Life in progress


19 Comments

AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Thursday, April 2nd, 2020 – Bother

My day today so far–2:22pm: 

My AtoZ word of the day–bother–doesn’t nearly express my day so far (yesterday, too), but it was the closest synonym for pain (in the ass and other places) I could come up with.

Holy shamoly, where do I start?

Let’s skip the “Yesterday” section since it all melds into today.

Yesterday, I somehow twisted my foot while sitting down and ended up with a cramp that lasted hours. While dealing with that, I twisted my opposite knee going down the stairs, which is something I do on a regular basis anyway, so I was stuck putting most of my weight on the sore foot to keep from collapsing in agony because of the knee.

This morning the foot was better, so we did end up going for a walk. The knee’s okay as long as I don’t bend it on the stairs, so I look like a toddler going up and down leading with only one foot. It’s actually pretty funny.

I got a photo today that shows the amazing neighbourhood I live in. I need to get closer to get a good picture of that fence. It looks original. The church is 202 years old.

Click to enlarge.

Photo: The back of a very large church and what was probably the original housing for the minister. An ornate, knee-high, wrought-iron fence runs between.

In other news:

I’ve had a few telephone conversations over the past 24 hours that tell me there are a lot of people out there with no understanding of this virus, judging by the surprise from the callers who were amazed that I understood. I’m going to leave you hanging on the meaning of that sentence until 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!


15 Comments

AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Wednesday, April 1st, 2020 – Amnesia

My day today so far–10:51pm: 

Author’s note: I’m writing this coffeeless, so whatever mumbo jumbo I lay down on this page can be attributed to that.

Amnesia is definitely the word of the day, since I totally forgot today is day 1 of the A to Z Challenge. Even though I wrote about it yesterday. Aside from having a brain fart, I woke up at 10 this morning (which explains the lack of caffeine so far), and I haven’t done much. It’s a gorgeous-looking day outside, though the thermometer still says it’s cold. I hope we’ll get out for a couple of walks.

Yesterday:

We went for two walks yesterday. I have yet to hit 10K steps this week, but my feet are thanking me for it anyway. No TP at the stores. I keep thinking of something I saw on Facebook last week, that the youngest of our generation will be saying to their grandkids that during the Great Toilet Paper Depression of ’20, we had to drag our butts uphill–both ways.

I hope it doesn’t come to that.

P.S. If anyone doing the AtoZ Challenge could let me know if I’m supposed to link back to anything, I’d appreciate it.

P.P.S. I didn’t forget The Escapist Coloring Club! I’ll post the April 1st prompt later–after coffee!!!

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!


24 Comments

What Day is it Anyway? Tuesday, March 31st, 2020

My day today so far–12:11pm: 

Again, I haven’t done much other than answer a couple of emails and check my social media channels this morning. It would be more exciting, I suppose, to do this later in the day, but then I’ll miss out on the opportunity to remind us all what day it is early on. And it’s true–I would have no idea what day it is if I didn’t do these posts. I’ll have to find a way to incorporate them into the A-Z Challenge. Anyone else doing it? Let me know your theme in the comments, if you have one.

Yesterday:

Alex and I went for a walk despite the fact that it was raining a bit. Two days inside was too much to contemplate.


Photo: Alex and I under our umbrellas. Alex, as usual, is smiling.

My eldest went to the corner store for cat food yesterday evening and came home to let me know they had toilet paper. But he didn’t buy any. I could have strangled him.

In other words, all is as normal here.

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!


15 Comments

What Day is it Anyway? Monday, March 30th, 2020

My day today so far–10:54am: 

Though I haven’t done much so far, I feel like I accomplished something–I responded to some comments on my blog! As you know if I responded to yours.

I should be editing my upcoming book. I’m on a deadline and must have it ready by April 18th. This is not negotiable, as I signed up for a review service a full ten months ago, and have been waiting for this date ever since. Nothing like procrastinating ’til the last minute to get things ready, is there?

Alex was excited to get back to “school” this morning, so that’s a plus. The rain has stopped for the time being, so we’re off for a walk in a few.

Yesterday:

Spent the entire day indoors with a demanding kid. Hopefully my “yesterday” tomorrow will be more exciting. 😛

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!


26 Comments

What Day is it Anyway? Sunday, March 29th, 2020

My day today so far–3:04pm: 

Alex and I were working on his Easter bunny decoration earlier. Got that finished and hung up, then I went to the pharmacy–that’s about it. It’s a rainy day. Alex is restless and won’t let me work, which is frustrating.


Photo: A paper bunny decoration with coloured eggs taped onto a paper plate in a circle to make a wreath.

Yesterday:

Went for one long walk. A couple of days ago now (I think), Alex’s teacher was talking about the importance of social distancing and the fact that he can just wave to people without getting too close. Alex, being the social butterfly he is, started waving to everyone. So we were walking up one of the busier streets and I was explaining to him in sign language that he doesn’t have to wave to everyone, but if he sees a friend, that’s okay. Unfortunately, I wasn’t thinking about the fact that there was a car coming as I explained it. The friendly man in the passenger seat waved back at me.

Ah, I love sign language.

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!


19 Comments

What Day is it Anyway? Friday, March 27th, 2020

My day today so far–11:28am: 

Didn’t make it to the store again this morning. I wonder if Saturday will be better anyway. It’s a day people traditionally try to sleep in. Maybe old habits will die hard. It’s a beautiful sunny day today, so I anticipate going out for lots of walking.

Meanwhile, Alex has lots of cool projects that have been suggested by his teacher. But he’s so impatient to get started! And I don’t have half the supplies he needs. Still a first world problem when you think about what others are going through.

Yesterday:

Went out for one short 50-minute walk yesterday. I was happy to see they’ve closed off the local playground. I was aghast that people were still letting their kids play there, right up until the day before yesterday! Stupid people!

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!


33 Comments

What Day is it Anyway? Thursday, March 26th, 2020 – Fun Help Wanted

My day today so far–11:41am: 

Had a failed attempt to go to the grocery store. To start, I tossed and turned until 3:46 (the last time I looked at the clock) so I woke up late. I wanted to get there early, but I was going anyway. Then, on my way to the store, I got a call from my eldest son to say Alex’s feeding pump wouldn’t work. All in all it was a nice drive around the block. Will try again tomorrow. In the meantime, my best friend, John, is picking up a few essentials for me.

In better news, I found a mask I’d kept from a previous visit to the hospital, like, more than a year ago. So I have a mask to wear when I go to the store. Yay!

It’s the little things in life that brighten your day, isn’t it?

In other even better news, I’m almost finished the edit before the copyedit of my new book, Saddled, “Once a Week at Woody’s, Book 1”, so if anyone is interested in beta reading a romantic comedy novel about a male stripper (naughty but not erotica), let me know either in the comments or email me at linda@lindaghill.com. If you’re unfamiliar with the term “beta reading,” it’s a call for honest feedback on a novel that’s not polished. In my case, I only need to know if there are any boring parts, if something doesn’t make sense, or if you find any inconsistencies in the plot, flow of the story, or the characters. I know there will be a few small issues with grammar and maybe a few more typos than you’re used to seeing in a published book, but they will be taken care of when I do my next edit. I’ll need feedback by April 3rd. Serious inquiries only, please.

Yesterday:

I could only handle an hour and a half of walking yesterday because on Tuesday I crippled myself by going out for three hours! 10km, according to my step counter.

Alex had a scavenger hunt to do. I’m quite proud of this photo of a fire hydrant for some reason.

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!


27 Comments

What Day is it Anyway? Tuesday, March 24th, 2020

My day today so far–10:56am: 

Another day of being woken up by Alex, excited to start his school work. I’m attempting to get him to work independently, but he keeps asking me to watch his videos. I really shouldn’t complain though. We’re fortunate to have this means of communicating with the outside world.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the positives that might come out of this whole ordeal. Maybe it will teach us to be less wasteful, having so many things we can’t just pop out and pick up. In a time when we’re starting to forget what our parents who lived through WWII taught us, we’re learning first hand.

I can envision all of us learning to appreciate our families more–those we’re in forced proximity with, and those we can’t visit. And maybe it will teach those of us who have never worked in front-line retail to respect those who do.

What positives do you see coming from this?

In heartburn news, I’m just getting used to it. As one does. I won’t update again unless anything changes, which it probably won’t since I’m not giving up my coffee, aka nectar of the gods.

Yesterday:

We stayed in all day yesterday. Didn’t even get out of our pjs. I’ll try today to take a photo for tomorrow’s One-Liner Wednesday, which will be in place of #WDIIA. Maybe. I might do both.

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!


21 Comments

What Day is it Anyway? Monday, March 23rd, 2020

My day today so far–11:44am: 

I woke up first to a call from my eldest son to say he was coming home from his job to stay. They’re letting him keep his job and go on unemployment so he can stay home and not risk infecting Alex. For my new followers (Hi! So glad you’re here!), my son Alex is Deaf, has multiple cardiac and lung capacity issues, and is tube-fed.

And as of this morning, Alex is incredibly excited to be able to learn from home via Google Classroom! Five minutes after the phone call woke me, Alex was in my room with his laptop asking me how to sign in to his Google account. As I write this, he’s folding laundry–one of the tasks he was given (chores of my choosing) to do as part of his school work. Can’t beat that!

Not sure if we’ll get out for our walk today since it’s snowing. The snow might turn to rain later. I wish the weather would make up its mind soon.

The heartburn is about the same. I’m almost convinced now that it’s stress-related.

Yesterday:

We managed to get out and do another 10K steps. Making more of a point of walking waaay around others. We came across some sidewalk art, so I took a photo. I couldn’t see the screen on my phone because the sun was so bright, so I only got one panel. Hopefully it will still be there tomorrow so I can get more photos.

Photo: Chalk writing on the sidewalk that says “Kindness is contagious.”

Let’s all make kindness contagious!

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!


29 Comments

What Day is it Anyway? Sunday, March 22nd, 2020

My day today so far–11:47am: 

Slept in a bit this morning. I had a weird dream, but I can’t for the life of me remember what it was. Don’t you hate it when that happens?

Anyway, that’s why I’m a little bit late this morning.

My eldest son works as a baker at Tim Horton’s. His shift is normally 3am to 11, but they sent him home early. Even though only the drive-thru is open, people seem to be taking the social distancing thing seriously. He said they had about 10 customers in six hours, and there were still baked goods left from the morning before when he went in. Granted it’s Sunday, and all the churches are closed. But Saturday must have been slow too.

Alex and I are planning to go out walking again. I’ll try to take photos. I wish he’d let us go the other way and walk down by the water (unless there are lots of people there, in which case we’d have to nix that idea), but walking around the block is good too.

The heartburn is getting better, it seems. I’ve fallen in love with Tums and have to resist the temptation to not eat them just for the taste.

Yesterday:

Yesterday was another 11K-step day! I keep forgetting to time our walks. Alex goes pretty slow, so I suspect 11K steps took us about two and a half or three hours. Didn’t get any photos, but here’s an old one of what I’m looking forward to.

Photo: Tree branches completely loaded with pink cherry blossoms.

 

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!