Tag: Stress

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Monday

On By BackporchwriterIn Uncategorized6 Comments

Sneaking a blog entry in this morning but I took my shower last night. Still going in early to work.

Storage dilemma.

Sometimes the early bird gets the worm and sometimes it doesn’t. Yesterday I called to check on the storage place to make sure the guy is still moving out of it on the 18th as we were to take possession on the 19th. I had not gone out to sign anything as they said they couldn’t til he was out. I had a funny feeling. You know I’ve lived life long enough to know that this guy was probably not going to be out right. So it never hurts to follow up and plan. It averts surprises later.

True enough, I call and the owner says “oh I was about to call you”. Oh no. “The guy is not going to be out of the unit yet as his house is not ready”. I say “oh no”. She said “what are you gonna do?” I said “find another storage unit I guess”. I told her I figured that was going to happen and that is why I’m calling. I actually said “good thing I’m efficient, huh?” lol

Anyway, I made a call to another nearby storage place. It’s actually a little closer to Mom but still on the way from our house. We got the one big unit available and I have already given them the account number and they are mailing me the papers. They don’t have an office. The owner runs it by his phone but the boat/marine place next door that he used to own, helps him out if there is an on site problem. George went to Lowe’s and bought a disc lock which is recommended for storage units.

Sunglasses dilemma.

I drive several miles away to Hermitage to drop off my sunglasses to see if they can fix them. I’m asked if I have an appointment. No I’m not being fitted but dropping off broken glasses to be fixed. I’m met with “oh with Covid though you have to have an appointment”. “Just to drop off my glasses? I took off work and drove all the way from Nashville as you all are not open when business people are off in the evenings and weekends, can’t I just talk with the optical folks and leave them my glasses?” I had to leave them at the front desk with a girl named Shaundrette. Who put a sticky note on them with my name and number. They had orders but I had a few of my own. I paid dearly for those sunglasses that broke right after my warranty and I said “can you please put a rubber band around that so it doesn’t fall off. I don’t want to lose my glasses!” Since they would not let me hand them to optical myself, I asked for her name and told her I was holding her responsible for my glasses. I don’t like leaving them at the front desk of the big place. I later thought I was probably ugly, but then I thought no I wasn’t. I didn’t have a tone. I was just letting her know I expected my property to get where it was supposed to go. Later, the Optical place called back. I was going to give them a couple of hours and call and make sure they got my glasses. But they called me first. She said it was out of warranty. I figured that. Funny how my old pair lasted over six years. (I’m having to go back to wearing them so I can drive in the sun.)

The optical lady said she is calling the manufacturer to see if they will fix it or replace it or have a replacement part. If not she is looking for similar frames the lenses will go in. If not I’ll have to buy new ones. I don’t want the frames of my old ones b/c I like the style of my new ones. I just wish they were more durable. I want what I want especially when I’ve paid dearly for them. And of course they did not last. I may find out what brand they were so I don’t buy those again. I don’t abuse my glasses. I always take care of them. So I am NOT a HAPPY camper. I even thought about using a different place but I want to see if they can give me a deal. I will let them know that I’ve never had a pair of glasses that broke so quickly and that this was my first time to use their company’s glasses. Things are too expensive to have to buy prescription glasses every year. No ma’am. That will only happen once, I say.

YAY. No Masks at Work – Finally

The dawn finally came. We got the memo we don’t have to wear masks. It came with two pages of disclaimers and FAQ’s. We still have to wear them to go in the building and take our temps. If we don’t have a temp then we can take off the mask. ok. So somehow I can make myself wear it for the 15 seconds to walk in the door and take temp. So I am wearing make up today, full on. I’ve noticed most employers have relaxed their requirements as well. Except for doctors offices. But that is understandable. Well maybe not the optical place, but….whatever.

How to Like and Subscribe on YouTube

Several people have asked how to like or subscribe. I guess you probably have to sign up, to subscribe and like things, but I could be wrong. It’s been so long since I joined. No cost. I think you just have to have an email and a password- it’s just like anything else on the internet. If you sign up, though you can subscribe or like away for sure. Then you find things you like and subscribe and get notifications when they have new content. Here is what it looks like on my phone. Keep in mind this is going to look a little different as it is MY channel but it will look similar on your phone or tablet. You select the video you want to watch or like or leave a comment on.

And it has a place to give a thumbs up, subscribe, or leave a comment. If you don’t see those options then try signing up and I bet you will!

Hope that helps. I have a couple of new subscribers this time. So I appreciate that. And I think it had 48 views in the first 48 hours, so that is good. I will take it. It’s nothing compared to most but if 48 of my friends / blog buddies checked it out, that is at least something! 😉

A little Bit of Good, A little Bit of Bad!

Unloaded my work bag full of goodies for the week. You can’t see the peach.

My office space is below. Not sure what made me want to take the pic. I am hearing we will be moving in January ish to a new location that is a further drive. My guess is it will take me an hour or so. I’m not a happy camper about that. Not sure even how long I will be able to do that. We’ll have to see how it goes. I have no desire to spend that kinda time on the road twice a day nor deal with that dangerous interstate down there. So I’m really not sure what will happen when that happens.

Why things have to get all mixed up – I don’t know. One thing is certain right? Change happens. And when it does it changes more than just a few things. Adjustments have to be made as does decisions and so forth. You figure out what you are willing to adjust or settle for and what won’t work at all. And go from there.

Mom got to See her Grandchildren for the fist time in two to three years.

My sister’s husband, my nephew and niece and the nieces boyfriend went to get the desk my sister wanted that was my father’s. So Mom got to see them. I was so happy that I actually cried. I’m glad Mom got to see them before she left town. It’s sad what family squabbles can do. It breaks my heart. I think what if I wasn’t able to have had my own grandparents in my life, how sad it would be. I was so close to them.

I was stressed after the day’s struggles last night so I fixed my comfort food, spaghetti and listened to a nice YouTube relaxing music channel. So nice. I took a pic and cropped the scene on my phone. I think I will clean house to this next time I get a chance. I think it’s been almost 3 months since I’ve been able to dust, lol. Seriously. We have not been home! Ok maybe 2. But it could be 3. I did a nice cleaning around Easter. Dead serious. I’ve only had time to do laundry and blog and make videos, LOL. Not willing to give up my creative time. It keeps me sane.

Better go to work. I’m 20 minutes over what I meant to spend doing this. So gotta hurry now.

Ya’ll take care.

Dinner out with Family, Stress Levels, Blood Pressure, Time Shortage

On By BackporchwriterIn Uncategorized8 Comments

We had a grand time with extended family last night at Margarita House in the Providence area of Mount Juliet. Left to right, Me, Aunt Felicia (back), Susan (front), George and cousin Mollie! NO it wasn’t George’s birthday but we had a photo app and took it! I called us the Fabulous Five for the evening. It was so much fun we vowed to do it again in another quarter or so! I loved hearing the stories and reminiscing on George’s side of the family. Lots of laughter. It’s been a good week for smiles and laughter.

The fajitas were good. The steak and shrimp was exceptionally good as were the peppers and onions with their chargrilled taste. The chicken was a bit mushy though. It wasn’t really very good. I’m not sure what happened there except maybe it was overcooked or something, so I ate all the shrimp and steak and left the chicken. lol

I Get the Moderna Vaccine Today

So I get my Moderna shot today around lunch time. And then I will get something through a drive thru for lunch on the way back. I might oughta eat first to tell you the truth. Not sure if there will be a wait or what. I’m a little nervous about it.

Stress and Blood Pressure

Also my blood pressure was worse this morning. It was 165/89 the first time and I took it three times. The longer I sat there, each time it got better. It was 149/88 at the lowest. I don’t know why the meds are not working anymore. However, it’s been almost 24 hours since I took it. I take it in the mornings when I get to work. That seems the best time to take it.

I really need some solitude and some down time. I would like to take the rest of the day off today, but it’s quarter end and I’m going to need all the vacation time I have to get Mom where she needs to be the rest of the year with this move and doc appointments and such. On the other hand, I’m no good to anyone if I stroke out. But I’m sure I’ll head back over to work like a good little girl. But I covet the thought of just being able to come home and get things done that have been nagging at me, getting laundry started, dinner started and chilling out. But I guess that won’t happen.

My to do list is stacking up as we have not had ANY free time at home to get anything done but just eat and sleep. And most of our weekends we will be gone to pack up Mom’s house. I’m trying to meditate some as I can find a few seconds (bathroom stall to be quite honest, TMI!!!) for just a moment of deep breathing and releasing and letting go and just letting the thoughts come in and go out.

There are some things I want to do in the house with housework, shower gift to wrap and get in the mail, moving things around a bit to make room for Mom’s stay here, and not to mention all the personal “to do’s” that I have.

Time Shortage

Photo by Jordan Benton on Pexels.com

Anyway, I just need some rest and rejuvy time but there is none to be had. We’ve pretty much gone about 3 weeks straight with no down time and it’s really starting to wear and tear and show in my mind and body. I’m trying to hold it together. My mind and body is also requiring a full 8 hours sleep and honestly that does not seem to be good enough. It’s so hard to get up in the mornings. One morning I slept through two alarm clocks and George had to wake me.

Self – Care

I’ve also decided I want to go shorter on my hair as I’m having to mess with it so much to get it to work. It’s hard for me to cut the back. So I think I will move up my appointment and that will help me to get a bit more time in the morning. If we can get rid of the masks soon I’ll start wearing makeup.

I’ve also decided that I’m going to start getting my nails done again as a treat to myself. I don’t ever have time to do them now as it takes a good hour or so with the filing, painting, and drying time and such so I don’t mess them up. I don’t have an hour every week to do it now. So I think I’m going to make an appointment and what they do will last 3 weeks. That will save 2 hours a month! lol Then when I retire I will go back to doing them on my own.

Life is Good

Life is good though. I just have to get settled and figured out and adjusted in this year’s new normal. We’ve been used to a slower pace. I’m happy and content and excited about getting Mom up here so we can be with her and help her. She is excited about the new place. But I do need to see what is going on with the BP. I am going to monitor it for about a week and see if this is just a fluke b/c of all the additional stress lately or if it’s truly the meds are not working anymore. It may be he needs to adjust the meds. So I’ll monitor for a few days and then make a doc appt I guess. Or call. Maybe he will just change the prescription.

In the mean time I’m also trying to figure out natural ways to reduce the BP levels and the stress! So Ya’ll take care and say a few prayers for me to get straightened out. I’m thankful for the weight loss tracker though – b/c I’d not known that my blood pressure was high. I knew I was stressed a bit, but didn’t know the meds were not working it’s magic.

Off to work…always off to somewhere…

Anticipation, Lack of Sleep, and Flooring Postponed

On By BackporchwriterIn Uncategorized11 Comments

Just a little pop in today. I am trying to be happy with love and joy! However, my sleep has been horrible this week. The last two days I’ve slept in the spare bedroom on top of a quilt and another quilt on top of me, so as not to disturb Mom’s sheets. She will be back to spend the night Saturday night.

The spare bedroom though has not helped my sleep any. Last night for no reason at all I tossed and turned between 1:30 and 4. Finally went to sleep but the first alarm goes off at 4:30 and I kept hitting snooze. It was just unbearable to think of getting up. I’m not sure I hardly opened my eyes wide until after coffee was made and shower taken. Most of shower was with eyes closed. I worried I’d fall asleep in the shower!

My muscles are hurting a bit too this morning. I am thinking it’s all intertwined. I wanted to call in for a PTO day and just sleep today. But I have to sign checks and I despise calling in on a day that was unplanned/unscheduled. So I’m forcing myself to move today. But I feel like death warmed over.

Anticipation is Stressful

All in all, I think it’s really the house thing with Mom. I think I’m worried over it and want her to be signed and locked in this deal. I will feel better tomorrow after the meeting I think – once I know she is signed and sealed. There is a gap in the value of the house she is selling and the house that is being built. For her to move up here, it is going to be that way with any place with an HOA and the houses just keep going up and up. Her other choice would be to stay with us I guess b/c she can’t stay down there with no help and we just can’t be down there to give her the help she needs and will need. She doesn’t want to rent, as that is throwing money away. There are just no flat condos anywhere much and she won’t have a townhouse, even if she just stayed on the bottom floor. So her options are very limited and she will be very selective as to what options she will do so I really really really want this to work tomorrow. If it doesn’t I think we’ll all be devastated.

I hope the sellers/builders will give her a break being a Christian woman and a widow. I hope they give her a break on the price and the upgrades. Lord knows we have prayed EVERY day. Several times a day. Everything is leading in this direction as WIN WIN for all. As long as the money works.

Mom talked with a realtor about her house yesterday and it’s value. It’s right on the spot about where George said it would be. I think she should list for more than the realtor told her. Maybe she needs another realtor for 2nd opinion, says George. As he quoted on the lower end of George’s range of possibilities. Anyway Mom is not signing to sell her house yet til she meets with the folks on the new place tomorrow to hopefully sign. But if the deal is not right, I think she is prepared to walk away. So I’m hoping sleep will be better Saturday night. If this deal does not go through, I know that personally, my hope will be shattered and I will flat feel like giving up. Not to mention how sad Mom will be. But I know though that God has this. And we just have to trust in Him. I just kinda feel in my heart it will work out and I hope that we are not all disappointed.

I do know this. I am tired. I am very tired.

This came in the mail from BoysTown, as they send free things to you when you give to their cause. They sent this along with some seed packets. I think I would like to plant the seeds. But I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep up with the watering and weeding. So we’ll see.

Working on the To Do List and Trying to Relax

I was able to do a couple of things yesterday afternoon – a load of laundry since we won’t be here much this weekend. I checked out some new dentists a couple of days ago, and yesterday I checked to see which one was on the dental plan. So I want to set up an appointment with the new one and cancel my old one. I was not particularly enthralled with the one that came in after my favorite one retired. He was not very thorough, not very inquisitive, and just didn’t seem to be in the moment. It’s too early to tell I guess, but what really set me off was that I asked for George an appointment to get his crowns glued back in. I think he has three that came out. I told her this twice as she was setting the appointment. The first appointment they cancelled as the dentist had something else going on, but he didn’t get the word – that was part his work’s fault b/c they have a building where cell phones can’t come through. So a wasted afternoon off work and a drive in. The next time they rescheduled they gave him a cleaning and would not put in his crowns. They scheduled him with the hygienist and not the dentist I guess. So he has to come back a 3rd time. I already deal with people who don’t listen in my life, so I have no plan on dealing with a dentist office that can’t even set an appointment correctly. I was already on the fence and when George said he was having trouble, that made up my mind to change. It’s really out of the way for me to go that direction anymore. I’d rather have somewhere closer here anyway. They must have a lot of people leaving because they have openings and are begging patients to come in for sooner appointments if needed.

I also got to watch a YouTube show and that was relaxing. Of course George and I eat and watch a show on Netflix. We are watching Designated Survivor with Keiffer Sutherland as president, lol. We are enjoying the show.

Flooring Postponed until We Have More Time

I also picked out our flooring places and saw where they are. I told George we could wait until we have a free Saturday instead of trying to cram in so much into a Saturday. I’m a little disappointed about that as I’ve had my heart set on that after Easter. I am truly about ready to move out of the house myself if we don’t get this nasty carpet out of here. I’m done with carpet. Maybe forever! Ok with rugs as they can easily come and go but carpet – ugh! The new flooring is going to make our place look incredible. And I can’t wait. But I will have to schedule a Saturday once we get Mom’s doings settled where I can sneak a Saturday in for myself.

Anyway, I need to head off to work. I’m about to come alive, thanks to coffee. I think I will have to try to pump myself with hydrate drink, vitamins, and maybe some greens drink today. I need a lifting somehow. I’m just flat deflated right now. And Roger says “hello”. He lifted his head to say goodnight as I went to bed. Since Maisy has gone, he has shared his love to me, just as he does to George. He loves to see me. He still has his Dad as his favorite, but he seeks me out. He knows I’m the “treat lady”. He knows I love him and will pet him. Bless his heart, when you pet him he falls over. He’s muscles are tired and he gets off balance.

Stay Tuned for the Outcome. Will Mom sign? Or not?

Ya’ll have a good day today. I’ll likely not post until probably Sunday unless I just get a crazy minute. And then I will let you know if it’s GOOD NEWS or BAD NEWS. Will Mom be able to get the house or did she lose it? And if she loses it, what then? Let’s not even think that. I just want this to be a done deal so I can’t get it off my mind wondering what is going to happen.