So, I mentioned being down on bed rest. Yea, well, just another stage of this crazy thing called life. Maybe it's TMI or more personal information than I should share; but, since when do I keep anything to myself? :} And why should we? We all have these things that happen, whether we like them or not, that we need to deal with in life. Why shouldn't we talk about it? I think many women, in particular, can relate. For numerous medical reasons, it was time for me to have the dreaded total hysterectomy. Well, dreaded for some (like those who want kids :}); but, not for some others. Sure, who likes major surgery, especially when it involves ripping your insides out? And, no one looks forward to the healing process (which is not very fun!). And not particularly looking forward to the medical bills either. But, for some who are now at my age (Wow, did I just admit that I'm actually older and now at another phase of life? :}), who are done having kids & have allowed it to do what it needed to do (and grateful for the 3 beautiful children it gave me! :}), what is the purpose of hanging on to something that wants to give you so much grief? No thanks! :} I've put it off for years due to time & money, which is silly really, as overall it's taken more time & money to deal with the issues (sometimes my stubbornness wins temporarily :}). So, the time finally came where I could wait no more! And interesting when we talk about timing, as due to the current madness of life, I really needed a break in many ways....mentally & physically! So, maybe this is why it was finally time! And we could talk about other fun issues of medical need & surgical repair; but, we'll go ahead & just let the subject be, and just laugh at "those darn things we just have to put up with sometimes" :} My purpose of this is not to look for sympathy, or whine about "Poor Me"; but, to remind us sometimes we just need to do what we've got to do to take care of ourselves! I know a few of you out there that need to do that!! (Hint Hint...take care of yourselves my loved ones! :})
So, anyway, I wanted to share the joys, and not so much the pains, of my useful time off. I can't believe today is my last day before I go back to work! Waaaaaaaaaa!! :}. And I needed that whole 6 weeks!! As you saw, I got lots of blogging done. This is very therapeutic, I love to share what's in this crazy head/life of mine! :} I have had the pleasure of going through many pictures & re-living some fabulous moments (and, and can't believe how much time has flown!!). This also included going through Lauries' 900+ pictures (ha ha...luv you sis, and luv how you capture the moments!! :}); but, how grateful I am, that she had these...1st her trip here in May, which all the more special now since Dad passed away; and then of her return for the funeral. I teased her when she sent the 1st batch to me in June, wondering when I'd EVER have time to go through those?! Well, how glad I did. Don't worry...I got my rest too! Trust me...this sucked the energy right out of me, I got lots of rest! (people believed it wasn't possible for me to do that; but, it could be done! :}). I also got a chance to write a lot of letters/notes. Whens the last time you sat down & wrote a letter? Some were tough letters actually; but, again therapeutic & I hope they know I just want to share/feel the love & move on from whatever it may be. Life's too short....no time to waist away, ya know?! :} But, I have to say the best part of my time off (OK, well besides the part of knowing that I will finally be feeling better & not dealing w/ it on a constant basis! :}).....was all the love I felt from my family/friends. I was in great hands! Everyone took wonderful care of me, and the house! (I could get used to not having to clean...ha ha! :}). I am so grateful for all the love & support around me! Thanks for all of you who kept the family well fed! (Dylan just wanted to know why he didn't always get to eat that well! :}). I received beautiful flowers/cards. I have to say my favorite was Kaley's flowers she got & made when she went to the $ store. How cute is that? Best flowers ever! :} ($1 for the flowers that won't die, $1 for the frame to put her picture in....smart girl!...and thanks Nicole! :})
I was feeling the love from my co-workers & Jazzerbabes!
I really enjoyed the flowers from Mom & Grandma, since it also involved an afternoon visiting on the patio eating creamsicles together! :} That was my "walk for the day".....loved it!
Jules' many Happy Sunshiney Smiles helped kept my spirits up! :}
Tracy's yummy treats were fun...Go Utes! :}
Moni's "Fun Bag of stuff" was good "bed rest entertainment"....oh, there's that darn puzzle! Ha Ha! :}
I really really wish I got pics with all my fabulous visitors too (you know me...hate to miss capturing a moment myself! :}). I was fortunate to get to visit with some of the best friends through life (and if not actual visit, good phone/Facebook conversations :}). I can not say enough how much it means to me to have the kind of friendship bonds I do. Thank you to all of you who were part of that...know it means so much to me! :} It's odd, just this past week, sadly some of these friends have also lost a parent. We can not be at "that stage" yet...NO WAY! My heart goes out to them, as I know their pain. What I do know is that hanging on to all the happy memories will help them get through this. I hope they allow themselves to laugh at all the quirks & funny moments they had....laughter is the best medicine! (well, unless you're in a lot of stitches, and you're watching a movie like Bridesmaids...ha ha, thanks Tina! :}). As we are now at 3 1/2 months since Dad passed away, I've been grateful to have the time to reflect on him, and what he's taught me. I'm not going to lie, I did miss getting his infamous birthday card (and Mom, I do love yours too!!...but, you know what I mean! :}). Now, I think of him all the more as we go into the holidays, which he truly loved...including Halloween. I can picture him now in his big yellow clown shoes, with his careful selected candy choices & intensely carved pumpkins, excited to see all the trick-or-treaters! He loved the excitement through children's eyes, and was always a kid at heart himself. I loved that about him!! It's going to be hard to not have him there at the holiday celebrations, or when he gets to give the kids their $ from the coin jar! But, I will go into this season feeling very blessed that I have these wonderful memories, and the opportunity to continue sharing these precious moments, and creating new ones, with those I love! (or at least as many of them as I can! :}). I will be grateful of what he helped create, and for teaching me the importance of what it all means! May we all learn from him! Happy Holidays my friends...may YOU feel the love!!
