Anxiety

 Quelling my anxiety has proven untenable. Because of a combination of reasons, I have been a bundle of anxiety and nerves since Thursday. Thankfully I talked through the biggest issue through yesterday with Scott, identifying the pros and cons of each move. We aren't sure if we are making the best decision, but I feel comfortable that it is the best decision for us at this time in our life.  Today I will communicate the decision and accept the consequences.

Yikes! Just typing that sentenced caused my anxiety to leap. Being an adult is so hard!

When I haven't been trying to escape from my own angst, I spent the weekend dehydrating tomatoes and freezing broccoli. Scott and I went to our favorite farm market on Saturday and scored a freezer worth of food for $95.  Unfortunately, in the middle of blanching my broccoli my flat top stove popped and then died. Ugh!

As luck would have it, I remembered seeing the perfect replacement in the 'scratch and dent' bin at the appliance store when we were shopping for our refrigerator a few weeks ago. We hopped into the car and it was still there and it's the perfect fit. We are going to have our new cook top installed on Thursday. At the rate our appliances are all breaking, I'll have a brand new kitchen by Labor Day.

 Wish me luck today. I am feeling very nervous and scared.  Thanks! 

Penny Slots

 Yesterday Scott and I did something completely out of our norm- we went to the casino! In our 26 years together (22 married), we have never been to a casino just to have fun and play the slots. When he suggested the activity, inspired by game play with Timmy at Dave and Buster's arcade, I was delighted because it was outside of our norm. 

Because we don't frequent casinos, we were definitely out of our element. After walking around for about 30 minutes, we finally broke down and solicited help from the casino cashier. She filled us in on how the machines worked, and pointed us in the direction of the penny slots. 

We budgeted $100 for the evening because we wanted to make sure that we didn't go overboard. We ended up coming back home four hours later with $39.79.  $60 for four hours of fun and free sodas was definitely a fun anniversary gift to ourselves. 

 

Anniversary

 Happy Anniversary Scott!

22 years ago.  I think this is where I am supposed to write that it feels like yesterday. In reality, when I look at our photos it feels like I barely recognize that energetic and optimistic young lady wearing the wedding dress. So much has changed in our lives. We have both changed so much and, while I don't really recognize that version of myself anymore, I'm so glad that she made that decision 22 year ago. Happy Anniversary Scott!

Yesterday was long as it was spent in new employee orientation. I came home feeling overwhelmed with the various information I need to secure from the recesses of my life. When I confirmed with the organizer that I would need to track down an employer from 1997, the young whippersnapper next to me felt compel to add the fun fact that he had not yet been born 'way back before the internet'. 

I sent a mental 'bite me' his way while smiling my sweet old lady grin.  

Spa Day

 The weather over the past few days has been gorgeous. With a break from the heat and the humidity, we've been able to ride bikes, fly drones and light up the fire pit almost nightly. While we have all enjoyed the outdoor activities, Timmy has truly hit his stride.

He is loving flying his drone. Although he received it over a year ago, I think it was forgotten when Scott had his heart attack. Somehow, mastering flight slipped to the back burner until I rediscovered his drone while cleaning.It did not take much encouragement for Timmy to start flying!

After a few YouTube videos, Timmy has been refining his skills. Unfortunately he did lose control on Saturday evening. While trying to land on my hand, the drone ended up tangled in my hair. Timmy was trying to control it with the remote, but the device was either not responding or I was the victim of a panicked pilot. 

Despite everyone's best efforts, a drone cannot simply be detangled from one's hair. The hair was chopped as it was consumed by the drone. Thankfully only one quadrant made contact with my hair and I 'only' lost about a 1 inch section down to the scalp.  It was definitely not the spa day I was dreaming of!

 

 

 

Fire Pit Party!

 I am delighted that my Mom's injection was successful and provided nearly instant relief. While she is not pain free (and is quick to point out that fact), the debilitating layer has been numbed. While I wish that there was a pill, injection or procedure to remove all of her pain, I am grateful for this degree of reduction. Last night she was already planning what she was going to do in her yard while the shot was active.  (The injection will last approximately 3 months, so these procedures are going to become part of her lifestyle.)

After taking her for her injection I returned home in time for a family bike ride through the neighborhood. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and we wanted to take full advantage of the opportunity. We continued the fun into the night with a huge firepit. 

In full disclosure, I meant to construct a small fire that would burn in about an hour. I drastically underestimated the density of the 'apparently not small' log I built the fire around. That sucker burned until nearly midnight! Thankfully it was a beautiful evening and I was happy to sit and relax while the fire dwindled down.  

 

Driving

 This morning I'm heading to PA to take my Mom to a doctor's appointment. My day won't be terribly exciting, but hopefully it will be beneficial for my Mom. She is receiving an injection in her back to help with pain- which is becoming debilitating for her. The last time she received an injection her pain lessened considerably, allowing her to move with more ease. I was delighted when she called and asked me to take her because I remember how profound the improvement was after the previous injection. I would do anything to get my Mom her shot today- including spending the day driving.

Honestly, at this point in my life driving anywhere by myself feels like a vacation getaway. I plan on immersing myself in an audiobook during the drive. It will be wonderful to be able to listen to the book without interruption!

Have a wonderful day! 

Growing Pains

 It has been wonderful having Robby home.  Well, wonderful for Scott and me. Timmy is on the fence about his brother returning home and ruining his summer vibe. Robby, however, takes just about every opportunity to remind us that he would rather be in France than to be at home with his parents.

Guess what?  Me too! But we are stuck in WV, so let's not be so snarky.  (That last part is not said aloud, but its inclusion is understood.) I love him, but my goodness it is deflating to constantly hear how he doesn't want to be home. Of course, I'm trying to remember that he experienced a life-changing adventure. I am sure it is hard to return back to a normal routine after experiencing so many amazing things, experiences and foods.  

Hopefully my European Traveler gets his attitude in check and we can enjoy the rest of our summer.