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rossella ! glad ur car didnt catch on fire whew ! anyways i forgot to mention this till i saw ur icon with feather , as i moved the couch out of the way so i can sweep , ah theres the feather white one ! thought of you , yep slurp it in the sweeper then i thought crap i should have kept that ! cuz it looks just like that feather ! mmm sent u a wish .... a garfiled :-) lalala ....
omg--now it's my fault. haha! Rosella, I crown you "REGINA DELLE DOCCE" Is that better, paisana bella? Take an umbrella with you. I think these minor catastrophes are gentle ways of showing you to slow down and get some rest. I know it is difficult. You have so many responsibilities, your Mother, your translating, your little animals. I am asking the Blessed Mother to assign you your very own Saint. Actually, I will have my oldest girlfriend from high school do it because she is a good Catholic girl and she will know just what to say. Whatever the tragedy, Rossella, you relate it with class and humor. Since last summer with the driving 2 mph at night to the hospital and everything in between, you need a 'deluge' of Blessings. Hence, the title, "Regina delle Docce". You are adored by us, and all the Saints. Close knit group:) Ciao, Bella. xoxo
Rosella -yes I will say a prayer for you-your plate is too full sending tons of blessings your way. I am going to try to find a sappy Christmas movie on TV so I can cry my eyes out once more-I do not go overboard over the holidays but love the music and sappy movies.
Hey Y'all, Nothing new here. Mom is still her usual confused self and James is trying to behave and not eat any "no-no's". Not sure what hit my stomach lastnight but I woke up with really bad pain and spasms. Could be I didn't eat all day until dinner time. Still feel like crap. I was watching a sappy christmas movie last night and one darn scene is breaking my heart. It just reached out and slapped me in the face to realize that Christmas won't be the same with all the family discord. I asked my mom how she wanted to spend Christmas this year and she started to cry and say what she wanted, the family to be together, won't happen. I'm feeling the black hole sliding closer to me again. All thsi family crap is killing me and mom. She at least forgets about it some of the time. It weighs heavy on me all the time. I have tickets to take mom to a free concert tomorrow. I hope we will both feel well enough to go. Take care my dear friends and Cuz thanks for the jokes. Have a good night and maybe tomorrow will be better.
Here's a good one for you and your mom... True story; last Christmas I took mother (Al'z's) and dad to see the John Tesh Christmas Concert. At intermission, mom was looking in her purse with such measured concentration, her pure intent was something in there she wanted out. I finally gave up so I went for it: "Mom, what are you looking for? She looked at me and said with a smile, the orchestra is really good but I need my remote control to turn them down a bit.. their a little too loud." Oh Lord, what a night!!! Mom passed away 11/11/11. I will miss her for the rest of my life and some small amount of humor we used to survive the terrible disease together!
Diane, you and your Mom and James will make up your "family" this year and we all can be your extended family. We all stay pretty connected and attentive to each other. Lets all rejoice in what we have because it is pretty special!
STRESS ALERT STRESS ALERT.... Rosella and all of us myself included....lets replace the word "should" with the word "could" and take the stress out.
Diane, family are the people who love you just the way you are and whom YOU enjoy being with (sounds like the sibs do not fill that category). Why worry about something that just is not there (perhaps never was?) Self-centered people are incapable of giving....even at Christmas time.
Rent some funny Christmas films: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Randy Quaid just cracks me up), A Christmas Story (like a memory of most of our childhoods), Holiday Inn (c'mon, Fred Astaire AND Bingers), The Family Stone (a new favorite), Elf, Christmas with the Kranks, The Family Man....
Pray for me, I am making the fudge recipe you sent me and adding marshmallows that Christina recommended. Fudge is EASY...right?....you promise?
Stillstanding, what a nice story! Do you remember that wonderful movie of many years ago with Peter Sellers, "Being there". When he saw something he didn't like, like two boys fighting in the street, he always tried to change "the channel" with the remote. Christina, Austin, Linda, my story about flooding the car was, I think, rather funny... Like the fire in the kitchen. When everything is over, I laugh about it! I wished my problems in life were always of this kind. I have a saint of election... Guess who? San Francesco d'Assisi! Who else? He lived nearby, sometimes I go to the places he visited and I walk in the same woods where he walked... Resting? When holidays (and summer) approach, I rest much less, because my helpers go on vacation, so I work twice as much. This is our destiny! My happiest day in the week is Monday!!!!! I know that 99 percent of you know what I am talking about. Diane, I miss the Christmases of many years ago, too. My mother's siblings will ignore us as usual. We shall see my brother on Dec 25, and my cousins on Dec 26, because the cousins annual meeting is an institution in our family that I hope we will never lose... But when I was a kid, we were 50 relatives gathering for all the holidays, from Christmas to New Year. It was a lot of fun and it's forever lost! I will try to make a Christmas tree tomorrow, for me and my mother at least!
Hi All! It's been a very long time since I've checked in. Too long. I'm glad to find familiar caring people on the thread. I'm sure there are a lot of new ones as well. Rosella, I'm so sorry to hear about your kitty. It's hard to lose a family member including the furry kind. Christina & Rip thanks for sending me so many nice emails. I hope everyone is doing really well. I wish I could get on here more often. I don't seem to handle stress very well and I get overwhelmed easily. Some good news, my Uncle is doing great. He had his heart surgery in July and the surgeon fixed a giant aneurism, a blocked artery and two bad valves. He was in the ICU for over 6 weeks because he caught pneumonia and sepsis, but eventually came around and is now in Assisted Living. YES, he is out of our house! I'm still overwhelmed and he is still demanding, but things are getting better. And my uncle doesn't remember ever being in the hospital which is probably a good thing. (a small side note: the hospital sent me home with his heart valve warranty. Seems so strange to get a warranty on heart valves, I mean of course they had better work or he'd be in trouble, but it just seems weird). lol. As for me, I caught the worst flu I've ever had. I was out of work for 14 days. Conjunctivitis, nausea, severe bone pain, respiratory infection. It was awful. But I am fine now and I hope to be caught up with all my work before Christmas. Good Night Everyone! Careshare
I know this seems petty, but what the heck to do about Christmas cards this year? My husband sent out almost 3 dozen Christmas cards, every year. Some to friends he had in highschool. Some of them I really don't know. I just can't bring myself to write each of them, and say he is gone. It is hard to type it here.
meanwhile i used to do that myself . as the cost of stamps is so high i have cut wayyy back . what i do is when i recive one im the mail then i ll send that person a card from me , im not going to send cards to people that dont send me any , know what i mean . i think one year i was too late so nobody got any cards from me . mmm thinkin about doing that again this year haha , ohh humm baaaaaaaaaaa. . careshare ! great to hear from you and i am so glad u all are better now . stick around dear , that is one hellva bug u had there . geeze . hate those kind very bad feeing like ya just wanna die ! am glad u got better :-) had the grandkids this evening for about 4 hrs lol , it was a pleasure ! tickling , stalin my nose and try to bite me lol all plays . they just laugh and laugh and laugh , had 2 on my lap , smothering me and id tickle them to get em off of me lol back on they go again . non stop , golly that wore me out . it was a pleasure . hubby came home late , his face and neck is beet red . my sis said oh man he s red allover . mmm not good , what is that sign of ? high blood pressure ? or what ? i know the work is over loadin him and stressing him out , he has to go back tmr and sunday , no day of rest till weds he be on vacation and not have to go back till next year , woo woo woo he just cant wait . ok bedtime for me , nighty nite u all x0x0
Diane we will all keep you out of that darn black hole -keep watching those sappy movies those family members are not worth thinking about now or ever. I watch Lifetime and Halmark movies even the ones I have already watched. To me Christmas is my church family and the music and my son and his kids and that is all I need anything else that comes along is good. Negative thought are chased away for now.
Meanwhile I would not worry about card this year-the year the husband died it took me weeks to send card to those that helped me during that time and to those who sent cards and notes then I only sent a few Christmas cards-your friends who care will get in touch with you. Now I only send cards to those I will not see during the holidays. The ones I send I add a note I hate getting cards with no note all it tells me is that they still are alive. You can always write a note later on to those who you really want to get in touch with. Careshare -good to hear from you.
Meanwhile - I would wait until if and when you receive a card from his old friends - who would not be sending a card addressed to him if they knew of his passing.
With these you could respond with a simple pre-composed note you can use for all. Something like: "Thank you for remembering James this holiday season. It is with a sad heart that I tell you of James passing in November. Were he here, I know he would have wished the best of everything to you and yours."
These don't need to be holiday cards. Perhaps some simple 'blank inside' note cards. And perhaps you could ask your sister to write them for you.
I need to apologize to each and everyone of you that have lost your mom, dad, husbands and other loved ones. You are they ones that will truly be heart broken this year to not have that special someone with you. I am so very sorry I have been so selfish to complain about my situation. My family has a choice to be with me and mom or not. You all don't. I didn't mean to be insensitive, I was just blinded by my own heart break.
I hope you all have a good day. I'm going to lay low for a little while today since my IBS is flaring up again and I'm having a lot of pain.
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December.
Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring.
Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl.
We should've known…...
ONLY women would be able to drag a fat-ass man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost. A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!
My favorite movie for Christmas is still The Family Stone! A Lot of laughs and could really relate to the family... we're all messed up but oh, how we need the laughter and humor! Brought down the decorations the day after Thanksgiving but just can't get myself to start decorating. Going to the funeral home tomorrow with dad to take an ornament to place on their tree for mom! Just going through the motions cause everything is still so surreal...I love you all!!!
Amen, Diane. About Holiday Greetings and cards: I like to receive a nice card with a brief message from people I Know. The 'holiday letters' from others about their trips, promotions, how perfect their kids are-- pass. If I know them well enough, I already know this info. If I don't know them well enough, I couldn't give a flying reindeer. I have found this to me a season of random behavior. Some people are not consistent, but I think the is circumstantial; some send a card and or gift every year, and others just block it out. I bought stamps yesterday, had not bought any for awhile-- rarely mail anything, do everything online, except for birthday cards. Set baking ingredients out last night to make hubby some oatmeal cookies with raisins, dried cherries, walnuts, chocolate chips. Still have not decorated my tree. Sitting there boxes all over the house. Trying not to think about my son and think of all the positive things instead. Good to see Careshare:) Diane, we all have many feelings and emotions. Don't apologize-- that's one of the reasons for this thread, remember? "Vent and Live"! We are honest and accepting here, non judging. We support you and everyone who expresses their thoughts and feelings. I've been crying for the last few days, but I am used to being invisible so I briefly mention it and instead focus on others. That way, I feel better by thinking of someone else, and maybe my own hurts will go away. Last year, I shopped for my sister and her husband like I did every year. She sent Crabtree and Evelyn set for Mother, said I would get some use of it too-- when I put it on Mothers hands. Then after she received my presents, she gave me a candle in a brown paper bag. It was one of the coldest things she ever did to me. It hurt hurt hurt. This year, I walked through Pier One looking at the ornaments, crying, as I saw one I would buy for her, even her a$$hole husband who hates my guts. I still want to give, because that's how I am. It hurts that I have to force myself to NOT give. Rejoice in what you do have. Transfer the giving to those who deserve it. Enjoy the Present. Bake cookies and fudge. Love you all, Christina xo
Meanwhile2: this is your Season to RECEIVE and HEAL. Don't worry about it. Those who matter will communicate with you. If they don't know, when they find out they will make it up to you. Or some don't. Some people do not know how to deal with other's tragedy. Or even their own. CYBER HUGS 2 U :)
Wow first of al apologies for saying James when I meant Sam in my earlier post. Thanks Rip.
And secondly - no apologies needed here! Whether we are stil actively caregiving or not its still a difficult time of year. Siblings are either completely silent or openly vicious. Our parents have either passed and we are left to (in some cases our 1st) holiday season without them, they are too oblivious to care whether its Christmas or not, or they are despondent over the holiday.
Christine that was so cold of your sister. Do they sit around trying to think of novel ways to inflict pain? I truly believe some do. For years i sent my crazy brother thpoughtout gifts just because. A numbered print of the ship he was stationed on in the Navy, framed photos of the family he had never seen, his favorite home-baked cookies. He never responded or reciprocated. This year I have so much new stuff on the family tree, and printing it up and sending it to both my brothers would be something I would have already done - but as each has made it abundantly clear that they don't give a hoot about living family, why would I suppose they would care about the dead ones?
Spent the morning cleaning my youngest's old bedroom as my middle daughter may possibly come to town, and if so will probably give a "I'm at the airport come gt me" kind of notice. Too cold for grave hunting.
Was going through some deductions for mom and saw the the IRS says you can deduct expenses for abortions but no help for a burial. Ok, so it's legal to murder a child and get a right-off, that's sick! Yet nothing for leaving the death of a parent up to God!!! Sorry guys, guess it's just gonna be one of those days!
Hi everyone, Diane you have no need to apologize...you are a beautiful person. Christina, I will be your sister when you need one. I would love to have a sister like you!
It's rainy and gloomy here today and still warm outside. Instead of sending out Christmas cards to family and friends that really don't care I've been sending them out to the people that we have to interact with on a regular basis, the the family Doctor, the Vet, The Pharmacy, Dog Groomer, Home Health Care that helps Dad with bathing, etc. etc. It feels good to let these people know how much we appreciate them for being there for us when we need them.
Went to Walmart today and saw a "video" Chirstmas card with music....it was cute...had the story of the Magi....can't imagine what they will come up with next year...
Hi everybody! I think I have had the flu! I feel better today, but still a little on the green side! Have watched Christmas vacation x3! Ron and Hannah say I am like Uncle Lucas and Dad is Aunt Bethany! Tree not up yet! Tonight I think! Dad did another strip tease in the living room! Lucky for us it faces the woods! LOL Oh and lets not forget the squirrel scene in the movie! That really hits home! Been reading your posts, but didn't feel good enough to post myself! I am going to keep it short! Got to rest Thursday and Friday and think that helped me feel better! Love you all! XXOO Kimmy
Meanwhile, don't worry about Christmas cards! Take care of yourself now! You don't need anything overwhelming you right now! XXOO
Diane, you have nothing to apologize for at all! We all understand and support you! XXOO
Cricket-Thanks for always being there! XXOO
Linda - Is it cold enough here or what? I can tell Bandit really loves you! You are his person! He is happy when he is with you! XXOO
Rossella- my Mom used to say walk between the raindrops! LOL Your sense of humor and things that happen to you, remind me of her! She would always take it in stride and joke about it! That is why I loved her so much! XXOO
Barb-Hope your daughter gets to come home! That would be great!
Love and hugs to all! Going to put a hot pack on my neck and head, plus Dad has made an appearance! Clothes on whew! Kimmy
I told mom someone needed a prayer for fudge making..she said what ever helps is worth a try...man I have never had luck with fudge so fussy and delicate and contrary. Best of luck with it! It is so good when it turns out all I know is seizing and near total pan destruction! I'll stick to baking cookies. Now peanut brittle i do well...Go figure... grandpa has had diarrhea three days now,,were almost out of Lysol...and mom gives him soup cause he has a cold, great great, she doesn't seem to notice she sits down on the toilet after he has been in there and there is feces smeared on the seat...(unless I get to it and clean it first) God how can she stand it! He has coughed so much mom says he is getting laryngitis ah so some good has come of it.... Watched Elf, hilarious. Christina, I know what you mean about still wanting to give things to people who you don't like are mean or don't like you either..What IS that? Some pathetic desire to please? Or just want things to go well even if they don't or can't? I fight it and especially with incest abuse issues...I do not exchange gifts with my abusive brother period. For the first time I didn't even send a thank you note for the stupid gift certificate he mailed me. I threw it away... Trying Spritz...a little baking prayer here too eh? Thanks All...Good Weekend!
Oh dear Jen! If you can get your hands on some Coconut Oil a couple of spoonfuls of that is known to stop diarrhea in it's tracks. Coconut Macaroons are also a good substitute.
Kimmy, sorry you've been sick but glad you're getting better.. oh no more of the streak=================!!
Linda I hope your husband is alright. Can you check his blood pressure? Diane, I agree with everyone, you have nothing to apologize for. As much as I miss my husband, watching him get worse everyday was even harder. Thanks for the ideas for Christmas cards. I am not going to worry about them. I will answer people that send a card later. This maybe a good way to trim down my list for next year.
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Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services.
APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid.
We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
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You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints.
Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
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anyways i forgot to mention this till i saw ur icon with feather , as i moved the couch out of the way so i can sweep , ah theres the feather white one ! thought of you , yep slurp it in the sweeper then i thought crap i should have kept that ! cuz it looks just like that feather ! mmm sent u a wish .... a garfiled :-) lalala ....
Is that better, paisana bella? Take an umbrella with you. I think these minor catastrophes are gentle ways of showing you to slow down and get some rest. I know it is difficult. You have so many responsibilities, your Mother, your translating, your little animals. I am asking the Blessed Mother to assign you your very own Saint. Actually, I will have my oldest girlfriend from high school do it because she is a good Catholic girl and she will know just what to say.
Whatever the tragedy, Rossella, you relate it with class and humor. Since last summer with the driving 2 mph at night to the hospital and everything in between, you need a 'deluge' of Blessings. Hence, the title, "Regina delle Docce". You are adored by us, and all the Saints. Close knit group:) Ciao, Bella. xoxo
Nothing new here. Mom is still her usual confused self and James is trying to behave and not eat any "no-no's". Not sure what hit my stomach lastnight but I woke up with really bad pain and spasms. Could be I didn't eat all day until dinner time. Still feel like crap. I was watching a sappy christmas movie last night and one darn scene is breaking my heart. It just reached out and slapped me in the face to realize that Christmas won't be the same with all the family discord. I asked my mom how she wanted to spend Christmas this year and she started to cry and say what she wanted, the family to be together, won't happen. I'm feeling the black hole sliding closer to me again. All thsi family crap is killing me and mom. She at least forgets about it some of the time. It weighs heavy on me all the time. I have tickets to take mom to a free concert tomorrow. I hope we will both feel well enough to go.
Take care my dear friends and Cuz thanks for the jokes. Have a good night and maybe tomorrow will be better.
Love ya,
Diane
Diane, you and your Mom and James will make up your "family" this year and we all can be your extended family. We all stay pretty connected and attentive to each other. Lets all rejoice in what we have because it is pretty special!
STRESS ALERT STRESS ALERT....
Rosella and all of us myself included....lets replace the word "should" with the word "could" and take the stress out.
Love you all,
Cricket
Rent some funny Christmas films: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Randy Quaid just cracks me up), A Christmas Story (like a memory of most of our childhoods), Holiday Inn (c'mon, Fred Astaire AND Bingers), The Family Stone (a new favorite), Elf, Christmas with the Kranks, The Family Man....
Pray for me, I am making the fudge recipe you sent me and adding marshmallows that Christina recommended. Fudge is EASY...right?....you promise?
Christina, Austin, Linda, my story about flooding the car was, I think, rather funny... Like the fire in the kitchen. When everything is over, I laugh about it! I wished my problems in life were always of this kind. I have a saint of election... Guess who? San Francesco d'Assisi! Who else? He lived nearby, sometimes I go to the places he visited and I walk in the same woods where he walked...
Resting? When holidays (and summer) approach, I rest much less, because my helpers go on vacation, so I work twice as much. This is our destiny! My happiest day in the week is Monday!!!!! I know that 99 percent of you know what I am talking about.
Diane, I miss the Christmases of many years ago, too. My mother's siblings will ignore us as usual. We shall see my brother on Dec 25, and my cousins on Dec 26, because the cousins annual meeting is an institution in our family that I hope we will never lose... But when I was a kid, we were 50 relatives gathering for all the holidays, from Christmas to New Year. It was a lot of fun and it's forever lost! I will try to make a Christmas tree tomorrow, for me and my mother at least!
It's been a very long time since I've checked in. Too long. I'm glad to find familiar caring people on the thread. I'm sure there are a lot of new ones as well.
Rosella, I'm so sorry to hear about your kitty. It's hard to lose a family member including the furry kind.
Christina & Rip thanks for sending me so many nice emails.
I hope everyone is doing really well. I wish I could get on here more often. I don't seem to handle stress very well and I get overwhelmed easily.
Some good news, my Uncle is doing great. He had his heart surgery in July and the surgeon fixed a giant aneurism, a blocked artery and two bad valves. He was in the ICU for over 6 weeks because he caught pneumonia and sepsis, but eventually came around and is now in Assisted Living. YES, he is out of our house! I'm still overwhelmed and he is still demanding, but things are getting better. And my uncle doesn't remember ever being in the hospital which is probably a good thing. (a small side note: the hospital sent me home with his heart valve warranty. Seems so strange to get a warranty on heart valves, I mean of course they had better work or he'd be in trouble, but it just seems weird). lol.
As for me, I caught the worst flu I've ever had. I was out of work for 14 days. Conjunctivitis, nausea, severe bone pain, respiratory infection. It was awful. But I am fine now and I hope to be caught up with all my work before Christmas.
Good Night Everyone! Careshare
careshare ! great to hear from you and i am so glad u all are better now . stick around dear , that is one hellva bug u had there . geeze . hate those kind very bad feeing like ya just wanna die ! am glad u got better :-)
had the grandkids this evening for about 4 hrs lol , it was a pleasure ! tickling , stalin my nose and try to bite me lol all plays . they just laugh and laugh and laugh , had 2 on my lap , smothering me and id tickle them to get em off of me lol back on they go again . non stop , golly that wore me out . it was a pleasure .
hubby came home late , his face and neck is beet red . my sis said oh man he s red allover . mmm not good , what is that sign of ? high blood pressure ? or what ? i know the work is over loadin him and stressing him out , he has to go back tmr and sunday , no day of rest till weds he be on vacation and not have to go back till next year , woo woo woo he just cant wait .
ok bedtime for me , nighty nite u all x0x0
Meanwhile - I would wait until if and when you receive a card from his old friends - who would not be sending a card addressed to him if they knew of his passing.
With these you could respond with a simple pre-composed note you can use for all. Something like: "Thank you for remembering James this holiday season. It is with a sad heart that I tell you of James passing in November. Were he here, I know he would have wished the best of everything to you and yours."
These don't need to be holiday cards. Perhaps some simple 'blank inside' note cards. And perhaps you could ask your sister to write them for you.
I need to apologize to each and everyone of you that have lost your mom, dad, husbands and other loved ones. You are they ones that will truly be heart broken this year to not have that special someone with you. I am so very sorry I have been so selfish to complain about my situation. My family has a choice to be with me and mom or not. You all don't. I didn't mean to be insensitive, I was just blinded by my own heart break.
I hope you all have a good day. I'm going to lay low for a little while today since my IBS is flaring up again and I'm having a lot of pain.
Love ya,
Diane
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December.
Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring.
Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl.
We should've known…...
ONLY women would be able to drag a fat-ass man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost.
A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!
About Holiday Greetings and cards: I like to receive a nice card with a brief message from people I Know. The 'holiday letters' from others about their trips, promotions, how perfect their kids are-- pass. If I know them well enough, I already know this info. If I don't know them well enough, I couldn't give a flying reindeer. I have found this to me a season of random behavior. Some people are not consistent, but I think the is circumstantial; some send a card and or gift
every year, and others just block it out. I bought stamps yesterday, had not bought any for awhile-- rarely mail anything, do everything online, except for birthday cards. Set baking ingredients out last night to make hubby some oatmeal cookies with raisins, dried cherries, walnuts, chocolate chips. Still have not decorated my tree. Sitting there boxes all over the house. Trying not to think about my son and think of all the positive things instead. Good to see Careshare:) Diane, we all have many feelings and emotions. Don't apologize-- that's one of the reasons for this thread, remember? "Vent and Live"! We are honest and accepting here, non judging. We support you and everyone who expresses their thoughts and feelings. I've been crying for the last few days, but I am used to being invisible so I briefly mention it and instead focus on others. That way, I feel better by thinking of someone else, and maybe my own hurts will go away. Last year, I shopped for my sister and her husband like I did every year. She sent Crabtree and Evelyn set for Mother, said I would get some use of it too-- when I put it on Mothers hands. Then after she received my presents, she gave me a candle in a brown paper bag. It was one of the coldest things she ever did to me. It hurt hurt hurt. This year, I walked through Pier One looking at the ornaments, crying, as I saw one I would buy for her, even her a$$hole husband who hates my guts. I still want to give, because that's how I am. It hurts that I have to force myself to NOT give.
Rejoice in what you do have. Transfer the giving to those who deserve it. Enjoy the Present. Bake cookies and fudge. Love you all, Christina xo
And secondly - no apologies needed here! Whether we are stil actively caregiving or not its still a difficult time of year. Siblings are either completely silent or openly vicious. Our parents have either passed and we are left to (in some cases our 1st) holiday season without them, they are too oblivious to care whether its Christmas or not, or they are despondent over the holiday.
Christine that was so cold of your sister. Do they sit around trying to think of novel ways to inflict pain? I truly believe some do. For years i sent my crazy brother thpoughtout gifts just because. A numbered print of the ship he was stationed on in the Navy, framed photos of the family he had never seen, his favorite home-baked cookies. He never responded or reciprocated. This year I have so much new stuff on the family tree, and printing it up and sending it to both my brothers would be something I would have already done - but as each has made it abundantly clear that they don't give a hoot about living family, why would I suppose they would care about the dead ones?
Spent the morning cleaning my youngest's old bedroom as my middle daughter may possibly come to town, and if so will probably give a "I'm at the airport come gt me" kind of notice. Too cold for grave hunting.
Christina, I will be your sister when you need one. I would love to have a sister like you!
It's rainy and gloomy here today and still warm outside. Instead of sending out Christmas cards to family and friends that really don't care I've been sending them out to the people that we have to interact with on a regular basis, the the family Doctor, the Vet, The Pharmacy, Dog Groomer, Home Health Care that helps Dad with bathing, etc. etc. It feels good to let these people know how much we appreciate them for being there for us when we need them.
Love you all, Cricket
Meanwhile, don't worry about Christmas cards! Take care of yourself now! You don't need anything overwhelming you right now! XXOO
Diane, you have nothing to apologize for at all! We all understand and support you! XXOO
Cricket-Thanks for always being there! XXOO
Linda - Is it cold enough here or what? I can tell Bandit really loves you! You are his person! He is happy when he is with you! XXOO
Rossella- my Mom used to say walk between the raindrops! LOL Your sense of humor and things that happen to you, remind me of her! She would always take it in stride and joke about it! That is why I loved her so much! XXOO
Barb-Hope your daughter gets to come home! That would be great!
Love and hugs to all! Going to put a hot pack on my neck and head, plus Dad has made an appearance! Clothes on whew! Kimmy
grandpa has had diarrhea three days now,,were almost out of Lysol...and mom gives him soup cause he has a cold, great great, she doesn't seem to notice she sits down on the toilet after he has been in there and there is feces smeared on the seat...(unless I get to it and clean it first) God how can she stand it! He has coughed so much mom says he is getting laryngitis ah so some good has come of it....
Watched Elf, hilarious.
Christina, I know what you mean about still wanting to give things to people who you don't like are mean or don't like you either..What IS that? Some pathetic desire to please? Or just want things to go well even if they don't or can't? I fight it and especially with incest abuse issues...I do not exchange gifts with my abusive brother period. For the first time I didn't even send a thank you note for the stupid gift certificate he mailed me. I threw it away...
Trying Spritz...a little baking prayer here too eh? Thanks All...Good Weekend!
Kimmy, sorry you've been sick but glad you're getting better.. oh no more of the streak=================!!
Nighty night all. XOXO Cricket
Diane, I agree with everyone, you have nothing to apologize for. As much as I miss my husband, watching him get worse everyday was even harder.
Thanks for the ideas for Christmas cards. I am not going to worry about them. I will answer people that send a card later. This maybe a good way to trim down my list for next year.