Re: Holidays Add to Stress?

[Guest guest]

It is MY LIFE. Once-in-a-while we all feel languishing, a bit indisposed -- that does not mean we should feel badly or guilty.

I can enjoy, without concern for "the holidays", an unruffled, placid bout of inactivity. No problems.

Take time for yourself, pay attention to your own energy level, have a happy holiday!

Brock

Holidays Add to Stress?

Hi!Do any of you feel that holiday stress is contributingto you feeling worse? the cold temp affecting you? It's hard to decline holiday 'responsibilities' - thecookie sharing group, making homemade goodies forschool and church and maybe friends, a big meal on theholiday?I used to decorate a 2 story n house insideand out. I've had to admit what my limits are now.It's hard to give yourself permission to cut backsometimes. I think it's an important thing to rememberthat you are the one who CAN cut yourself slack.Others will understand, even if you have to educatethem a little.; )Willow

[Guest guest]

I agree with you, Brock. It did, however, take several

years of declining health to get to that point. I

believe that women are 'expected' to do more to pull

off the holidays or at least we feel that way. When I

found my voice and wouldn't do what I physically

couldn't do (example-I drove to my parents' hourse

when my dad died, but I could not go to the funeral) I

have lost family and friends because of it. Makes you

want to wear a t-shirt that says 'Bite Me.'

; )

Willow

--- Brock <annrose@...> wrote:

> It is MY LIFE. Once-in-a-while we all feel

> languishing, a bit indisposed -- that does not mean

> we should feel badly or guilty.

>

> I can enjoy, without concern for " the holidays " , an

> unruffled, placid bout of inactivity. No problems.

> Take time for yourself, pay attention to your own

> energy level, have a happy holiday!

>

> Brock

>

>

> Holidays Add to Stress?

>

>

> Hi!

>

> Do any of you feel that holiday stress is

> contributing

> to you feeling worse? the cold temp affecting you?

>

>

> It's hard to decline holiday 'responsibilities' -

> the

> cookie sharing group, making homemade goodies for

> school and church and maybe friends, a big meal on

> the

> holiday?

>

> I used to decorate a 2 story n house

> inside

> and out. I've had to admit what my limits are now.

> It's hard to give yourself permission to cut back

> sometimes. I think it's an important thing to

> remember

> that you are the one who CAN cut yourself slack.

> Others will understand, even if you have to

> educate

> them a little.

>

> ; )

>

> Willow

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Ha! We seem to have traversed the same journey Willow. Took me a few years also, but now I "wear the bite-me t-shirt" (metaphor) like a chip on my shoulder. I take it you were the accommodating one? (And still trying to be?) I was, and have now learned to live my life for me, at least what is left of it. Over the last few years I have developed more awareness, more perception, toward my own worthiness -- a significance of individual psyche. I have gotten so much happier since I have rousted many people from my life. You know the kind…

And for all the people that look at me and say, "you don’t look sick" I bought a special t-shirt just for them. Has the handicap symbol on it and says, "I’m just in it for the parking."

Happy Holidays! Brock

"There arose such a clatter -- I almost got up to see what was the matter!"

Holidays Add to Stress?> > > Hi!> > Do any of you feel that holiday stress is> contributing> to you feeling worse? the cold temp affecting you?> > > It's hard to decline holiday 'responsibilities' -> the> cookie sharing group, making homemade goodies for> school and church and maybe friends, a big meal on> the> holiday?> > I used to decorate a 2 story n house> inside> and out. I've had to admit what my limits are now.> It's hard to give yourself permission to cut back> sometimes. I think it's an important thing to> remember> that you are the one who CAN cut yourself slack.> Others will understand, even if you have to> educate> them a little.> > ; )> > Willow> > >

[Guest guest]

LOL - Just in it for the parking, eh? I haven't heard

that one before (but I like it).

I WAS the fool who tried to hold the marriage together

because I couldn't imagine not seeing my son every

day. The first time the sucker laid hands on me was

the day I bought me a car (he had wrecked his and

taken mine), packed a suitcase and moved to Missouri.

We had lived in Florida and I wanted hills and seasons

wherever I ended up for forever (but I think this was

just a decompression, recover your spirit stop). My

everyday family is 2 dachshunds and a paint

quarterhorse. My son will be here to visit for 2.5

weeks in 2 weeks.

I found a group that had bumper stickers about

invisible disabilities - Front and back of the car- My

wheelchair hanging in the cargo area - Still get dirty

looks.

; )

Willow

--- Brock <annrose@...> wrote:

> Ha! We seem to have traversed the same journey

> Willow. Took me a few years also, but now I " wear

> the bite-me t-shirt " (metaphor) like a chip on my

> shoulder. I take it you were the accommodating one?

> (And still trying to be?) I was, and have now

> learned to live my life for me, at least what is

> left of it. Over the last few years I have developed

> more awareness, more perception, toward my own

> worthiness -- a significance of individual psyche. I

> have gotten so much happier since I have rousted

> many people from my life. You know the kind.

>

> And for all the people that look at me and say, " you

> don't look sick " I bought a special t-shirt just for

> them. Has the handicap symbol on it and says, " I'm

> just in it for the parking. "

>

> Happy Holidays! Brock

>

> " There arose such a clatter -- I almost got up to

> see what was the matter! "

>

>

> Holidays Add to Stress?

> >

> >

> > Hi!

> >

> > Do any of you feel that holiday stress is

> > contributing

> > to you feeling worse? the cold temp affecting

> you?

> >

> >

> > It's hard to decline holiday 'responsibilities'

> -

> > the

> > cookie sharing group, making homemade goodies

> for

> > school and church and maybe friends, a big meal

> on

> > the

> > holiday?

> >

> > I used to decorate a 2 story n house

> > inside

> > and out. I've had to admit what my limits are

> now.

> > It's hard to give yourself permission to cut

> back

> > sometimes. I think it's an important thing to

> > remember

> > that you are the one who CAN cut yourself slack.

> > Others will understand, even if you have to

> > educate

> > them a little.

> >

> > ; )

> >

> > Willow

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Willow,

I get around the house okay (rarely need a walker), but have been mulling over a scooter or power-chair and a van with a power ramp for shopping in stores. At the moment, I use a shopping-cart like a walker. I park near one and grab it, bring it in the store, then all the way back to my truck. But I am at the point where the ‘walker’ just doesn’t cut it. Of course, some days I am just fine, don’t need anything. The reason for the power ramp, and dark windows, would be for the judgmental minds -- could you imagine the dirty looks, if I was to jump up and load a scooter into the back of my truck?

I don’t think there is anywhere in-between being able to work a forty-hour per week job to being confined in a wheelchair that would not draw skepticism -- where you feel you have to satisfy the critics, or the need to 'verify your position'.

Have a nice visit with your son,

Brock

Re: Holidays Add to Stress?

LOL - Just in it for the parking, eh? I haven't heardthat one before (but I like it).I WAS the fool who tried to hold the marriage togetherbecause I couldn't imagine not seeing my son everyday. The first time the sucker laid hands on me wasthe day I bought me a car (he had wrecked his andtaken mine), packed a suitcase and moved to Missouri.We had lived in Florida and I wanted hills and seasonswherever I ended up for forever (but I think this wasjust a decompression, recover your spirit stop). Myeveryday family is 2 dachshunds and a paintquarterhorse. My son will be here to visit for 2.5weeks in 2 weeks.I found a group that had bumper stickers aboutinvisible disabilities - Front and back of the car- Mywheelchair hanging in the cargo area - Still get dirtylooks.; )Willow---

..

[Guest guest]

I love that one Brock. My daughter doesn't need a handicap placket yet (neither do I) but I have heard a lot of good comebacks for explaining your reason to need the "disabled" spots. I tell them I have a bad back. always coughs and could just start coughing really junky and people back off then!!

love :)to all on being sick and remember Jesus is the reason for the season... even tho ya know we don't actually know exactly when and where He was born. cut Him some slack it was a long time ago. lol

all ways love, all ways Jesus! your sis IC, age 46 w/fibro asthma allergies etc,bipolar depression anxiety etc.mom of Nick age 24 wonderful adorable young man & pharm techAng age 22 college student doing great but happens to be blessed with this crazy thing called cfwife of , 48, trying to help fix us.(we aren't broken)and Lucy age 4 the dog

[Guest guest]

Since we adjusted my hypertension medicine, I'm

getting around the house okay. Before that, I've had

multiple falls and 9 breaks in my left leg and ankle

just this year. I bought a cane from QVC - I think

from a vendor called Gold Violin - that has an

ergonomically correct handle and just a bit of

flexability when you put your weight on it so your

hand/wrist holds up better. I use the grocery cart

walker idea too. I have a battery powered wheelchair

in the cargo part of my Aztec. It is hooked to a lift

that is an arm that is parallel to the back door. When

I activate it, the arm swings around to point outside

and I can lower the chair to the ground. It's a bit of

a pain to recharge because I don't have a ramp yet to

bring it into the house. I DO have a couple of

rechargeable batteries that I keep plugged in in the

house so I can use my CPAP machine when I sleep.

Another thing I acquired was a walker with wheels and

hand brakes. It has a fold down seat if my legs need a

break and a small basket to help me carry things.

You are correct about work. I tried going back to work

with a shattered ankle and going throught 5 neck

surgeries for thyroid cancer and infected salivary

glands. I had used up all my leave so I was not

allowed to take a trip to see my dad who was

hospitalized with cancer. One day at work, I was

working out of sight of any of the public. We had a

small lull and I just put my face in my hands and

rested for about 5 minutes. The pharmacist on duty

with me called the Assistant Director and he sent me

home without pay for taking a 5 minute break. I had

bought a watch with alarms on it so that I could drink

some Ensure for lunch and then go and sit 25 minutes

in the storeroom where we kept cases of IV fluids.

I'd sit on one case and lie my head down on top of my

watch on a pile of cases. I never overslept. I wasn't

taking more than my lunch and breaks. I even had a

beeper if anyone was looking for me. I was still

faulted for it. The most embarassing thing, however,

was against my wishes the management, in a staff

meeting, acknowledged that I had used up all my leave

and if anyone wanted to volunteer to donate any of

their leave time to me they could. Not one person (out

of 35 pharmacists) offered one hour. I did not want to

ask because the hospital had cut our leave time and no

longer had sick or vacation days - it was all simply

leave and people were still smarting from the cut. It

was so embarassing and I think it was meant to be.

My son and I WILL have a good visit. His dad may

schedule open heart surgery while is up here. I

think that's an unfair pressure to put on my son. Do

I spend time with Mom or does Dad need me? It's

entirely elective. He was on the table in Gainesville

for this surgery 5 months ago and they redid the tests

and said it was normal. The tests in Tallahassee show

problems.

My weird headache is yielding to ice packs and good

thoughts coming my way.

I hope everyone has a great holiday.

; )

Willow

; )

--- Brock <annrose@...> wrote:

> Willow,

>

> I get around the house okay (rarely need a walker),

> but have been mulling over a scooter or power-chair

> and a van with a power ramp for shopping in stores.

> At the moment, I use a shopping-cart like a walker.

> I park near one and grab it, bring it in the store,

> then all the way back to my truck. But I am at the

> point where the 'walker' just doesn't cut it. Of

> course, some days I am just fine, don't need

> anything. The reason for the power ramp, and dark

> windows, would be for the judgmental minds -- could

> you imagine the dirty looks, if I was to jump up and

> load a scooter into the back of my truck?

>

> I don't think there is anywhere in-between being

> able to work a forty-hour per week job to being

> confined in a wheelchair that would not draw

> skepticism -- where you feel you have to satisfy the

> critics, or the need to 'verify your position'.

>

> Have a nice visit with your son,

>

> Brock

>

> Re: Holidays Add to Stress?

>

>

> LOL - Just in it for the parking, eh? I haven't

> heard

> that one before (but I like it).

>

> I WAS the fool who tried to hold the marriage

> together

> because I couldn't imagine not seeing my son every

> day. The first time the sucker laid hands on me

> was

> the day I bought me a car (he had wrecked his and

> taken mine), packed a suitcase and moved to

> Missouri.

> We had lived in Florida and I wanted hills and

> seasons

> wherever I ended up for forever (but I think this

> was

> just a decompression, recover your spirit stop).

> My

> everyday family is 2 dachshunds and a paint

> quarterhorse. My son will be here to visit for 2.5

> weeks in 2 weeks.

>

> I found a group that had bumper stickers about

> invisible disabilities - Front and back of the

> car- My

> wheelchair hanging in the cargo area - Still get

> dirty

> looks.

>

> ; )

>

> Willow

>

> ---

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[Guest guest]

I never said I park in the handicap spot-- it is a RARE occasion if I ever do. I have the thing to hang on the mirror, but I always feel someone might need that spot more than I do.

Re: Holidays Add to Stress?

I love that one Brock. My daughter doesn't need a handicap placket yet (neither do I) but I have heard a lot of good comebacks for explaining your reason to need the "disabled" spots. I tell them I have a bad back. always coughs and could just start coughing really junky and people back off then!!

love :)to all on being sick and remember Jesus is the reason for the season... even tho ya know we don't actually know exactly when and where He was born. cut Him some slack it was a long time ago. lol

all ways love, all ways Jesus! your sis IC, age 46 w/fibro asthma allergies etc,bipolar depression anxiety etc.mom of Nick age 24 wonderful adorable young man & pharm techAng age 22 college student doing great but happens to be blessed with this crazy thing called cfwife of , 48, trying to help fix us.(we aren't broken)and Lucy age 4 the dog

[Guest guest]

9 breaks!?! You'd better move about in a chair. And a low one!

s -- I have one with wheels on the front and skids on the back. Stays put if I put weight on it. Don't know if I would like one with all wheels and a brake -- I have balance problems. Sort of like when you stand up too fast, and it gets you dizzy. All I have to do is bend over to pet the dogs, stand up quickly, spin around once, and I hit the floor. I took a small-sized shopping cart into the wall with me once! (Probably could have made funniest home videos.) A walker could easily go down with me, same with a cain, just would not help once I start to go. Some people say it helps with balance, though personally, I just don't see it that way. So, without any walking aid, I just bounce off walls, and hang onto lots of things.

Sounds like you had a good job, sorry to hear about it.

Brock

Re: Holidays Add to Stress?> > > LOL - Just in it for the parking, eh? I haven't> heard> that one before (but I like it).> > I WAS the fool who tried to hold the marriage> together> because I couldn't imagine not seeing my son every> day. The first time the sucker laid hands on me> was> the day I bought me a car (he had wrecked his and> taken mine), packed a suitcase and moved to> Missouri.> We had lived in Florida and I wanted hills and> seasons> wherever I ended up for forever (but I think this> was> just a decompression, recover your spirit stop).> My> everyday family is 2 dachshunds and a paint> quarterhorse. My son will be here to visit for 2.5> weeks in 2 weeks.> > I found a group that had bumper stickers about> invisible disabilities - Front and back of the> car- My> wheelchair hanging in the cargo area - Still get> dirty> looks.> > ; )> > Willow> > --- > Recent Activity> a.. 11New Members> Visit Your Group > New Message Search> Find the message you want faster. Visit your group> to try out the improved message search.> > > > Share feedback on the new changes to Groups> . >

[Guest guest]

I tend to do that too... I have a handicap pass but I only use it on bad days.. And is fit and healthy so he is able to shop. etc.. I find it hard to drive so I rarely do unless it is local...

DUNGEON MIZTREZZ aka Heidiwww.geocities.com/heidijayesplace/http://blog.360./kookaburradezignsLook, Listen, but most of all Believe.+=<^^>=++=<^^>=++=<^^>=++=<^^>=+

Re: Holidays Add to Stress?

I love that one Brock. My daughter doesn't need a handicap placket yet (neither do I) but I have heard a lot of good comebacks for explaining your reason to need the "disabled" spots. I tell them I have a bad back. always coughs and could just start coughing really junky and people back off then!!

love :)to all on being sick and remember Jesus is the reason for the season... even tho ya know we don't actually know exactly when and where He was born. cut Him some slack it was a long time ago. lol

all ways love, all ways Jesus! your sis IC, age 46 w/fibro asthma allergies etc,bipolar depression anxiety etc.mom of Nick age 24 wonderful adorable young man & pharm techAng age 22 college student doing great but happens to be blessed with this crazy thing called cfwife of , 48, trying to help fix us.(we aren't broken)and Lucy age 4 the dog

[Guest guest]

i had a handi capped sticker for the car we both needed it josie M <brenda.morey@...> wrote: I love that one Brock. My daughter doesn't need a handicap placket yet (neither do I) but I have heard a lot of good comebacks for explaining your reason to need the "disabled" spots. I tell them I have a bad back. always coughs and could just start coughing really junky and people back off then!! love :)to all on being sick and remember Jesus is the reason for the season... even tho ya know we don't actually know exactly when and where He was born. cut Him some slack it was a long time ago. lol all ways love, all ways Jesus! your sis IC, age 46 w/fibro asthma allergies etc,bipolar depression anxiety etc.mom of Nick age 24 wonderful adorable young man & pharm techAng age 22 college student doing great but happens to be blessed with this crazy thing called cfwife of , 48, trying to help fix us.(we aren't broken)and Lucy age 4 the dog __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I understand the feeling. I don't break my neck to

find a handicapped place unless it's truly a bad day

for me. When I need it, though, I need it and I don't

need the crap some people seem to feel authorized to

dole out.

Willow

--- Brock <annrose@...> wrote:

> I never said I park in the handicap spot-- it is a

> RARE occasion if I ever do. I have the thing to hang

> on the mirror, but I always feel someone might need

> that spot more than I do.

>

> Re: Holidays Add to Stress?

>

>

>

> I love that one Brock. My daughter doesn't need a

> handicap placket yet (neither do I) but I have heard

> a lot of good comebacks for explaining your reason

> to need the " disabled " spots. I tell them I have a

> bad back. always coughs and could just start

> coughing really junky and people back off then!!

>

> love :)to all on being sick and remember Jesus is

> the reason for the season... even tho ya know we

> don't actually know exactly when and where He was

> born. cut Him some slack it was a long time ago. lol

>

> all ways love, all ways Jesus! your sis IC,

> age 46 w/fibro asthma allergies etc,bipolar

> depression anxiety etc.

> mom of Nick age 24 wonderful adorable young man &

> pharm tech

> Ang age 22 college student doing great but happens

> to be blessed with this crazy thing called cf

> wife of , 48, trying to help fix us.

> (we aren't broken)

> and Lucy age 4 the dog

>

>

[Guest guest]

My husband fought our divorce until Jan of this year

because he didn't want to just split things down the

middle. I spent $20,000 to get out of an abusive

relationship. I am just now having money to slowly do

the things I need to do. I don't have a ramp to get my

wheelchair into the house. I put an office chair in my

kitchen and I have started sitting in that when I

cook. Luckily I'm tall so I can manage for now. I had

set aside money for taxes and, since I've been here

for 5 years, things are starting to break and need

repair. This last ice storm has broken the main timber

in my carport. I've had to stop using one bathroom

because it needs to be gutted and replaced. I've put a

hold on spending until I know I can pay my taxes. Then

I hope to be able to change some things for the

better.

I am very thankful to have the place in the country

that I have and that I am still able to live on my

own. I see assisted living not that far in my future

unless I can pull myself up to doing more for myself.

I am supposed to have 5 hours of aide a day to help me

and the state cut that program so I'm trying to find

ways to do things myself and to change my standards so

that what I can do is okay.

; )

Willow

--- Brock <annrose@...> wrote:

> 9 breaks!?! You'd better move about in a chair. And

> a low one!

>

> s -- I have one with wheels on the front and

> skids on the back. Stays put if I put weight on it.

> Don't know if I would like one with all wheels and a

> brake -- I have balance problems. Sort of like when

> you stand up too fast, and it gets you dizzy. All I

> have to do is bend over to pet the dogs, stand up

> quickly, spin around once, and I hit the floor. I

> took a small-sized shopping cart into the wall with

> me once! (Probably could have made funniest home

> videos.) A walker could easily go down with me, same

> with a cain, just would not help once I start to go.

> Some people say it helps with balance, though

> personally, I just don't see it that way. So,

> without any walking aid, I just bounce off walls,

> and hang onto lots of things.

>

> Sounds like you had a good job, sorry to hear about

> it.

> Brock

>

> Re: Holidays Add to Stress?

> >

> >

> > LOL - Just in it for the parking, eh? I haven't

> > heard

> > that one before (but I like it).

> >

> > I WAS the fool who tried to hold the marriage

> > together

> > because I couldn't imagine not seeing my son

> every

> > day. The first time the sucker laid hands on me

> > was

> > the day I bought me a car (he had wrecked his

> and

> > taken mine), packed a suitcase and moved to

> > Missouri.

> > We had lived in Florida and I wanted hills and

> > seasons

> > wherever I ended up for forever (but I think

> this

> > was

> > just a decompression, recover your spirit stop).

> > My

> > everyday family is 2 dachshunds and a paint

> > quarterhorse. My son will be here to visit for

> 2.5

>

=== message truncated ===

[Guest guest]

Good luck!

Sue

For a REALLY HOT time check out http://www.peternoone.com and

http://www.mikesmith1964.com

Re: Holidays Add to Stress?> > > > > > LOL - Just in it for the parking, eh? I haven't> > heard> > that one before (but I like it).> > > > I WAS the fool who tried to hold the marriage> > together> > because I couldn't imagine not seeing my son> every> > day. The first time the sucker laid hands on me> > was> > the day I bought me a car (he had wrecked his> and>

> taken mine), packed a suitcase and moved to> > Missouri.> > We had lived in Florida and I wanted hills and> > seasons> > wherever I ended up for forever (but I think> this> > was> > just a decompression, recover your spirit stop).> > My> > everyday family is 2 dachshunds and a paint> > quarterhorse. My son will be here to visit for> 2.5> === message truncated ===