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What Day is it Anyway? Monday, May 4th, 2020

My day today so far–11:29am: 

It takes me three days to drink a bottle of wine. Four, sometimes. For the last two mornings (after drinking wine the night before), the heartburn has returned.

I refuse to believe it, damn it!

It’s the stress.

Yeah, let’s stick with that.

The child is restless today, so I’ve spent most of the morning being screamed at. Hopefully he won’t be stubborn, and he’ll want to go for a walk.

Yesterday:

Working backwards …

Midnight came and went (into this morning) and I decided to turn off my computer rather than write a late #WDIIA post and write one this morning instead. Which makes sense, really. At the rate I’ve been going, I should change the title to What Day Was It Anyway?

Earlier in the evening, I checked the local news and discovered the nursing home we were going to move my mother into has a Covid-19 outbreak. Dodged the bullet by a matter of hours there, as the decision came from the government to close new admissions to nursing homes less than a day before she was scheduled to be transferred. She’s still doing okay at the hospital.

I got a good chunk of work done on my short story, Pixy, yesterday afternoon, so I treated myself to a walk down by the water. I took a picture of this broken old tree, cracked but miraculously alive and still growing leaves, it’s top hanging in the lake, level with its roots.

That walk, combined with the one I took yesterday morning with Alex, netted me an interesting number of steps. 11,111. Maybe it’s some sort of sign.

Screenshot of my phone’s step counter showing 11,111 steps.

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!


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What Day is it Anyway? Friday, May 1st, 2020

My day today so far–7:05pm: 

And just like that, the heartburn is gone. It’s gotta be stress.

The only thing I’ve done that’s picture-worthy today … well, even that I didn’t do today. I took some photos for the Escapist Coloring Club, for when I post the prompt. Which I promise I’ll try to post later.

I did go for a walk with Alex today, but it was dull and damp outside, and nothing really inspired me. It’s supposed to be gorgeous outside tomorrow, so hopefully the crowds on the sidewalks and up the quiet street we usually take won’t be heavy. In some of the bigger cities, they’ve closed smaller streets for the pedestrians. Not here, though.

I feel sorry for those who can’t get out for walks at all, and I’m grateful I still can.

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!


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AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Thursday, April 30th, 2020 – Zilch

 

My day today so far–11:59pm: 

I spent my entire Thursday thinking it was Friday. I guess I should have written this post earlier, eh?

I think the reason for my confusion (other than the whole every-day-is-exactly-the-same-as-every-other-day thing) was the fact that I finished cleaning up my mum’s place and Thursday felt like the last day of a week in which I had an extra day off.

It makes sense in my head.

If it wasn’t for the heartburn, I’d totally be drinking wine right about now.

But anyhoo, I decided to make today a vacation day. So aside from going through papers in my room to find some stuff the hospital needs for my mother, I did nothing. Nada. Zero. Zilch. Zip.

And it felt good.

The day just sorta slipped by so fast, I was surprised to see it was ten o’clock when it was ten o’clock. Because what other time would it be at ten o’clock? Yeah. 10:00.

But I sure was surprised!

Oh to hell with it.

Where’s the wine?

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!


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AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 – Yay!

 

My day today so far–10.46pm: 

I finished packing and getting all of my mother’s belongings out of the retirement home a day early! Everything I could take in the car, that is. There are a few things still in her room–furniture, the TV, the air conditioner. They’ll stay there until the province decides to allow the home to take in new residents. There’s no reason for the home to even put her stuff in storage until then.

With that done a day early (it’s supposed to rain tomorrow, so I was motivated), hopefully I can relax a little. My heartburn is back with a vengeance, and I think it might be the stress. The only time I don’t feel the pain is when I’m drinking a hot cup of tea.

So I’ve been drinking a lot of tea.

Now I’m sitting on the couch listening to Alex giggle like a maniac over something he’s watching on his laptop upstairs in his room.

It’s the little things that make my day.

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!


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What Day is it Anyway? Sunday, April 26th, 2020

My day today so far–10:59pm: 

I made it while it’s still the “today” in the title! Yay!

Went today and yesterday to clear some stuff out of my mother’s room in the retirement home. It’s a bit of a melancholy job, all on my own. The end of an era, and I have no one to share it with in the moment. My mother doesn’t even know I’m doing it. There’s no point telling her, because she won’t remember spending the last six years living there anyway.

I’ve made two trips back home with stuff. Her tabletops are empty and so is her closet, aside from the coats. I haven’t even really started on the 30 drawers. And no, that’s not an exaggeration. Four days to go to get it all out. *sigh*

In school news, I got an email from Alex’s teacher to say they’re not going back until the 31st of May at the earliest. By then, there will be three weeks left.

But honestly? It’s not all that bad. Nowhere near as horrifying as it would have been even a year ago, having him home all the time. We have fun, especially when we get out for walks. Now if only the weather would warm up. Here’s a photo of Alex with snowflakes in his hair, taken Friday.

But not too warm, please. I’d rather the snow than heat exhaustion.

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!


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AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Friday, April 24th, 2020 – Understand?

 

My day today so far–3:06pm: 

Got up early and made it to the store. When did that become a noteworthy thing? Back in my day, a trip to Tokyo was noteworthy. Now doing groceries is an adventure. Sheesh!

Speaking of Tokyo, I checked my favourite traffic camera last week, the one pointing at the famous Shibuya crossing. So sad to see so few people there on a Saturday at 9pm. Normally you wouldn’t see the sidewalks for the people.

What it looked like when I was there, December 2015, about the same time at night:

The view from where the black cab is sitting on the right side of the traffic cam photo, looking across the intersection.

But I digress.

Now, I’m working on perfecting my dirty look to use on people who won’t move over in the aisle in the store or on the sidewalk. In the latter case, it’s the dirty look that says, “You see me dragging my child out into the middle of the street to avoid your selfish ass, right? You understand the sacrifice I’m making for you? Yes?”

No, probably not.

So yeah, that happened today too.

Good news is I’m pretty sure I’ve got the look almost down pat.

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!


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AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Thursday, April 23rd, 2020 – Sincere Thanks

 

My day today so far–1:38pm: 

I totally dropped the ball on yesterday’s post. By the time I thought about doing it, which was after midnight, I decided it wasn’t worth the overwhelming effort. And in my defense, I did publish a post yesterday with Wednesday in the title, so you knew what day it was anyway, right?

I’ve spent most of my morning trying to promote my new book. Ain’t as easy as I thought it would be, even at 99 cents. You’ll find links to read the first two chapters at the end of this post.

So. Sincere thanks.

All around town I’ve been seeing red ribbons tied close to the roads. They’re to show appreciation for the frontline healthcare workers.

So very heartwarming to see. I wish I had a red ribbon to tie outside my own house. Maybe I can find something to use in my mother’s sewing stuff.

Speaking of which, I haven’t been back since last Friday, but I plan to go and pack some more when I’ve finished writing this and had my lunch. I should call her, too. I haven’t heard from her in a couple of days, and I’ve been too busy …

The regrets just keep piling on. What to do? My best, I suppose.

Is your community doing anything to show support for doctors and nurses? Let’s spread some positivity, shall we? 🙂

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!

Chapter 1 of my new book, “Saddled,” is here!

And if you’ve read Chapter 1, Chapter 2 is here!


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What Day is it Anyway? Sunday, April 19th, 2020

My day today so far–11:59pm: 

Day two of not changing out of my pajamas.

I’m beginning to wonder if I need more pajamas.

I did a thing, though.

It’s a book.

A funny book.

A romance book.

Get it here.

The price goes up April 28th.

Thank you. 🙂

Back to your regularly scheduled posts tomorrow.

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!


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AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Friday, April 17th, 2020 – Oh, Right

 

My day today so far–10:57pm: 

Oh, right. I’m supposed to write a post for AtoZ and my own WDIIA thing. In my own defense, it’s been a day. A tiring day. You know the kind.

Alex and I managed to get out for a walk this afternoon. We went past the little library, and the roll of toilet paper was either still there, or someone has been restocking it.

I spent another hour and a half in my mother’s room at the retirement home. Made another small dent in the packing. She has SO much fabric and half-done sewing and quilting projects that I don’t know what to do with. I suppose I should give most of it away, but this is a terrible time to try to do it. The home is going to store the big stuff until the lockdown is finished, so I don’t have to worry about carrying that out of there by myself.

I called the hospital today to try to talk to my mum. The nurse said she’s been very tired all day. She put me through to the room, but my mother didn’t pick up.

I’ll try to do better tomorrow with the blogging thing.

Stay safe and healthy, my friends.

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!


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AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Thursday, April 16th, 2020 – Nixed

 

My day today so far–8:10pm: 

Another day without a walk. But I did get to the grocery store. The only thing they were out of today was large bags of dog food. Oh, and dog treats too–no rawhide or any of that stuff. But that’s okay–even if I’m gaining weight, it doesn’t mean Winston needs to too.

While I was at my mother’s retirement home, standing in the middle of the room with two boxes to pack up years’ worth of stuff, I got a call to say they’re not moving her to the nursing home after all. The province of Ontario decided to close new admissions to all nursing homes, so she’s got to stay put in the hospital for the time being. Which, in a way, is good. She won’t be stuck in isolation in a place she doesn’t recognize at all. At least in the hospital she has a roommate and nurses coming in regularly.

So I made a very small dent in the packing of her room in the two hours I was there.

One thing I found that I’d rather not have?

She had a banana in her coat pocket.

And she hasn’t worn her coat since the 22nd of March.

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!