Everyday Life

I find myself tonight (or this morning depending) thinking of a number of things.

Last post I wrote about the need for a reset button; a stop of the downward slide I was experiencing that week.  It did, finally, come to a slow (not a stop) and seems to be somewhere between level to just a touch downtrending.

First and foremost, I finally ponied up and replaced the phone that I have dropped, frozen, dropped in the crapper (pseudo-clean water, btw), dropped and slid on concrete for about 50 or so feet, soaked one too many times, and frankly worn the touch screen out by texting constantly.  I was forced to claim insurance because the screen failed to stay lit while conducting anything.  So, I spent a few hours setting up the replacement, making sure everything worked and making it look just like the last one.  Crisis averted.

Second, my friend Shirley, whom I have known for 4 years now, has begun a slide that will unfortunately end up in an assited living environment (if she can afford it) because driving is now off limits.  Not that she was driving (I mostly drove her around for the last 6 months in her car), but not having access to a car of your own when you have been driving for 57 years really can affect one's attitude.  And one's plans.  The type of help that I do and have given Shirley is running out; the family-type decisions are next.  Shirley's future should be determined by them; not by a friend that lived next door to her 4 years ago.  I have a decison to make - when to drop the reins - but will be difficult; I do care for Shirley.

Third, Dad is deciding to pick one thing to sell a day it seems; today was a membership in a camping club that he wants to sell.  Last week was the truck and 5th wheel 37 foot camper; I hope it sells soon.  I guess this is somewhat normal; a kind of cleaning, lessening the burden on the kids?  I don't know.  Maybe it's the things that remind him most of his former life; the things that are most painful - the reminders.  Maybe Dad just isn't one that is gonna grieve in this life.  God Bless Dad, and Lord, Give his kids the strength and wisdom to honor Dad's wishes with an open mind. Amen.

Fourth, I had a job interview this morning.  It kind of came out of nowhere; a friend mentioned it, and it might be a great fit for me.  Not really preparing for the interview, I think I did fine. Was honest enough to show my current mind state; maybe this will be a positive thing.  A little different lick from my last ten years in engineering; the rental biz.  Namely, 1600 cfm air compressors and 20 ton trailer-mounted air conditioners.  We shall see; Next week will tell me more.  Thanks for the ear, Dwayne.

Fifth, my girl just today is trying again to quit smoking; I couldn't be happier -for everyone involved, including her.  I stepped over the criticism line I know.  I just wanted to motivate her a bit; maybe she doesn't need motivation.  Maybe just support is enough - so I will give all I have.  I'm behind you, Suz.  You can do this, because you want it for the only person it really matters....yourself.  That is powerful.

And my friend who is having an especially difficult experience with the death of her friend.  I have had some experiences, but not really close friends of my same age.  Especially early 30's, where most certainly, work was not complete here. Or maybe it was.  I asked my friend about this person that had passed, inqiring about her, and she responded that her friend "was the funniest person ever."  For the last two days, every smile I have seen, her friend has entered my mind.  Maybe her time here isn't done, becuase she is affecting this person who writes, she has made my life a little happier today with smiles.

Also, my next door neighbor Diane lost her husband Steve after a long, difficult path.  And when I went today next door to share my condolances, instead of grief, instead of somber tones, I was greeted with smiles and Thank You's, and "It's Such A Blessing Because His Pain Is Gone.  Steve Is Home."  I met Steve a few times; once in Particular, we had a lengthy conversation with Cubs Baseball in the background. Loved his Cubs. A pleasure having known you, Steve.

I guess this is one of the reasons I started blogging here, to let it out.  I know it feels good to do, as I know it did last night for my friend Shirley; I just listened to her talk for awhile.  She told me she slept better.  And tonight, I hope I get the same result.