Once upon a time I was a vibrant social butterfly kind of person that always seemed to have loads of things going on. Now that "we've" retired from the Air Force I can say that my social life has taken a serious nose dive. Of course I still keep in touch with many friends through snail mail, e-mail and on-line social networks.
I've thrown myself into reading. Once upon a time I was an avid reader- more so than now because I didn't have the distractions that I have now. I find it so easy to tuck that Kindle into my purse when ever we go out (you can never tell when you might need it). Just the other day while at the Museum of Science in Boston I found myself mighty glad that I had brought it along with me "just in case". It's so much easier than bringing a book in ones purse (and lighter too).
Needlework- still working on that same damned kit with the sheep. I regain interest than lose it again-ugh! Same goes for my quilting. Don't get me wrong I love working with my hands but the confines of the small bedroom that's also some sort of storage room makes me feel crowded. Not to mention the fact that I'm really missing my other Janome sewing machine. My little ¾ sized sewing machine is fine for piecing stuff together BUT it really isn't all that great when I want to do actual "quilting".
Scrapbooking and card making- well that's one where I tossed the baby out with the bath water. Thinking that this was only going to be a handful of months I said sure put it ALL into storage (since I knew we would not have room here for any of it). Little did I imagine that I would be without any paper crafting supplies for this long.
This whole ordeal is giving me flash backs to when we first moved to England all over again. The temporary house thing with only a handful of our belongings with us while everything else is neatly tucked away in storage somewhere. Meanwhile my creative life is once again put on hold. I want so much to be sketching and designing and making things with my hands. I find myself working in conditions that make me want to scream. No I'm not working in a sweat shop, this is actually a very nice apartment complex. The screaming part is that I want to sketch/design and make things for our home...the only thing that's missing from all of this. We live in an apartment, this is not what I would ever consider to be "long term" in any way shape of form. I want to plant flowers in flower beds in our yard, I want to go for long walks in the neighborhood meeting new neighbors. I want to have friends over for dinner and drink wine out on the deck. Alas I'm here living in an apartment where the rent costs as much as a mortgage on a $550K house (no joke).
I find myself sincerely wishing for something to happen.
Friday, July 29, 2011
quote of the day
You find peace by coming to terms with what you don't know. Knowledge is subtractive, not additive- what we subtract is reduction by what does not work, what not to do...not what we add.
--Nassim Taleb
--Nassim Taleb
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
House Hunting is not for wimps
Oh my word, the houses we have seen! I don't think that I'm expecting the world BUT I do have standards! From ghastly peeling wall paper (from the 1970's) and stained carpeting to hideous bathrooms (don't people scrub toilets any more?) and the humongous over grown shrubs in the garden that look as if they've never been trimmed (the word "jungle" comes to mind) to down right nasty smelling homes! We've been going to Open House events off and on since we arrived here in MA and let me tell you we've seen it all! From one end of the spectrum to another and one thing they all seem to have in common is that no one seems to clean their house or do any sort of yard work in preparation of showcasing their home to potential buyers. Seriously I've seen maybe 2 houses that had some sort of curb appeal but once we got on the front porch we get to see the spider webs and unswept porches. What happened to "pride of ownership"?
"Disenchanted" Is the word I'd use to describe our Sunday of driving around going to various Open House events. What is it when the realtor can't even be there on time to open the doors? Twice we were at an open house before the realtor even got there...a full 15 to 20 minutes! Yards not mowed, front porches not swept, air conditioning units not running. No prep work done in anticipation of this open house. Not a single one of the Realtors we met were very professional. And what kind of realtor wear shorts and t-shirt? Seriously? I was dressed better than any realtor we met that day.
So the house hunting continues....
"Disenchanted" Is the word I'd use to describe our Sunday of driving around going to various Open House events. What is it when the realtor can't even be there on time to open the doors? Twice we were at an open house before the realtor even got there...a full 15 to 20 minutes! Yards not mowed, front porches not swept, air conditioning units not running. No prep work done in anticipation of this open house. Not a single one of the Realtors we met were very professional. And what kind of realtor wear shorts and t-shirt? Seriously? I was dressed better than any realtor we met that day.
So the house hunting continues....
Friday, July 22, 2011
Things are back to normal...
Well, for the most part anyway. The temperatures are up in the 100 degree range here in MA and right now it's feeling as if I'm living on the face of the sun.
Our trip to Florida was a bust as far as sunshine was concerned. It rained just about the entire time we were there; even on our trip to the beach in Destin. I think that the sun was out for about a total of 6 hours while we were there and then it was seriously too humid for anything that had a beating heart to be outside.
However, I did manage to read 5 books on my Kindle on this trip...life is good. Yup it's summer time and I'm spending some serious quality time with that Kindle of mine! (thank you honey for the best Christmas present ever). I'm finishing up some UFO's from my Counted Cross Stitching collection and I've even hand sewed on the binding for a baby quilt. Not too shabby I dare say!
As I was reading up on some posts from friends who've moved to England this summer I find myself a little envious that they have set up their scrapbooking spaces. You see, since we're still looking at houses ET all, I've got ALL of my stamping and scrapbooking things in storage. Heck 98% of my quilting, needlework and cooking items are in storage as well (not to mention all of that terrific British pottery I bought while living in England). Ugh! All I can do it to enjoy what I have and get to know the workings of many great authors while I wait.
Now back to avoiding the heat of the day by having a nice glass of iced tea.
Our trip to Florida was a bust as far as sunshine was concerned. It rained just about the entire time we were there; even on our trip to the beach in Destin. I think that the sun was out for about a total of 6 hours while we were there and then it was seriously too humid for anything that had a beating heart to be outside.
However, I did manage to read 5 books on my Kindle on this trip...life is good. Yup it's summer time and I'm spending some serious quality time with that Kindle of mine! (thank you honey for the best Christmas present ever). I'm finishing up some UFO's from my Counted Cross Stitching collection and I've even hand sewed on the binding for a baby quilt. Not too shabby I dare say!
As I was reading up on some posts from friends who've moved to England this summer I find myself a little envious that they have set up their scrapbooking spaces. You see, since we're still looking at houses ET all, I've got ALL of my stamping and scrapbooking things in storage. Heck 98% of my quilting, needlework and cooking items are in storage as well (not to mention all of that terrific British pottery I bought while living in England). Ugh! All I can do it to enjoy what I have and get to know the workings of many great authors while I wait.
Now back to avoiding the heat of the day by having a nice glass of iced tea.
quote of the day
There are two ways of spreading light:
to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.
--Edith Wharton
Thursday, July 14, 2011
My thoughts and the answer...
The first thought that rolled through my mind with all of this was...
Crap! If I have cancer, that means that I can't participate in the blood marrow donation program!
I already had a positive attitude about everything....there's nothing I can do to change the outcome. It is what is it and all I can do is to meet it with open arms and deal with it as it comes. I have the love and support of my husband, family and friends. I still plan to live my life as I did before and deal with things as they come. I wasn't about to sit around waiting for the biopsy results, I planned on going to Florida with my husband to help his brother move.
I have my biopsy results, my nurse practitioner called me with what she said was the quickest biopsy results ever! I am (drum roll please) Cancer Free!
From my recall to go in for another series of mammograms to the day of the biopsy, I've had several health care professionals calling me asking essentially the same question- "how do I feel about this?". The "this" that they all spoke of was the possibility of having breast cancer. I never once thought of it the way others did; With the why me? Or oh my gosh what stage is it?or will I have to have my breast removed? Those thoughts never once entered my mind. I was more disappointed in the fact that I wouldn't be able to be a bone marrow donor than anything else.
So here I am in Florida, it's VERY hot and super humid! Hannah and I are hanging out in the nice air conditioned hotel room since we're both unable to enjoy the pool at the moment. Me, I can't get my incision site wet for at least another 24 hours and Hannah is taking sympathy with my cause (she's such a great support) not to mention that she's still recovering from her sunburn from her trip to the beach on Sunday with her dad. We're hanging out together doing girl stuff- which is alright by me!
Crap! If I have cancer, that means that I can't participate in the blood marrow donation program!
I already had a positive attitude about everything....there's nothing I can do to change the outcome. It is what is it and all I can do is to meet it with open arms and deal with it as it comes. I have the love and support of my husband, family and friends. I still plan to live my life as I did before and deal with things as they come. I wasn't about to sit around waiting for the biopsy results, I planned on going to Florida with my husband to help his brother move.
I have my biopsy results, my nurse practitioner called me with what she said was the quickest biopsy results ever! I am (drum roll please) Cancer Free!
From my recall to go in for another series of mammograms to the day of the biopsy, I've had several health care professionals calling me asking essentially the same question- "how do I feel about this?". The "this" that they all spoke of was the possibility of having breast cancer. I never once thought of it the way others did; With the why me? Or oh my gosh what stage is it?or will I have to have my breast removed? Those thoughts never once entered my mind. I was more disappointed in the fact that I wouldn't be able to be a bone marrow donor than anything else.
So here I am in Florida, it's VERY hot and super humid! Hannah and I are hanging out in the nice air conditioned hotel room since we're both unable to enjoy the pool at the moment. Me, I can't get my incision site wet for at least another 24 hours and Hannah is taking sympathy with my cause (she's such a great support) not to mention that she's still recovering from her sunburn from her trip to the beach on Sunday with her dad. We're hanging out together doing girl stuff- which is alright by me!
quote of the day
Being assertive does not mean
attacking or ignoring others feelings.
attacking or ignoring others feelings.
It means that you are willing to hold up
for yourself fairly-without attacking others.
for yourself fairly-without attacking others.
Albert Ellis, Michael Abrams, Lidia Dengelegi
Monday, July 11, 2011
Life's embarrassing moments
I've survived several of life's little embarrassing moments today.
As in... I survived the embarrassment of having several strangers (although they were health care professionals) touch, hold and exam my breast today ( I started to wonder if this is what cantaloupe feels like in the produce section of the grocery store). I survived having several needles of various lengths and gauges (thickness of said needles) poke into said breast (just call me the human pin cushion). I survived the embarrassing experience of shopping for a sports bra so I can wear it for the next 24 to 48 hours plus to wear it at night for the next week (there are somethings that women who have a D cup or larger should not attempt to wear and this IS one of them). I thought when trying on those stupid sports bras that I was going to need to have the jaws of life remove it from my body because it was squeezing me so damn hard that I could barely breathe. Then I realized that I had the wrong size, I was shaking my head at myself thinking "Now what part of me thought that this was a good thing to try to do?". So I survived the shopping experience- one I hope to not to have to ever do again!
Those anti anxiety pills...I highly recommend them. They don't make you loopy, they just make it so your heart is beating so fast that if you were a humming bird you'd be flying around.
The more I think about it, the more I wonder who in the mammography department didn't see my naked upper body today? Seriously, this is just too darn funny the more I think about it. (insert laughter here). There are times in one's life where you just shake your head and think "Thank the Lord that that is over" and yes folks, today's experience was one of those kinds of "moments".
I still have my humor and am still laughing at how I went in feeling as nervous as I could possibly be and end out coming out of this experience feeling like I'm Erma Bombeck and making fun of the entire ordeal from shopping for a sports bra to wear after the procedure to feeling like Elsie the cow when I had to lie down on a table and hang my breast down through a hole and be squeezed like an orange being juiced so the doctor could stick needles into me like a pin cushion. Oh yeah, Loads of fun here people! BUT and it's a big one too...humor will save you even in the most embarrassing situations (you've just got to trust me on this one). All of the doctors, nurses and technicians were gentle, treated me with respect and even better they all laughed at my jokes :-) If you lose the ability to laugh at yourself, then you lose the ability to enjoy life. So be well everyone and get out there and laugh at life's ridiculous moments!
As in... I survived the embarrassment of having several strangers (although they were health care professionals) touch, hold and exam my breast today ( I started to wonder if this is what cantaloupe feels like in the produce section of the grocery store). I survived having several needles of various lengths and gauges (thickness of said needles) poke into said breast (just call me the human pin cushion). I survived the embarrassing experience of shopping for a sports bra so I can wear it for the next 24 to 48 hours plus to wear it at night for the next week (there are somethings that women who have a D cup or larger should not attempt to wear and this IS one of them). I thought when trying on those stupid sports bras that I was going to need to have the jaws of life remove it from my body because it was squeezing me so damn hard that I could barely breathe. Then I realized that I had the wrong size, I was shaking my head at myself thinking "Now what part of me thought that this was a good thing to try to do?". So I survived the shopping experience- one I hope to not to have to ever do again!
Those anti anxiety pills...I highly recommend them. They don't make you loopy, they just make it so your heart is beating so fast that if you were a humming bird you'd be flying around.
The more I think about it, the more I wonder who in the mammography department didn't see my naked upper body today? Seriously, this is just too darn funny the more I think about it. (insert laughter here). There are times in one's life where you just shake your head and think "Thank the Lord that that is over" and yes folks, today's experience was one of those kinds of "moments".
I still have my humor and am still laughing at how I went in feeling as nervous as I could possibly be and end out coming out of this experience feeling like I'm Erma Bombeck and making fun of the entire ordeal from shopping for a sports bra to wear after the procedure to feeling like Elsie the cow when I had to lie down on a table and hang my breast down through a hole and be squeezed like an orange being juiced so the doctor could stick needles into me like a pin cushion. Oh yeah, Loads of fun here people! BUT and it's a big one too...humor will save you even in the most embarrassing situations (you've just got to trust me on this one). All of the doctors, nurses and technicians were gentle, treated me with respect and even better they all laughed at my jokes :-) If you lose the ability to laugh at yourself, then you lose the ability to enjoy life. So be well everyone and get out there and laugh at life's ridiculous moments!
Friday, July 08, 2011
In the matter of 1 week...
I was writing to a girlfriend yesterday (a real snail mail letter no less) on the subject of "how many things can change in the matter one merely 1 week".
You see, it all started when I received a phone call from the mammogram department of Lahey Clinic requesting me to come in for a 2nd mammogram and they wanted to schedule me for as soon as possible. You see, they found something in my left breast and I had to have yet another series of mammograms of that breast. After a few initial pictures I had to sit and wait until they were read. I waited and waited and then was called back for more "pictures". Then I met with the doctor and well now I'm scheduled for a biopsy for next week. Here's a little tidbit for you- one needs to stop taking multivitamins at least a week before any surgery. Yup it's true!
I'm not freaking out with this revalation that I may or may not have breast cancer. It's just something to deal with as the times comes. I'm going to continue to live my life and do the things I've got planned. I'm not about to sit around and worry about things that I have no control over. Hence my plans for leaving the day after my biopsy for Florida. Yes with a bandage on on my left breast and an ice bag in my hand,I still plan on our taking a trip to Florida. Gutsy huh? Now who in their right mind wants to wait around for a week to get a phone call with the results of their biopsy? Well not me that's for sure! Why not be somewhere having some fun?
Now for more news...
My husband had a successful interview with a company. He's also got a call back for another interview for Tuesday. Sooooo, it looks like we might not be leaving on Tuesday for Florida. I can leave a little later if it means him getting a job :-)
The lovely couple who have rented our house in South Dakota these past couple of years let us know they they will be receiving orders this fall. That means...we get to put our house on the market. I'm excited about that! For some it would be stressful having someone else living in their house while a Realtor is trying to sell it. Not me, I truly like our renters and I adore our realtor.
While our Hannah was fretting over her grades on the report card from her US school that she attended for a handful of months- well it arrived yesterday. All A's of course! That's our girl, setting the grade curve! Her worry was for nothing. Although she was sure that one of her teachers didn't like being a teacher and was wondering if anyone in the class would receive a decent grade for all of their hard work.
Our washing machine crapped out...while a load of clothes were in it. Perfect eh? At least it was on the rinse cycle. Now the real fun begins...the apartment management had it replaced with another one 24 hours later. Now for me to let them know that this replacement isn't working properly. The tub doesn't fill all the way on the rinse cycle. We looked up on line the reviews on it and every one of the people who put in a review complained about the machine and how it "ate up or tore up" clothes. Hello, I've spent a pretty penny on our clothing and am in no hurry to have it all ruined by a cheap machine. Now to get the replacement machine replaced with hopefully one of the same quality as before.
Needless to say my life can get rather hectic in just the matter of a week.
You see, it all started when I received a phone call from the mammogram department of Lahey Clinic requesting me to come in for a 2nd mammogram and they wanted to schedule me for as soon as possible. You see, they found something in my left breast and I had to have yet another series of mammograms of that breast. After a few initial pictures I had to sit and wait until they were read. I waited and waited and then was called back for more "pictures". Then I met with the doctor and well now I'm scheduled for a biopsy for next week. Here's a little tidbit for you- one needs to stop taking multivitamins at least a week before any surgery. Yup it's true!
I'm not freaking out with this revalation that I may or may not have breast cancer. It's just something to deal with as the times comes. I'm going to continue to live my life and do the things I've got planned. I'm not about to sit around and worry about things that I have no control over. Hence my plans for leaving the day after my biopsy for Florida. Yes with a bandage on on my left breast and an ice bag in my hand,I still plan on our taking a trip to Florida. Gutsy huh? Now who in their right mind wants to wait around for a week to get a phone call with the results of their biopsy? Well not me that's for sure! Why not be somewhere having some fun?
Now for more news...
My husband had a successful interview with a company. He's also got a call back for another interview for Tuesday. Sooooo, it looks like we might not be leaving on Tuesday for Florida. I can leave a little later if it means him getting a job :-)
The lovely couple who have rented our house in South Dakota these past couple of years let us know they they will be receiving orders this fall. That means...we get to put our house on the market. I'm excited about that! For some it would be stressful having someone else living in their house while a Realtor is trying to sell it. Not me, I truly like our renters and I adore our realtor.
While our Hannah was fretting over her grades on the report card from her US school that she attended for a handful of months- well it arrived yesterday. All A's of course! That's our girl, setting the grade curve! Her worry was for nothing. Although she was sure that one of her teachers didn't like being a teacher and was wondering if anyone in the class would receive a decent grade for all of their hard work.
Our washing machine crapped out...while a load of clothes were in it. Perfect eh? At least it was on the rinse cycle. Now the real fun begins...the apartment management had it replaced with another one 24 hours later. Now for me to let them know that this replacement isn't working properly. The tub doesn't fill all the way on the rinse cycle. We looked up on line the reviews on it and every one of the people who put in a review complained about the machine and how it "ate up or tore up" clothes. Hello, I've spent a pretty penny on our clothing and am in no hurry to have it all ruined by a cheap machine. Now to get the replacement machine replaced with hopefully one of the same quality as before.
Needless to say my life can get rather hectic in just the matter of a week.
quote of the day
In matters of style, swim with the current;
In matters of principle, stand like a rock.
--Thomas Jefferson
Sunday, July 03, 2011
July 4th and other things of Patriotic nature
As I see it, it's kind of funny that no place celebrates the 4th of July (Also known as Independence day) on the actual day...the 4th of July. It's always held on the day that's most convenient to the military installation or the local community. Yesterday we went to the town of Wilmington and enjoyed a carnival and a fireworks display. We met up with my husband' old running coach from high school and just enjoy being one of the thousand or so of people in the crowd. It was so nice to not stress about entertaining the mayor of some local community- I'm telling you, anonymity has its benefits!
Today we spent time with the in-laws for dinner. I enjoy being able to spend time with family.My mother in law is a total hoot! She drug out old pictures of herself before she was married and of the kids...my husband has some serious explaining to do about some of his choices of childhood Halloween costumes. Afterwards we went to see some of my husbands friends from high school. We've all experienced life's ups and downs these 20 plus years but the bonds of friendship are just as strong as ever. As I see it, it's always nice to catch up with old friends!
Now I'm off to enjoy what's left of this rainy day with my husband and daughter.
Today we spent time with the in-laws for dinner. I enjoy being able to spend time with family.My mother in law is a total hoot! She drug out old pictures of herself before she was married and of the kids...my husband has some serious explaining to do about some of his choices of childhood Halloween costumes. Afterwards we went to see some of my husbands friends from high school. We've all experienced life's ups and downs these 20 plus years but the bonds of friendship are just as strong as ever. As I see it, it's always nice to catch up with old friends!
Now I'm off to enjoy what's left of this rainy day with my husband and daughter.
quote of the day
The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.
-Theodore Hesburgh
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