Depression is real and as devastating as any other disease. Depression is more than a bad hair day. Or a rainy vacation. Problems take over. Hopes and dreams are lost. Things will never be the same. The world no longer makes sense. Bone deep sadness that lingers for weeks. Here are five things I learned following my auto accident that helped me find my way back through the darkness of depression. 1. Seek help. This is hard. Do it anyway. It is the first step to getting better. You wouldn’t ignore cancer. It won’t go away by itself. Neither will depression. Talk to your doctor. They will prescribe medication, if necessary. It is not a sign of weakness. You won’t become a drug addict. You may try different medications or combinations. Talking to a trained counselor may be helpful on its ... [Read More]
Random Thoughts on This and That
Drive safely!
Photo from Geek Philosopher I want this place to be a positive in my life and in your life – uplifting, educational, on the lighthearted side. Each year I cross an personal anniversary date. This year two news events connect with that date in my life-- the death of the daughter of a local sportscaster in an accident caused by distracted driving and the recent suicide of Robin Williams. I’ve debated this departure from the usual, but feel if my thoughts and experience will raise awareness and help someone, it will be worth doing. So you’ve been warned – two serious topics ahead! If you are not up for serious –it’s okay, come back next week :-) It was August 28 when my life changed. I had just begun my forty five minute commute home on Friday afternoon. The line of cars I was ... [Read More]
10 Things I learned while on summer vacation
1) Using a handful of shampoo is not smart if the house you are visiting has a water softener. Twenty minutes later you might have the shampoo mostly rinsed out. By the time you jump in your clothes and open the door – uncombed and no make up – there might be a cheering crowd waiting. Just sayin’ 2) Many hands make light work and a lot of fun. We had some really busy work days with family on both sides. We inspired and encouraged each other, teased unmercifully and dared the impossible. We found out we remembered the same songs, even if some siblings remembered certain childhood happenings way wrong! And we were unbelievably productive. 3) Your sister has your back at all times. Our combined eight sisters (and sisters in laws) have housed, fed, listened and shared, ... [Read More]
Meet Kitten, Top Cat
It’s time you met the other member of the family. Kitten came to live with us when my brother and wife Deb were moving from New Hampshire to Arizona and stopped here on the way. Kitten was snug in her carrier when the house settled for the night. In the morning, the carrier was empty. From the crawl space to the attic, from the kitchen pantry to the bedroom closet, five adults peered into dark corners, calling “Kitten, Kitten.” We searched duct work and took down dropped ceiling tiles in the basement. We repeated the search with different people in different places. Closets were probed, bedskirts lifted, furniture moved. Once more, even expanding the search to the garage. No answering “meow” to the call of “Kitten. Kitten”. No response to the pop of the top on the cat ... [Read More]
Change
Change always comes bearings gifts. In the last three weeks, change has pelted down at our house. Everything we do requires checking the operator's manual, it seems. The learning curve is steep and time consuming. three first ever Smart phones that are just full of surprises -- some delightful, and others just plain work a coffee maker that hisses fiercely as it brews one cup at a time new microwave with the start button on the opposite side from the old one new washer - that was hooked up with the hot and cold water reversed and has mysteriously random habits and operations new dryer that believes cool dry means half damp and leaves us trying to figure out which combination of a dozen possible will actually dry! a fireplace makeover that involves a remote new ... [Read More]
Take time for you . . . .
Wheels’ work schedule includes 12 hours each on Saturday and Sunday, the days people normally get together with friends and family, go to movies and church, and relax. If we aren’t careful our lives become nothing but work – work at work, work at home, all day every day and half the night. We have to be intentional about building in time for rest and renewal, reflection and rejuvenation. Usually we get a few hours here and half a day there, our daily half hour walk. When I saw a story in the local newspaper about an unusual garden tour, we decided to set aside that entire day for us – no phone, no computer, just leisurely taking in whatever the day would bring. A big breakfast started the day. Yes, that is dessert! Who said you can’t have dessert for breakfast on a special ... [Read More]