Making Play a Priority

Monday was going to be in the 90's so decided to take the day off from work.  Grabbed my backpack, filled it with towels, wine seltzer, and 50 SPF lotion then hit the road for the river.

Decided to enjoy the Columbia in Kalama close to McMenamins.  Lots of beachgoers had my same idea and the sand was full. Found myself a piece of beach, threw down a blanket, and relaxed.

It's so odd what happens when you strip down to your suit. Thoughts run through your head (at least my mind) such as Do I look too fat? Should I be embarrassed? Are those twenty somethings judging me? 

At some point it occurred to me that who cares? Who cares if I'm fat. Who cares if I don't have space between my thighs. It's hot and I'm going for a swim!

I waded in the cold water bit by bit, waiting for each section to numb before venturing forth. Then I took the big dive and fully emerged myself. Cold but exhilarating!

Along with swimming at school, when I was a kid, we were lucky enough to have a big pool at home. At no point did I second guess or judge myself before diving in for the plunge. And I wasn't a tiny child especially since I began wearing a bra in 4th grade. I loved and still love to swim. At what point did self doubt enter my world? 

As I watched the beachgoers, I saw children of all sizes who didn't give a flying flip as to how they behaved, how they swam, or their appearance.  They played, ran, swam, paddled, tossed, and laughed with pure abandon. I found I was jealous of their joy and carefree attitude. I want that back. 

I set myself a goal (because that's what adults do) to laugh more, play more, and take the cold plunge into any activity I desire with no limits. 

Car Claim and Tomatoes

Finally the Geico claim for my vehicle damage was a go so I took today off to obtain an estimate. Just a beat up bumper right?  Well unfortunately no. The estimator looked under the car and said the trunk had sustained damage.  He said due to the SUV's age, the insurance company will probably not fix it and will give me a settlement instead.

Rig still running great and I actually spent $200 on it this morning getting oil changed and some other maintenance done.  Looked at the claim online and it looks like it's considered totaled and I'll be getting a settlement for around the repair amount. Still waiting on more details as figured I'd keep the rig so may end up with a salvaged title.  Will sock the claim amount away until I decide to get a replacement.

Spent this afternoon with Stubbs watching the 1956 "The Bad Seed."  Such a disturbing flick!  

Found out that my little pup loves cherry tomatoes! 🍅  Was snacking on some during the movie and he seemed interested so shared. He loved them!

Odds & Ends

Memorial Day spent the weekend with my little sis in Gig Harbor.  Instead of writing about it, here's a little video.

Last Friday met up with the gals from the work team to have a nice lunch at Twigs Bistro on the waterfront in Vancouver. Sunny so we sat on the patio. Tasty food and enjoyable company!  

Have painted lots of rocks, including one for Steve's niece along with a canvas for his nephew to celebrate his wedding.

Slacked on the walking but started in again this week. Gotta keep up on it although the rain is back, threatening my progress. I guess that's why umbrellas were invented!

Beware of Old Ladies on Stretchers

Sunday was a weird day. Steve treated Sam, his new friend Amanda, and myself to breakfast at Stuffy's.  While we were eating, there was a big crash at a table near us. An older hostess/waitress, who is a Stuffy's fixture she has worked there so long, was carrying dishes, tripped, and fell. She laid on the ground in pain as the staff called 911 and swarmed around her. The EMS techs arrived, placed her on the stretcher, and carted her to the hospital.

Then, in the late afternoon, I was driving home after hiding rocks. Was sitting at the stoplight when BOOM!! Someone rear-ended my rig!  

I looked in my rear view mirror and saw two cars behind me. Called 911 then got out of my car to assess the damage. Sedan behind me was totaled...front and back smashed. The third car, a VW bug and the instigator of the crash, was totaled in the front. And my SUV? Only the rear bumper sustained damage with scuffs and three tears. God was definitely protecting me.

The only person who was injured was the old lady in the VW Bug. The ambulance arrived, put her on the stretcher, and carted her off to the hospital. I was having deja vu!!!

Only excitement this week is all the time I've spent submitting three insurance claims for the damage to my vehicle. 

A Test Here, a Shot There

My sleep follow-up test last week went well, although haven't heard back from the sleep center doc, which is par for the course. 

My next doctor visit was last Friday when I met with the nutritionist to discuss healthier eating. Interesting advice - she outlined that it's important to think about the times you eat and allowing yourself 8 hours to eat then waiting to begin eating again at the 14 to 16 hour mark. My biggest problem is snacking at night so if I can stick to no eating after 7pm it will be a plus.

Decided to take a leap and got my first Covid shot today.  Had an appointment but there was still a big line waiting for the vaccine. Checked in, shot was administered, and I then waited 15 minutes just in case I experienced emergency symptoms. Nothing happened so returned home. So far, so good!

Yep, must be getting old as I've entered the phase of my life when my medical appointments are the highlight of my social calendar. I think I need a vacation!!

Words of Wisdom

 

Mother's Day 2021

It's been an interesting Mother's Day this year.

This morning ran over to get a drive by Covid test as I'm due for a nighttime followup at the sleep clinic on Wednesday. Masked up and stopped by a friend's mom's house to see if she was able to have her signature notarized. She was recently diagnosed with cancer and it has been moving quickly. Unfortunately, she hadn't noted a beneficiary on her pension which needed to be notarized. Sadly, she was not strong enough to sign her name and was not lucid so legally I was unable to witness her signature.  I held her hand, told her Happy Mother's Day, and drove home wallowing in tears as it was so sad.

Since I'm supposed to be quarantining following my shot, I've spent the rest of my day watching movies and painting rocks. Sam is supposed to take me to dinner but I may just have him deliver it for us to share at the house.

As always, this day reminds me of Mom. Miss you as always!!!