One Step at a Time - November 2015

[fennel]

Dottie, I bet Jon would celebrate Christmas with you. Has he gone to church with you? Seems only fair if you're going to temple with him.

Rusty, I'm confident that stbx Mrs. Fen will not be following you to Salt Lake city!
My interview has been moved to Tuesday morning. I'm itching to get out of this house...I love my friends, but I need my own space!

I think it's so sad that Thanksgiving is no longer a day "off" at least if you work in retail. It's disgraceful that every year somebody gets hurt or killed brawling over items or storming the doors when the stores open.

Mama, I hope you heal quickly. I would love to spend Christmas with you, but I'll probably be squiring Mama Fen to relative's homes. She's the matriarch, now...and in high demand!

Sorry you're feeling lousy, Pauly. Does motrin help your symptoms?

Heya, Liz!

[NoraC]

MAE everyone - just wanted to say hi. Rough day today but getting thru it.

[Dottie Belle]

MAE all,
fen yes Jon will celebrate Christmas with me if I want. Just not sure I want to.....might just to Hanukkah with him...
My best friend is having to find a nursing home for her husband. Went with her yesterday to look at a place...we both just cried. I got to Jon's and cried some more. He has Parkinsons and just is too much for her to deal with, he needs 24X7 care...so sad.
Rusty yes our relationship is moving along. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that we both lost spouses and were married for about the same length of time. We have a lot in common and the religion difference is really not an issue for either one of us.
I just came home to let the dogs out and do a few things here.
Life is good but a bit crazy.

[paulywogg]

Hey all,Dots that's sad about your friends husband, how heartbreaking, glad you're enjoying your time with JonI was irritated with having to work today so I only posted a brief hello on the daily thread,I hate feeling grumpy,Nora,what's making the day rough for you? Rusty,its cooold in SLC right now,brrrr,Fen,I agree I think its b.s that stores are open on Thanksgiving, I remember growing up my mom had to get everything she needed for our dinner before or else we were SOL!now all the grocery stores are open,plus now retail stores,hmm,greed! Blankie fort awaits,hot cchocolate,ice cream(drumsticks) a stuffed crust pizza from pizza hut

[fennel]

Hey all,Dots that's sad about your friends husband, how heartbreaking, glad you're enjoying your time with JonI was irritated with having to work today so I only posted a brief hello on the daily thread,I hate feeling grumpy,Nora,what's making the day rough for you? Rusty,its cooold in SLC right now,brrrr,Fen,I agree I think its b.s that stores are open on Thanksgiving, I remember growing up my mom had to get everything she needed for our dinner before or else we were SOL!now all the grocery stores are open,plus now retail stores,hmm,greed! Blankie fort awaits,hot cchocolate,ice cream(drumsticks) a stuffed crust pizza from pizza hut

I'm in the blankie fort tonight, too!

I took my mom to visit her dying cousin today. Hours and hours of driving and sitting, but her cousin is not going to last much longer, so it was very necessary. I am going to be a pall bearer. : (

[paulywogg]

:hug:Fen:hug:

[Lizann]

Aww, fen. My parents neighbor died recently. His son asked my father to be a pall bearer, as they were such good friends. Dad is 86 and respectfully declined as he didn't think he would be able to do it. He was honored to be asked though.
Nora, I'm sorry you had a tough day. I hope tomorrow is better. You're coming home right?
Pauly, save me some of those drumsticks, I'm coming in the blankie fort too!
Rusty, so it's back to work on Monday?
Mama, how are those bruises?
Sorry I haven't been around. Yesterday at work was the day from he**. My sisters and I went out to celebrate our birthdays after work. Gotta tell you yesterday was the day to have a glass or bottle of wine, but we drank tea instead. Today we had our semi annual yard sale at church. Always a lot of laughs, a fun way to spend my day. the kids were all home for dinner:welldone: Erin and I went shopping tonight, got some more of our Christmas shopping done.

[Rusty]

Fen:hug::sad: So sorry you have to go through such a sad time with not only your divorce, but your mom's family. I know it's an honor to be asked to be a pallbearer, but I cannot imagine your sadness. Even though life for you sucks right now, you always take the time to comfort other people. Your mom and her family are lucky to have you, and ex Mrs. Fen and her family will be sorry ex Mrs. Fen made a very bad decision in divorcing you and not seeing the wonderful woman you are.

Liz-GREAT GREAT GREAT job for turning down the wine yesterday. Wow, you've got tremendous strength. So glad you had fun with your family. Getting done with your Christmas shopping already? Wow, good for you!

Nora-sending you hugs through the airwaves. When do you bring your mom back home?

Mama-were you feeling well enough to go on date night last night?

Pauly-have the blues gone away? I bet you like to decorate for Christmas and make your house look amazing. I know I do. :-)

Tomorrow I leave for Salt Lake City and then on to Idaho Falls. Back to work as usual, but a short week. :-) I had a lovely time with my mom yesterday. We watched the Notre Dame game and had lunch. I ran around and did a bunch of errands for her. There was a period of about two years where I would frequently show up at my mom's to "help" her with things and I would already be half in the bag. UGH! I didn't think she noticed, of course, but she did...she didn't want to say anything that might upset me. You know it was odd...I had that habit of the showing up drunk...and then it just went away and it wasn't a white knuckle battle. My journey has been rather unusual in so many ways. I took Baclofen for my extreme anxiety and it really helped.

I really like it on our thread when we inquire about others and show concern for the challenges in other people's lives...even if our lives are going along just fine and we don't post often. It shows compassion and a lack of a self-centered attitude. To me, it's good karma and I think it's part of being a vital part of a community. What do you all think???

Today...it's the gym, lake path walk, and then starting my decorating for Christmas...and beginning the day by going to the lawn and garden center where pre-lit Christmas trees are 50% off! :-) Have a great Sunday, everyone!!

[paulywogg]

Morning my peeps

[Rusty]

Good Morning, Pauly! How are you?

[Lizann]

Rusty, you are just so sweet! I'm glad you had a good time with your mom. Do you live close to your mom? I love to watch football with Erin. Her and I are the only ones into it. She is going to the Giant and her beloved Patriot game today with her husband! I wanted a glass of wine the other night, but with my sissys there, that option wasn't even on the table. Are you buying a prelit tree this year? Hubs and I bought a fake tree 34 years ago for our first Christmas. It's still looking ok, they don't make things like they used to. Hubs leaves the light on now when we take it down. I'm thinking maybe I can get out and walk today. It looks less blustery today. I read when I'm on the treadmill now, so it's not so boring. We shall see. Enjoy your work week. I like this thread too. You guys are my friends and I know I can continue this journey with all the support.
Well off to get ready for church. Taking the younger two kiddies to lunch after and then I will watch the giant patriot game and look for Erin and Dan.
I'll check back later. Have a good Sunday!

[paulywogg]

Shakey Rusty,did some exercise after drinking too much coffee,now I'm eating a few nuts and toast to get it stable,not a good feeling

[Lizann]

Feel better Pauly. Drink some water too!

[fennel]

Thanks, Pauly...Rusty, you make me sound like a saint! My mom is all about her extended Irish Catholic family...it's just the right thing to get her out to visit them. Her cuz is the same age as mom and they've been really close their whole lives. My mom's mom died when my mom was an infant (tragic, tragic story) and my mom used to pretend her cousin's mom was her mom, too. Mom lived with them her senior year of high school when my grandpa moved to town. Mom didn't want to leave the small town she'd grown up in. The shenanigans they got into would have landed them in juvie these days, which I told them yesterday, LOL! They got a kick out of that.

Anyway, you're always so kind. Thanks. I hope you have a great walk today.

Liz, you turned a bad day into a good one- good for you on skipping wine and going for tea! There was a church craft sale in my 'hood yesterday that I wanted to hit, but I didn't get home in time. It only went until three.

Nora, I'm thinking of you. Are you heading home tomorrow?

[fennel]

Pauly, I hate that feeling...I hope it goes away soon!