The last weekend before Christmas
It was nearly noon and 27 degrees out when I started this entry. I had already been out for class at the gym earlier. It was sunny but very cold. I was really looking forward to going to the gym and to work with Alex.
There was some activity out in the preserve. The Crows were going crazy and that could only mean one thing. A large predator was around. It took me a couple of seconds to see a beautiful hawk in the trees. I almost missed it because it had the same colorings as the tree it was sitting in. Next door almost missed it but he was equally excited to see a couple of Blue heron fly by. I missed it but there are more chances I am hoping. They haven’t been around lately.
I was really annoyed with myself I couldn’t find my ID badge from work. I thought it was in my coat it wasn’t and I looked around but couldn’t find it. So I went off to the gym without it. Looked in the car a couple of times couldn’t find it. When I got home I walked by the coffee table and it was sitting right there. Now it is in my pocket where it will stay until I put in my back pack.
My session with Alex went fairly well. All the time my ankle was hurting. We talked about how the diet went how many visits to the gym I made. What my plan are going to be for the week. Before I left we scheduled a midweek time for our session. It will be on Thursday morning. I also found out he won’t be having class next weekend. We won’t be having our session that day either but will schedule something as the time gets closer.
After the session that included the suitcase carry, squats (15) and 15 rows. I went to the photo shop in town and managed to get the picture of my folks in Japan that Liz wants. We had to upload it and develop it. It was ready by 3. I managed to get two copies of it and a very nice frame.
I spent some time with Liz this afternoon it was quite nice visit. We talked about family and history and she made an observation about our SIL who came for a visit last week. I didn’t let on that it annoyed me that Ethel would visit her but not me but now I am glad she didn’t visit … According to Liz and her observation Ethel was angry. Angry about stuff that happened back in the day (with Mom) and the family and she is apparently having issues with her two of the kids. Liz understood where she was coming from. She knows I would defend Mom to my death but I also let her know that I could see it from both views. I also realized how controlling and hurtful Mom could be especially as I got older.
I imagine most of you are probably thinking that’s in the past you need to let it go. You are probably right but it helps us to understand better what the other person may have been going through or even ourselves.
We also shared some family news health wise of some of our cousins some of it good some not so much. It will be a challenging 2020 for them.
We said goodbye to each other and I ran and picked up the pictures. I hope she will like this. I was relieved when she didn’t object to my announcement that I wasn’t going to be getting all the other kids gifts this year as it would seem she isn’t either. She thought my idea about the Wal*Mart gift cards will be fine for Jason and Audrey and Sophie.
Since I have been home I have gotten the mail more wonderful cards that I will be replying to. I fed the kitties. Tiger was impatiently waiting for me to feed them but I waited for at least an hour or so. I then made my own dinner I dubbed it make shift shrimp stew.
Defrosted about 10 or 12 pieces of shrimp and then soaked them for 20 minutes in a bowl with Italian Light dressing in the refrigerator. Then I sprayed a pan with Pam and sliced up an onion and put that in the pan once it was heated up (very high) and I put a dish of grape tomatoes. Stirred them and then added the shrimp and the dressing and let it cook for about ten minutes or until the shrimp was pink and the onions and tomatoes were soft. I had two bowls of it and then had cooked up the frozen vegetables afterwards.
Now, the house is quiet. The TV is off and in a few moments will make sure the kitchen is cleaned and move the laundry along and perhaps relax even more than I am right now. Truth is I nearly fell asleep while watching the Star Wars Marathon. It was the Revenge of the sith.
So now I am feeling a little better about Christmas. I am renewing my hope and promise for next year to be more prepared by having the cards organized and ready to mail out by Next Thanksgiving. To perhaps put more effort into getting presents for those who need or want it. Maybe make donations to favorite charities (at least for adults).
I will make time on Christmas Day to call my remaining Aunts in the family.