Right Now- May Recap

 RIGHT NOW...

I'm listening to an audiobook recommended by another co-worker (who knew I worked with fellow avid readers?).  Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister.   My co-worker (Rachel) said  "it's a mystery with a slightly different premise".   That's an understatement-imagine trying to solve a crime in a story being told sort of like the movie Groundhog's Day.   But it has indeed caught my attention and helped me complete a myriad of chores that needed to be accomplished before I head out of town tomorrow morning.

Yep- that's it folks...my school nursing career has reached an end point.   For awhile, I would add "for now"..but honestly- when I pause and think of the things I'd like to be doing but can't given the structure of a school calendar...that "for now" gets left off more and more often.  

All out of pins...can only mean it's time to head out...

I'm loving a lot...let me show you with pictures...

LOVE IS

When your haircut appointment is just hours before the District Retiree dinner-

When your work bestie clocks out the same year as you do...

When your nursing colleagues suggest 

"bring some things that reflect your nursing career"

when the one who trained you...helps you find your happy..

even if it meant changing districts.  

when your work crew "nailed it" in the what to get for Martha 

and toasted-roasted me with a memorable happy hour!

Happy Hour on a school night?!

Sure...that sounds lovely!

Lowry Beer Garden- charming place-why have I not been before?

seeing your advocacy efforts start to unfold..

or at least that is my hope..

surrounded by friends who enjoy a good book.. 

I'm feeling joyful!   I see it reflected in the smile on my face.  I see it reflected in the good nights sleep I have been enjoying lately.  I see it in the less stiffness of my arthritis (although- won't lie- those epic rainstorms we had mid-month about did me in.  Note to self- RA doesn't like too much moisture)

There truly is joy in the journey.   Speaking of which- I should wrap this up so I can finish up a few more small tasks before catching a flight to join Hubby for some solitude in the forests somewhere far-far-away from the urban/suburban mayhem!  

Until next time...remember..it's not the days that we remember 

but the moments...

Right Now- April 2023 Recap

 RIGHT NOW RECAP

I'm listening to another audiobook- no surprise there, right?   This one is called Miracle Creek- and it was suggested to me by a couple co-workers if just for the relatable disability themes that are a part of the plot line.   The book opens with a tragedy at a hyperbaric chamber where families have brought their children (with everything from autism to severe brain injuries) for experimental treatment.   The book then jumps forward to the courtroom stage-where one of the moms is being accused of starting the fire that resulted in tragic deaths and life altering injuries.  Overall- it's ok...I think it's more a case of me vs. the book itself.   My thoughts are scattered, springing forth with grand ideas while coupled with a sense of "maybe tomorrow"- making it hard to settle into the rhythm of this audio book.   Anyways, at this point, I'd put it down as a "M'eh, maybe" read (or listen).

I'm loving that my friends heard my call when I shared that I needed an ASAP Therapeutic Happy Hour.   

While my blog is not the right place to share the details- suffice to say that 57 is not too old to still be called to the Principal's office in an effort to guilt me into changing my thoughts on a matter that I see as being discriminatory in nature.   

As always, the BAGS came through and cheered me up with laughter and liquor.  

Of course, I paid the price the next day (Easter Sunday) but found humor in noting that "While Christ has risen, I rolled that stone back over my tomb of a bed and said not today".    

I'm loving that through the years, I've taken the time to take the pictures- in an effort of remembering the moment.   While I was coming out of my vodka haze, my youngest called me late afternoon on Easter.   A mommy friend, Ms. Judie had passed away unexpectedly over the weekend.    

Judie and I first met when our kids were in school...and we were both enjoying the stay-at-home mom status.   

First we started to visit on the hillside, and then another mom friend suggested we move to a local coffee shop...and hence the Coffee Club was started.   

Both Judies have earned their angel wings..

giving added joy to the fact that Thing 2 has chosen Judith as her middle name

Sadly- Judie and I had drifted apart as our kids got older- it happens as people change jobs, our social paths no longer crossed with the kids being older and off on their own path..but I will always treasure the friendship we enjoyed during that season in our life.

While at times timid and reserved around us more extroverted types, Judie had a kind heart, a gentle soul and will be missed by many to include her son and daughter and the numerous special needs kids she worked with as a para-educator.

Rest easy my friend...

thank you for your sweet gift of friendship to me and my Things!

I'm loving that this crazy cat- is healthy once again.   He decided to give us all a little bit of panic when he stopped eating for several days.   

Was he picking up on family sadness and change?   Who knows- but I wasn't going to risk being wrong so we took him off to the vet

He's actually yawning...

but mid yawn looks like "HaHa-joke's on you-fooled ya!"

Another friend from work is retiring.    As a treat for both of us- we got together with 2 other co-workers and went to play BINGO.   Ok, not regular church-hall type bingo- but drag queen bingo. 

Note to self- April 19th-is considered 4.20 eve here in the stoner state...

a night apparently dedicated to its own unique style of celebrating? 

 Lots of fun, loads of laughter, 

and a reminder that friendships formed through work can indeed be some of the best!

I'm feeling confident

That this April shower brings the promise of May flowers...because I tell ya what- we are all ready to be done with winter and all her worries!

Until next time...

Inhale charcuterie...exhale negativity!