Month: December 2003

Our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at my parent’s house turned out to be quite wonderful. So good, we decided to stay over there on Christmas night too so that Mike would be on “my side” of town and we could hit Fry’s early on Friday morning. We played LOTR Trivial Pursuit with Jason on Christmas Day (“Santa” brought it for him) and he almost beat Mike & me! It was a really nice day for everyone.

Thursday night my Mom got a phone call from one of my aunts. My Grandmother had had a stroke on Christmas Day. (They think that she had one previously earlier in the month, but the nursing home said she didn’t.) My Mom talked with my other aunt that lives there in North Dakota to get more details.

Friday morning my Mom received word that my Grandmother had passed away at 5:30 am. It’s hard to explain and it may sound really strange, but it’s almost a relief – she had Alzheimers, and she has been a shell of her former self for many years. The last time I visited North Dakota, she was not able to really talk other than a few phrases that she used to frequently use. She hasn’t “known” me or Jason for years. I made my peace with it years ago – but as anyone who has dealt with Alzheimers first hand will probably say – it’s like watching someone that you love die, even though their physical being is left behind.

I know she is in a better place. I am at peace with that.

The end result is that I’ve felt very introspective for the past few days, and it will probably continue for awhile. I have family obligations to take care of, a son to spend time with, and a household that needs some attention too. My online time will be very limited over the next few days or weeks. If you need to reach me and you have my phone number – feel free to call. I’m not sure how often I’ll even be checking my e-mail. Sort of a hiatus from electronics – I just need some digital down time. I’m sure it all makes sense – I just need to regroup, refocus, and find some inner peace that I’ve lost somewhere along the way in the past few months.

Thank you, thank you, thank you again to everyone for your support – I truly appreciate it more than I can express with words, and it is warming and touching to sense the sheltering warmth that I know surrounds me, both with my friends here in Houston and around the globe.

May you find peace ahead in 2004…

Natalie was going to meet me around lunch time to pick up her soaps and lotions, and she generously offered to pick me up and drive me over to the Metro offices because they are almost on the other side of downtown from my office. I was able to pick up my purse without any problems and everything was there in it – I thanked them about 20 times, and I plan on writing a long, gushing letter to Metro about how great they are – and how thankful I am.

After that, Natalie and I went over to Pappa’s BBQ for lunch … yummmmm … and then she dropped me off at my office and I headed to Skoogie’s to get my hair cut. I needed a fresh look, but I’m afraid he might have cut it too short. Oh well, it’s hair – it will grow.

Now it’s time to finish wrapping the gifts and then head over to my parent’s house. Let the holiday festivities begin!

Thank you everyone for your kind words, well wishes, and general support – I can’t tell you how much it means to me. I hope your holidays are wonderful and filled with light and joy!

Metro just called me back. Not only has my purse been found, they got someone to deliver it to downtown right away (it normally takes a day or two), and it is waiting for me at the Metro Lost and Found desk.

I can breathe again.

Riding in to work this morning, I was thinking about the things I have to do today and the things I want to do today. I have gifts to finish wrapping, I need to get together with Natalie to deliver her Sudsalicious soaps. I would like to go and get my hair cut and have a pedicure later today, but I’m not sure if they will have an opening at the salon. Light things, happy things – things to counter my bitter angry thoughts.

It might have worked too, if I had not LEFT my purse on the BUS!

I’ve called Metro lost and found. They are working on getting ahold of the bus – fortunately the buses are going to a midday lot because they will be running out of downtown early today – they pick back up at noon. I’m just waiting to hear back from them.

Meanwhile? I just want to put my head on the desk and cry.

I don’t necessarily believe in Astrology, but a lot of times I find it ironic and interesting in a way. My horrorscopes for today? From Astrocenter.com:

The world is constantly revolving, CHRISTINE, and there is no reason you shouldn’t be revolving with it. You might have a lot to learn from Aries (Mike?) today, especially in the very spontaneous way in which they react. Spontaneity is not your specialty. You are much too cautious and afraid of what other people might think of your actions. Try and forget about your image for a while. It could do you a world of good!

From MSN Astrology Home:

Today, you may ask yourself, dear Libra, if you are satisfied as a person. How is your personal life? Do people live up to your standards, or are you always left feeling dissatisfied? It may be time to make some important decisions in your life. What do you really want out of life? Today, you might find some of the answers.

All things considered … interesting, very interesting…