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Mar 19, 2013 - 8:47 am
Sometimes my husband, who is the one with cancer and myself as his caregiver, forget to do things specifically for ourselves. We are each trying to help each other or our son most of the time and lose sight of being kind to ourselves. Each day we try to encourage each other to do something just for ourselves, as individuals. Anyone care to share what they might do today just for themselves that helps them feel good? I'll start ... I am going to take our dog for a run in the snow and look for some signs of spring, little flowers trying to find their way up through the snow, maybe take some photos. Cynthia
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Joined: Feb 2013
Hi Cynthia! I'm going to hang
Hi Cynthia!
I'm going to hang out with my mom when I get home from work and watch our reality shows together. It's not really for myself but my mom is here for a few weeks for the next chemo sessions and I'm just so thankful to have her here. I know she worries about me and it makes me happy we can do this together.
Joined: Jan 2010
Cynthia: I hope you had a wonderful day with your Mom.
Reality shows are my guilty pleasure that I watch on HuluPlus on my computer sometimes the day after. My 93-year old mother likes some of them; I watch and then we have someting to chat about together. -- Cynthia
Joined: Mar 2013
Moms are so special.....
My daughter and I went to my mom's last night for dinner and to watch her reality show. Enjoy your time with your mom! -~ Ann
Joined: Jan 2013
Hello Cynthia and Cynthia
I get to go to my 5th chemo today. So saving my life (hopefully) is my gift to myself today.
Joined: Jan 2010
I'd say that is great a big gift to give yourself ...
5th chemo. Now you have another one behind you. Hope the next few days you will not feel too badly. -- Cynthia
Joined: Dec 2012
We are in for about 12 inches
We are in for about 12 inches of snow. Our district had school but got out early. Half my class didn't show up, and it was nice to have the small number of kids and be able to work with some individually. I was able to get their writing corrected, math corrected (as we didn't have it because we got out early). I am now home, I'm going to make out bills, then either take a nap or knit. This is a very nice discussion, by the way. Thank you for starting it!!!
Judy
Joined: Oct 2011
Lucky to have snow!
My kids would kill for a snow day. Not a bit of it here in Seattle this year. :(
Joined: Jan 2010
Seems the snow just won't give up this year ... but nice that
it forces us to slow down sometimes out of necessity ... hope napping or knitting was one of your activities. -- Cynthia
Joined: Oct 2011
It's my daughter's 18th birthday,
so we are going out for dinner (Ethiopian, per her request). That means I don't have to cook, which is a treat! Although I am still baking a cake. Hmmmm...AA
Joined: Jan 2010
Happy 18 years together to both of you!
and how cool is it that your daughter requested Ethiopian. What kind of cake did you bake? I hope it was a great celebration. -- Cynthia
Joined: Oct 2011
White cake, with raspberry filling and lemon frosting...
Joined: Jan 2010
AA: That looks really pretty with the pinks and the
lavendar blue flowers. That combination of flavors, raspberry and lemon, sounds very tasty. What did you use for the raspberry filling? Can you put a jam in there between the layers for that? -- Cynthia
Joined: Oct 2011
Yep, I'm lazy,
so I just used jam. It's also good with a lemon curd filling, which I usually make, but is pretty good out of the jar too. I like to bake, but I'm all for short cuts!
Joined: Mar 2013
Beautiful birthday table, Ann!
Beautiful flowers, delicious sounding cake, and pretty presents....Happy 18th to your daughter! -~ Ann
Joined: Oct 2011
Thank you!
We went out for dinner, so I was able to wrap and bake. Used to be able to do it all, but these days I have to pick my (culinary) battles.
Joined: Jan 2013
Oh my!
That looks wonderful!
I'm on my way for left-overs, 'Though I don't know the way' (took that from Lord of the rings).
I've never had Ethiopean food. That sounds interesting. What did you order?
Joined: Oct 2011
LOTR...our favorite!
We all have read the books and seen the movies multiple times. Even have a big wall decal in our basement, with a silhouette (had to look that one up) of Bilbo, Gandalf and the dwarves, and beneath it the quote "The road goes ever on and on..".
Anyway, as for the Ethiopian food, it was delicious! However, you have to be ready to go without plates or utensils...they serve it all on a big plate, with a spongy, pancake-like bread that you use to pick up the food. We had a mix of meat and veggie dishes, and really enjoyed it. One of our daughter's friends is from Ethiopia, so that's where the idea came from. Nice to try something new!
Joined: Sep 2011
Sun is out...
after a sleet and rain filled morning. Temp is up to 50 and I just took a wonderful "spring feeling" walk with my dog. Always clears my mind and boosts my spirits!
Enjoy!
Ellen
Joined: Jan 2010
Ellen: Your dog is beautiful ... border collie?
50 degrees is spring! I see you are a caregiver for your husband ... I know how important it is sometimes to carve out that time for yourself so that you can then be energized to help your husband. Thanks for contributing here. -- Cynthia
Joined: Sep 2011
Milo is a Border Collie mix...
with maybe a bit of American Eskimo tossed in. Great little guy, adopted him last Sept, he was a stray in VA and brought up for foster care in NJ, where we live. He is a terrific walking partner and a great comfort to our family when we need a furry cuddle!
Also, that B-day cake from AA looks delicious!!
Ellen
Joined: Jan 2010
Very sweet face
Does he like to play fetch? Our Cavalier does, some don't. I was relieved he enjoys this because sometimes it makes exercise for him easier. -- Cynthia
Joined: Sep 2011
Our last dog, a Golden Retriever,
was tennis ball obsessed! We also adopted her and she moved right on in, tennis balls and all! 24/7, she always had a slobbery tennis ball, just waiting for us to throw it. Milo is not as interested in chasing a ball and I never thought I would miss chucking a ball most of the day. But, Milo does love a good tug-of-war so that works for us too! Your Cav is adorable...wonderful breed of dog!
Posted a pic of Pat and his "constant companion" on the Pets link! Swear that after chemo, when Pat is feeling horrible, that little dog knows to give him some extra attention.
Ellen
Joined: Apr 2010
Today
I'm sitting in my backyard. enjoying the warmth of the sun. My geraniums, daisies, calla Lillie's are all in full bloom and it's just beautiful, so I'm taking the time to enjoy it all!
Winter Marie
Joined: Jan 2010
Winter Marie: I am envious. I am so ready for spring and
warmth and flowers. I hope that your day continued peacefully. -- Cynthia
Joined: Oct 2011
Me too...
starting to feel a little desperate for sunshine and bright colors! AA
Joined: Mar 2013
What a nice topic!
Tonight I am getting ready for our 6 year old grandson's birthday party tomorrow...We told him he could go anywhere for his party and he wants Grandma and Grandpa's house.....so I am happy! After having an ultrasound and mapping for my radiation today this is a wonderful diversion. It might not seem like it is something just for me but it is because it makes me feel like my old self again. ~Ann
if anyone is interested his picture is on "show ourselves" topic....(i am a proud grandma)
Joined: Oct 2011
Nice and kind
This am I attended my yoga class - feeling strength and calmness.
Helping my neighbor with preparing for her son's visit by washing a dog bed cover for their two dogs who will visit too.
She is like a mom and we support each other.
Preparing food, etc., chemo tomorrow ....
Sunny but cold day here in Chicago area. Felt good to get outside.
Golf season soon!
Nice post. Thank you!
Joined: Jan 2010
Barb: Your yoga truly is a gift to yourself
I really believe that lowering the stress level is healing and restorative. What a great thing to do for yourself. You are a golfer also? That is wonderful. I have never golfed (does miniature golf count?) but my father did and he said that he found it very relaxing. -- Cynthia
Joined: Jan 2010
AnnLouise: Have a wonderful birthday party tomorrow with
your cute little grandson. Yes, these normal (not medicalized) moments of life have special value don't they. Thank you for sharing. -- Cynthia
Joined: Oct 2011
That's a pretty big compliment,
wanting to have the party at grandma's house. You must be very fun grandparents! AA
Joined: Jan 2010
As for me ... I did take that walk today in the snow while our
dog Maxwell ran about and I did find some signs of spring ... say hello to the little daffodils.
Joined: Oct 2011
Flowers, walks...golf....
Cynthia - You have inspired me to walk our yard and to find some early buds. I will do this on Friday. We had a very warm day, I believe, in Feb., and I trimmed some bushes. Last spring I was recooperating from two surgeries and couldn't do anyb yard work. Keeping my fingers crossed that I can plant my three flower boxes. Also, have a seedlings kit to start. I want to try sunflowers this spring. I love those tiny daffodils ....and crcocus....spring is coming!
Golf - learned two years ago....it is relaxing and the courses are beautiful..
Hoping I can get out there soon.
You don't need all the fancy equipment but there sure is a lot of cute golf clothes and nice clubs out there.
Keeping my fingers crossed! :-)
Joined: Oct 2011
Cake-the birthday cake and setting....
Beautiful and yum!
Have fun!
Joined: Apr 2010
Well, more for my two
Well, more for my two beautiful Betta fish (but for me really) that I braved driving in a snow storm to get meds for my two sick fish. I'm hoping that they'll be back to swimming up for food by morning. I think using Clorox spray in the air last night near their tanks may have poisoned them. :(. Anyone out here a Betta expert???
Cyn
(I saved my fish!! They're back to swimming happily around their tanks! It's the little things in life that make me smile now.) :)
Joined: Jan 2012
Beer
Bought a 30 can carton of beer for my friend who chainsawed a big tree for me yesterday. Such a good mate and shared a beer with him yesterday. Also got him a can holder which you can record a message. A great day.
Andrew
Joined: Jan 2010
Andrew how nice to see you here sharing
You are going to have a lot of folks want to come chainsaw trees down for you with the promise of all that beer. Glad you had a great day. -- Cynthia
Joined: Oct 2010
I made dinner for our
I made dinner for our neighbors and my wife. We had Crab Cakes, Salmon, Stuffed Mushrooms, asparagus, Rice w/Curry Bechemel, salad and great conversation. I needed that! I did not sleep last night and was feeling crummy all day. I spoke to my neighbors and said, let me make dinner tonight. Laurie and the neighbors took a walk with the dogs, and I prepped dinner.
We laughed about life and had a great meal. He was a local Luthern Minister, and She is a nurse. We always talk about life and how to live and enjoy life. We all garden and have started a little herb garden with a bench in front of our place. We live at the top of a hill, and it is a nice place to sit and look over the valley, all are welcome.
Best Always, mike
Joined: Jan 2010
I have been wanting to come to your house for dinner ever since
you told us about your homemade graham cracker crust ... and now, this delicious dinner. Sounds like a wonderful evening. And how nice is that ... you felt crummy and you decided to feel better you would do something for others.
I have enjoyed, this thread maybe it will keep going. It feels so positive and hopeful to hear people speak of the kind things they do for themselves and others. -- Cynthia
Joined: Oct 2011
Next time, invite us!
That sounds delicious. We are lucky here in WA to get fresh Dungeness crab, and it makes the best crab cakes. It's what I always order when we go to a seafood restaurant, but I'm thinking I'll just stop by your place next time I'm in the mood for crab...AA
Joined: Jan 2013
Food glorious food.
Hubby and I travelled a day early to my infusion app yesterday.
We went to Red Lobster for dinner. I was so excited, because I wanted their Lobster Fest trio combo after having a tast of the macaroni a few weeks ago.
Oh my! It was so WONDERFUL. I enjoyed every single bite. Happy day!
Joined: Nov 2011
Kindness... best medicine in the world
Hi Cynthia, were are you? we had snow too.. NJ?
Everyday the kindest thing I do for me is a positive affirmation..
"Today I am alive and well, Today I am breathing, I am talking, thinking and loving.... today I will treat others as I want to be treated"
This helps me get thru my day in some resemblence of peace when the world around me is caotic and just plain crazy.
-Donna
Joined: Jan 2010
Donna that is a really nice affirmation
We are in Michigan so we do not get as much snow as you but today when I drove my husband to the doctor it was blustery with big snowflakes flying about. But, it will not be long before it will just all change and spring will begin. Sort of amazing, isn't it? -- Cynthia