A normal day consists of at least one visit to my dad, who is still in the hospital and many short stop overs to my mom´s who is alone at home. She refuses to consider any kind of live in help so we have to be watching over her. Luckily I have my sister and bother who are both helping too. We try to take turns who goes when.
But it is an extra burden and stressful for all of us. The doctors don´t really know why the medications are not helping my dad. This week they are trying some new antibiotics. We´re hoping for improvement.
Other than that I´m at work and trying to keep my household together. I have not decorated anything for Christmas yet and the Christmas spirit is not being "felt". I see all the decorations in the stores and hear the Christmas music and it´s like something that doesn´t touch me. It´s weird, it´s like watching something from the outside, looking in. Hopefully it will change yet.
The other thing that is also taking up a lot of time, is trying to lose weight. I try to walk at least an hour 5 times a week, so that keeps me busy too. I´m feeling great though and much more confident. Here´s a pic of the new me....... so far.
Hopefully I´ll get to my goal weight. I´m about half way there.
Yes, and then there´s Christmas coming. In one month!! I can´t believe it. There is a work Christmas party coming up next week and of course our ladies group has something planned too. I´m looking forward to sharing lots of laughs with my friends and having a glass of Sidra. Sidra is a typical drink that is sold only around the holidays and is made from pineapples or apples. It´s a sider and is the one thing that usually brings me into the Christmas spirit. haha
So posting will continue irregularly. We are thankful, that all is well in our own family. The girls are doing good and we are happy about that. Summer is heating up and we are thankful also for air conditioning. Without it I could not imagine living here.
Wishing all our friends near and far a blessed advent.
27 comments:
You look simply wonderful! I am so proud of you, as I know, how hard it is!
You look great!!!!
Looking good, Miss Betty!!! Keep up the good work!
You are looking great, Betty. I hope the doctors can figure out what is going on with your dad and that he will feel better and maybe be able to go back home. That would be a nice Christmas present I do believe! I know it is hard on you all looking in on your mom; I wish she would consider a little help to help you all out, especially her. All we can do is learn for our parents and make different decisions when we age!
I so understand about the Christmas spirit, Betty. I do hope you get some this year. I kind of force myself to every year, but this year so far its been a real struggle. But all in all, despite it all, we are thankful for the Savior being born and for the joy we have in him, no matter what else might be going on in our lives!
Glad to hear the girls are doing great! Do enjoy your celebrations at work and with your circle of friends!
betty
We have been stuck in that 'sandwich' situation several times now, with parents and some beloved family members. I understand exactly the stresses you are feeling...as well as the un-Christmas feelings, too. But on the bright side, you look LOVELY, my friend! Good job! ((((((HUG)))))
Betty...love the picture. YES...the confidence is evident!!! You look great. Keep up the hard work. Wow. An hour a week...you go girl. I am fighting to get back to 20 minutes a day....help.
What a hard time with your parents. Like I said in my blog...we are going through that with Rich's Mom and Dad. They should not be living at home. It is only a fall away from the hospital. She fell twice while we were there...slipping to the floor on too slick wood floors. We tried to talk them into doing something about the floor...but it was not happening. Sorry you are struggling through this friend.
It's busy here too, but you have the additional issue of the hospital.
You are looking just great! I'm so proud of you~!
Great pic. You have a full plate and you seem to be balancing things well. Do not be too hard on yourself as you have to take life as it comes.
Betty - you look fabulous!!! Congratulations. Sorry to hear about your dad and mom. Such a difficult time of life. Take care of yourself. Good to read your post. I've missed you.
I was grateful for air conditioning this summer too! Now, I'm grateful for heat. LOL
I certainly don't envy your situation with your parents. I am not looking forward to those times, but I know they're coming.
I got a very special package in the mail yesterday! I'll email you soon!
Watch out for any strong winds. We don't want you blowing away!
I'm sorry to hear about your dad. I hope and pray that he will heal and that life can return to "normal" for you and your family.
Keep up the good work with the walking!!!
You look fantastic! Good for you. I know what you mean about Christmas. I hear the songs at the stores and just feel sad and apart from it all because I lost my grandson in August. However, I am determined to be cheerful about Christmas because of my other grandchildren.
I hope your father is well soon and everything goes fine with your mother. I can imagine how busy you must be since you work and have children also. God bless and help you.
I'm holding onto November until the very last here. It's not for lack of Christmas spirit (although I'd prefer to be an ostrich and bury my head in denial for a few more days) but my husband doesn't think it is right to decorate before December.
You look wonderful: congratulations on the results from your hard work!
But I am so sorry to read that your dad is still hospitalized, and of course the situation with your mom. Being a caregiver is hard work, too. I'm glad that you & your siblings are taking turns and that you are still taking care of yourself with exercise.
I know how hard it is to take care of ailing parents. Hang in there. Enjoy the moments with them best you can. I think you look great! Nice job with walking and getting into shape. What bridge is on the top of your page? Is it the Ravenal in Charleston?
You look great! Hoping and praying for your dad to get better soon.
I can't imagine you getting into summer when we are wearing hat and mittens.
You are so pretty Betty, very pretty.
I'm sorry that you dad is not improving and your mama is so stubborn. I know about that, at least mine are a county next door so I can walk over there any time.
You blog when you can, you just be sure to take care of yourself.
Blessings my friend!!
Last year someone in our family tentatively, hesitatingly, suggested we quit getting each other presents. That was easy! Everyone was on board for that. We enjoyed ourselves so much and plan on the same this year.
Hi Betty, I'm sending prayers to your dad and your family. I know how hard it is when someone you love is hospitalized and another is home alone-- It's a lot to keep us with. I hope your dad is on the mend and the new medications make a significant improvement.
In the meantime, you're looking GREAT!!! KEep up the good work.
xo jjk
You look great Betty!
Wow - you look great!
Hope your dad gets better soon.
You look great! And, the walking probably helps with the stress of worrying about your parents, so not only is a good thing for your weight loss it is a great thing for you emotionally too. Hang in there and just enjoy Christmas, I think with all your stress you are seeing Christmas as more stress, decorating and un-decorating, it is work!
You look wonderful! Never give up! It is so much harder to lose it at our age, so just have patience. You seem to have a lot on your plate these days. I'll say a little prayer for both of your parents.
Enjoy the season, and blog when you can!
Betty, you look fabulous!!! Congratulations! I'm working on getting my weight to where it's supposed to be also.
I'm so sorry about your mom and dad. That is a worry that can cloud out Christmas cheer for sure. I'll be thinking about you.
I wished I could be there to help! Not much more to say. I am so sorry that you have to be so busy with Mom and Dad.
Just 2 of my friends here had to go home quickly, because their mom died. One from South Africa and the other from Scotland. After that I was thankful, that Dad at least is not in life danger. At least that's what we hope!!!!
Hi. You really do look great Betty! Keep up the good work! I hope I can soon report progress too! :) I'll be praying for you and your siblings as you care for your parents. Tell your dad he's in our prayers too, and your mom too. Relaxing with your friends and family will make a happy holiday time for you! People don't give Christmas much thought here--it's only been "allowed" for a few years. It's a little strange to get used to. How is it where your sister is? Have a nice weekend!
I'm not sure why but places here don't do much decorating. Street decorations are left up year round, so it doesn't seem any different. And I'm not hearing any Christmas music when we are out shopping. I told Ivan last night I want to find the CD player and start playing Christmas music myself -- now if I can only unearth the player in one of the boxes yet to be unpacked...
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