I visit my mom once every week. That lady is a regular staple. Around and around the halls she goes.

Some of the aides and nurses stop to chat in our room, but it’s because of mom’s roommate… Still, some talk to me and are quite friendly. I confess that I’ve failed to learn their names, however. But I’ve never been good with names.

Sometimes I’m only able to stay an hour, but I was there 4 hours today. Mom would love it if I could come more often, but my dad doesn’t like to go out during the evenings. Once we get home that’s where we are until the next day.

But I better get to bed now. Tomorrow morning is going to come way too soon.

Sounds like you’re getting to know the nursing home scene pretty well. I seldom visit Mom without assisting some little old lady who can’t find her room. “It’s not a big deal if your brain doesn’t work right now; I know it used to work, and you’re still a good person,” is my approach. My mother has reached the point where she couldn’t find her room either. These are all remnants of wonderful, once-whole people whose spirits still flicker, and who can be brought to smile and laugh. And that’s a good thing to do; and you never know, you might not have a lot of time to do it.

I feel that your life is on the verge of some change for the better. Keep in touch and let me know how you’re doing. I send you strength. – Paul

Why is the city trying to demolish your house? Are they trying to build something over your land? Jerkoffs

If you ever want to talk diet specifics, let me know. That diet is really tough (at least when you start, and especially if you don’t cook), but it does work. I lost the 30 lbs. to prove it (and everyone else, Hubby, sister, sister’s fiance) who tried it lost weight, too.

The thing I really like about that diet is that it’s nutritionist designed, so you know you are still getting the nutrients you need. And you can get in a little of everything — fruits, veggies, meats, dairy — so it feels well rounded. Not just meats (like Atkins felt to me) or just salads.

The other thing my nutritionist recomended is regular cheat meals. She told us that once every two weeks, we should take a meal and eat whatever the heck we wanted — dessert, carbs, etc. And having that to look forward to made giving stuff up the rest of the time so much easier. That and having Hubby to be accountible to were probably the two things that most helped me succeed when doing that diet.

So, my recommendations would be (1) have a regular planned time to cheat to keep yourself sane and (2) make sure you are eating a healthy variety of nutrients, whatever diet you decide will work best for you. There are a ton of options out there!

Good luck with everything you have going on, and if you ever need to talk, don’t hesitate to message me or whatever.