This week has been a bit strange. I have worked much less than I wanted to, so many kids I work with are on vacation or sick. Several have left my care to move back in with a parent or to move to a new forever home. I am so thrilled for these little ones yet that is leaving a hole in my schedule that I need to fill. I am trying to go with the flow and not panic which is my go to reaction. I am always one to worry about everything even those things out of my control.
This was Little Buddy's last week of summer camp. He is very sad it is over as it has been so much fun for him. He has made progress in socializing with his peers, and although he is the oldest child there he still has more progress to make. I am blessed there is a safe place for him to go where he is loved and I don't have to worry about him. So there is one worry off my checklist!
He did indeed have a stomach bug last weekend, one that traveled my way on Tuesday. I had to stay home from work for a whole day, another thing I am not used to. I work with several little ones who have had heart transplants, you can not be even a tiny bit ill around them. It was nice to have a day to myself. Well if you can call snuggling with two fur boys all day being all by myself. They kept me company as I watched the series Outlander and tried to crochet. If I am honest I am trying to like this series but I am struggling with it. I read most of the first book and stopped reading because of all the sex and torture. I am no prude but really enough is enough. I am finding the same thing with the show. Do we really need to see that much? I am now fast forwarding through all the prison/torture scenes and frankly whenever the two main characters are together. I just want to see how the story progresses without all of that. I never watch murder shows, any police dramas and the like, I just don't want all that in my brain even if it takes place in a fictional series 200 years ago in Scotland.
I did not have any time to feel lonely the one day I was home, I mean look at Hank's face, he is so adorable. And Bear is constantly showing his belly for unlimited belly rubs and falling asleep with one leg way up in the air. These two are so full of joy. It is hard to be in a bad mood when they are playing or asking for attention. They spent some time snuggling on my bed again on Thursday after my round of Botox shots for my headaches and neck pain. This weekend has been about adjusting after the shots, I am always a bit sensitive, queasy and head-achy for a few days after I get them.
School starts back in less than a month. I feel the summer is screeching past me at a rapid speed. I still have not been to the beach, the zoo or even the splash park again with Little Buddy. With private patients on weekend mornings there is just not enough time. By the time I am done with them it is way to hot out to go on an outside adventure. See, worrying again about things out of my control. Still Little Buddy has had a fun summer and there are still days left we can go on an adventure or two. So I am taking a deep breath, relaxing before my busy week starts, trying to be grateful for all I have, for all of my boys with fur and with skin, for time with a friend yesterday and time to myself this afternoon. Life has a way of balancing out if you let it.
Have a great week my friends.
Life DOES have a way of balancing out; all we have to do is try to remember that and allow it to happen. That is the hard part, and I know that.
ReplyDeleteStill, try to enjoy the few gaps in your usually busy schedule and take this time to rest, relax, and enjoy these rare downtimes. You may have a long, long time until you see them again.
I've found that I'm in no mood for serious, violent, or brainwork-type shows lately. I need lighter fare. So I watch funny things like "Nailed It", which is so upbeat and fun that I truly enjoy it. Or I watch "Queer Eye", which is uplifting. These are both on Netflix.
I feel the same way about the Outlander series; it’s not my cup of tea. . . too much violence. I can recommend a novel that you would love, Susanna Kearsley’s The Rose Garden. As with the Outlander series, the main character travels back in time and fines romance and adventure. There is little violence in this novel. As a two time cancer survivor, I take great care to fill my mind and spirit only with positive, uplifting things. :-)
ReplyDeleteDon’t feel bad about not getting to the splash park with Little Buddy as he has been to camp and went on a fun road trip with you.
Oh those puppers... so cute!
ReplyDeleteI've not read the Outlander books, but I do watch the series. However, I watch it for the costumes/scenery, and all the characters around Jamie and Claire... those two are both twits!
July is nearly gone ....already? Plan is to visit the coast next month and stay one night. Not gone on trips much this year. Enjoy the good moments in your day to day life. Remembering them helps in the whacky times. Glad Buddy has enjoyed summer camp and am grateful for those who love on him and other children. They need that! I don't watch much tv anymore. But find shows I do like is frustrating at times. Hugs to you and praying you feel better after your shots. Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteI haven't even been tempted to watch Outlander for the reasons you brought up. I'm so sorry it's been a week of "stuff" for you. I understand worry. My big sister says I was born worrying. I try not to, really I do, as I'm sure you do. It's so hard to change that kind of thing.
ReplyDeleteYour boys are so sweet. All three of them. I can't imagine smiling at the fur babies antics. And you're a GREAT mom. I'm sure your little guy doesn't even realize that you have done some of those things with him.
I hope this is a wondeful week for you Meredith. Full of blessings and peace.
Blessings,
Betsy
We've watched Outlander from day one and I have to admit, the prison scenes made me cover my eyes and very uncomfortable, but once past those episodes it's better and I enjoy the adventures, costumes, characters and all. Have you watched the series "Longmire" on Netflix? We loved and binge watched 6 seasons.. I'm bummed it's over. Give it a try. Sorry for your health challenges.. life can be so tricky. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteSorry you've been ill, I hope you're all better very soon, from the shots as well. I haven't watched Outlander, but I know what you mean about murder etc. - sometimes it is all too much to be entering my head and my subconscious. I am also a worrier, I completely understand that thing about worrying about everything. Sometimes I don't know which thing to worry about next. Quite a lot of the time in fact! But I try and block it out as much as I can. I hope you have some good trips out at some stage, but it looks as if your Little Buddy is having a pretty good summer anyway. Sometimes hanging out at home is the very best thing. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteI hope both you and Little Buddy are now feeling better after your bug. I'm a worrier too, it can be exhausting at times and even though you know that worrying won't change anything, there's just nothing you can do to stop. Awww, Hank and Bear are such big boys now and as for Little Buddy, from what I've seen he's had a great time recently and he won't even notice that you haven't done the things you had planned.
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way about Outlander. Hated the book so I didn't even attempt watching the show. Having said that I think it is strange that I loved Game of Thrones so much after I struggled with the first few horrific episodes. I'm sure this says something profound about me but I'm not sure what. Lol....
ReplyDeleteI'm not a worrier, but I can sympathize with your angst; life gets hard sometimes. I'm glad Buddy likes camp--he is adjusting and having a loving home is his foundation! The dogs look so sweet--a big pile of furry bellies! lol
ReplyDeleteHave a good week!
sorry you had the stomach flu (so not fun). The camp sounds delightful for your son and it appears he is making great strides while being there, there is nothing like feeling good as a parent and not worrying! I cannot believe that school will be starting up and I will be back to babysitting! I haven't achieved any of my goals.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are feeling better. Your dogs look so happy and affectionate. I don't care for violence, either. I would much rather spend time in nature, or read a book. Enjoy your crocheting. It's so relaxing.
ReplyDeleteI don' t like the PLANTED sex and violence that so many of these shows put in for the viewers who need that level of interest. I started liking the show and as it progressed it just got too raunchy. No thanks Call me a prude, I don't need that.
ReplyDeleteSorry you felt sick. That is so yucky.
The fact that lil b had a great time at camp is so wonderful to hear.
I hope you have a campout indoors and lil b can stay in a tent INSIDE over night > complete with flashlights and all that fun.
I had to skip over the prison scenes too but I love the love and passion that Jamie and Claire have for each other. Glad you are feeling better and that you had some snuggle buddies to keep you company.
ReplyDeleteafter reading another wonderful post and all the comments... I wonder what it says about our society that the seemingly most popular shows are those with graphic torture and war and sex? !!! are people bored now with wonderful stories of simple people? are they corny? I just watched Sleepless in Seattle last night. it was just as delightful now as when it was made! and the music.
ReplyDeleteoh my.
Bear with his little exposed tummy and sweet Hank and those eyes... just total love. you're SO lucky!
and sending you special get well soon wishes and swift recovery from the necessary botox shots. this summer has been brutal all over the world!
maybe I shouldn't say it... but I'm ready for FALL!!! XOXO
Sadly I have not been a fan of Outlander either, I never did finish the book and never started watching the series. Sorry to read you are once again in pain but hope the shots help. Always a joy to see your boys, the hairy variety and of course Little Buddy.
ReplyDeleteI hope your stomach bug is but a vague memory now and that you feel much better. Your injections don't sound pleasant either, I hope you don't have to have these too often. Fingers crossed the headaches stay away. Summer camps are fun for little ones (and not so little ones, too). Mine are enjoying one this week. I always think the actual age is not so important in the children, their emotional age seems to matter more. James (12) is probably two years younger emotionally, which is very evident when he plays with his peers. He just doesn't fit in. He is much more comfortable with slightly younger children. Have a lovely week my friend xx
ReplyDeleteHi Meredith,
ReplyDeleteSorry that you have been unwell and unsettled but it is important to sometimes just STOP and have an entire rest day. That is my day today after too many weeks of doing too much and getting headaches myself.
Yet again, Meredith, we are like-minded when it comes to content on TV and other media. I am not interested in violence, crime or soap operas for that matter - there are so many real-life tragedies and dramas: why create fictional ones? What purpose does it serve? In an age of over-stimulation and mass communications which are affecting the mental and emotional health of people, do we really need to know EVERY bad thing that happens without a balance of all the MANY GOOD THINGS going on in the world?
You are on the right track deciding to limit exposure to negative imagery for a healthy life. Once seen, things cannot be 'unseen'.
It's wonderful that summer camp has been a success with LB. That should make up for not having been to the splash park etc. but do you think LB is even worried about things you haven't done? For young children, it's not what you do but who you are doing it with and how one feels with that other person. You don't need to leave your home to create those special times with children -it can be as simple as playing lego or sharing storybooks. Do whatever is within your capacity these holidays and not be so hard on yourself when you can't meet high expectations.
I hope you are feeling better and without headaches by the time you read this. Take it easy and trust that things will fall into place as the new school year rolls around. xx
Sometimes it is best not to find ways to fill your time because the busyness will always find its way back. I'm with you on all violence and sexual scenes and even too much cussing gets to me. I'm no prude for sure. But honestly, is all that necessary? No matter what channel my husband flips to, and he's good at channel flipping :), it's nothing but murder and beating each other up. There's enough chaos and craziness in the world. I definitely do not need to fill my head with any more.
ReplyDeleteOh Summer, You just get used to it and its gone!
ReplyDeleteI share your opinion of Outlander. Just not a fan but I do love those furry pups of yours! I don't know what's cuter...the furry belly or those puppy pads! :-)
ReplyDeleteI do hope you find time for your summer outings -- and just for yourself. I don't know how you do it. One of the positives of working for a public school is that I have summers off. Well, I used to have them off. These days I do have unpaid summer work, but I can do it my own schedule.
ReplyDeleteSeeing LB with buddies made my heart sing. Social skills are so important -- and kids are happiest when they have friends. It's not easy, though, to find the right serendipitous situation for each student. There is a student who I have worked for the last four years (he'll graduate next year and I will miss him!). He is on the spectrum and had such a hard time finding friends until he joined the Tyko drumming club at our school. Now he feels like he belongs!
I haven't checked out Outlander in any of its forms yet. Like you, I have a limited tolerance for steamy sex and violence. I see why people love Game of Thrones, but I cannot take the violence. On the other hand, I love seeing a person with dwarfism as a sex symbol!
I hope you are feeling better!
I've just been catching up on your recent blog posts. Happy belated birthday to Buddy. I think 8 is one of those milestone birthdays. I remember feeling grown up at 8! Pleased to see that he has had a good summer and many more weeks still to come.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to find a balance between working and earning and family. I constantly struggle with it but am much better than I used to be. As you say sometimes it is out of our control. In those slumped times I try to let go and enjoy the time as a gift rather than a pest but it is hard of course. Have a good week. Jo xxxx
ReplyDeleteSounds like Buddy had a great Summer and had a lot of fun that is great to hear! the pupply snuggles look so cute and sweet. The Summer is flying by I can't believe it is August this week. I will also try to enjoy the last bits of it before fall comes but I love Fall too and it is a good time for knitting! Have a great week :)
ReplyDeleteI missed this post before going away camping with my youngest daughter and her husband July 27-August 4. I am sorry you and Little Buddy had the flu and am glad you recovered and Little Buddy had fun at summer camp. Enough is enough for me, too, especially in the visual area of entertainment...we can be privy to too much horror. I hope you get to go on some happy adventures before summer ends and that you know much joy! xx
ReplyDelete