Life in progress

Tag Archives: isolation


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AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Monday, April 27th, 2020 – My W Day

 

My day today so far–10:00pm: 

How do I start to explain my day?

I’m doing it without looking at the screen, because the words are so hard. Touch-typing for the win.

I’ve never talked about my relationship with my husband on this blog. I haven’t seen him since I started on WordPress. He moved to England eight years and one month ago. Back to England, I should say. He became a permanent resident after we got married. Between the time we were wed and the time he came back to stay, he contracted MS.

There were complications. I couldn’t work because of the kids, he couldn’t work because of his MS. The government didn’t want to support him and long story short, it came down to the possibility of me going to jail. It’s a really long story. Don’t ask.

So, though there was much much love lost, he left. His condition worsened.

And yesterday …

I got the phone call from his mother today while I was out walking with Alex.

May the angels care for you always, my love.

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? #SoCS Edition Saturday, April 25th, 2020

 

Valour comes in many forms.

From standing up to an enemy or a bully.

To just getting up in the morning.

Or writing on a blank page.

It’s been many many years since I last got nervous about showing my writing to people. I’ve learned a certain amount of confidence, I guess. And there’s the fact that although I want people to like what I write, I know I’ll never be able to please everyone, so I write what pleases me. And I figure if I like it, someone else has gotta, right?

I don’t feel the need for validation … much. I mean, if no one likes what I write, why bother publishing it?

So there’s that.

2019-2020 SoCS Badge by Shelley! https://www.quaintrevival.com/

This short and sweet 2am adaptation of #AtoZ2020, #WDIIA and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is brought to you by all three. To join us in the SoCS tradition, click the following link where you’ll find all the instructions and the other participants’ posts in the comments. It’s fun!https://lindaghill.com/2020/04/24/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-25-2020/ Or you can link to this post if you just want to write a What Day is it Anyway? post.


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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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One-Liner Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 – Some truths don’t age at all

Photo: Misty old cemetery art, with a hand coming out of the ground. Text reads: “Be careful about reading health books. Some fine day you’ll die of a misprint.” ― Markus Herz (1747-1803)

If you would like to participate in this prompt, feel free to use the “One-Liner Wednesday” title in your post, and if you do, you can ping back here to help your blog get more exposure. To execute a pingback, just copy the URL in the address bar on this post, and paste it somewhere in the body of your post. Your link will show up in the comments below. Please ensure that the One-Liner Wednesday you’re pinging back to is this week’s! Otherwise, no one will likely see it but me.

NOTE: Pingbacks only work from WordPress sites. If you’re self-hosted or are participating from another host, like Blogger, please leave a link to your post in the comments below.

As with Stream of Consciousness Saturday (SoCS), if you see a pingback from someone else in my comment section, click and have a read. It’s bound to be short and sweet.

Unlike SoCS, this is not a prompt so there’s no need to stick to the same “theme.”

The rules that I’ve made for myself (but don’t always follow) for “One-Liner Wednesday” are:

1. Make it one sentence.

2. Try to make it either funny or inspirational.

3. Use our unique tag #1linerWeds.

4. Add our lovely badge to your post for extra exposure!

5. Have fun!

Badge by Laura @ riddlefromthemiddle.com


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AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Tuesday, April 21st, 2020 – Rest

 

My day today so far–11:59pm: 

There will be rest for the wicked!!

Of that I am both sure and determined to make true.

Soon.

I spent yet another day editing, but good news! I’m finished!

Which means maybe tomorrow I can get caught up on a few things I’ve been putting off. Like packing my mother’s stuff.

I posted the first chapter of the new book on my fiction blog. If you’re curious about what I’ve been working on, click here.

I get the feeling that when this month is over and the book is released, my mother’s room at the retirement home is empty, the A to Z Challenge is finished, and we’re all still stuck at home, I’m going to miss being so busy. Life is so frenzied right now, I barely have time to think.

Enjoy every minute, my friends. Especially if you have your family close.

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? Monday, April 20th, 2020 – Quite

 

My day today so far–11:59pm: 

I’m quite miffed at myself for failing to get a post written on the day it was supposed to be posted, yet again. Not as much for having failed myself, but for having failed you. I’m sorry. (Which is partially an ingrained Canadian thing.)

Alex and I went for a walk this afternoon. Aside from that, all I did was worked on my editing. Almost done. I swear I’m going to take a couple of days off when all this is finished.

Except I’m still going to have to pack my mother’s room at the home. It’s been three days of slogging away at my computer and nothing else done.

So stressful.

But you know what’s not stressful?

A cloudless blue sky.

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 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? #SoCS Edition Saturday, April 18th, 2020

 

Aaaand, I didn’t do any better today at getting my post written early.

But I’m motivated now. I’ve decided after I publish this that I’ll open a bottle of wine. Because I’m celebrating! I’m not finished my final proofread of my new book, but I did get the description written, which is huge!

I’m definitely finding that practice makes perfect (okay, maybe not perfect, but not too bad) when writing blurbs. I’m hoping this will turn out to be a good one. One that’ll sell some books.

Proofreading is another thing I find I’ve become much better at with practice. Where to stick in a comma has become automatic, for instance. I used to have to think so hard.

Practice is the word of the day for Saturday, but I had no idea what I’d write when I came up with it, and I still don’t have any idea what to write. It seems all my idea energy went into my blurb earlier, and now I’m out of them. Bereft. Blank.

I didn’t make it out of my PJs today, so I didn’t get any packing done at the retirement home. My mother called me this afternoon to let me know she’d be having supper at the hospital. As though she hasn’t had every meal there for the last month, almost.

Dementia really sucks.

I’m going to try to go around to the hospital and call her from my cell in hopes of waving to her. Me on the ground, her on the fifth floor.

Better than nothing.

Everything sucks.

Except my new book!

Gotta focus on what I can do rather than what I can’t.

That’s a good mindset to practice, don’t you think?

2019-2020 SoCS Badge by Shelley! https://www.quaintrevival.com/

This adaptation of #AtoZ2020, #WDIIA and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is brought to you by all three. To join us in the SoCS tradition, click the following link where you’ll find all the instructions and the other participants’ posts in the comments. It’s fun! https://lindaghill.com/2020/04/17/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-18-2020/ Or you can link to this post if you just want to write a What Day is it Anyway? post.