Hard to believe that it's been almost three months since my last blog post. I don't even know where to begin. I feel like I'm on a rollercoaster I can't get off of and I anticipate things feeling this way for the remainder of the year.
For most of June, I was busy researching homebuying and came to the conclusion I would probably need to find a higher paying job if I wanted any chance of owning something here and if I couldn't do that, to at least feel comfortable paying my rent and living the lifestyle I am accustomed to. Without the higher paying job, I run the risk of losing my apartment next June because they keep raising my rent each lease term. I love my apartment!! I'm also not fond of thinking I will need to move into a place with a roommate because rents in the Bay Area are just insane. I've never, ever had a roommate and it's not something I favor the closer I get to 40. I worked on updating my resume and LinkedIn and started some minor networking.
For most of July, I dated a guy who was just like all the rest. It was the straw that broke the camel's back and I gave up on dating...for the time being. I didn't have the time anyways because I was whipping my parents' house back into shape because they were coming back after being away for 14 months. I had to coordinate things with the plumber, the gardener, the house cleaner and try to figure out why appliances were not working or acting "funny". Uh...definitely not sure about the home ownership stuff after all that. What a ton of work! At the end of July, my parents returned.
For all of August and September so far, I have been helping my parents. Their health is declining and they are not doing that well. Their conditions will not improve. It's hard to see them struggle to do little things and I find it stressful and heartbreaking all at the same time. Since neither can no longer drive, I need to do weekly errands and grocery runs and take them to their numerous weekly appointments. I find that with full-time work, I only really have the energy to help them with their stuff and I have little energy to take care of my things. My life is on hold. The job search, the dating, the household chores, stitching...there is no time. I'm lucky that I have good friends that make sure I do something social weekly but I've reached the point where I need to hermit. The plan is to get their treatment plans in place and they want to relocate to Nicaragua permanently. There's a lot to do to make that happen and I am hoping that between me, my siblings and the doctors, we can get that to happen before the holidays. Hope, hope...for the sake of my sanity. Of course, after that, there is the matter of the house but one step at a time...one day at a time.
I miss stitching! I miss it every day. I think about it all.the.time. But sadly, when I have time at home, all I can manage is lying in bed in an exhausted stupor while I try to follow a tv show. I still check message boards. I try to read and comment on blogs but that's hard and I am terribly, terribly behind. Sometimes at work, I play with the fabric viewer and just gaze at Mirabilias and fabric choices. I am over the moon over the new Mirabilia Red (Riding Hood). But I'm on a stash diet until my birthday splurge. Speaking of splurging on stash, who signed up for Lizzie Kates's Holly and Hearts Mystery? I am so curious about that one too! I am hoping someone will stitch fast so I can get a good peek at the first part of the sampler. I am wondering if I need some L*K brightness to lighten my mood when I can find those minutes here and there to stitch.
The few minutes here and there that I've found the time to stitch, I've been working on Lilac. She hasn't grown very much but the lilac flowers on the skirt are slowly starting to form. I really enjoy this project but find that I need to use a highlighter to keep track of what stitches I've completed otherwise I lose track and get confused.
I can't wait to finish the skirt! It's not that big in comparison but I think it's big for me at the moment! :)
I hope everyone is doing ok. I miss you all *so* much!
Until next time...
25 comments:
You have been majorly busy! I hope things settle down so you will have time to stitch. Life does seem to go in crazy cycles at times! You are very kind to be helping your parents. Your stitch is such pretty colors.
Oh dear I hope things settle down for you soon
Give my love to your parents...
I love your stitching
Big hugs
Cucki x
Helping parents has a way of taking over - I care for my mum who is 88 and I know how tough it can be. Finding time to stitch is often the thing that gets put to the bottom of the list. It's a pity really as it can be a good thing to de-stress with. I hope things settle down, but it's nice to read your update.
I'm sorry that you are having such a stressful time! I really hope that it all settles down quickly for you and your parents.
I hadn't heard about the new L*K - sounds like it might be fun and it really sounds like you need some L*K brightness :-)
xx
Hey Val! You are missed here too. I am sorry to hear that things are so stressful and that everything for you is on hold while you get your parents situated.
The housing situation sounds so tough. I would not want a roommate either. ugh.
Your Lilac stitching is very pretty. I am very curious about the LK Holly sampler too.
I hope that you have some fun this weekend!!
Oh dear, you have been riding the rollercoaster haven't you. I hope things settle down for you soon. I had to take care of my parents as they aged so I know some of what you are dealing with. It just doesn't leave much time for YOU does it? I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh, my friend--you certainly have had a tough summer. It sounds exhausting and somewhat defeating... I can't imagine the cost of housing out your way--have you thought about making a major move? Perhaps when you have your parents relocated to Nicaragua you will have time again for yourself and that will help you work through some of these big decisions. Home ownership is a lot of responsibility, but it is nice to have a place to be able to decorate and change however you want to...
Sure hope that by January things have calmed down and you'll be able to resume the old activities that you love--hang in there and just take one day at a time :) Sending a big hug your way, Valerie!
It is so hard to watch your parents' health decline and know that there isn't much you can do. I hope that they are able to get to Nicaragua.
My thoughts are with you.
Oh, Valerie, life is too full right now, I can just imagine it! I hope that your parents situation with selling the house, moving, etc will get sorted out in good time.
Hang in there! Lie down for 5 minutes and take deep slow breaths...know that we will still be here when you return to stitching! Take care!
I'm so sorry to hear about your parents. The stress of it all reverberates through every word of your post. It's been such a tough summer for so many on my blog list. :(
Maybe something will happen re: your own housing after your parents are off to Nicaragua. Good thoughts for it!!!! (Home ownership isn't *all* that though. It's good and bad. Look at me - we got randomly hit with lightning this summer and incurred almost $7,000 of damage and it took us a few weeks to get all of the soot cleaned up. So it's good........until it's not. Like most things in life. I think any place you feel comfortable in, even if it's an apartment, is good.)
I love Red too. I've only stitched one of those ladies - for a model - but Red *really* does make me itchy to do another. What would I do with it though? The styling *really* does not fit in my house at all. It would be a shame just to roll it up and put it away. I hope you get to do her at one point! I'd love to the progress pics on it as you went along. :)
I signed up for the L&K mystery sampler. I really enjoyed the one they had last fall, even if I didn't, uh, finish it until this year. :) I haven't heard about them shipping yet (at least not for me) so no pics for you - sorry.
I do hope things work out for your parents to go to Nicaragua soon. You are such a good daughter -- I don't know how you do it. It's amazing how expensive everything is these days. I hope a new job comes along your way, or even better that the rent doesn't go up. Owning a home can be a stressful thing too with things that can go wrong and home repairs and etc. I sometimes think renting is just better. Good to see a post from you. Try to take it easy if you can.
I rented for 7 years after my divorce. I purchased The Homestead almost 6 years ago. At this point in time, I prefer homeownership over renting. Yes, there are expenses that have to be planned for... an emergency fund is definitely a good thing to have. But having the freedom to do what you want to your place.... love it!
You certainly have been busy the past few months. You're always busy, though. Whether it be socializing or other things.
Glad to see you're still getting some stitching in, too.
Sorry to hear that your plate has been so full lately. Hope everything works out soon.
Lilac is looking good.
Hugs,
Veronica.
I'm sorry to hear that things have been so stressful lately. I hope it will get better as time go by. Take care, miss you, too.
What a busy time you have had, its hard work caring for sick relatives and trying to juggle a life for yourself.
Wishing you well and sending lots of {{happy hugs}} your way Valerie. I hope your parents plans happen and with the advent of the new year you will be able to take stock and make some decisions that will hopefully help you along lifes pathway.
much love x
Wow that's a lot to deal with!!!! Big hugs you can get everything worked out for your parents and find some time for yourself.
You have been very busy. It's lovely to see a blog post from you.
I hope things settle for you soon and you can your parents moved before the holidays.
It's no wonder we haven't seen you ~ wow, super busy! I do hope things will settle down for you. Don't forget to take a little time each day for yourself!
I'm sorry you're going through such a stressful period - I hope things lighten up for you soon. Your stitching is lovely, and I admire you for being able to keep it going through all that.
I can't imagine buying a home in SF - the prices are so very high. I can't imagine the pay is as high compared to the differential seen between housing and income in other areas of the country.
I hope that the treatment plans are in place for your parents soon. Surely there are organizations that can help with your parents grocery shopping, visits to dr's, etc in the meantime? I do hope you find some time to hermit - it's such a necessary part of keeping sane IMO.
Whew! You have been busy. I hope your parents can get settled very soon and you will find more time to stitch. Lilac is progressing nicely! Slow and steady wins the race, or at least that's what I try to convince myself of! LOL
Oh my dear Valerie! It sounds like you need a break now! You are such a good daughter to do all of that for your parents. I can't even imagine how busy you are. As for house hunting, we too won't be able to afford anything in the Lower Mainland unless we move FAR away from the city. Things are just too expensive here. I pray that something comes up for you soon. Searching for a new home is so stressful. I also hope that you get some "Valerie" time ASAP and get to stitch! It's IHSW weekend so maybe you can put in a few stitches. Lilac is coming along beautifully my dear!
Hugs from me and floofy Titus :D
HANG IN THERE!!!
Hi Valerie, Thank you for taking the time to comment on my blog - you know that I understand the hard time you are having. Please take care of yourself and I am sending all my prayers your way.
hugs, Kaye
Valerie I can relate so much to your post. That is where I was not so long ago with my parents and even though some things have changed it still continues on some level. I hope that things improve for you. It becomes all encompassing and your own life ends up being put on hold. If you ever want to vent or just need to 'talk' my email is in my profile. Take care.
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