Adding Self Care Into the Mix in Everyday Ramblings

We are returning here to a more normal weather pattern, which includes regular rain for the foreseeable future. I took this shot three weeks ago at our first birding class. It looks just like that out right now here. I love the subtle colors.

I admit it… even with all the energetic breathing and aerobic exercise I have been getting lately I am tired. We are going out to the Oregon Coast a week later than usual this year because we booked our favorite house a little late. So it is still four weeks away. This worked out well for Saint Joe because he has a special Venice Beach California wedding to go to the week we normally go that he is looking forward to.

Saint Joe and I have a mutual admiration society of two going on. He is such a joy to work with and after our 4th intense training class presentation together yesterday he told me that he was telling his girlfriend that I am the nicest person he has ever met! Awww. What a balm that is to my hostile work environment battered heart.

These trainings take a lot out of me. They are rewarding and I am thrilled to be able to do them but wow, it is an intense process. I learn each time how to make it a little better and luckily now we are in a fabulous well equipped training room.

I think I will see if I can take a day off soon. I need to do my taxes and document my continuing education for my yoga teacher certificate. The Friday after next looks clear.

My oldest sister continues to struggle. They finally finished her radiation treatments on Tuesday! But the thought of her being strong enough for surgery in two months seems pretty farfetched at this point. She just wants to go home. And who can blame her? Right now decisions are being made about if she can get enough home health care to function and recover at home. Otherwise they want her to go to a skilled care facility and there is a good chance she will flat out refuse to do that.

We, umm, run to strong will in our family.

She is so weak she doesn’t really understand how sick she is. Kes is driving up to spend four days tomorrow. Mostly to be logistical support for Miss E. while her mother works to earn a little money while all the above decisions are being made about my sister. Three generations of willful females. Creative, unique, overwhelmed willful females. :) Good stock to be from but challenging at a deep level at times like this for us all.

I keep remembering what my friend and yoga student S. told me about supporting someone who is ill with Mr. Finch. “Just remember there is a beginning, a middle and an end to this.” It won’t go on forever. I find that deeply comforting in a weird way. On these over-stimulated lack of sleep days.

My yoga for caregivers class last night was a rich and wonderful experience and slightly terrifying. These are profoundly ill children from all walks of life and their caregivers are exhausted and amazing. I am glad to do my little bit to help.

Right this minute though I need to be taking care of myself. And that means taking a bath here at lunchtime (I am working at home today) and having a massage tonight.