Good-Bye 2011 - Hello 2012

As we approach the countdown and the decent of the shinny ball in Times Square, I am reflecting on 2011 in wonderment.

I remember last winters’ snowfall that propelled us over 173.5 inches, and the plunge of the economy that put us into a deficit.  The rise in crime and abhorrent behavior by once admired professionals who have added more doubt for parents. 

Personally we had exciting news that our California kids were buying a home, and we learned of the announcement and recent birth of another grandchild.  We were surprised of the semi-breakup of one son with a girl we really liked and more closely the decline of Jim’s health that has put a strain on life here at home.

What I want for 2012 is to try and be more thankful for what I do have, rather than wondering why this has happened to us.  I’m glad I have the support of my co-workers and friends, my neighbors and my family.  I’m thankful for my little critters, Archie and Anya, who make me feel loved and needed and give me comfort when all else seems dark.

So as the ball falls, if I can stay up that late and watch it, I won’t say hopefully 2012 will be a better year……………..I’ll say lets make 2012 be the best we can.

Happy New Year to all!

There Is No Better Joy

There is no better joy in a parent's life than to be blessed with a grand-child.  Today at 8:11am our newest blessing entered our lives.  She weighed in at a robust 9lbs 12oz and stands (or lays) a stellar 22 inches.  Her proud mommy and daddy named her Emma Mae.  Her name is derived from her mommy's great-grandma, her daddy's grandma (and I'm not sure they even know it) but her daddy's mom's gramma's name was Emmaline.  No matter where she gets her name she is special. 

The After Christmas Blues

Here it is the week between Christmas and New Years and no one is stirring – not even a mouse! 

At Christmas time I always admired people with large extended families who got together over holidays for festive gatherings with food and lots of people. Being an only child I only fanaticized about all the fun it would be to have brothers and sisters that would get together around the large "real" Christmas tree and open presents together with lots of laughs and stories.  Sharing the large dinner and joyous festivities the holiday was about.

I had my few years of family celebrations with my boys where we would gather around the Christmas tree and laugh over gag gifts and who bought what for who but now they have grown and moved away building their own traditions.   

The ghost of Christmas Past has left Jim deteriorated to a point where he has been raped of the memories of what Christmas is about.  The ghost of Christmas Future is not comprehended at all by Jim, for every day is the same as the next for him.

But although I feel saddened and alone I know I should be appreciative of what I do have.   I know that there is someone who has much less than I have and for that I wish for their future to be brighter.  I don’t want to sound ungrateful for what I have in my life, for it wasn’t my intention when I wrote this.  I am grateful for some memories and that I can still remember them.

Happy New Year to all!

A Merry Christmas Vacation

Ah, one more day at work and I am off until January 3, 2012.  Our office closes over the holiday for time to spend with families and because most people wouldn't keep their appointments during that week for the same reason.

I think Jim is looking forward to having time off from daycare!  He doesn't comprehend the amount of time but getting up early every morning and going off to daycare is tiring for him.  Must say it's pretty tiring for me too, but we will have some time to sleep in over Christmas week. 

I will also have time to spend with my grandson Connor, who will be up in NY for Christmas.  I will miss seeing Liam, who is growing like a weed and of course the new baby who is due right around Christmas.  Hopefully I will have the opportunity to go down after the first of the year.

Anyhow, I want to wish all the bloggers a very Merry Christmas!

Ho-Ho-Ho

1st Week Under My Belt

Well, I completed my first week back to work after being off for 6 weeks filling in as caretaker to my husband Jim.  Jim fell on Halloween and was taken to the hospital.  It has been diagnosed that he had another stroke and has lost some of the strength on his right side including his peripheral vision.

Any how, I found a day care facility in Syracuse for Jim to go while I'm at work.  I have to admit that it's pretty exhausting for both me and Jim. I rise at 5:30am where I get my shower and dry my hair.  I get Jim up at 6am and get him changed and in the shower, wash and dry him, shave him and have him brush his teeth then I dress him.  I get him back to his chair and get his breakfast and while he's eating, I finish my makeup, hair and dress. 

Now it's time to get everything needed for the day together, get Jim to the door then down the stairs and to the car.  Load him in the car and we are off by 7:15am.    I drop him off at Daybreak and then I'm off to work. 

My boss is being very understanding and allowing me to come in late and leave early just to some time in the office. 

I can honestly say I'm glad the week is over and we have 3 days before we start the routine again.  It was pretty exhausting for Jim too.  He's not use to getting up so early, eating breakfast before 9 and NOT reclining in a chair for the whole day when he can nap if he wants.  When we get home and I get him in the house, he heads straight for his chair and doesn't want to leave it till the next morning.

I'll try resting a bit this weekend in between Christmas Shopping, grocery shopping, wrapping presents, packing boxes to get out for family away and try cooking some meals ahead to save time in the evening when I get home.

Hope all went well for all my family and friends this week also.  Keep you posted!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nancy

Happy Pearl Harbor Day

Dec. 7-we remember the day the Japanese almost totally destroyed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  Glad we raised above the loss and regrouped or I could be sitting here blogging in a kimono.

Into my 37th day of being caretaker to my husband, who suffered another stroke,  Hopefully all my phone calls and information will pay off and I will have him enrolled in a day program so I can go back to work.  I so need the paycheck and most of all interaction with other people. 

Christmas is quickly sneaking up.  My plans were to go to VA to hopefully meet my new grand-daughter but with the situation as it is at home, that will not be happening.  It saddens me because I so miss my kids and grandkids.  But my heart will be with them and hoping all goes well with the home birth for my son and daughter-in-law.  Our little Emma is due 12/27 but reports indicate she may be arriving sooner.  What a beautiful Christmas present!

So now I must go to my desk and start some work that has been sent home for me to complete.  Thanks to my boss for being so understanding and helpful during this difficult time for me.

Adios