Monday, April 20, 2015

Firsts….

This week I turn 53 and in all my years, God that sounds old…. I am having or doing a lot of firsts. It’s cool really, mostly.

Some of the not cool firsts are giving money to my parents instead of the other way around. Taking over the finances for them. Being the parent to the parent. Explaining everything from how to fix a hose to how to put a key in the lock to forever looking for keys and explaining why we need to put them on a hook. To passwords and emails to the darn TV remote. To just smiling and even though hard, smiling and enjoying that they are alive and still able to give hugs and love.

Some of the awesome first…..it’s our 35th anniversary and we are going away for the weekend and …. the first…staying in a motel. Excited, very excited.

Other’s…

.IMG_20150416_094641010

Taking myself out for breakfast and not eating in the bus, eating in the restaurant. A bit scary but doable. This is my little bus I drive between my big bus runs. I do preschool and special needs for a different district. Oh another first, I have a very disabled girl in a wheel chair that is awesome and sweet and last week she gave me the biggest hug and kiss.

IMG_20150418_103151717

Wearing shorts the 2nd week in April. It was 70* last Thursday. Beautiful!!! Today it’s 25* and snowing. UGH!!!

IMG_20150213_145705084_HDR

Going to the Target Center and walking the 8 blocks after parking the bus and going to watch the girls dance. I was so scared (I had my first panic attack and cried and shook and had to call Mike, he walked back to the bus with me via the phone and helped me settle down)  it took me two tries to get there alone but I did it and once I did, I was back and forth between the bus and center at least 6 times. I couldn’t lock the bus so made sure all was okay during intermissions.

IMG_20150418_201457155

Tilling the garden the first time in April (we try and till it 2-3 times before planting)  and it was thawed and even somewhat warmish dirt. No worms yet though so not that warm.

Getting the chicken coop cleaned out, it’s not frozen solid.

Getting the pump for the watering hooked up and started because it’s dry as a bone here and we have a pond we pump from for both my parents place and ours and with a back up generator we know we can save our homes if need be.

Taking just my parents to the Como Conservatory.

100_1514

Enjoying me. I have gotten to the point where I enjoy going for walks alone, window shopping alone, being home alone. I still prefer being with Mike or Jim or friends but I am liking the me part too.

1220141554

There are more firsts but I don’t want to bore you to death.

Life is good. No matter what’s going on it’s good. And when it’s not, a good cry and a Almond Joy fixes it so it is good again. Everything is possible. No one said easy or perfect but it is good and possible.

Blessings my friends.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday Julie!!! 53 doesn't sound old. It's been in my rear view mirror for years now. Wanna trade? Just kidding ;) Have a great birthday celebration!

Running Stitches said...

Happy Birthday and Anniversary! You sound like you are enjoying all your firsts....I hope the fun continues for you.

Gwen said...

Happy birthday! :)

Wow, you've never stayed at a motel before? I had no idea.

And 53 is YOUNG. Cripes, I don't think I even remember 53. LOL

Kim said...

Happy birthday!!!! Looks like on top of the struggles you are having some very good and exciting things happening. I hope you have a great anniversary!!! Take care.

Jill said...

Happy anniversary!!! First time in a hotel...that's awesome! Happy, happy birthday! Another day to celebrate how wonderful you are :-) That is great you are there for your parents, they are blessed to have you. My heart goes out to you with your panic attack, I get anxiety at times too. But proud of you for pushing through! :-) Deep breathes and focusing on something else can help. Wishing you all the best!

Blessings,
Jill

Lowcarb team member said...

Great to hear from you Julie.

Sending warmest Happy Birthday Wishes to you,

All the best Jan

Baby Sister said...

Happy Birthday!! Happy Anniversary!! I'm glad you took some time away to enjoy your time together, that's always nice. I'm so glad you're doing well and that you have an awesome son to take care of you. :)

Anna Down Under said...

Happy birthday! And it can't be old cuz I'm right behind you turning 52 in 3-1/2 months. :)