"Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.
I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one. "
~John Lennon


Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

If you were not aware of it, I was away from home visiting my mother in Las Vegas. The city and all the activities are not enticing to me, so I didn't see any shows or do any gambling. I did eat at a buffet one night with friends and played two hours of bingo. That was my one night out. My kids and I lived there several years during their school days and the gaming industry did not

My cat Lola missed me while I was away. When I walked in the door yesterday afternoon she ran to me and meowed and rubbed on my legs and would not allow a few inches between us for the rest of the evening. My neighbors across the street saw me arrive and came over for one last visit with Lola. They were taking care of my cat while I was gone. I guess Lola wouldn't come out when they came in the apartment to feed her. I have been brushing Lola and talking with her and she is settling back into our routine.

It is a comfort for me to know that my anxiety about flying was that one time, about ten years ago. I was flying from California to Hawaii and both going and coming back I was obsessed with getting to the door and getting off that plane. I have avoided flying since then until this trip. With the help of an anti-anxiety pill and my music on the iPod I made it through with flying colors so to speak. This flying experience and the whole trip went so well I plan on going again in about six months.

Adjusting to the two hour time difference was a breeze when I got there; getting in tune with the time at home is not going as well. I am staying up late and sleeping in, almost missing things I am committed to doing here at home.

My mother is 91 years old. She has shrunk and is somewhat shaky. Her mind is pretty sharp, in fact, she can remember some words and people's names that I cannot remember. It was good to have so much time with her.

Here is a pic of me and my mom at her apartment in the assisted living facility.


Sunday, September 2, 2012

Preparation

In less than two weeks I will be flying to Las Vegas to spend a week with my mother. She is in an assisted living facility there, and will soon be moving to a nursing home. Years ago my kids and I lived there and they went through school there so they have kept in touch with school friends over the years, but I have not kept in touch with anyone there. The city has grown so much since I moved from there.

My mother and I speak on the phone almost every day, but we both decided that it would be nice to see each other in person, so it has become a work in progress for me to prepare for this trip.

The ten year old girl across the street will have her first "job" taking care of my Lola while I am away for nine days. Lola will be in our apartment, she has never been outside, so she will need to be attended to each day. My little friend wants $1 per day for the job.

The last two times to fly were from California to Hawaii and I experienced my first ever anxiety attacks on those two flights. I did not want to be on the plane; I wanted to get to the door and open it and get off the plane. In order to ensure I will be able to get on the plane to go see my mother, I had to see my doctor and discuss the anxiety, and filled a prescription for anti-anxiety pills. Sheesh.  My doctor assured me there are many people with the same problem.

Between the monthly decorating at the senior center and preparing for the trip, I will not be writing any posts. At least, I don't think I will. I will be reading my regular blogs and commenting.  There has been a change in the cataracts this past year, so when I return from Las Vegas, I will be making an appointment to see an eye doctor. If I am going to have the cataract surgery, I would like to have it done before winter.

My way of life includes being as prepared as possible for the things I am planning, so that when the unplanned things happen I have the wisdom and sanity to deal with them. Life brings surprises and challenges at unexpected times, so I try to be prepared for anything.