorry to hear about your mom. My mom got a blood clot a little over a year ago. It ran the entire length of her leg. She made a full recovery. I hope that for your mom too. Keep us posted.
TaRenee your cat is cute. We have a one year old female that is grey with a white bib and paws.
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Just got out of a hot bath to soothe my shoulders, glutes, quads and a few other areas of my body. Today's ski was wonderful and a real workout. Best snow of the season though tricky towards the bottom. This is supposed to be a scenic view in the background. Did about 10 miles.
Schnitzel for dinner. (Using up the contents of my freezer. Also having squash with the Brussels sprouts and potato.) - Claire
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Gk, thanks for your kind words. At the age that my mom is now, we are just glad that she had a long life and has been loved. Neither of my parents had to be in a nursing home. My sisters (twins) both have nursing backgrounds, and took care of my mother and father in their homes.
Claire, you are my hero!!! An athlete and a cook!!! I take it that you were not encumbered by sleds yesterday?
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Our furbaby Joules. She is a funny girl. She is 1 1/2 years old. Have a great night ladies!
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Sunday was a very productive day. I vacuumed my car, scrubbed my floor mats in the bathtub, and detailed them with q tips. Sylvester, my schnauzer dog, also was given a bath. Later on, I made a great salad, with some of my bbq crockpot chicken, and really enjoyed my dinner. DH had eaten it for lunch, and went out to a restaurant with his mom and brother. I only eat out one time per week, and it is at our club, because I am so picky about dairy, gluten, fats, etc. Some restaurant foods just don't agree with my digestive system and there are consequences to those meals. As long as I make the food that I eat, or my chef makes it at our club, I am fine.
My mom will probably go to a rehab center to gain movement in her legs. That means that I will get to visit her, because the people having services there are not infectious. Hopefully, that move happens in the next few days. My niece is getting close to moving into her house that we bought out of a foreclosure last year. It is going to be stunning and really a great one to show before and after pics.
Hope everyone had a great weekend. This week,'s weather is going to be 50 degrees most of the week!!!
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I took my megadose of Vitamin D yesterday, and today I wiped my floors, wiped my window frames, washed curtains, wiped down wood rod, did a bit of walking, went to Macy's. Macy's looks very low in inventory, not sure why. Oh, yeah, I had to get my temporary bridge reglued. Thursday, we will make another to incorporate another section of teeth. Ugh.
For dinner, I made 3 eggs, onions, mushrooms, with homemade salsa.
I spoke with my sister today, who updated me on my mother's condition. My mom has two blood clots in her leg, apparently (not so sure) they are checking her for cancer. That just blew my mind. I plan to speak with the charge nurse later this evening.
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Today was a fairly productive day. Had to pick up a check at a resale store for some items that I took there. Found a couple of jackets, smaller size that what I wore before, yay. I will post pics of my finds later. Came home and went through some items that I am giving away to my sisters. I am determined to get my family room spic and span. It seems like we spend most of our time in this one room. With all of the other rooms in the house, we congregate in the family room. I wonder if other families find themselves in one room as well?
My son came home before an interview to go over a few questions with me. He has to put in 200 hours this semester, in accounting, for his graduation in May. He in no way looks like an accountant, but looks like a model. He would have loved to live in the 1970s, with the long hair, plaid jackets, etc. For his interview, he wore a red and blue plaid jacket, cashmere sweater, jeans and tennis shoes. He is a student worker and did not want to interview in a suit. He is developing his own style of what he likes to wear and is very confident in his abilities. Here he is with our dog, Sylvester.
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Brutal work day today - at least 14 hours. Chilling with wine while I heat up my soup. I think I am past the worst. Listening to some jazz to wind down. This after a 3.5 mile walk, where I did manage to avoid the rain!!!
I was able to move my opera ticket to Saturday. YAY!!!
Can't wait until my birthday ski trip which is in a couple of weeks! And all this work will finance my new clutch
Listening to a redo of "Cocktails for Two". Not nearly as good as the Carroll Gibbons original, especially the piano. Nor is the second version.
My soup awaits..... - Claire
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OMG, laughing my butt off.....lost my credit card last week. Thought I threw it away, called both grocery stores that I was at. Ordered new card. My card shows up at my brother in law's house, randomly. It was addressed to Mr. Michelle ______ (my name is French), and my dh and brother in law laughed over a group text about the french's guys card. I was not paying attention and they were making fun of me. Once I read the dialogue and pic of envelope, I could not stop laughing. I cleaned my car looking for that card. I went to 2 grocery stores, in person, looking for that card. And, lo and behold, that card has arrive safely at a relative's house. I am in the phone book, but it went to my family that is an attorney.
My mom is going to rehab tomorrow. It is really more like a country club, a vaca, a spa, and nice. I do get to go see her there and will wear gloves. If anyone that is in rehab gets a contagious illness, they are sent back to the hospital. My mom actually likes it there. She would have stayed there indefinitely, but it is a short term stay situation. Tomorrow, I am going to purchase some new size xl pants for her, because she has downsized as well.
The hospital tested her for various forms of cancer and I am not sure why. But, she does not have any cancer, period, end of story. What she does have are 2 blood clots, and a congestive heart issues (which she has had for 12 years.) At almost 89, she is doing great.
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My mom is in her favorite place, the rehab center which is awesome. She was moved yesterday from the hospital, and was so, so tired. I plan to spend as much time as possible with her during her stay there. Just seeing her, reminds me of the fact that we should take each day and live it, fully. I know that she is exhausted, but she likes to eat, watch tv, read the paper, and visit with her family. I bought her some new duds to wear for rehab. I even bought a t shirt with a saying on it!! She will be the hip almost 89 year old on the block. I wish the rehab center was a longer term facility, because she loves it so much. A nursing home is not an option, because they are not as nice in this area. My sisters both having nursing backgrounds, and know how to take care of her needs. I make sure to take care of them, so that they can take care of her.
I am having a harder time focusing on my goals, but perhaps I can take some of my work with me to the rehab center. The bottom line for me is that aging is part of life, and we have to accept and appreciate our loved ones that are here with us now.
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Wondering if posters on this thread are aware of up and coming proposed changes to BC.Org site. Here's a link if you want to inform yourself.
Are You Aware of/Concerned about proposed BCO thread changes?
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Thanks thereisnodespair, I informed myself and gave left some suggestions. Please, anyone using this thread check out the proposed changes. Off to see my mom!!
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I visited my mother at the rehabilitation center and took along my Chanel inspired crossbody strap to work on. While she enjoyed her pie, we sat in the empty dining room (where the actually use white linen tablecloths) and socialized. It was nice enough, 55 degrees, to take her outside for a bit. She looked good and seems to be settling in nicely. I came home, took my megadose of Vitamin D and snoozed.
If it is possible for one to improve at almost 89, my mom has and defied the odds. She has the same caregivers at rehab, that she had over a year ago. From the nursing staff, cna's, office staff, and therapists, we have the feeling of continuity of care. That fact alone gives us great peace of mind.
I did find a great Elie Tahari leather jacket for $60 at a resale store. It is from 2014 and gorgeous. I will wear it next winter, as it is a little snug.....but I have goals. I will post pics later. Plan to continue working on my Chanel strap today and see my mom!!!
What is everyone else up to?
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We are going to a Iowa Hawkeyes womens BB game at 2pm! It is an outreach of our local Chapter of FIS (friends of international students) there is a meet and greet pizza and pop party then the game. The goal is to befriend international students that are at the U of Iowa. I have been involved for many years and have met many awesome people. on another note - hey peeps. Can I get personal and ask if anyone has been paranoid about the antiperspirant/ deodorant that they use? I don't know if there is any hard scientific evidence about chemicals like parabens leading to BC, but since the breast cancer I am kind of just re-evaluating what I put in and on my body. I have found hair care products called VERB which I love and feel good about the ingredients. I don't go over board with worry, just more aware. I am trying to find something without aluminum and parabens and other harmful chemicals. I must have at least 7 products in my cabinet that still leave me wet and stinky. I have a very physically demanding job where I sweat a lot. I dont mean to post on the wrong forum - I am sure there are products threads - I just love the ladies on here and I am frankly afraid to post anywhere else as I am sure there would be a barrage doom and gloom replies. You ladies keep me centered in a way that is lacking on some other threads. Thank you in advance.
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GK, I asked all of my doctors the same question. There is no direct correlation between antiperspirant / deodorants and breast cancer. I don't worry about what I put on my underarms, and am using up several containers of random products. When I am done with that, I will do more research and evaluate my next step. I have to wear something because I sweat through my shirts. But, honestly, after my hysterectomy/oopherectomy, my underarm sweating has diminished. At one point my husband used right guard gel and stopped using it. He did not want the products in his system and switched to old spice. I used up his right guard. It did not have alot of fragrance to it and kept me pretty dry. Do you remember when your mom used a product called "Mum?" It was a cream that you applied with your fingers to your underarms.
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gkbuser- VERB is what I use!! Love that stuff! I have never been much for sweating. I use Tom's and it's' fine for me. My DD used it the other day when she showered at my house and said she did not like it!
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I like Tom's deoderant but not the antiperspirant. It smells odd after I have it on for awhile.
Michelle- I also have diminished odor and no underarm hair since my MX 2 years ago. I'm not sure if it's because of the surgery or because of low estrogen, but I consider it a nice little perk
I'm enjoying a nice quiet rainy evening here in Delaware. We had steel head trout for dinner with sugar peas and quinoa - yum! I bought steel head trout once by accident, thinking it was salmon, and found out it has all the same good fish oils and a better flavor than salmon. Plus it costs less
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Thanks for all the input ladies
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Today I did laundry. After I slept in till 9:15!!!!! I mean, what? I went to bed at about 10 (I try to stay up a little later on the weekends because I have nap time in the afternoons if I need it). I finally SLEPT a full night. Ahhhh
I have been trying different deodorants/antiperspirants since surgery. My PS did say to get something without the aluminum. It’s not easy to find.I like Toms, but it’s not strong enough. I heard something the other day that I hope I’m remembering correctly. Antiperspirant should be put on at night to give it a chance to settle in and work the next day. Deodorant should be put on in the morning. Heck if I know what to do if it does both. I’ve seen a Bert’s Bees deodorant. I want to try it. Right now I’m using Secret, because it’s what I had bought before surgery and I had a new one in the cabinet.
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My mom walked 30 feet today. She has not walked since November 2016. She could stand and pivot, but not walk. I think part of the reason is that she was scared. I was able to get all of her efforts on video. Also went to the professional salon products shop and picked up some heavy duty hydrating conditioner to see how it works. I am trying to baby my hair until I have it lowlighted in the middle of February. So happy that my niece is an esthetician and we can get products at cost.
So, here is to a great week for all of us!!! Claire's birthday must be coming up soon. Hugs to all my girls...
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I went to the salon today to. I get my hair trimmed every 8-10 weeks. I love low maintenance hair! The hardest thing to do with my hair is to dry to. That takes 15-20 minutes.
Michelle - good to hear your mother is on the mend! Sounds like she is making good progress of she is up and walking.
I have had a slow week with very little sleep. My girl has pneumonia again. This time I know it was from aspirating on her medications. I caught early and that was a blessing. I have been keeping her in due to the high numbers of flu cases. Out local hospital is having to send patients to other hospitals in our area because they are packed!
Hope everyone is warm and cozy tonight. We are under another winter weather watch with high winds. Bundle up!
(Michelle- your son is a handsome guy! Almost forgot to tell you
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Varga, I have a new found appreciation for caregivers. I am going to the rehab twice per day, and finding myself mentally and physically exhausted. I don't know how my sister carries this responsibility of taking care of another person year after year. My other sister, her twin, took care of my father. They both have nursing backgrounds.
I spoke with my mom last night, and she said the reason she had not pushed herself to walk was fear. She was scared she could not do it. Sometimes, we are stronger than we think and do not give ourselves enough credit. I believe the we see this happen frequently with breast cancer patients. I was one of them and Claire, ChiSandy, Logang, plus others pushed me along. One year on Tamoxifen, a year and a half since lumpectomy, over one year ago hysterectomy/oopherectomy. I could not have done it without my girls on here....
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Varga, I have a new found appreciation for caregivers. I am going to the rehab twice per day, and finding myself mentally and physically exhausted. I don't know how my sister carries this responsibility of taking care of another person year after year. My other sister, her twin, took care of my father. They both have nursing backgrounds.
I spoke with my mom last night, and she said the reason she had not pushed herself to walk was fear. She was scared she could not do it. Sometimes, we are stronger than we think and do not give ourselves enough credit. I believe the we see this happen frequently with breast cancer patients. I was one of them and Claire, ChiSandy, Logang, plus others pushed me along. One year on Tamoxifen, a year and a half since lumpectomy, over one year ago hysterectomy/oopherectomy. I could not have done it without my girls on here....
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I finished working on a chanel-esque cross body strap for my purses, which I will post later. I sewed it by hand, while hanging out the the rehab center with my mom. I am currently re-working a chico's denim jacket to look like it was chanel inspired.
I have been having nightmares and not sure why. The are very frightening, and I think it has something to do with my mom in the rehab center. I am trying hard to be upbeat, and she is doing well. But, for some reason, I am dragging along.
All of a sudden I feel so much responsibility, and I am not even her full time caregiver. After having my daughter graduate from high school in 2016, then breast cancer surgery in summer of 2016, radiation in the fall of 2016, hysterectomy/oopherectomy in January of 2017, Tamoxifen starting in later January 2017, I don't think I can be responsible for anyone else. I cannot clear my head of worry and am a task master. I can do one thing well at a time, but I can't do two things well at a time. Does anyone else feel like this?0 -
Michelle I totally get the feeling. I do good to take care of myself some days. I can’t take on any more. I’ve turned down committee positions, dropped doing the things I’ve done for years, because I don’t feel like I can handle the responsibility. I can’t imagine trying to be even a part time caregiver for someone else. So yes, I get the same feeling, but on a whole different scale than yours.
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Have been catching up after being buried, with the update being that someone lifted my skis from my car two nights ago. So I have to replace them, along with assorted other items. It seems the druggies have taken a fancy to the area where I live, so I am not the only one. What a pain because I won't be able to drive around with sports gear any more. (But then, my car may be a bit cleaner.)
January was just a whirl of activity and I really don't want to be quite this busy.
I will get new skis when I go up to the Methow Valley for my birthday weekend. I leave next Thursday. I did get to see the Blue Moon, which was just glorious, but not the eclipse. I feel so fortunate to have seen it.
Looking forward to a relatively relaxed and calm weekend! - Claire
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Ouch, Claire, sorry about your skis and belongings. We have had similar issues in our area, but mostly kids looking for change. I have had my purse stolen, only to be dumped down the road. My niece had her purse stolen and we found most of her belongings in an alley.
January certainly did seem to pass fast. The colder weather impacted my daily activities. I am glad that January has come and gone, because it is the hardest month for me. But, now we are in February and hopeful for sunny days to come.
I think I figured out why I was so bummed/exhausted/having weird dreams, upon returning home from my mom's rehab. My sister, whom I have not see for a few days, had the same weird feelings that I had when she left the center. My mom has been using an oxygen concentrator in her room, which we have been shutting the door to because of the loud tv. I don't think they have proper ventilation in a closed room atmosphere, to be using multiple oxygen concentrators. I made sure today that I took my mom out of her room and down to the dining room for our 2 hour visit. I felt differently coming home and did not need a nap. Upon comparing experiences with my sister, we have a game plan now and suspect that there is extra nitrogen in the area of her room. I wonder if other visitors have experienced the exhaustion and light headedness when leaving this facility? When reading about nursing home/rehab care, air quality is a huge issue, just not one that I thought would affect me. I also used my seasonal affective depression lamp today, which gave me a boost.
Have several tasks to complete tomorrow, and I will see how I am doing before going to the rehab center.
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