Thinking today about Christmases past. How hard my Mom tried to make it nice for me, my sister and brother. Having to stretch what few dollars she had. My stepfather was miserly and I really don't remember my Dad going out of his way to get us gifts.
My Mom loved playing Santa. She would put all kinds of things in our stockings, fruit and nuts at the bottom, then little things like Bonnie Bell flavored lip balm, Lifesavers, always a candy cane! When I still believed in Santa, it was always so magical to wake up on Christmas day to find my stocking on the foot of the bed. I remember waking up and then poking around with my toes until I found it. Hearing it rustle and feeling it's weight down there was so exciting. I shared a bedroom with my sister, so the first one awake always woke up the other one. We would get our brother and see what Santa left for us.
As I got older, I would lay in bed awake, waiting for "Santa". I would pretend to be asleep while my Mom would sneak in to put the stocking on the bed. It was so hard not to giggle or react. I was good and waited, well most of the time. As I got older, I would take things out to see what was in there.
We weren't allowed to come out of our rooms until my Mom and stepfather were up and had their coffee. Then we were allowed in to the living room. On Christmas eve we always had cookies and hot chocolate. It was so exciting to wait for Santa. I used to look out the window trying to see Rudolph's nose!
We had to be very careful unwrapping our gifts. My Mom would save and reuse paper, so we were not allowed to tear into our gifts. My stepfather didn't like us to show any sign of "greed".
We got gifts that would entertain us for a long time. Games, crafts, sleds,etc.. My Mom would knit or crochet hats, mittens and scarfs. She always made a delicious dinner.
As an adult, I spent a lot of money on my kids for Christmas. I always tried to make it special for them. After I had my daughter, her paternal Grandmother went crazy with gifts. She would spend so much money, especially for Sarah. I remember her first or second birthday, there were so many gifts, the tree was half covered!
As I got older and my kids aren't little anymore, Christmas became more and more stressful for me. I felt I had to buy gifts for everyone in my family. I always felt as if it was never good enough. I haven't put a tree up in about 3 years. I was always afraid of the cats breaking my ornaments and Sarah was living at her Grandmother's house.
Maybe someday I will find Christmas joy again. This year, I am just watching from the sidelines and being grateful for what I already have.
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
December
I am cold, freezing my ass off. I hate winter and it isn't even winter yet! I think I need a different space heater in my bedroom. The one I have claims it is 73F in here but I'm sure it isn't! I'll have to find a thermometer to check. I've been using the wood stove occasionally but I won't have enough wood to last the winter if I use it every day. The water heater has been replaced, finally! The repairman was going to submit an estimate to do the ceiling. I don't think the grant from the VA will cover it however. I paid $450 toward the hot water heater and the grant was for $750. After the rest of the heater is paid, there won't be much left over. I guess I'll have to do it myself. I bought a dehumidifier for the living room, so I'm hoping that will help with the condensation leaks. I'm loosing a lot of heat however. I keep the thermostat turned way down. It is set around 55F.
Friday, November 24, 2017
Thanksgiving
I had a very bad day yesterday. All week in fact. My water heater is dead and I have no water, waiting to get enough money to get the damn thing replaced. I have been in contact with the county veteran agency for help and I can also contact social services for emergency cash. I've been getting by, but so far the park manager has still not come down to shut the main off. I'm going to leave him a letter in an envelope this time!
I was very depressed on Thanksgiving. I had been planning on going to Lindsay's again, but between the festivities of the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade and the constant barrage of well wishes and people having fun on FB, I fell into a very depressed mood. I was contemplating killing myself and wrote a couple pages of instructions and notes to my loved ones. I poured out all my zanax to see if I would have enough. I was planning on taking all those, plus all my blood pressure meds and trazadone. I'm pretty sure that would have done the job. Fall asleep and my blood pressure would bottom out.
I am truly just sick of my life. I get no joy and pleasure from it any more. I become more and more isolated. I am tired. Tired of the monotony and not being able to keep myself in a decent home. Not having enough money to get by. Having to pinch pennies. I can't even take a drive in my car because I don't want to waste gas.
I'm just tired of it all.
No one needs to call anyone to "help" me. I am not going to do it. I'm going to see if there are any social service agencies in the county that can help me. Being disabled, I may qualify for some home help.
I was very depressed on Thanksgiving. I had been planning on going to Lindsay's again, but between the festivities of the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade and the constant barrage of well wishes and people having fun on FB, I fell into a very depressed mood. I was contemplating killing myself and wrote a couple pages of instructions and notes to my loved ones. I poured out all my zanax to see if I would have enough. I was planning on taking all those, plus all my blood pressure meds and trazadone. I'm pretty sure that would have done the job. Fall asleep and my blood pressure would bottom out.
I am truly just sick of my life. I get no joy and pleasure from it any more. I become more and more isolated. I am tired. Tired of the monotony and not being able to keep myself in a decent home. Not having enough money to get by. Having to pinch pennies. I can't even take a drive in my car because I don't want to waste gas.
I'm just tired of it all.
No one needs to call anyone to "help" me. I am not going to do it. I'm going to see if there are any social service agencies in the county that can help me. Being disabled, I may qualify for some home help.
Monday, September 11, 2017
Where did summer go?
I swear, the older I get the faster the spring and summer goes by. Winter drags on as usual. I wish I could live the snowbird lifestyle! I finally broke down and bought a car. I had to say goodbye to Blue and send her to the vehicle retirement home at Cornell's. It broke my heart to see her get hauled off. I bought a 2009 Buick Lucerne with only 22,000 miles on it. It is a really nice car but I have payments to deal with now!
I have been getting less and less hours at work which is very discouraging. I have also been having a hard time dealing with death and the sounds and smells that come with it. I had to stay out of the room with the last two residents because of the breathing sounds. I felt terrible and guilty. I talked to one of my supervisors about it and she said that I shouldn't feel that way. She has a problem with feces. The mucus issue for me is why I never became a nurse. I think I would have been a very good nurse except for that.
I did not go kayaking at all this summer. No fishing either for that matter. I did buy a kayak kit for the new car but I'm hesitant to use it. I don't want to scratch up my new car! I will have to load up and unload with a helper. Luckily at boat launches there is no shortage of helpers. Guys love to help women in distress! I have been trying to get out and do things. I took a couple day trips, went to Shelburne Falls and Old Deerfield with Chuck and Jenn. Took Sarah to President Martin VanBuren's house in Kinderhook. Took Sarah and Krys to Oakwood cemetery in Troy. Yesterday, I went to the Tugboat roundup in Waterford with Aunt Janice. I didn't realize it, but the Ndkinna Native American festival was going on right in Saratoga too. I still enjoyed Waterford. There were raptors there! I loved seeing them.
I have been getting less and less hours at work which is very discouraging. I have also been having a hard time dealing with death and the sounds and smells that come with it. I had to stay out of the room with the last two residents because of the breathing sounds. I felt terrible and guilty. I talked to one of my supervisors about it and she said that I shouldn't feel that way. She has a problem with feces. The mucus issue for me is why I never became a nurse. I think I would have been a very good nurse except for that.
I did not go kayaking at all this summer. No fishing either for that matter. I did buy a kayak kit for the new car but I'm hesitant to use it. I don't want to scratch up my new car! I will have to load up and unload with a helper. Luckily at boat launches there is no shortage of helpers. Guys love to help women in distress! I have been trying to get out and do things. I took a couple day trips, went to Shelburne Falls and Old Deerfield with Chuck and Jenn. Took Sarah to President Martin VanBuren's house in Kinderhook. Took Sarah and Krys to Oakwood cemetery in Troy. Yesterday, I went to the Tugboat roundup in Waterford with Aunt Janice. I didn't realize it, but the Ndkinna Native American festival was going on right in Saratoga too. I still enjoyed Waterford. There were raptors there! I loved seeing them.
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Weird dream/past life?
I fell asleep this afternoon and have a very strange and realistic dream. It was almost like I was living a past life. I was a young man and I experienced my life from childhood to young adult. My father was a horse trainer and had show horses. I remember learning how to ride and show horses. The time period was in the pre-world WW2 era. We lived in Europe. I rescued a draft horse that I named Tommy. He was a Suffolk Punch breed horse. He was lame in his rear left leg and I bid against a slaughter house owner for him. I rehabilitated Tommy and he became a champion. The war started and in this dream I saw planes flying over the barns and bombs dropping. I was trying to rescue the horses and not get killed. The Nazis were coming to take the remaining horses. I got on Tommy and was riding away into the forest. I fell off at some point and was mortally wounded. I was on a steep embankment and Tommy was at the top. I called to him and he came to me and I grabbed the reins and he pulled me to the top. I lay there and took my last breath and died. It was then that I woke up.
It is strange because my mother was born in 1945 at the end of WW2 and she is of French heritage. I guess I read too much into things, but it felt like I was living a past life. The Suffolk Punch horse was bred in England and used during war time to pull heavy machinery. They were also sold to slaughterhouses for meat. It is considered a rare breed today.
It is strange because my mother was born in 1945 at the end of WW2 and she is of French heritage. I guess I read too much into things, but it felt like I was living a past life. The Suffolk Punch horse was bred in England and used during war time to pull heavy machinery. They were also sold to slaughterhouses for meat. It is considered a rare breed today.
Friday, July 21, 2017
July
I seem to be pretty regular with the monthly blogging. I should do more. It seems like I really don't do to much. I had been sick twice since late June with this strange illness. It was like having the flu except no coughing. Very debilitating with me in bed for 4 days at a time. I got very weak and couldn't eat. I finally went to the Dr. and ended up seeing the PA. They did blood work and a CT scan. The blood work came back wonky but they didn't seem to concerned about it. The CT scan showed a little fluid around my heart, diverticulitis, a small hernia and some tiny minor things that are no big deal. Oh and a fatty pancreas. Still no referrals to see anyone except a suggestion to see my oncologist. I think I have an appointment coming up with him soon anyhow. I have my appointment with the GI doctor in August to schedule my COLONOSCOPY! Not looking forward to that but perhaps they can find out why my digestive tract is so messed up. My weight has dropped to 174. That is a 34 pound weight loss in one year. I really haven't been trying except eating less and not eating junk food.
I had an unusual butterfly visit this month. It was a Giant Swallowtail. My first sighting ever.
Travis and Krys are going to look at a mobile home tomorrow. I hope they get it. I got very angry with Travis a few days ago. Asked him to get something from the pharmacy for me and he gave me attitude. I said I'm sick of them mooching off me and told him he has 30 days to move out.
Sarah is going to be 18 in a little over a month. I think her transition into adulthood is going to be a little rough too. I think the diabetes is going to be a big factor, especially with this new horrible health care plan that Trump and the republicans are trying to shove through. Well enough of the negativity. My goal is to post more and to do more positive things!
I had an unusual butterfly visit this month. It was a Giant Swallowtail. My first sighting ever.
Travis and Krys are going to look at a mobile home tomorrow. I hope they get it. I got very angry with Travis a few days ago. Asked him to get something from the pharmacy for me and he gave me attitude. I said I'm sick of them mooching off me and told him he has 30 days to move out.
Sarah is going to be 18 in a little over a month. I think her transition into adulthood is going to be a little rough too. I think the diabetes is going to be a big factor, especially with this new horrible health care plan that Trump and the republicans are trying to shove through. Well enough of the negativity. My goal is to post more and to do more positive things!
Giant Swallowtail
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Late June
Seems like a lot has happened since I last blogged. I went on my big trip to Louisiana. Car did ok on the way down except for the tires. She also doesn't do well on mountains. In Alexandria I ended up with 4 new tires but Mom and Frank bought them for me. I had a good visit, got all chewed up by chiggers. Brenda and I went down to Avery Island to see the Tabasco plant and Jungle Gardens. Saw a real wild alligator! On the way home, my transmission broke, got it fixed and made it home. I also stopped at Animal Adventure park and say April the giraffe, Oliver and the baby, Tajeri.
Dating life is flat. Same problems with rejection because of the breasts, or lack there of. Men are so fucking shallow. Actually I do get responses, from old obese men.
Travis and Krys still living here with no signs of moving out. Sarah is talking about moving to GA with Danny when she turns 18. I worry about health insurance for her. Not much else going on. Made up with Dad. That is a good thing!
Dating life is flat. Same problems with rejection because of the breasts, or lack there of. Men are so fucking shallow. Actually I do get responses, from old obese men.
Travis and Krys still living here with no signs of moving out. Sarah is talking about moving to GA with Danny when she turns 18. I worry about health insurance for her. Not much else going on. Made up with Dad. That is a good thing!
Sunday, March 5, 2017
March update
Seems I can manage to remember to blog at least once a month.
February was a pretty dull month. Not much happened. My monthly planner looks like I did a lot but some of it is just reminders to do things!
My short term memory is not good and seems to be getting worse. I can open up a new tab on my computer and then immediately forget what it was I wanted to look at.
Month of March is already filling in with Dr. appointments for myself and Sarah. I lost track of days and missed my appointment with my MH Dr. on Friday. I'll have to call Monday and reschedule and order more medication.
I think I've figured out why I am loosing weight, besides my bowel issues. I haven't been taking the letrozole for a few months. I'm sure when I see Dr. L at the end of this month, he won't be happy about that. I was running some statistics regarding my breast cancer and chance of recurrence using this tool. http://www.lifemath.net/cancer/index.html
It isn't very reassuring when I plug in my info. Even with the letrozole, my odds aren't that great. I'm sure there are so many more factors to take into consideration, but I still need to weigh the risks vs the benefits.
We had a couple of nice warm weeks in February. Even made it up into the 60's a couple days. March came in very cold, but it will start warming up a bit next week. The red wing blackbirds and grackles are back. I saw a couple robins hopping around too, but they have been around all winter.
I'm taking Sarah and two other girls to see Pierce the Veil and Falling in Reverse tonight. The concert is sold out and I forgot to get a ticket. I talked to Jen from the box office and she said they will "work with me". I don't mind paying, I just need to be in there with the other two girls because they don't have ID.
I'm considering driving down to see my Mom in late April. Getting the time off is going to be a problem however. We have some staff that take entire months off, so if I can't get two weekends off, I'm not going to be happy. I'm getting a little burned out at Gateway. I'm feeling revulsion instead of compassion with some of the residents. It isn't because I don't care, I'm just tired of the smells and sounds. Death is ugly and gross.
February was a pretty dull month. Not much happened. My monthly planner looks like I did a lot but some of it is just reminders to do things!
My short term memory is not good and seems to be getting worse. I can open up a new tab on my computer and then immediately forget what it was I wanted to look at.
Month of March is already filling in with Dr. appointments for myself and Sarah. I lost track of days and missed my appointment with my MH Dr. on Friday. I'll have to call Monday and reschedule and order more medication.
I think I've figured out why I am loosing weight, besides my bowel issues. I haven't been taking the letrozole for a few months. I'm sure when I see Dr. L at the end of this month, he won't be happy about that. I was running some statistics regarding my breast cancer and chance of recurrence using this tool. http://www.lifemath.net/cancer/index.html
It isn't very reassuring when I plug in my info. Even with the letrozole, my odds aren't that great. I'm sure there are so many more factors to take into consideration, but I still need to weigh the risks vs the benefits.
We had a couple of nice warm weeks in February. Even made it up into the 60's a couple days. March came in very cold, but it will start warming up a bit next week. The red wing blackbirds and grackles are back. I saw a couple robins hopping around too, but they have been around all winter.
I'm taking Sarah and two other girls to see Pierce the Veil and Falling in Reverse tonight. The concert is sold out and I forgot to get a ticket. I talked to Jen from the box office and she said they will "work with me". I don't mind paying, I just need to be in there with the other two girls because they don't have ID.
I'm considering driving down to see my Mom in late April. Getting the time off is going to be a problem however. We have some staff that take entire months off, so if I can't get two weekends off, I'm not going to be happy. I'm getting a little burned out at Gateway. I'm feeling revulsion instead of compassion with some of the residents. It isn't because I don't care, I'm just tired of the smells and sounds. Death is ugly and gross.
Saturday, February 4, 2017
New Year 2017
Yes, it is February but I think this is my first post for the new year.
Donald Trump is the President and I think we are living in an alternate reality. He is doing a complete fuck up job. Of course his supporters think he is a living god.
I didn't really do much for January. Been out of work for almost a month. Going back Monday. Did my taxes. Getting about $4000 back. Last year of the earned income credit. I'm not planning on spending that money. I am going to save it. I'm still considering selling the mobile home. I don't know if the park will want to buy it. I need to rip out that bad ceiling section.
Light flurries today. It has been seasonable in the temps.
I tried calling Dad but he didn't return my call. I guess I'm disowned. He probably expects an apology and he isn't getting one.
Taking the car to the garage on Tuesday to get the other O2 sensor replaced. I hope that solves the issues with the check engine light. I am due for inspection this month as well. I was told I need to drive it to make sure that it doesn't come back on. I'm hoping the owner will give me a break and let that part slide. We have been over that already. I think I need some brake work too. Every year it is either the front or rear brakes. I'd like to take a road trip and go see Mom in Louisiana, I just want the car to make it!
I brought Angel and Kimi to the shelter. I hated to do it but they were pissing on everything and we have too many cats.
Not much else for news..
Donald Trump is the President and I think we are living in an alternate reality. He is doing a complete fuck up job. Of course his supporters think he is a living god.
I didn't really do much for January. Been out of work for almost a month. Going back Monday. Did my taxes. Getting about $4000 back. Last year of the earned income credit. I'm not planning on spending that money. I am going to save it. I'm still considering selling the mobile home. I don't know if the park will want to buy it. I need to rip out that bad ceiling section.
Light flurries today. It has been seasonable in the temps.
I tried calling Dad but he didn't return my call. I guess I'm disowned. He probably expects an apology and he isn't getting one.
Taking the car to the garage on Tuesday to get the other O2 sensor replaced. I hope that solves the issues with the check engine light. I am due for inspection this month as well. I was told I need to drive it to make sure that it doesn't come back on. I'm hoping the owner will give me a break and let that part slide. We have been over that already. I think I need some brake work too. Every year it is either the front or rear brakes. I'd like to take a road trip and go see Mom in Louisiana, I just want the car to make it!
I brought Angel and Kimi to the shelter. I hated to do it but they were pissing on everything and we have too many cats.
Not much else for news..
Friday, January 6, 2017
Moving on in a new year
Hooray a new year.... I don't really celebrate or get "into" a new year and resolutions and all that. I've learned a long time ago that I don't keep resolutions and my plans don't usually work out the way I want them to. This year, I just want to take a couple trips. If I have to go alone, then so be it.
I want to go to a different region of the U.S. Southwest, Midwest or North West. Rocky mountain, Utah and Pacific regions. I'll have to fly out and rent a car and arrange affordable places to stay. I could probably pack some camping equipment, but I would have to pay to bring it on the plane.
The winter so far has been normal. Cold and snow. Not like last year with no snow! I've had to fill the propane tanks twice already and I'm not too happy about that. I try to keep the thermostat down but it gets so cold in here!
I need to get a little more work done on the car and it should be good for another year. It is in pretty good shape considering. As long as the tranny or motor doesn't go, I'll be good.
I haven't talked to Mike in weeks. Heard from him on New Year but that was it. I miss him once in a while, but not bad. No other romantic prospects in view. No one wants old, fat Linda.
Sarah's b/f is here from Arizona for a couple weeks. He is such a nice young man. Cute too. Danny.
I want to go to a different region of the U.S. Southwest, Midwest or North West. Rocky mountain, Utah and Pacific regions. I'll have to fly out and rent a car and arrange affordable places to stay. I could probably pack some camping equipment, but I would have to pay to bring it on the plane.
The winter so far has been normal. Cold and snow. Not like last year with no snow! I've had to fill the propane tanks twice already and I'm not too happy about that. I try to keep the thermostat down but it gets so cold in here!
I need to get a little more work done on the car and it should be good for another year. It is in pretty good shape considering. As long as the tranny or motor doesn't go, I'll be good.
I haven't talked to Mike in weeks. Heard from him on New Year but that was it. I miss him once in a while, but not bad. No other romantic prospects in view. No one wants old, fat Linda.
Sarah's b/f is here from Arizona for a couple weeks. He is such a nice young man. Cute too. Danny.
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