September 12, 2014 – Celebrate the Small Things

These last couple of weeks have been a bit of a chore.

Work has me stressing because people fail to do their job, and when they do it’s half-assed. This year has been THE WORST. I’ve never missed deadlines. EVER. But this year, I’ve missed half. Because of the government changing their process. Because people not wanting to do what is required. Because there’s other things they need to do. Because I have no authority to make them do it. And because, well, no one else does, either, apparently.

I’ve started a new medication for what my doctor thinks is Restless Leg Syndrome, but I’m pretty much leaning towards fibromyalgia. Who knows. In either case, the first medication he put me on made it so I couldn’t sleep. This new medication, well, in less than 3 months, I’ve gained almost 10lbs. I am not happy. Yesterday, I stopped taking any of it. I’m hoping it will allow me to go back down. I’ve not changed what I eat or how. But it really is frustrating. And, last night was the worst by far. I think I maybe, MAYBE, slept about an hour in total? I’m not sure if it is my lack of medication? Or if it’s because my brain was way, WAY, too active after last night’s adventure.

Which leads me into my celebration of the small things…

Last night The Hearts of Valor ladies went to this thing called Painting With A Twist. What a cool idea! It was so much fun! If you have one close by, or something similar, I highly recommend getting a small group together and having a go at it! Doesn’t matter if you don’t know how to draw or paint! They help you every step of the way! Check out my steps below.

 
1. Start with a blank canvas. Just like a blank piece of paper, you can only fix emptiness with something! 
2. Basic outline. Yeah, ok, so it doesn’t look like much.
3. Fill in a bit of the detail.
4. Start painting. Not too much yet. Just a thin layer. 🙂 Then you can go back and fill it all in.

5. The hardest things for me to do was the dove and the lettering. I don’t have a steady hand, never have. 🙂

6. The Hearts of Valor ladies and their finished paintings.

So, what do you think?

**As a caregiver, I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a support group and “me time.” Last night was my first really “me time” with my local support group. I haven’t been able to do this since January. I have issues with leaving my family and having “fun” without them. But this really was so much fun and I will definitely take TheBoy for a go at it! Our little Hearts of Valor group went to Painting with a Twist last night. They were offering a tribute to  9/11 and it seemed so fitting for our group of Veteran Caregivers.**
Celebrate The Small Things is a weekly celebration where we celebrate the happenings of the week, however small or large the item in question. If you’re interested in learning more about Celebrate The Small Things, please visit their website, visit others participating, and sign up if you’re so inclined. It’s always great to see what everyone finds in their day to celebrate! And it adds to a positive outlook on life!

It is a blog hop, after all.  <3