Sunday, June 20, 2010

Happy Father's Day!!!! We had a relaxing type day. I had Katie's lesson this morning and then we went to Tim Horton's and then grocery shopping. I think next time I will get Carolyn to watch Mom while I go shopping, although she did really well. The store is big and I ride in a scooter so that leaves Mom to walk around the store. She did good and didn't complain about being tired until we were almost done. We were in the cashier's line to pay when she mentioned she was tired. Once the groceries were put away we both put our feet up in the living room and fell asleep. I think we both slept about 3 hours. I think we were both pretty tired. I am still tired. Grocery shopping is an exhausting adventure to me so I am not surprised that I slept so long. We will both be heading for bed early. At least we both get to sleep in tomorrow! yeah! My first lesson tomorrow is at 3 pm. I was going to get Olive Garden to go but since we grocery shopped I just cooked up something quick. Mom doesn't eat very much so cooking for her is a piece of cake because she doesn't eat a full serving of anything. I got some simple foods that she likes so cooking for the next few weeks will be easy.

We have an exciting week ahead of us. I will finish cleaning off the dining room table. Yes, I know, I was supposed to finish that before Mom came home last week. It didn't really happen. I did take off most of the books that were all over the table, but the bills are still in piles. I will be paying them this week. There are a few that are due. I don't want to pay late notices. I have possibly 3 lessons tomorrow, depending on if Callie is back from camp in time for her lesson. She has a fun filled week of camp this week so I am not anticipating seeing her. I hope to so I can hear all about it and give her her lesson, but it is one of those, if she arrives, she's there, otherwise she is in traffic coming home. I really hope she has a fun time. She is such a neat young person. Frank should be finishing up some music this week and we are working hard on his competition music. It is about a month away from competition now. He is working hard on the music now that school is out.

I tried on the new shoes today, they are a bit tight, but with thin socks they should be alright. They are really cute too so that is a good thing. I am almost ready for the wedding. I just have to do some laundry so I have clothes to wear on Friday. I have Mom's outfit all ready too. I have new slippers for her with new socks. She will be looking cute.

It has been a good day, I hope your day was good too. I tried to call the big brother to wish him happy father's day, but I had to leave a message.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

What a fun afternoon!!!! First up was Lily's lesson. She is singing "Look to the Rainbow" and "Loch Lamond" and doing a good job at both. She is also auditioning for her summer music theatre play "Aida" so we worked on her audition material. I love that musical. Mom and I saw several years ago and it was simply amazing! Just amazing! The music was fantastic! Mom loved it. I bought the CD to it and practically wore it out in my car. I forgot to find it for Lily so she could hear some of the music before Tuesday's audition. I will find it this week so she can hear it.

After Lily's lesson was Zachary's graduation party. Mom did real well there. She only teared up a few times which is better than she has done and it was mostly while she was eating which is when she normally does it. We ended up staying almost 3 hours, I was surprised at the time when we got back into the car. We met some of Zach's parents friends and they were really nice. I also got to have a long chat with Zach's older brother, Alex. I haven't spoken to him in a long long time. It was great to catch up with him. He is an actor and a singer. We had to get Zach's present on the way because I fell asleep yesterday afternoon so I didn't get to it on my list of things to do yesterday. We took care of it though. I got him 2 movies that he wanted. I asked him on Tuesday at his lesson what he wanted so he called me with a list. I like to give gifts instead of money because they are more fun to me and it is something different too. He told me which movies he wanted and we got him 2 of them. I like that he gave me a choice.

One thing I have noticed since Mom has been home is that she says random things that don't make a lot of sense at times. This is new, well, fairly new. She would do this occasionally before, but now it is more frequent. She is also afraid of doing something wrong, very afraid. She cries because she thinks she is doing something wrong, I tell she is doing good and isn't doing anything wrong, then she is okay. But this happens all day long. I hope it ends soon because this is upsetting her and I don't like that. The couple we sat with at the party were very nice to her. Most people are. I have only had a few people stare at me like why is she out and not at home or in a home, but overall people are very nice and treat her well. We have more doors held open for us then ever. It is so nice because it really makes it easier for me to steer Mom if the door is held open.

Tomorrow is Father's Day. I don't know what me and Mom are doing. I was going to take her out for Father's Day, but I am not sure. She sort of can feed herself, but not very well. She eats more if I feed her and I don't know about feeding her at a restaurant, although I fed her at the party and no one said anything to me about it. I am hoping she gets better at feeding herself, but I am not sure she will. Overall, she is much better than she was on Wednesday when I picked her up. Everyday is a bit better. We have everything planned for the wedding we are going to on Friday next week. I am excited about it. Mom was until the nursing home. She still smiles about it when I mention it to her, but it is a more vacant smile than before. She, once again, is worried about money. Do we have enough for this, for that. Can we pay for this. This hasn't happened for a few months and now it is back. I hope this leaves again soon, I don't want her to worry about money, that is my job. I worry enough about it, she doesn't need to worry.

I hope your day was as great as ours. The sun is out, with a nice cool breeze and no rain at this point. It can rain now, we are inside again.

Friday, June 18, 2010

I finished the bridesmaid and the maid of honor dresses. The wedding is only next week. The visiting nurse and the visiting physical therapist were here this afternoon to evaluate Mom. Outside of perhaps getting a bit stronger there isn't much else that the physical therapist can do for Mom. I mean, she can't learn any new behaviors, so what is the point? She needs help to get dressed, and pretty much everything. She isn't eating very much and she is drinking a bit. She does usually drink a sip or two when I ask. The therapist was please with how Mom goes up and down the stairs. We showed her around the house so we had to go upstairs. I have to get Mom a toilet frame for each of the bathrooms so she has bars to hold on to when she needs it. I will pick them up when we go shopping on Sunday. We don't have any plans except Katie's lesson for Sunday. Mom still gets upset a bit easy, but not as much as she did yesterday. Everyday is getting better, I think. We shall see.

I am rather tired today. I took a wee nap after the physical therapist left. Both Mom and I slept. I slept for about 2 1/2 hours, so did she. Not much else happening in our house today. Tomorrow is Lily's lesson and Zachary's graduation party. I have to stop and get his gift on the way. He gave me some ideas so I know what to get him.

I hope your day was good too.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

It is knitting today. First time in about 3 or so weeks between my schedule, Mom, and my friend, Heather's schedule, we just haven't connected. Today we will. Tomorrow a nurse from the home care will be coming to see Mom. We won't be going to sewing because I have some sewing I have got to do before Saturday, so I am doing some today and finishing up tomorrow.

It is a good day so far. Mom got up pretty well, although she said she was tired and wanted to sleep more but since I had a doctor's appointment for a blood test, we had to get up. She is in the living room sleeping right now. After the appointment we went to our usual, Tim Horton's, and our friend, Rosemary was there. She watched Mom while I went and got our food. Mom did pretty well, she ate some soup and then ate her donut. She cried a bit every so often while we were there. She cries really easy right now, I think because she is so afraid of being left alone. It will take time for her to relax, I think. She is back on her anxiety medicine now that she is home. Rosemary lent me a book about Historical mysteries. I can't wait to dive into it. I love reading. I may read some out loud to Mom. She likes that.

So far today is a good day for the both of us. She looks like she had a good sleep, although she is tired. Tomorrow she can have a good sleep in, we both can. I do want to do some grocery shopping soon, we are out of a lot of food. Right now, she is too tired to go with me, but I figure maybe this weekend she will be okay for shopping a bit. We have a bit of frozen dinners left and enough ensure for a few days. I will be bringing an ensure with us so she has a lot to drink. So far, she has drank about 1/4 of an ensure and about 3/4 of the 1/2 pint of milk. That is a lot for her. As it gets hotter this weekend, I will be upping how much she drinks. She doesn't need another episode of dehydration. That would definitely be bad.

Pain is regular today, not too bad. My head is just it's normal headache, not extra like a few days ago. My arm is alright. I can move it more than I could a month ago so I think it is unfreezing itself. Yeah! I hope it completely unfreezes itself. I can sleep on that side for a bit at night now so my other side doesn't get as sore.

It is beautiful out today. I have the drapes in the living room open so Mom can look out and see the sunshine. I also have the drapes in the dining room open for the same reason. It is nice and sunny out with very few clouds. I hope this finds you doing well too!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Mom is home! I am soooooo happy about that. I picked her up at 10 am. I quickly packed her suitcase and went down to laundry to pick up her other clothes. I have some laundry to do for her, but that is okay. I will do it, tomorrow! She hasn't had her anxiety medicine for the entire time she was in the nursing home. I found that out today. No wonder she was so miserable and crying all the time. She was scared and nervous the entire time she was there. I don't know how long it will take until she feels comfortable again. She has really gone down in the last month with everything that has happened to her. I have put the new plan in place. We both fell asleep this afternoon though for about 3 1/2 hours. We both are rather exhausted. I don't know how she is going to do when it is time to go to bed, but we will go up together and I will put her to bed. I plan to sit with her as long as it is necessary. She still cries easy right now. She did pretty well at Tim Horton's this morning and the little restaurant for dinner. Mom hasn't eaten very well, but I figure it will take a few days before she is comfortable enough to eat a bit more again. Her appetite isn't very good to begin with. She did eat 1/2 her donut this morning and she ate a bit of mashed potatoes and soup. I brought the left overs home for tomorrow's dinner. I am so glad she is home although she is nervous.

Pain is a bit higher, not sure why today. I am feeling better now that Mom is home. I should sleep better tonight!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

I can't wait until tomorrow!!! Mom comes home. How exciting. She looked a bit happy about coming home but then she got nervous and cried. Poor thing doesn't know if she is coming or going these days. I hope after a few days at home she will even herself out. She ate pretty good for lunch. yeah, they think I am going to puree all her food. That isn't going to happen right now. I cut up her food into small pieces and she does just fine with them. I will be clearing off the dining room table this evening since she will be arriving tomorrow. I want it cleared so she won't pull any piles down. She tries to be so helpful, unfortunately, she pulls from the bottom of the piles not the top so everything crashes down. I am pretty tired today although I am not so sure why. I went to bed okay last night so I really shouldn't be extra tired. I am excited about tomorrow and a bit nervous too since she hasn't been home in 3 1/2 weeks and won't really know where everything is. I hope everything goes okay once Mom is home. She should hopefully cry less since she will be with me, that is the hope. She is very dependent on me and this has been hard for the both of us. She saw the doctor and they don't think anything is wrong with her ear or her throat, not that they can find. I will keep an eye on it and see what happens. She had an ear ache during lunch again but she was very nervous and crying a lot too. I actually wasn't the one feeding her since she wouldn't eat for me, a nurse assistant came over and she got Mom to eat some. Mom wouldn't drink anything though which is normal for her there. I will be putting my plan in action so we shall see how successful I will be.

I have 2 students later today, in about an hour so I am happy about that. After that I will be clearing the table before I eat dinner. I am going to grocery shop tomorrow with Mom so she can tell me what she wants. Pain level is alright for a change. It isn't too hot or muggy out right now so that is probably why. It is supposed to rain tonight though, so my head may get bad with that, but right now it is alright.

I hope you are having a good day.

Monday, June 14, 2010

1 1/2 days until Mom is home!!!!! I can't wait!!!!! Today has been a pretty good day so far. I won't be able to see Mom until tomorrow because of both our schedules. When I am not teaching she is in therapy or bed so that ends the plans on visiting today. However, I will make it for lunch tomorrow and then by 9:20 on Wednesday ready to take her home. I know she was supposed to see the doctor again this morning. I will find out what he said tomorrow. It would be nice if he gave her something for the pain in her throat and ear that they keep ignoring. If it keeps up, I plan to take her to our doctor to find out what is going on. I am hoping once she is home it stops and she can relax again because she will be with me. Just because the doctors can't find out what is wrong doesn't mean she isn't in pain! Look how many doctors and years it took to find out what was wrong with me. Mom never gave up on that and I won't give up on her.

On to better news. The Muglia family will be getting a piano! A real piano! The girls are so excited about it. It will go in the living room where the big keyboard used to be. The found it at an Estate sale and the person they bought it from knows someone who can transport it to their house. I am so excited for them. The three older girls (there are 8 children in the family now) love playing piano and I love teaching them. I also teach them sewing on Friday. They are excited to see Mom as she hasn't been at sewing for a few weeks. They are such a nice family, really nice and caring.

I hope to pick up a few more books this afternoon at the used bookstore. I have pretty much read everything that is left in the house. I have spent the last 3 1/2 weeks reading when I am not teaching or sleeping or sewing. I have a bit of sewing to do this week too. I will have Emily's and Lily's dresses ready for Saturday. I just love sewing. It is something that Mom and I used to do together. Now she watches me and sometimes gives me advice. She can remember a bit about sewing so that is good. Originally it was supposed to be the two of us teaching the Muglia's but with Mom's memory, it is really just me. I don't mind. Time flies when I am there. The girls have each made 3 items. Hannah has made 2 tops and 1 skirt. Lydia and Natalie have made 2 skirts and 1 top. I don't know what they will start on next but we will be using wool material. I have several boxes for them to choose from. I will also be finishing Sarah's skirt this week for her. It won't take too much time since she is so little. (she is five)

Pain isn't so bad so far today. I am a bit more tired than usual because I went to bed late again last night. I need to stop reading before I go to bed because I don't know what time it is when I am reading and often it is past midnight when I stop. Not recommended for a girl who is exhausted all the time. I plan to head for bed early tonight so I am more rested when I see Mom tomorrow. I have to go to bed early tomorrow night as I will be picking Mom up rather early. I don't mind since I'd rather pick her up early than late. She is anxious to get home.

I hope you are having a good day!
another link of the week!!!!!

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Mom is doing a bit better today than yesterday, although she is still in pain. She will see the doctor tomorrow. I can't wait until Wednesday!!!!!!!! I just can't. As long as everything is okay, she is coming home Wednesday. She ate 2/3 of her lunch today and had 2/3 of the ensure cup they gave her. That was pretty good for her. Mom was pretty tired by the time I left, I had a bad headache again. Partly from the stress, the other part from the weather. This episode has been so hard on the both of us. Donna thinks part of her ear problem could be clenching her teeth, that is a good possibility. She does clench when she is nervous and she has been a nervous wreck for 3 weeks now since she hasn't been home. She admits to being very nervous. She doesn't understand why. I do. It's because she isn't with me and home, but starting Wednesday, she will be with me and will be home. Her physical therapy is going well and so is the occupational therapy. I only cried a little bit when I was with her today. I think after she comes home it will be easier on the both of us. I have read so many books since she has been gone though, oh my. I read most of the time. I don't want to watch the TV show DVDs we have until she can watch them with me. I enjoy her company especially when we do things together like go to a show or watch TV. Sometimes I read out loud to her too. All depends on what our moods are. 2 1/2 more days!!!!

My head is real bad today, like I said. My arm is a bit sorer than usual too. I think I am extra sore because I am so tense right now. I took a pain pill so I hope that helps with the pain. It is going to rain again here. That's what it looks like outside.

I hope you are having a good day. My days will improve as soon as Wednesday arrives.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Just got back from visiting Mom for her dinner. She didn't eat very much. She is in so much pain she couldn't eat. I nearly lost it there when I was trying to feed her. It hurt her throat so much that I almost starting wailing myself. I did lose it when I got home. I am having a difficult time handling her in pain. She is in so much pain and has been for over a week now. Why aren't they doing something about it? Obviously, Tylenol is not working very well. She doesn't understand what is going on as it is, let's just add pain on top of her confusion. Yeah, great, sounds fun doesn't it? I keep telling myself, 3 1/2 days, just 3 1/2 days, that is all we have to survive and then she will be home with me. This is killing me, just as it is her. She calls for me all the time and cries most of the time. Some of it is from pain, like tonight, and some is from fear. She is scared to death and doesn't understand what is going on. If we didn't need her medicine, I would have pulled her out 2 weeks ago, but we need her medicine. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, Wednesday! I can't wait until Wednesday. I will see her for lunch tomorrow and then I won't see her on Monday because of teaching, but I will see her on Tuesday and then I will be picking her up on Wednesday. I think she is getting dehydrated again, because of the head and throat pain. I really hope not. They don't seem to think her pain is any big deal though because they aren't calling in the doctor. So we wait until Monday when she sees the doctor again. I hope she isn't dehydrated and that it is just what is left over from the dehydration, but you never know with Mom. I just don't want a set back that will keep her there longer. I want her home where I can watch her around the clock. She needs to be with me, then she will improve.

My head is very sore today because of the upsets I have had. My whole body aches and I am really tired too. Crying tires me out a lot. Mom asked if I was upset when we got back to her room and I said yes. She tried to pat my shoulder. Isn't that sweet? That nearly set me off too. Today is not my day, I am hopeful that tomorrow will be better. I hope your day went better than mine.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Here is another link of the week. Check it out!!!!


www.healthmattersshow.com

RSD, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

  One of the hardest parts of ADHD for me is RSD.  There are so many words I have been told as far as I can remember that still go through m...