TGIF Where is Everybody?

Need a coffee refill.

I'm back.

I have had an interesting week.  Finding out I can go to Pennsylvania, but then needing to figure out rides to take Utley to the dog sitter's, then a ride to the doctor Tuesday morning, then a ride to Detroit Airport, two hours away.  But, I had everything arranged in 24 hours, thanks to my awesome friends at church, especially the church secretary.  She told me about a bus company that makes runs between Michigan State's campus and the airport, for $30.  A huge answer to prayer.  One friend is taking Utley and me to the dogsitter, in my car.  Another is taking me to my appointment, then dropping me off at the hotel where the bus picks up.  A huge answer to prayer.

Been thinking about Vickie and Jeannie, and the issues with untreated mental illness.  I'm reading an excellent book about the subject.  "A Common Struggle," by Patrick Kennedy.  It's about mental illness and addiction treatment, the stigmas, and his personal journey growing up a Kennedy with those problems.  Well written, and well researched.  I know from my experience personally and professionally, that some people would rather deny they have a problem, because of the stigma, than face it and get treatment.  I recommend it to anyone interested in this subject.

Mary, I am so happy that you are enjoying your volunteer work.  I had hoped you would find it rewarding.

Connie, I hope you are able to have some days with less pain.  It makes me sad that you are suffering so much.  Wish I could stay by you, and keep you company for a few days.  

I have tons to do, and not sure what order to do it.  Sometimes I wish God had given me my daughter's ability to organize my time.  She has a special gift.

Hugs,

Trish

Trish and Ladies,

I have been so busy today that I've barely had time to turn around. I wanted to get started on my budget that isn't due till July but if I get started now, by the time July comes around, I'll be 100% sure how much money I need for the center. And, today was the last day for finals and I had to enter my students' grades and I hate doing that because my computer times out and then I have to refresh and you now, it's crazy.

Trish, when my daughter was younger, we went for therapy every week. Very early in her teenage years, she was diagnosed with BPD and she has never accepted that she has mental illness. In fact, she blames everything on me, which our therapists said is typical. For some reason, daughters with BPD almost always have issue with their moms.  She is getting closer to 40 and if she is like me, she will go through menopause early. My sisters and I all were completely out of menopause by the age of 50.  My gynecologists attributes it to starting my period at a later age than most girls and also never taking any birth control pills.  He said that women who take birth control often don't release eggs for the entire time so those eggs never mature and it prolongs their fertility because they haven't released all their eggs...although, he said eventually, even with the birth control, the eggs respond to the aging ovaries and will die. My friend is 64 and still has periods and she said she also still takes birth control.  

Well, I gotta get off here and get ready for bed. My granddaughter has a basketball game tomorrow so we are going to watch her play and then bring her and her brothers up here for the rest of the weekend.  DH bought helicopter tickets to take the kids on a 20 minute flight to see the lights of the Ozarks.  I, on the other hand, will drink coffee while they fly off.  

Have a good night and hopefully you guys will stay warm. 

Hi Trish....I wish I had less pain too!! I will post more about my doctor visit tomorrow. I need to get into bed and relax. Time for pain meds and sleep.

I will try to watch the rest of the Christmas movie in the bedroom. 

I too wish someone could be here with me to take care of me. Good thing I have lots of dinners and sound and such made up in my freezer. At least I won't have to cook!!

More hugs and love to you....connie d 

Hi Patricia and all of those that will join us later. I'm laying in bed...cozy and sleepy. I might go back to sleep for another hour. This is a busy day for me. I have a luncheon to celebrate Christmas vacation for my speech therapist group who are still working...they always invite me even though I retired. I miss them all so I love to go. After that I have a funeral. A friend of ours who had stomach cancer has died. I hav been to four funerals in the past two months, this will be number five. The others were husbands to women friends. This one is a friend to both m husband and I....he was only 49. After the funeral we have the reception. 

It sounds like everyone is on overdrive here...the madness of Christmas! I spent hours wrapping presents last night. They are for my two immigrant families that we adopted years ago and love. 

I have a love/hate relationship with this holiday. I get so excited about the decorating, music, and gifting, but have lost too many loved ones to be able to get through it unscathed. 

I feel for all of you that are grieving or lonely at Christmas. I am also so sorry that mental health issues make things more difficult for families here. 

I will write a Christmas memory or two when the time comes. I have good and bad of course...I'm sure most of us do with the march of time.

Happy Day to you!

Julia

Julia,

I am so sorry about all the death...it is awful.  I cannot wait to read your Christmas memory. I will open the thread for the uploading of our stories early on the 20th.  You can share as many stories as you want.  

Mental illness sure can make even the most happy of occasions a total drama packed event...soon it will be over and hopefully, the minds of those suffering will calm.  

Hi Julia....I want to say how sorry I am for your loss/losses. It makes it so much harder to go through the grief during the holidays. Sending prayers and hugs.

It just seems like people around me are dying so fast I can't hardly keep up with the cards and such. I have had 7 deaths in four months. It has been a very sad last few months.

Love to you and more hugs too....connie d

Hello Trish and everyone.....

It has been awhile and Trish hadn't posted yet so I am posting.

It is so cold here right now it is 16 with a low of 5 tonight!! These temps are killing me!! THIS SUCKS!!

I have a ride coming for me at 1:30. I have a bone scan scheduled at 2:30. I so wish I didn't have to be out in that weather. I will bundle up and definitely wear my boots. At least my ride picks me up at my door and drops me off at the clinic door. I am grateful for that.

That is about all I have planned for the day! I love you all!!

I want to thank all of you that sent me Christmas Cards/gifts. They are all so beautiful...yes even you Eileen....I laughed for at least  5 minutes after I looked at and read your card.....the face on the cat is hilarious ! I have it right here next to me. When I need a laugh I look at it!!

Prayers for our beautiful OFF Family and their families as well. Special prayers as needed.

Loads of love and many many hugs to all......connie d 

Connie,

I hope you kept warm today.  I hate being out in the cold.  Keep your boots on and make sure to stay bundled up. 

Hi Jeannie....I did dress very warm....I was already going outside and realized I forgot my scarf....good thing I have a warm hood on my jacket!! Boots were on the whole time...toasty toes!!

Thanks for caring....I am about to go get my PJs on and crawl into bed. I will finish watching the Christmas movie in there. 

My doctor was not happy that I didn't tell her about the fall until today. I listened quietly and agreed. I will post more about that tomorrow. 

More love to you and hugs too.....connie d