Mom Unfiltered

I had intended to attend the No Kings protest on Saturday with my Mom, but a last minute decision changed my destination. My dear friend's dad has entered hospice and I really wanted to visit both my friend and her dad. Instead of going to the protest, I drove to Allentown to spend the day quietly visiting. (I did wear a protest shirt which garnered some attention, so I feel like my views were still communicated.)

After visiting in the hospital I drove to my Mom's house for the night. The visit was too short but enjoyable. I wish I could have stayed longer, but the whole 'job' thing certainly gets in the way. LOL 

Of course, just because I didn't protest does not mean that my mom did not. Undeterred, she grabbed her walker and went into Harrisburg to lend her voice to the collective. My sister sent my a photo of her at the protest. I could tell by the smile on her face that she was having an amazing time. But the words on her sign made me laugh aloud.  She is certainly embracing the 'unfiltered' stage of life.

 

 

One Month

 Today marks one month since I returned to my original career on a full-time basis. While my heart is lighter and I love my job, my body is hurting.  From the waist down, I feel like I've been beaten with bats. I anticipated my residual limb hurting, but I did not expect my bio leg, hips and back to be screaming as well. 

Yesterday was especially painful. I woke up this morning and my body hurts so much I want to cry. I keep thinking that maybe a massage would help, but my last experience was so unsavory I'm scared to go back. (There was a huge miscommunication where the masseuse thought he was securing an extra tip and I now know what it means if asked 'do you want to end with a smile.' ) At this point though, my muscles are so sore I might just give it another go.

I'm glad that I start later in the morning because of my modified schedule. I originally wanted the time to help settle Timmy before school. It turns out I need it so that the ibuprofen has time to work so that my body can start moving again. 

Tomorrow is the NO KINGS protest. Pain or no pain, I will be there.  Between proposed tariffs on medical equipment (prosthetics), the gutting of IDEA (special ed) and ICE, I cannot and will not be silent. I'm so proud that we will be attending as a family.  

  

Reports

Yesterday was another wonky day because Robby came home for fall break! It feels like we just took him back to his dorm (spoiler alert- we did) and now he is home again. As much as I hate to admit it, his school is definitely designed for commuters. While he loves it and is thoroughly enjoying dorm life, everybody packs up and heads home on Friday afternoon. Even the cafeteria closes down shop and only serves a single meal over the weekend.  It's odd because I'm always delighted when he is home but I also feel sad that he isn't having the same carefree weekend college experience that I enjoyed. 

Alas, times are different and so are modern students. 

While Scott was picking up Robby for the beginning of his extended break, I logged into Timmy's parent-teacher conference. I am so incredibly proud of the progress that he has made over the past few years. His teachers were full of praise and describe him as a hard working student who naturally notices and helps others. To celebrate, we went out for Hibachi!

 

Stalking?

 a quick update, because I recognize I am being cyber stalked and my reaction is sought.  

 Pardon my vagueness, but in our family we know our worth. It's a shame that you do not.  My reaction? 

You will certainly read it soon enough. 

History

 Yesterday was an odd one at work because only one of my students showed up to school. I attribute the widespread absences to the Federal holiday. I'm not sure if parents did not look at the school calendar and made an assumption or if they decided to collectively overrule the school system and enjoy the holiday with their children. In reality, it is probably a combination of reasons that resulted in the majority of my caseload staying home. 

I grew up celebrating Christopher Columbus as a true hero without faults. I'm glad that my children know better. When I was growing up, historical figures were presented in lights of perfection. It is almost as if our teachers didn't feel we could handle the complicated value conflicts that emerge when one studies history. I've learned that we honor history by recognizing all aspects, both favorable and those that produce discomfort.  It wasn't until I was an adult that I learned that Columbus was a sadistic colonizing rapist and George Washington's teeth were actually extracted from slaves. 

History is ugly and complicated.  Not honoring Columbus and instead choosing to honor Indigenous Peoples' Day is our attempt to recognize the vast contributions from this underappreciated group of individuals.

Soul

 Another weekend has come and gone.  My goodness, between errands and obligations, the time certainly seems to slip by quickly. I'm adjusting to the 'work away from home' schedule, although I continue to hate having to wear real pants and a bra. Alas, you cannot have everything so sacrifices must be made. 

Last week Robby finished tackled his midterms. He was academically exhausted when Scott picked him up for the long weekend. The best part of successfully finishing midterms is being rewarded with a semester break and my Koopa is happily snoozing upstairs.

As luck would have it, Timmy is also home today for his fall break. He is ecstatic to have some time alone with Robby. (I don't think the hero status that Timmy has bestowed upon Robby will ever wane.) While Scott and I are at work, the boys will be playing video games and eating junk food at home.  

Although we were busy over the weekend, I did do a lot of walking. My legs were grateful for the break as I could barely walk by Friday night. This new job is touch on my body (but good for my soul). 

Pain

 After two fun-packed fire pit parties, last night we had to settle for the glow of a candle inside. Rain finally blew through the area, bringing wild winds and lightening. Unlike earlier storms, we did not sustain any damage this time. I'm hoping that I again will be able to enjoy a rain storm without fear of falling trees, but I suspect it is going to take awhile to get there. At least until the large stumps are removed from my side yard.

I'm waking up this morning in a lot of pain. Between the job and the weather, my legs are hurting. Hopefully the pain works out as I start moving through the day because right now I'm stumbling around like a confused hobbit. 

Sometimes I hate being an amputee.  Today is one of those days.