R.I.P Dad

Work has slowed down, but I still haven't posted this year.  This is because two weeks ago my dad passed away.  Now, I know everyone will want to share their condolences, but this was a good thing and we are celebrating his life.

About 10 years ago my dad started showing signs of Alzheimer's Disease.  He did fine till about two years ago when he started wandering.  Then a year ago, he started not wanting to be out of the sight of my mom, afraid that if he didn't see her, he would be lost.  At this point with the disease, most of what made my dad my dad was gone.  He no longer spoke as he did not remember words.  Growing up, my dad never even thought about raising a hand to anyone, but when he was scared or didn't get what he wanted he threatened violence.  Then a few months ago he stopped getting out of bed.  He would wake up and my mom or their nurse would give him some food and drink and he would go back to sleep.  This is why it was a good thing.

Knowing my dad is gone is sad, but he had been slipping away slowly.  I have had the time to grieve over the last couple of years and now it's time to celebrate his life.  He is no longer in pain.  My mom no longer has to worry about him and take care of him 24/7.

I was able to spend time with him over the holidays.  He was awake when I called to say Happy New Years.  It was nice that he made it into 2019.  My mom thinks he was holding on for the New Year so that she would get the tax benefit (he worked for the IRS and was a true tax man).  Yesterday we said good-bye to him for the final time.  It was sad that I will no longer see him.  My mom and I shared some pictures and remembered the good times.

My dad helping me hang my stocking.

 

My dad and me at Niagara Falls.

Mom and Dad at Animal Kingdom.

Dad at winery Virginia Winery.

Mom, Dad, my uncle and aunt, and me in Denver for Christmas two years ago.

Don't be sad for me.  Be happy that I was able to have many years with such a great dad.  The last few years were hard as he slipped away and Alzheimer's took over.  But now he is in a better place.

Napoleon Exhibit (Friday Five Edition)

For my parents birthday (they both have a birthday on the same day) last month we celebrated by going to dinner at Amuse which is in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and then see the new exhibit about Napoleon. 


Since it was my dad's 80th birthday, I wanted to surprise him with a bunch of balloons that said "Happy 80th Birthday".  It turns out that I couldn't take them in the museum with me.  So I had to run back to my car and leave them there.  Dinner was amazing as usual.  We love going there for dinner.  After dinner I told my mom that I would take the presents that I had given them and put them in her car.  With my hands full I went to the parking garage and to the top floor to their car.  I went down 3 levels to my car to get the balloons.  Then back up three flights to their car to put the balloons in their car.  Wow that was exhausting.

After dinner we went to visit the Napoleon exhibit.  This was a very interesting exhibit.  I never knew much about Napoleon except he was short, always stuck his hand in his jacket, and tried to take over a lot of Europe.

There were a lot of paintings.

And more paintings. 


And clothing that was featured in paintings.


And the hat.


It also had a lot of explanation and history throughout the exhibit.  I felt like I learned more that evening then I had in some of my history classes.  They even had an Emperor's seat where it videoed you and put your image on the wall like a painting.

Me in the chair.

Me and my dad watching the video of us, which was used to project our image on the wall.


My dad in the fake painting on the wall.


The VMFA always brings very interesting exhibits to Richmond.  I'm glad we were able to see this one.

Do you have a favorite or memorable exhibit that you have seen at a museum? 

I'm linking up with Fairytales and Fitness and Running on Happy for Friday Five 2.0

Weekly Update - Christmas Edition....Sort Of... (Weekly Wrap-up Edition)

Hi All!

I'm supposed to be training for the Princess Half Marathon in February, but my running has been about as sporadic as my posting to this blog.  I have realized, that no matter what I have been doing for exercise, running is usually the only thing that prompts me to post.  I don't know the reason, but I seem to think about possible posts while I run.  That never happens when I'm biking or swimming.  But since I seem to be in a better swing of things for my running, maybe that will correlate to my posting.  One can hope.

I've been getting in a couple of runs a week for the past month.  This past week I actually got three runs in.  I haven't had any knee pain, so I have been pushing the runs a little.  My run on Saturday was very good.  I ended up not joining the running group as I only planned on 4 miles and no one could do brunch afterward.  So that meant I could sleep in and run in good temperatures.  When I finally got out it was in the lower 60's.  Even with the wind blowing a lot, it was still great temperatures to run in.  In my neighborhood I usually try for progressive runs without looking at my watch.  Which means if I had a really good first mile, that meant that each mile after I would have to push a little bit more.  That's what happened Saturday.  I had a good first mile.  Then a good second mile.  By the end of the third mile I couldn't catch my breath, but I kept pushing.  I didn't think I had much in me for that last mile, but I was determined to push through it.  I haven't pushed on a run like that in a very long time.  And the time for this run, was as good as my times were when I was in my best running shape.  But back then, I wasn't huffing and puffing and barely getting the last steps in.  But this shows me that it is possible to get back into that shape again if I work at it.  Or maybe close to it.

If anyone is wondering, I have finished up my second week at my new job and so far I have really loved it.  Even though this is a contract position (to hire after 6 months and if all goes well), I have been made to feel like I am one of the team.  The team has been without a Scrum Master for awhile and while they are getting all the items done they need to, it's very chaotic.  I get to start reining things in and get things organized.  It's even more then I could have hoped for.  I can't wait to get things truly started in the new year. 

Christmas is tomorrow and while it will be low key as usual, I think it will be nice to spend some time with my folks.  While my dad doesn't seem to understand a lot that is going on, he is almost always in a good mood.  I'll go over to their house sometime in the late morning.  We will have the homemade Cinnamon Rolls and do the gift thing.  We will eventually start making dinner.  Throughout the day we most likely watch a couple Christmas movies, including A Christmas Story.

I didn't do much Christmas decorating.  But every year, I make sure I put out a Christmas flag.  Here is the one that is out this year.



While I don't do much decorating at my house, my mom will do some at her house.  Here are some of my favorite things that my mom puts out.

My grandmother made these figures.  When I was little, she did a lot of these Slipcasting pieces when I was younger.  I even went with her a few times to make my own.

I made this reindeer - yes, that is a reindeer - when I was in middle school.  I always hated it because it was not done very well and really needs a lot of work.  But my mom loves it.  There probably is a reason she covers it up with that big bow.

And this is my favorite Christmas decoration.  That is my cute little chubby face there.  It is an ordainment that usually goes on the tree.  But the years that my mom doesn't put up the tree, she still gets it out and displays it.  That is one item she will never let me have.  She may even be buried with it. 

This was my second year participating in the  Fairytales and Fitness' Blogger Holiday Card Swap.  This year I got a cute kitty card from Chaitali.  I was able to meet her earlier this year at the Star Wars Half Marathon in Disney World.  Included was an Amazon gift card. Love Amazon!



As I was writing this post, I had carolers come by to sing me a song.  I have never had carolers come to my house, it was amazing!  And they were giving out small bags of home made cookies.  Wow, that was just so special.

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!!!

What are your plans this Christmas?  What are some of your favorite Christmas decorations?

Linking up with Holly and Tricia's Weekly Wrap Up.

Christmas Traditions (Friday Five Edition)

I know everyone is saying this, but I can't believe that Christmas is only a few days away.  was the Winter Solstice.  I know I have stated before, but one of the things I don't like about the fall is that the days get shorter.  And we have come to the shortest day of the year.  My dad has always loved this day.  He says that is because every day from here just gets longer.  That is defiantly something to look forward to.  

Christmas is just 3 days away.  I know everyone has been saying this, but man has the time just flown by!  I thought I'd share with you some holiday traditions that my family has for Christmas.

1. Christmas Jammies - As Christmas would get closer more presents would appear under the tree.  While we were able to touch, shake, and guess what might be under the wrapping, we were not allowed to open any.  Not until Christmas Eve.  And then, we were able to open just one.  And these would always be our Christmas Jammies.  My Grandmother would pick out new jammies for us to wear to bed on Christmas Eve.  Even though I no longer live at home and my Grandmother is no longer with us, I still get a pair of jammies before Christmas. 

We even got matching jammies last year in Denver.

2. Homemade Cinnamon Roles - My mom has been making homemade Cinnamon Roles for our Christmas morning for as long as I can remember.  Not only home baked, but she has always made the bread part of it from scratch.  She starts the process the night before so that it gives time for the dough to rise.  She then finishes it up and lets it bake while we open gifts.

3. Santa Gifts - I have found the different traditions with Santa gifts very interesting.  When we were little, we were only allowed to ask Santa for two things.  The night before we would put out cookies and milk for Santa and hang our stockings (with care).  The next morning we would find our stockings full as well as the two things we asked Santa for, unwrapped, and sitting on the fire place step. 

My dad helping me hang my stocking Christmas Eve in my new Christmas Jammies when I was about 6 or 7.  (No our fireplace did not have a mantel)

Here are a couple of funny stories about Santa gifts......

One year, my brother asked for the Kitt Car from Knight Rider.  He found instead of the car, he got an IOU.  I guess they had those "hot" toys sell out at Christmas back in the 80's even before the Internet caused a frenzy.  The day after Christmas we went on vacation and when we got back, my brother got a card saying that Santa was very sorry for the delay and he could find his gift at the next door neighbors. 

On the first year I didn't believe in the Santa magic, I thought I could blackmail my folks into getting me a Cabbage Patch doll that they had refused to buy me earlier that year.  I don't remember how I found out about Santa, but my brother still believed.  I told them that if I didn't get the doll that I would tell my brother the truth.  Well they apparently don't do ultimatums and I didn't get the doll.  I honestly don't remember if I told my brother or not, but I know that was the last year he believed as well. 

4. Stockings First - Growing up, my Grandmother lived with us.  She was an early morning person, while my mom could sleep most of the morning away.  Like all kids, my brother and I would get up so very early on Christmas morning and rush downstairs to see what Santa had brought us.  We were allowed to play with our Santa gift, but nothing else.  Our Grandmother usually was up with us, or not far behind (especially if we were a little loud outside her door).  Once she was up, we were allowed to open up the gifts in our stockings.  This would give my parents a little extra sleep as they were always up late helping Santa out.  Once they were awake, we were allowed to open up the gifts under the tree.

5. Christmas Dinner - Instead of a traditional Turkey or Ham dinner, we have Goose.  Yes, like they had in A Christmas Carol.  I really don't know where in my family history this tradition started, but it is a yummy tradition.  If you have never had Goose, it's like having the dark meat of a Turkey.  Geese are usually smaller than Turkeys, so there usually isn't much of any left overs.  The rest of the meal is basically exactly as it is for Thanksgiving: Brussel Sprouts, mashed potatoes (with celery root), corn (to be mixed in with the mashed potatoes), stuffing (with a can of Cranberry sauce), gravy, rolls (when we remember to put them in the oven), and deviled eggs.  Mmmmm, getting hungry now.

One last item I wanted to mention is one that started probably 10 years ago or so.  It would be watching 24 Hours of A Christmas Story.  This is by far, my favorite Christmas movie.  We usually have it on for a bit of the day till my mom gets tired of it.  I haven't seen it yet this season, so maybe that's why it's not quite feeling like Christmas yet.  "You'll shoot your eye out!"  Did you know that there were two sequels to this movie?  I knew of one - My Summer Story.  I saw it on TV once and what I remember is the Bumpus' dogs.  And as I was looking up the title of this one, I found out that there is also A Christmas Story 2.  I'm going to have to get my hands on a copy of that one.

What are some of your Christmas traditions?  Do you have a favorite Christmas movie?  Any funny Santa stories?

I'm linking up with Fairytales and Fitness and Running on Happy for Friday Five 2.0

Weekly Update (Weekly Wrap-up Edition)

The last couple of weeks have been busy but boring.  Here are the highlights.

I know it's been a couple of weeks since the Solar Eclipse, but I haven't posted about it.  I ordered glasses the Wednesday before and they were supposed to be in my mail by Saturday.  Well Saturday they didn't come.  I stalked the tracking information and it said it would be in my mail on Monday.  At first I was just going to go home at lunch and work from home while I watched it.  But I changed my mind and ran home and went back to work.  I'm glad I went back as a few of us went out and I passed my glasses around.  There were about 50 people out just in front of our building experiencing the beauty of the eclipse.  We had about an 86% eclipse and at the height it looked like a crescent moon.  It was amazing to see such a rare thing.  It has me thinking of traveling to see the full eclipse when it comes back to the US in 7 years.

I've biked a couple times a week for the past month.  It's good to get out there on the bike.  Most have been early morning sunrise rides.


I had an annual check-up for me, my car, and one of my cats.  Of course all separately.  The car passed it's inspection as did I.  Aiden did well for his but he was so scarred that he peed on me while I was trying to comfort him.  Then he hid under the chair and pooped.  The poor thing.  I got home and he still loved me, so all was good.


I was supposed to take a couple days off this week to take a class to get a certificate for work.  They canceled it the afternoon before and now I have to find another to take.  It was disappointing as I was looking forward to the class.

My mom started back teaching school for the fall.  We now have a nurse come by and stay with my dad while she is working.  Thursday I got a call saying my dad snuck away from her.  They did find him as I was on my way to their house.  I decided to stay with them till my mom was done with her class and came home.  My dad did seem agitated, but calmed down a little while I was there.  Apparently he keeps looking for my mom and will take the dog out for a walk looking for her.  Though he has letting the dog off the leash, so a neighbor will be taking her while my mom is not home.  But even without the dog he will go out for a walk looking for my mom.  So the nurse and I took turns going for a short walk with him till my mom got home.  My mom now has gotten bells for the door and is ordering a GPS finder to stick in his wallet.

My work has classes we can take at the gym.  I took a TRX one on Friday and thought it was good.  I didn't think I worked out too hard, but two days later my abs are still hurting every time I move or breath hard.  I will defiantly take the class again.

I finished up another month with a buns challenge.  I haven't thought about September yet, so I may not do this month's challenge.  I really liked this challenge and will probably add in a few things to my daily stretching.

I've caught up on the latest season of Game of Thrones.  I was disappointed that it was only 7 episodes instead of 10, but still another really good season.

Does your animal get scarred at the vet?  Have you taken a class that you could feel two days later and looked forward to taking it again? 

Linking up with Holly and Tricia's Weekly Wrap Up.

Weekly Update (Weekly Wrap-up Edition)

I haven't been doing a lot of running lately, but I have been getting out there.

Wednesday was National Running Day and I didn't run.  I didn't sleep at all the night before so when my alarm went off I had to just turn it off to get an extra hour of sleep.  I was so tired all day long that I knew that it was the right decision.  I did get a run in on Monday so at least I got one run in this week.

Monday after work I went to get my bike fitted.  This entailed some measurements and then different tests on a spin type bike.  Things to make sure my knees were aligned properly and that I was comfortable.  Then he took those measurements and applied them to my new bike.  Then a few more minor adjustments my bike was ready to take home.

Friday night a friend of mine and I went to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.  They are open late on Fridays as they have half priced wine.  There were tons of people there out enjoying the beautiful weather and some good wine.  We took advantage of the late closing and went to see Yves Saint Laurent: The Perfection of Style exhibit.  I've never been into fashion, so I have never heard of him.  But after seeing some of his iconic work, I knew a couple of his outfits.  It really was a fun exhibit and a great night.
 
The next morning I went on my first ride on my new bike.  There were 4 of us that broke off into a group.  We headed up and did about 20 miles up and stopped at Starbucks for a short break and then did 15 miles back.  I have to say that I LOVE my new bike.  Like love, love.  It's such a smooth ride and very little pain in my behind.  I can't wait to go for my next ride.


My dad had his first and probably last day at the day center.  Apparently he got mad because they wanted him to join in and then he got physical.  I talked to my mom and she decided that she will push to get some anti-anxiety drugs for him and find home care for when she is working.  She even said that she knows that my dad is basically gone.  There are little lights of him here and there, but the disease has basically taken over.  I really thought the day center would be such a great thing for both of them and it's sad that it won't work out.

A lot of shows that ended in May are now starting to hit the streaming world.  For those shows that I didn't keep up with during the season are mine to binge this summer.  That and Game of Thrones and Twin Peaks and all TV goodness this summer, I have a feeling I'll be wasting a lot of time in front of the boob tube.

I'm still keeping up with my daily challenge.  Now that we are getting close to the half way mark, I'm having to make sure that I have more time to do the exercises.  We are up to 45 squats and 45 leg lifts.  We go all the way up to 100 of each so that will take some extra time in the morning.

Are there any shows you are looking forward to?  Did you do anything fun this weekend?

Linking up with Holly and Tricia's Weekly Wrap Up.

Catch Up On The Last Few Weeks (Weekly Wrap-up Edition)

So I haven't done a weekly wrap up in a few weeks so I thought I'd do a quick recap.

Last I left it, my mom was having knee surgery.  She did great.  They had her standing and putting a little weight on it 5 hours after the surgery.  She went home 2 days later and has been doing great with her recovery.

My dad went into respite for the week while my mom recovered.  I think he did well.  At least that's what they said.  He is home now and hasn't lost his routine, which is what my mom was worried of.  He will be starting a day center next week, which will give my mom some time to herself and it will also give him other stimulation.  I hope it helps him.  I can tell things have gotten worse with him as he is quick to get frustrated, which then he takes out on whomever is trying to help.  It just makes me mad because that is not him.  He is such a gentle man and to see him do that is very upsetting because it's not him, it's the horrible disease.  So maybe having some trained individuals around him a few hours a day might help.

I just finished Robin Robert's book, "Everybody's Got Something", and as the title says, everyone does have something to get through.  It just seems like the right time to read this to know that I'm not the only one dealing with something.  I LOVED this book.  It was about her latest health struggle and throughout the whole book I wished she was my friend.  She is such a real person and so uplifting.  The next book on the deck is "The Handmaid's Tale".  It's not a type of book I tend to read, but my mom gave it to me for my birthday and I have had several people say that I have to read the book and then watch the series on Hulu.

 
I saw a couple of movies.  The first Guardian of the Galaxy Vol. 2, which I really enjoyed.  It was very funny, despite the boring family issue it was a fun movie.  I also saw Alien: Covenant.  It's the sequel to the prequel of Alien.  It was a typical Alien movie - fun and scary.

A couple friends at work decided to do a 30 day fitness challenge.  I've thought about doing one of these, but usually that was in the middle of the month and I am too OCD to start something like that in the middle of the month.  And I would never remember when it was the first of the month to start it.  So we are doing the 30 Day Buns, Guns, & Abs Challenge from Squishy Cheeks & Cupcakes.  We are on the 4th day and I need to get off my butt and do today's set.

I went on my first real ride on Saturday.  Probably did too much the first time.  The ride I like to do takes off a few miles from my house.  It's great because I don't have to load my bike on my car and can just ride up there.  Doing that, the ride turned out to be 25 miles.  About 10 miles more then I probably should have.  It was the first Saturday of the month and the bike group has a new rider ride.  I didn't realize that this year they moved it to a different place, so I was the only one there that wanted to do the smallest amount of miles.  So I was on my own on the way back.  I really wanted to wait for someone, but I had to get to my hair appointment.  It really wasn't that bad as there was very little traffic.  The only problem was that my ass HURT.  Like bad.  So bad that a few miles from my house I thought I was going to throw up.  I couldn't wait to get off the bike.  That'll teach me for doing too much too quickly.

I got home and quickly showered and headed to my hair appointment.  Since I cut it short, I have been on the fence on if I want to keep it short or grow it out again.   A few weeks ago I had a dream that told me what I wanted to do - grow it out so that I can cut it and give it to Locks of Love.  Locks of Love takes long hair that is cut and turns it into wigs for those going through health issues which makes them lose their hair.  So we have to grow out the dyed blond hair first so it will probably take a couple of years to get it long enough.  But I'm excited.

After my hair appointment I decided to look into getting a new bike.  Not really because of my bum, but just to make riding much more comfortable as my bike is just a little bit too long for me.  After a couple of years of saying I need to get a bike, I finally pulled the cord and did it.  I had been eyeing the Avail Advanced since I did a test ride two summers ago.  I went into a local shop here and did another test ride and I knew it had to come home with me.  I'll go back to the shop tomorrow to get it fitted and I'll bring it home then.  I'm so excited for my next ride next weekend.

Today I think I'm getting sick again, or should I say my allergies are kicking my ass again.   I was just dealing with this less then 2 weeks ago so it is very irritating.  We will see what tomorrow brings.

Have you read any good books lately?  Have you seen any good movies lately?  Have you ever cut your hair for Locks of Love?

Linking up with Holly and Tricia's Weekly Wrap Up.

Random Friday Five (Friday Five Edition)

This past week and a half have just been a blur.  So many things have been going on plus trying to work a few extra hours the last couple weeks has just exhausted me.  Here are some highlights from the last week or so.


1.  I had a birthday.  Honestly it was just another day.  I didn't tell any of my coworkers cause I just didn't feel like it.  I did have a great dinner with a friend at Ruth Chris' this past weekend.  I also got this great gift from a friend.  I just need to figure out the right place to hang it.  I have a few other pictures I need to hang as well.


2. My parents and I celebrated my birthday and Mother's Day having brunch at the Jefferson.  It now has become a tradition and is something we look forward to every year.


3.  My mom had knee replacement surgery.  Everything went well and she was standing and putting a little weight on that leg just 5 hours after the surgery.  The next day she walked all the way down the hall and up some stairs.  It's amazing how quickly they have you on your feet after such a major surgery.  She is home now and doing well. She made her way upstairs yesterday very slowly.


4.  While my mom was in the hospital, we checked my dad into respite care.  Basically that is short term care in a nursing home.  A lot of people use it so that the care givers can have a break or go on vacation or like my mom, have a medical procedure.  My dad has sever separation anxiety when he is not with my mom, so I have worried a little about him while he was there.  He is doing ok there. He's not really happy but he won't remember it. I'm hoping that he will stay there over the weekend to give my mom time to recover a little more.

5.  I haven't been running much lately.  I really have lost my want to do it, again.  I didn't do anything two weekends ago because my quad hurt.  But honestly, I could have stretched and done exercises to get back to running sooner then I did.  And then last weekend I wasn't feeling well.  I refuse to say I had a cold, so I've been telling myself that it's just bad allergies.  Even though NyQuil and Mucinex have helped the symptoms, I still refuse to acknowledge that I was sick.  I just don't have time to be sick this week, so I'm just dealing with really bad allergies.

I've run 3 times since I've been back from Star Wars.  I'm now debating on if I should do the triathlon that I'm signed up for.  Even though I have swum a couple of times and feel good about that, I haven't gotten on my bike yet.  There are only 5 more weekends to go.  Part of me thinks I can do it, the other part of me doesn't want to put that stress on myself, especially when I've lost "that running feeling".

Did you do anything fun for Mother's Day?  Have you ever "lost that running feeling"?  How did you get it back?

I'm linking up with Fairytales and Fitness and Running on Happy for Friday Five 2.0

Short Weekly Update (Weekly Wrap-up Edition)

I'm not quite done with my next recap of my Star Wars Dark Side Weekend.  In the middle of my Epcot recount, which is getting long enough to turn into two posts.  But work and life and just wanting to sit on my couch yesterday kinda got in the way.  So here are just some things that happened.

I signed up for Princess Weekend.  I have done this race once in 2014.  My friend said that she wanted to do it again to do the Glass Slipper (or is it Fairy Tail) Challenge on the anniversary year.  I had said I would do it with her, so we signed up.  The funny part is that she was so busy that day that she forgot to sign up.  Yup, the only reason I signed up was now not able to sign up because the challenge was all sold out.  But the good thing was, she was able to get in with a travel partner.  So we have our bibs, a room, and park tickets.  Half the planning is now done.  It all worked out well in the end after a few stressful moments.

And four days later I signed up for the Star Wars Dark Side Challenge.  They had a special link sent out to past participants to be able to sign up early.  I took advantage of that, and the $10 discount, and signed up for that weekend too.  Better start saving my money. :)  Just now waiting to see if they will ever get the Star Wars Light Side weekend on sale.  Somethings up with that and no one knows.  Will there be a change or will they cancel the weekend?  No one knows.....

I hurt my left quad last week.  Not really sure how it happened, but it started hurting Thursday night.  Probably did a little too many weights.  I took the weekend off from running and was going to run this morning, but it still hurt.  I know I have to get my butt in gear if I want to do that triathlon.  I did swim for the first time in a year for about 20 minutes which was good.  But my leg was bothering me and I didn't want to push it.  And if I don't get out on my bike soon, I may just bag the triathlon.  It's just hard to get on the bike this time of year.  The weather just fluctuates too much.  I hope to get back in the swing of things by the end of the week (cross fingers).

I've been reading Robin Robert's book Everybody's Got Something on my lunch breaks and I LOVE it.  She seems so real on Good Morning America and this book just makes me want her as a friend.  She is amazing dealing with all of her health issues and still being such a positive force.

I also spent a bit of time cleaning up the back end of this blog this weekend and how I wanted it connected to YouTube and my email.  Google has a ton of features and it got to be confusing on the back-end on what I was updating and what I was messing up.  But for now, I'm happy on how it is all connected.

My mom is having a knee replacement next Monday.  Which also means my dad (who has dementia) will be going into respite care for the first time.  A lot of unknowns and just a bit of stress next week.  And I hate that we won't know the time of her surgery till Friday evening.  It makes it hard to give a schedule of my time off for work.

And my birthday is tomorrow.  I usually take the day off, but since I have no vacation time with the new job, I'll be working.  I'll be going to Ruth Chris' on Saturday with a friend and then Brunch at the Jefferson on Sunday with my parents to celebrate my birthday and Mother's Day.  So it will be very low key this year.

How was your week?

Linking up with Holly and Tricia's Weekly Wrap Up.