August Happiness Challenge, Day 31

I made it to the end of the challenge! I knew this month would be busy so I nearly didn't commit to the challenge. I did pretty well, too. I doubled up a couple of times, but I think I only missed one day completely.

Anyway, this final day has been a happy day. 

Tim and I began by going to get blood work done first thing this morning. I had to fast for mine. He didn't, but he skipped breakfast anyway so we could eat together afterward. From breakfast we went on to Sam's Club where we went to kill some time. We picked up a few items we use and found a cool Army play set for our grandson that we'll put away for his birthday or Christmas (both are in Dec.). Then it was on to the pool store for everything we need to winterize the pool and close it up.

When we got home our grandson came to stay with us while his parents and sister went to a big craft show at the fairgrounds. He finally got me to watch Disney's Avatar. I've resisted all these years thinking it wasn't something I'd like at all, so I was surprised by how much I did like it. It was very good and I've promised to watch the next one with him soon. Tim took a nap while our grandson was here. That little bit of running around we did wiped him out. I am praying next week's procedure will help him feel better than he has in a long, long time.

We're just relaxing now. Him with an action movie and me with the computer and then some reading. It's a good time to hunker down. It's hot, gray, still, and close outside. We are under a severe storm watch until later this evening. We need the rain, but I could live without a bad storm.

Anyway, it's a good day. A happy day.

Saturday 9: Morning Train

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Sheena Easton sings about her lover, who takes a train to and from work each day. When is the last time you took public transportation? Where did you go?  Public transportation isn't really a thing in my life. I couldn't even guess when I last took it.

2) His workday begins at 9 and ends at 5. Do your days stick to a predictable schedule?  For the most part. I leave home at 7:00 A.M., my work starts at 8:00 and ends at 3:00. I am home by 3:30-4:00 unless I am with the older man I do companion work with. Then it can be anywhere from 6:00-9:00 before I get home. It depends on what we do. Thankfully, I am only with him 5 hours per week. 

3) In the evening she sings that they may go to a movie, a restaurant or slow dancing ... whatever she wants. Which of those would you choose?  Probably a movie.

4) As a little girl, Sheena Easton performed at family gatherings, not just because she was talented but because she could be a bit of a ham. When you were a kid, were more often shy or outgoing?  I was more outgoing, at least with family.

5) In the late 1980s she was the spokeswoman for Bally's health clubs. Do you have a gym membership?  Hahahahahaha....NO!

6) In 1987 she played Sonny Crockett's love interest on Miami Vice. Were you a fan of the show?  No, I never got into it.

7) This weekend is a good reason to have a picnic or barbecue. The best-selling barbecue sauce flavors are sweet, spicy, and smoky. What's your favorite?  We mostly use Original Sweet Baby Ray's and for a while I really liked a sweet apple sauce that Guy Fieri had. I can't find it anywhere now.

8) Labor Day weekend may offer a golden opportunity for napping and sleeping in. Do you snore?  Tim says I do. He lies.

9) Labor Day traditionally marks the beginning of the fall. Will you be adding any new fall clothes to your wardrobe?  I've already started. I've bought a few cute outfits, jeans, a sweater, and a cozy, plaid, flannel duster. 

Thanks, as always, goes to Sam for the music and questions.

Join in the fun here.

August Happiness Challenge, Days 29 & 30

I apologize for missing a few days. Life has been a little busy.

DAY 29 - The cardiologist they set Tim up with was really on the ball. Not only did he see Tim right away, he worked to get his insurance to approve the neccessary procedure so we can move forward quickly. (That turns out to be kind of important because Tim has severe blockage in several areas.) It makes me happy that we only have to wait until September 9th for Tim to have a heart catheterization and possibly have stents put in at the same time. He actually could have gone September 3rd, but that wouldn't have given him time to get blood work and other things done.

DAY 30 - It's Friday and I have 3 days off from work!

August Happiness Challenge, Day 27

 

Today I am happy and thanking you for your prayers because they found a cardiologist who will see Tim tomorrow (Wednesday) morning!

August Happiness Challenge, Day 26

It's you! All of you guys with your words of wisdom, thoughts, and prayers make me happy. Thank you!

I am feeling a lot better today. Well, mood-wise I am. Physically, my foot and ankle are killing me. I have tendonitis again. It flared up over the weekend and I've been wearing a brace and babying it, but so far it's not helping. I know it takes time. I just have to be patient...and we all know that is not a strong point with me. 

Tim had his test this morning. We don't know any details yet beyond the fact that there is blockage. We don't know where it is or how severe it is. Our doctor's PA is trying to get him an appointment with a cardiologist. So far she found one with an opening in late December and another with an opening in February! She is going to keep trying tomorrow to find him something sooner. That's all we know. I'll update you when I know more. 

August Happiness Challenge, Day 25

I'm trying very hard today, but so far happiness is eluding me. I guess we all have and deserve to have our down days, but I hate them. I hate the weariness and sadness. The lethargy and apathy. The feeling I've wasted a day.

Part of today's mood is brought on by feeling a bit overwhelmed. There is so much that needs doing. In my younger days, when I didn't have pain as a constant companion, I would have been on top of things. I could multi-task like a pro. I HATE that things get away from me now. Or rather that they got away from me. Back in January when I was so sick, I just couldn't deal with anything. Tim didn't deal with anything, either. Everyone else was staying away so they didn't get sick.

I try, but I can't get ahead. With Tim feeling as bad as he does most of the time, he just doesn't do even the minimum. Everything he uses will end up sitting somewhere. He leaves dishes all over. Dirty clothes are left in the bathroom, the living room, the bedroom...everywhere but the hamper. I know he feels awful. Today he slept probably 90% of the day. I have no idea how he manages to get through his days at work. That doesn't make it any less frustrating for me, though.

Tomorrow morning he goes to Pittsburgh for the cardio-pulmonary testing. He was scheduled to go to a different place earlier this month but some number they look at was at 25 for him. So, he has to go to the hospital and have a doctor present. If his sister is correct, the number means his heart function is severely affected. I believe she is. He is in rough shape. I've told him I won't be surprised if they admit him. He is poo-pooing it all.

No one is going with Tim. I can't take off work. Our daughter has to get the kids off to school (first day and all), he wouldn't want my mom along, and none of his family is around. He says he is going straight to work after the test.

So, yeah, my mood is kind of in the toilet today. 

If anything makes me happy it's that I do know God is in control and He will see me through today and tomorrow is a fresh day.

August Happiness Challenge, Day 24

I spent a big part of today with my daughter and granddaughter. 

They took me to a big garage sale this morning where I scored a like-new Vera Bradley bag for $3 and found a whole storage tub full of luau decorations...perfect for the big luau we are having at work next month. My department has been hand making most of the decorations, but this will be a welcome addition. 

After the garage sale we spent the day shopping for back-to-school clothes for the kids. I enjoyed the day with my girls and it made me happy to be able to help out by buying the clothes.