What’s Eating Aunt Debbie?

There’s a lot on my mind these days. Most of which you probably don’t want to hear about. Aside from the current political situation, which has me wanting to scream, there are a few other things on my mind.

First, I’ve just not had the motivation to write. I don’t know why. I have a lot of ideas, including notes I have jotted down for future reference. I can’t even bring myself to sit down on a daily basis and read the blogs I follow. I’m just lost…basically going through the motions. I just don’t have any motivation to do anything.

I had my 2nd Covid vaccine on Tuesday so in 2 weeks I am getting my hair cut! I’m so sick of this mop that’s been growing for over a year! I was worried that I’d be sick, like some people do after their 2nd shot. I was a little more achier than normal and my arm hurts like a mother, but it wasn’t too bad. Of course, I started taking Tylenol every 8 hours the day before my appointment, and made sure to stay hydrated. I think that helped.

Recently, I was diagnosed with lymphedema and was referred for lymphedema therapy. Of course, my insurance won’t cover it so I had to apply for financial aid. I finally got the financial aid and made the appointment. Turns out I really don’t have lymphedema – yet. If left untreated this will turn into lymphedema. I got a massage that will help get my lymphatic system moving as it should, and I was taught how to do this myself as well. The therapist wrapped my legs, showing me how to do it, and I was on my way. I will see her again next week. I’m hoping for another massage! Snort!

I find myself thinking more and more about my past self. You know, the person I used to be. I used to be a cross-country backpacker, a great cook, a soap and bath & body maker, and a jewelry maker. I can’t do any of those things anymore. I can’t stand, sit, or walk for long periods of time so all of these things are very difficult, if not impossible for me to do. I’d give anything to just be able to take a freakin’ walk!

But I am grateful for everything I have. I have a roof over my head, a wonderful family, great friends, fur babies who give me headbutts and cuddles, and I can still walk, albeit with crutches and very slowly. I have my Dad who is my comic relief and I swear, the best thing is when Dad and I think of the same funny thing at the same time, and we don’t have to say a word because we know exactly what the other is thinking!

I’m going to focus on the good in my life. I mean, I try to do that anyway but I’ve been a bit down this past few weeks and I need to pull myself out of this slump! I need to find something that motivates me and snap out of it! There used to be plenty of things in my life that motivated me but it seems like those things are lost or just hiding from me.

Thoughts Today

I will be forever grateful to those who fought for our rights and freedom in this country. But I’m very worried about what is happening right under our noses. Our rights are being eroded away, slowly and methodically. Racial and religious discrimination is on the rise, as well as the inequality of opportunity. I worry for us, for our children and grandchildren, and for the future of The United States of America.

Here are just a few great quotes from a few great men that came to mind this Memorial Day. LET US NOT FORGET.

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“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.” ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

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“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” ~Abraham Lincoln

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“We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.” ~Abraham Lincoln

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“My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” ~John F.Kennedy

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“The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution, are worth defending against all hazards: And it is our duty to defend them against all attacks.” ~Samuel Adams

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“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” ~Ronald Reagan

Photo Credit: Pixabay

I hope you’ve had a lovely and safe weekend, my friends.

 

There Is Always Something To Be Grateful For

I am trying to be a bit more positive this week. Last week kind of threw me for a loop! It was rough. I’d like to take some time to write about a few of the things I am grateful for…. There’s always something to be grateful for; no matter how bad it is, no matter the struggles.

 

  1. I’m grateful for my Dad. He’s not just my Dad; he’s my best friend and “partner in crime!” He’s 80 years old and in pretty good health. He’s in better shape than I am!
  2. Over the weekend, one of my furbabies had a problem that led me to believe I was going to have to make that final decision. This morning, she was back to her old self. Still 15 years old and nearing the end of her life, but I am grateful that this week I won’t have to say goodbye.
  3. I am grateful for the good night’s sleep I got last night. It was refreshing. It doesn’t happen often!
  4. I am grateful for the skill to crochet. It helps my hands not freeze up from arthritis. I am working on a poncho for my cousin this week.

 

I think I will start writing at least one thing I am grateful for each day. It helps to be positive. It helps to be grateful. It helps to look forward and smile. What are you grateful for tonight?

 

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Nothing Else Matters

Things are getting out of control in this country. With murder, crimes against women and children, shootings, stabbings, and other senseless crimes, what can we do?

We can start with some gun control. Ok, I can hear the haters and the bashing already. Let me explain. I don’t have a problem with folks having a gun to protect themselves, their families, and homes. I’m not against people having what they need for hunting. I do, however, have a major problem with the fact that the average person can purchase weaponry and gear that goes above and beyond the normal needs for protection and hunting. It is getting out of control! Yes, it’s people who kill, not guns. I get that. What I don’t understand is, why are we making it so easy for CRAZY people, and people with ill intentions to do the things they do? We have to protect the innocent and we aren’t doing that by allowing people like James Holmes to get their hands on the gear and weapons he used to kill and injure innocent people! We allowed him to do these atrocious things to the people and town of Aurora, CO. People’s lives were cut short. Mothers mourn their children. Children mourn their mothers and fathers.  People mourn their brothers and sisters, their friends, and co-workers. My nephew lost a good friend. (My nephew could have been in that theater that night, but had other plans.) All this grief because WE make it easy for the bad guys. Why is our right to bear arms more important than protecting our children? People are bitching continually about how “the government wants to take away our guns/rights” and they fail to see that our children have the right to grow up without constant fear of being shot to death. There is no reason the average person needs assault rifles and 100 round clips! Give me a break!

I can’t help but wish I could pack my bags and move my loved ones to an uninhabited island or country, or perhaps a planet in a new galaxy. I know this is unrealistic so I have to focus on things in my life that make me happy. Here’s a few things (not necessarily in this order) that make me happy:

*My 3 year old grand daughter playing the drums at a local music store last week. It was such a joy watching her! I will be taking her back there. She may have a musical calling that can’t be denied!

*Seeing my grandson make such monumental progress in his speech development. It’s wonderful to see the excitement in his eyes when he’s talking to me about something! I look forward to his next achievements!

*My wonderful sisters, who are always there for me, although so far away. I absolutely cherish our conversations, no matter how ridiculous they are!

*My Dad, my best friend. He may drive me insane at times but he makes me laugh like no one else has. I enjoy having him in my life.

*My children! I love them both and have enjoyed being their mother. They have made me laugh, cry and sometimes scream! I am so thankful I was blessed with them so many years ago.

*Waking up to a quiet house, a fresh pot of coffee, and being alone with my thoughts. This is a nice time for me to plan my day and WAKE UP!

*Rockin’ out to music! Not just hearing it, but feeling it. Not just understanding the lyrics, but feeling them.

*The moments I have during the day to pursue my crafts, and hobbies such as reading, writing, and crocheting.

*Although I have no use for the intense heat and humidity, I love the first morning light, fresh air, and the sound of the birds starting their day.

*Seeing a full moon on a cool night, and marveling at the vastness of space and what lies beyond the farthest stars I can see.

*Seeing the beautiful colors of nature after a nice Spring rain. The rain seems to wash the dirt away and the colors become more vibrant. Have you ever noticed the many different shades of green after a rain shower? Awesome.

*Doing something nice for someone who doesn’t ask for, or expect anything.

*Keeping up with my family and friends on Facebook. Goodness. What would I do without Facebook to keep me updated on the comings and goings of everyone I care about?

As I sit here with my juicy, red watermelon, my scattered thoughts, and my music blaring, I think about all the things in my life that I’m grateful for and the things that make me smile…. At this moment, Nothing Else Matters.

Metallica cover song, Nothing Else Mattersby Apocalyptica (Acoustic version)