- I am back to wearing my sport medical bracelet daily again, since it is easier to take on and off when I do the paraffin treatments. I am moderately angry that the bracelets with clasps I could use by myself are so terribly expensive.
- I may have to stop reading It Gives me Hope – some days it makes me more sad than hopeful. It Made My Day, on the other hand, is a keeper.
- I am also phasing out listening to the news- it only gets worse every day and I have enough to deal with already. The decision to be wilfully ignorant seems terribly small-minded, but I think my mental and emotional health will be better for it.
- My doctor confirmed that the MSM lotion is more effective for osteoarthritis than rheumatic, but it’s useful for my skin and encourages me to massage my joints more often, so I won’t call it a complete loss.
- I was woken up at 1:30 this morning by loud neighbours yet again and called the police. Apparently they snuck inside when the police came by. I called the police a second time when they started up again and this time the officer caught them being loud. There was quite a protracted conversation. Things settled down by 3 am, but I could not get back to sleep. I dozed off briefly at 4:30 just in time to take my medication at 5. I managed to doze back off for another half-hour just in time to get up for work. Three hours sleep. It was not a good start to the day.
- I had to fire an employee today. It was awful. For the last 10 years I have always been able to resolve performance issues or help someone transition out to a more appropriate position. However, this employee’s behaviour was negatively impacting the team, our new trainees, and it was damaging our reputation in the department and with our clients. I probably gave too many second-chances and finally had to put my foot down. Also not a good start to the day.
- The latest house bid is grinding on. They asked if we’ll pay the difference if the house is not assessed for the list price. I’m not thrilled about that. It’s not advisable to do so, since we could get caught with paying for something nasty, so we won’t agree to it and run the risk of letting the house go to someone who is willing to eat the difference. House-hunting is 100% harder when you work a full-time job and can’t just step out to deal with these things as they pop up.
- I will fly up to Georgia next weekend for my uncle’s memorial and interment. Hubby will not be able to come, so I will share a hotel room with my parents. Must remember ear plugs because dad snores like a lumberjack. This will be bittersweet to say the least. It will be nice to see some favourite places from my childhood, but difficult without my uncle there. Also, the extended family will be there, many of whom I haven’t seen in 20 years, so that will be strange and stressful.
- And on top of all this, something mysterious is occurring at hubby’s work today. They are probably announcing whether the project contract has been renewed or terminated. The latter would not be a very good way to end the day, to say the least- he’s been there less than a month. I am trying to stay hopeful.
I am very tired and really just need to get through one or two more weeks and then hopefully I will be able to relax a bit. The stress is having a terrible effect on my health though and I’m fairly miserable. Thankfully, my pain levels have been pretty low the last few days- hopefully it will hold out just a little bit longer. I am looking forward to and dreading my sonogram tomorrow- it is uncomfortable and stressful until I get the results. I have not had the pressure in my throat that I had this time last year, so hopefully my goiter nodules are behaving.
Image from We Heart It
*hugs* Oh Elisabeth, I am so sorry to hear about your continued misfortune. Even though I do not comment often, I read your blog daily. I can’t imagine having to deal with alal these on a regular basis. Not sure if there is anything I can do, but I’m here if you need anything. Hang in there!
Thanks dear! Re-reading, it really is rather a sob list, isn’t it? Thankfully, many of these things are of limited duration- work restructuring and the house/neighbour situation will resolve themselves eventually. (But then I’ll have to move! And unpack! And do house things! Angst! Woe!)
I am trying to keep things in perspective though, and it’s not all bad- I just feel like so much of my energy is being taken up by these things that I don’t have any reserves left to spend on the good/fun stuff. I’ve missed two Relay for Life meetings due to doctor appointments already. What I need to do is write more about how great it was to have friends come stay with us, or the silliness playing tabletop games with folks, or how lovey the cats are in this cold weather, lol!
Focusing on the positive sounds like a good strategy. That’s partially why I posted about WW on LJ and not my public blog. I wanted to leave that space to focus on my accomplishments, not my struggles with weight loss that are only important to me since most things I’m skinny enough lol
We need to get together for a game night soon. I keep meaning to plan that, but have been busy. Maybe March is the month for that! đŸ™‚
I love the ladybug picture…that made me smile. It sounds like you are having a hard time keeping your head above water…too many things going on right now in your life. AND no sleep some nights! Take care of yourself today.
xoxomaureen
Ah, the cats in cold weather! I am sleeping on the recliner so I can keep my broken wrist elevated, and Custer waits expectantly until I cover up with the fleece throw, so he can curl up in my lap! One night I woke up to add another throw, and Gremlin joined me, instead. When I woke up in the morning, Gremlin had left and Custer returned, without disturbing me. They are so comforting!