The characters in Room 606

Ah yes, I'm going to make light of the situation where my mom is at the current moment. Since I sit in the hospital 8 - 10 hrs a day and if I don't bring some humor to the situation I would go stir crazy. Let me introduce you to the people that my mom is staying with. First I'll discuss my mother and go clockwise.

606B - Joyce (my mom)
Surgery - Left knee replacement
Other issues - Alzheimer's and other.
To some my mom probably sounds a little loony. Physically she's working her way to recovery (slowly). She's walking a bit more with her walker and doing her daily physio which is great. Her memory, however, was a little off yesterday. She was thinking things were falling on her or she was holding a book when she wasn't, seeing people in the room but had visited a couple days prior and was confused at where she was. It's not nice arguing with an Alzheimer patient, which I shouldn't and should just agree with her but when she persists that she has some pictures in the room and tells me to get them and I don't produce (cause they aren't there) its not nice. I know its the disease and not my mom and then she sighs and moves on shortly after. It's a good thing she forgets what she's been upset about....if only we carried a little Alzheimer's with us, eh?

606C - Marjory
Surgery - Broken hip
This women is a 90yr old women. She's so cute but I really do feel for her. Since I've spent almost a week at the hospital I've gotten to know the visitors in the room as well. Marjory has only had one visitor who isn't even a family member. The man that comes in has been assumed (by staff and myself) to be her son but apparently she doesn't have any family. Who this man is I'm not sure but he visits every day just as long as myself and just sits and holds her hand and that's it. Not much is said between them but they just hold hands. From where I sit, its quite touching.

606D - Chelsea
Surgery - none so far
Not sure what her issues are but she's a young mother of 3. She's younger than I am that's for sure but she spends most of her time sleeping or calling people to look after her children. Because she has slept so much I thought she had already had her surgery and I was surprised to learn she hadn't had it yet. Of course, when I learned that she had 3 kids I figured she was catching up on the lack of sleep young mothers get!!

606A - Gloria
Surgery - Hip
Other - The nurses call her 'Edna' (not sure why), I call her Miss Poopy Pants.
This woman has been in the room as long, if not longer, than my mom. I know more about this woman's hemorroids and bowel movements than anyone I know. She's not nice to the nurses either, quite rude and demanding. If she realized how much 'crap' the nurses (and others in the room) have to deal with her she'd be a little more sympathetic. I'm not sure why she's still there but I hope that she is moved to another room or something but I have a feeling my mom will be let out before her.

I must say, its good times in the hospital and I'm sure many stories could be written. Actually, yesterday when I took a little break from sitting I was walking around the admitting area and some cops brought in a guy wearing an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs. Not sure what reason he was there but I'm glad he didn't come to visit anyone in Ward 606.

The attack of the walkers

Aside from the concern I have for my mom's health at the moment and running to and from the hospital I try to catch up on as much sleep as I can. Except for when I'm writing on my blog at 1am like right now.

The first chance I had to catch up on my sleep after my mom's surgery and spending the night at the hospital I decided to head back to her residence since I didn't think anyone would disturb me. Boy did I ever have that wrong. I crawled into bed around 10am or so and the first phone call I received was from the front desk. It seems sort of like a hotel; quite nice actually but you do have to sign in and out every time.

Anyway, so the front desk called asking if I would take some meds to the hospital the next time I head up there since the hospital didn't have a certain pill my mom takes. Fine. Hang up the phone, shut my eyes.

5 - 10 min later....

Next phone call is Dorothy from across the hall who has a card for my mom. Fine. I will pick it up later, shut my eyes.

5 min later......

Someone knocks on my mom's door and opens it (they have a key) and ask if my mom has any laundry for them to do. Aside from the disturbance it is pretty cool that they do your laundry too. I swear, if my mom doesn't make it back here I'm moving in!! Anyway, no she doesn't (I already did it), close my eyes again!

10 min later..... It is now 10:30ish and I just wanna get some sleeeeeeppp!!

The fire alarm goes off! What?! Are you serious?! My first thought was, 'Well, they've had this thing go off before and it wasn't anything so maybe if I just lay here it will turn off and all will be well.' I shut my eyes and try to ignore the ringing.

2 min later....

The ringing continues and I figure I better get up out of bed and see if there really is a fire. I start walking down the hall and realize that we need to evacuate the building as this is a fire drill. Now, remember, this is a seniors home so its not like everyone is rushing out the door. If this was a race I would've received 1st, 2nd and 3rd place!! I actually asked the staff if they needed help since they had to get everyone in their wheelchairs or walkers.

So there I stand in the middle of the parking lot with people slowly coming out of the building. Then I see it. Yes, the attack of the walkers. They all start coming out at once and I feel like I'm being invaded with all these elderly people with their 4-legged metal contraptions in front of them. It's not like I was going anywhere, especially since I had little to no sleep the night before but with all of them coming at me at once I felt like running.

After everyone was accounted for and no one was left in the building we were able to go back to our respective rooms. Sleep was waiting for me and there I lay laughing thinking about the events of the day and wondering how things like this tend to happen to me! And, it wasn't even noon yet.

Mom's Hospital Stay - Part 2

I'm going to write here cause I don't really care to explain everything to everyone. If you asked me how she did yesterday I would say she's 'okay; bit of a hard day'. But the specifics go deeper than a six word reply.

I said in my last entry that if I had a dime for every time she asked where she was, etc well yesterday was much more than that. Those questions as least seem valid given that she may be confused from the anesthetic. I didn't stay too long at the hospital (6pm - midnight) but mainly because if she sees us (me and my sister) she will complain hoping that we can fix her pain. We can't and I know I don't want to move her as her knee isn't in a brace anymore, etc. However, in that time period she continually asked me to take off her shoes and that she wanted to go over....there (pointing with her nose to the window). The window to her was another 'room' or her apartment that she is staying in in a nursing home. She kept thinking she could get up and get out of there. And when I mean 'continually', I mean almost by the minute. And that's NO exaggeration. My words last night were constantly, 'Mom, you don't have shoes on. Those are special socks you have on that the doctor gave you to wear.' 'No mom, you can't go over 'there' that's a window and you are in the hospital.' 'Sure mom, you can get up, go for it.' Obviously she can't but they would love for her to get up and walk around as that is one of the exercises she needs to be doing.

It's not tiring saying it, well, I'm tired of speaking so much but I'm not tired that she doesn't get it. In a way I sort of laugh when she asks cuz its sort of funny but I realize she's just so confused. Again, I'm glad that she at least remembers us but other than that, she's quite confused. I definitely don't like to see her in pain though and that is something I can't control. I can't administer pain meds nor do I want to be responsible for that but I pray that God can be the great Physician, which He is. Of course, I say I laugh at some points but I have my moments where I want to cry for her too.

Love you mom, I hope you get better soon.

Off to the hospital I go.

My mom's hospital stay....so far.

**Warning: This entry is not recommended for the sensitive stomachs.**

Yesterday my mom went in to the hospital for her knee surgery. Technically she needs both knees replaced but we are only doing one this year and then the other next year. Good thing she isn't a centipede!! Anyway, the concern we had that the doctors were preparing us for was the fact that the anesthetic coupled with her Alzheimer's may decrease her memory more significantly. Because of this, I decided to make the trip here which I'm so glad I did.

I took my mom to the hospital yesterday morning for 6am and she was in the OR by 930 and in recovery by 1130. During that time I had a cat nap myself and prepared to stay the night with her while my sister (Sara) stayed at the hospital before she woke up. Since she wasn't under anesthetic for too long thankfully she remembered us (which was the biggest concern). She has, however, been confused about a lot of things.

When I got back to the hospital my mom was in so much pain, which isn't nice to see at all! I hate seeing her in pain and wishing I could take some of it away. I asked the nurse if we could give her some medication, which they did but then it caused her to have low oxygen. I don't know much about oxygen levels, etc but the nurse said we should be above 90 and my mom was below 10!! She (my mom) also started to develop flehm and couldn't cough it up. The nurse called in the respiratory doc on staff and suggested to put her on an oxygen mask but that would mean we needed to take her off the pain medication.

I stayed with my mom all night and she was in so much pain and complaining about the brace on her leg. She was very confused, didn't know where she was, thought she was at her home, didn't know why her leg was sore and continually thought the oxygen mask was her glasses sliding down her face. On top of that she was trying to pull at her cathedor (?), etc which I'm not familiar with that stuff either so I wanted to leave things right where they belonged. If I had a dime for how many times I had to clarify to my mom that she had surgery on her knee and the mask on her face was for oxygen I wouldn't have to work for at least a year. I think she's just so confused with everything! I repeat, everything! In fact, this morning she thought she hadn't had the surgery yet at all!!

I was a little concerned last night, though when she was spitting up blood a bit, in her oxygen mask mind you. I was more ticked when the nurses would say they were on their way and continue to do their rounds. Now, like I said before, I'm not used to this environment and don't know proper procedures and I understand if there are things to do but when I'm seeing blood coming out of some where where it shouldn't be and she can't cough because she's too weak then I have a problem.

The worst part about it was the lady next to my mom who would have some bowl movements. Actually, that wasn't the worst part...well, its debateable but the lady could never make it to the washroom and left a trail behind her. Maybe the worst part about it was the rancide smell she left behind. I mean r-a-n-c-i-d-e. I don't know if that's how you spell it but that's the way it is coming out cuz I was beside myself. This alone made it to be a shitty experience. Pardon my language but that is the only word that can describe what the room was like. Thankfully I was able to leave for a half-hour or so because of it. The poor women in the room had to endure it all night. Needless to say, the first thing I did when I got home was take a shower and get myself clean!

I could go on but really no one needs to read any more. You get the jist of where my mom is at and it should be uphill from here on out. I'm tired and my head hurts from lack of sleep. Glad I made the trip out. Don't know how I'll pay some bills soon but I needed to make this trip.

Love you mom, get better soon.

What's in a name?

There are many things I could discuss when talking about the subject title but for some events that have just transpired over the last few days I thought I'd focus on that. Yesterday a friend of mine's grandfather passed away. Now, I don't know her grandfather but from the little amount that I know of him his life still speaks volumes to me.

Now, I’ve never met my friend’s grandfather and didn’t even know his first name till yesterday. However, the two things I know about this man are that of his last name, McMillan, and that he had been married to his wife for 72yrs. Wow! 72yrs! I can’t imagine a life of 72yrs let alone being married to someone for that long!

What stands out to me is that he has lead a life that has been built on a strong foundation. I say that because his life is reflected through the family he has around him. I don’t know all of the McMillan family but I think a majority of his bloodline are faithful Christians and continue to serve and love the Lord.

I’m all about actions speaking louder than words and he is a great testament to that. I’m sure there will be many who will reflect on his life given to family and to the Lord and heaven is rejoicing in his coming home.

Be blessed McMillan family. I see you have been already.

Who is your Deborah?

I was in Bible class this past Sunday and the lesson was on Deborah and Barak (found in Judges 4 and 5). The discussion revolved around Deborah's role during the battle Barak and Deborah fought against King Hazor, a Canaanite King. I won't go into all the specifics of the story but I will suggest you read the story to hear it for the first time or to refresh your memory.

In Judges 4:6-8, Barak asks if Deborah will go with her and fight the war against Jabin's army even though Deborah told him that he would have victory over them. To Barak that wasn't enough and having Deborah's presence was more reassuring to him. She was his encouragement and his back-up. At the beginning of verse 9 she says to Barak that she would go with him and then marches with him and the ten thousand warriors.

I haven't really looked closely at this story or reflected on it but I appreciate and admire Deborah's character. She didn't just tell or direct Barak to conquer an army. Even though the Lord told her that Barak would have victory he still questioned and she supported him. She helped give him that extra nudge.

It made me think of who a 'back-up' is in my life. Who is it that supports me and gives me encouragement when I need it even though the Lord has a plan for me and wants the best for me. My first thought was my good friend Hope. She has always been my back-up. She reassures me, encourages me, challenges me and helps me when I have to tread down a path on my own. I appreciate and value our friendship and that she can be my strength when I am not feeling so strong. She can speak for me when I have no words left to speak.

So, who is your Deborah? Who will help you when you're down? Challenge you when you need to be held accountable or help carve you into the character God sees in you?

There are many others that have helped along the way but Hope specifically stands out to me. Yes, Hope/hope does.

Friends with my former self

So, I had another weird dream last night. I'm not sure if its cold medicine I'm taking or something I'm eating but if or when I do I seem to have wild, crazy and vivid dreams. I had a few dreams last night but one that stood out to me and that I can actually type out is one of past events that have actually happened. I hope I can make sense of all of this or explain it the way it was happening.

I was reliving a portion of when I first went to Nanaimo. Actually, it was even before I moved to Nanaimo in 2004; I visited Ronni and Mart before she had their 3rd child Emma May long weekend of that year. It was like I was having an out-of-body experience watching myself in certain scenes but me standing next to ....well, myself. I remember sitting at the breakfast table at a friends house, sitting in church and lunch afterward. I remember the feelings I was having at that time and the excitement but then also a part of me was remembering all the hurt and pain I experienced when I moved there.

It was like I was a friend to myself with me being older and wiser than I was back then. The person I am today was trying to befriend my former self and share in the exciting times but being there when I was going through turmoil. And trust me, I shed many a tear. I should've invested in stocks with Kleenex.

When I woke up I felt like my heart wanted to reach out to my past self and help Becky out. It's like my former self and my current self were colliding in two different worlds. Does that make any sense? How can you be friends with your past self? How can you be a support and give advice or just be there for someone when they are at their lowest? Help encourage them when they are down and feel alone? I'm sure Hollywood could make a movie about this and I could make a killing. Heck, that's how Stephanie Meyer of the Twilight series was inspired. Yes, through a dream.

I know I have a long way to go but thankfully I'm far better off than where I was.

All my bags are packed I'm ready to go.....

Thanks John Denver for writing those lyrics. I'm sure I've sung it many times now given all of my travels. And yes, my bags are packed and I'm getting ready to go. I can't believe the time has come up so quickly. I can't believe I'm about to embark on uncharted territory. For me anyways. The only thing I need to organize is my painting supplies to prepare for the work I have for me in Ontario.

I have a few nail appointments I need to take care of, one of them being my own and then off to the East! I will be driving into the sun! I've also discovered that since I have announced that I am driving I am now Santa Claus and the postal service. It's not bad. I'm glad I can help others out.

You see, I can't just take a trip.....there has to be some sort of adventure. More stories to come. I may not be able to post every day and I will warn you that since I have time on my hands I'm sure I'll be doing alot of thinking so get ready for some indepth entries. Either that or more fiascos and some laughs. Oy!

See you tomorrow for one more blog (I gotta keep with my entries this month) and then maybe Friday or so! Be blessed!! I know I will be!

Thanksgiving

This weekend my original plan was to head west to Invermere to spend at a friends cabin. Once I told Hope and family about it they decided to join me which was completely fine. I'm sure spending quality, quiet time in the cabin would be nice its always nice to hang out with 'family' and play games, lounge around and eat.

Unfortunately winter has hit us already. Last week or a couple weeks ago we were breaking record highs and now my computer says -8C and the roads weren't the best for driving in . Sigh. To put a positive twist on this we decided to just stay in and hang out at the Pawlak home, play lots of Settlers, eat and be merry. Well, I'm not sure about the merry part....depends on if we each win at least 2 games each of Settlers.

So far its been pretty good. The kids are great, entertaining themselves and everyone is sleeping at this point except for moi sitting at their dining room table listening to their kitchen sink drip. Breakfast is in the oven and I'm literally waiting for chaos to begin. All in good time, Becky, all in good time.

We've invited the Roberts family over which will be fun. I'm just going to watch Peter and Darcy talk about hunting and see how much they light up a room. Forget the cold, the smiles on their faces will warm up the whole house. Crazy hunters. So, I guess we'll have 3 hunters in the house.....Darcy, Peter, and Hunter. Actually there might be 4 hunters depends on if the Carters decide to join us as well. Oh what fun!! I love all these families!

Happy Thanksgiving folks.....its going to be a cold-but-warm-inside weekend! God is good.

Church #5 - Elders

Typically when a church discusses the topic of elders what usually follows is a 6 week series on the role, requirements and other. I don't plan to go into full detail about all of this as some of you have participated in those 6 week sessions and may contemplate rolling your eyes at an indepth discussion. My approach, however, is to bring life to the topic or possibly even a different perspective. I think this role needs a fair shake and also the phrase of 'don't knock it till you've tried it.'

Before I start vomiting out my opinion or thoughts I challenge you to read up on such verses as Titus 1:5-9. Ya, that's right ....you'll have to break open that Bible of yours that we seem to only open once a week (hopefully more).

My purpose in writing about elders is that we, as a body of Christ's church, need to encourage them. We have appointed certain men in the congregation to be the shepherd of our flock. They are to lead us and be examples for us. When we select elders we spend weeks deciding on who has a list of the requirements listed in Titus and the wisdom to take on such a feat. After that we (collectively) spend time complaining to them or about them.

May I remind you (and myself) that this position is not a paid position. The elders take on this role because they do so with a loving heart. Because I've had the pleasure of working at the church I've had an opportunity to participate in Elder/Staff meetings. I've seen firsthand the commitment they have all made to not only on a Sunday morning time together but also actively participating in the meetings on a weekly basis. They have devoted time away from their own family to many hours - many hours to discuss the concerns of the church, the way it is heading, how to proceed and how to not offend.

Albeit some times I wish that the process for some matters would be faster than others but one thing I know for sure, the elders that I know and care about take careful/prayerful consideration before making one step or one announcement. I hope all our members understand and realize how much they care for our congregation. Some may, some may not.

If anything, our role should be that of encouragment like I mentioned earlier. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, 'So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.' If we aren't doing this then we need to start. We know how we feel when we like to be encouraged so why wouldn't they feel the same with the extra weight of the concerns of the church on them as well.

I believe that if we build them up and support them and their decisions then it will be easier for them to make decisions on matters. I think that is half the battle. I can only assume that a porton of their concerns is wondering 'how the congregation will handle this or that'. Maybe we as a congregation should spend as much time to committing to prayer and careful consideration for our elders and Christ's church.

How much more productive will we be when we support each other in Christ's body?

Tis the season

The cold weather is upon us again and I know that I will never get used to it. I'm sure I was meant to live in a much warmer climate but alas I've been placed amongst freezing nose hairs and icicles on the eye lashes. I'm sure it could be worse but I just don't like the cold.

Because of the weather change....
Attitudes change
People change
Clothes change

On a positive note...cuz I need to focus on that than the downside to cold weather.

I love the fall clothes
Warming up by a fire
Hot cocoa
Visiting with friends in a warm house
Watching snow fall (from the other side of the window pane)
When it snows and quietens everything down

Smellin' like onions

Last night I wasn't feeling too good, you know, runny nose, headache and the like. I'm trying to prevent getting sick because of this big trip I'm about to embark on next week and also I can't afford to pass the sickness on to my mother who is about to have surgery. So I mentioned this concern to my friend and she suggested I put an onion in my bedroom at night. She had heard from....well, I don't know where, that it helps keep or destroy the bacteria. I'm not really sure about this but I'll give it a try and the worst thing that could happen is that my room will smell like an onion for a day or so but I can get rid of that no problem.

This morning I woke up earlier than I thought and I didn't have to be anywhere till around noon so I thought, well, I better get myself downtown to see the judge about this speeding ticket I got. On my way to church I might add!! So, I get myself dressed, didn't bother to shower because I will be painting later and will take it after. At this point I could smell some of the onion but thought it was just because I was still in the same room as the evidence sitting on my night table.

When I got downtown I was standing in line to hand in my paperwork of my traffic violation and with the air being still I could smell the onion....STILL!! Great! I noticed at that point why the people around me didn't stand so close!! Then I have to plead my case before the judge in a small room all the while smelling like an onion! He's going to either reduce the charge to get my smelly ass out of there or keep it the same because I should've at least taken a shower before entering his quarters. Thankfully he reduced my charge because I told him flat out that I couldn't afford to pay the original amount and that I was on my way to church. I'm just glad he didn't think I had an onion in my pocket so I could start crying and giving him a sob story.

Lesson learned: If you're gonna try to have an onion in your bedroom to prevent getting more sick at least take a shower as soon as you wake up.

My dream last night

I'm not sure if it was something I ate before I went to bed or what but my mind was racing and I felt like I was tossing and turning given the dream I had.

I was dreaming that I was in something like a sorority house because there was a bunch of girls and myself in the home and it was late at night. I didn't even recognize any of them but we were just all about the house doing our thing. And to you guy readers, no we were not having a tickle or pillow fight in our panties. Gosh I hate that word! ...Moving on... All of a sudden I could 'sense' that there were guys outside the house and I could smell trouble. In my mind (in the dream) I kept saying to myself, 'Oh this is like the last time they were here' and I was trying to prevent anything worse happening since the last time. I don't know what happened last time but I knew they didn't come in the house but they were just harrassing and scaring us. However, this time the guys did start coming in the home. Thankfully they didn't have any weapons or I don't remember it in the dream but I could just sense tension in my body and in my dream.

Now that I'm thinking back on it I feel like it was the dorm house that I stayed at when I was at Great Lakes Christian Highschool. With that, I remember going up the stairs to the top level on the 3rd floor and calling for help.

....and the first person I called was Hope. Why wouldn't I call the police? I don't know but my thinking process went like this - Hope, call Hope tell her to get Darcy here! How did the conversation go? Something like this:

Hope: 'Hello?'
Becky: 'Hope, tell Darcy and Darren to get here and bring their guns!'
Hope laughs.

Then I woke up with my last thought being that Darcy and Darren need to bring their guns. Yes, that's how we should solve all our problems...... ;-)

Ways to wake up in the morning

This morning I was on my way to work and I was on a side street turning left onto a busy street. The traffic was really busy heading the direction I needed to go so I was waiting patiently till there was a break. At this point I was still in my quiet mode after just waking up and was at least alert. Thankfully, or the events that were about to happen would've ruined me for who knows how long.

I'm not sure why but a City of Calgary truck driver decided he needed to take a left onto the street I was waiting at. Granted, its fair that he can choose to drive wherever he may, however, the clincher is that he had a large bed attached to the back of him and it was VERY long. As soon as I saw what was about to happen (him taking a left), my first thought was 'man, this guy is going to need some of my driving space to take this tight turn.' With that thought I started to back up so he could sneak in there but the more I backed up the closer his bed got to the front end of my car. The only way for me to stop the driver from proceeding was to slam on my horn to let him know that he was about to (literally) drive over my vehicle. As much as my vehicle is an SUV I totally think that truck could've ridden over me!

All of it was happening so fast and with me driving backward without looking where I was going because I was so busy making sure he didn't hit me I ended up on the sidewalk! Another thought going through my head was my trip to Ontario flashing before me and not being able to go because of this accident.

Thankfully there was no one walking on the sidewalk where my car was now parked or a lamp post or even a car was in my way. I would've been hooped!! My heart was beating SO fast and thankfully no one was hurt but I had to take a few moments to collect myself before proceeding on my way. Also, the driver stopped and get out of his truck to see if he did anything. At that point I realized that he could've hit me and not known otherwise. I wasn't upset at him I was just worked up a little and told him everything was fine.

I'm sure there are more pleasant ways to wake up in the morning but this happened to be the events of today. May you never have to wake up like I did today!!

Church Part #4 - Praise Team

One of the pleasures I have participating in church is that of singing on the Praise Team. Aside from the fact that I love to sing, its nice to be a part of something that contributes to Sunday morning service and giving praises to God through song. One advantage I feel that I find a blessing is having the opportunity to face the congregation and see their faces. I'm more of a personable, outreach person that likes to see people's faces not just the back of people's heads or the big screen in front of me.

I was standing in front of everyone this morning and seeing all the familiar faces is so encouraging. Once in a while I will make eye contact with one person or another and then we smile. It's silent communication at the same time of praising God together. How special is that? In fact, some people try to make me laugh since I'm up front and no one else see's the faces people will make but the other members get to see my face turn red and trying not to laugh. At that point I'm mainly mouthing the words since I'm trying to control my laughter.

I also have the pleasure of seeing what's going on through the service as well. A few months ago I was standing up front and we were singing a song shortly after the children were dismissed and I enjoyed having, well really, front row seat to what was about to happen. To my left was Aisling G. singing away while her husband sent their triplet boys out to class. During about the second verse I saw one of the triplets (followed by another) running down the aisle looking for mom. Unfortunately they were on the other side of the auditorium from their mom so I had the pleasure of seeing them run up and down the aisle's yelling, 'Nope! Not this one!' until they finally saw her. Of course, it was about that time that Stephen came strolling in after them and then they proceeded back to bible class. Oh what memories and no one gets to enjoy those little moments but us up front.

Ah, family. We're a part of it whether we want to or not. We meet each Sunday and I'm so blessed to see everyone's familiar faces.

Some days....

I would like to come home to somebody.

Some days.

I can do all things

Philippians 4:13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

How do you read this scripture? For the longest time I don't think I fully understood it and even now I probably don't get the complete concept but at this point in my life I would like to say that I feel I'm living it.

For example, in a week I plan to make a trip across Canada and the US by myself in my car. I am heading to Ontario to spend some time with my mom who will be having some surgery and I want to support her and be there for her. Thankfully I've been given the opportunity to have my own business and can take as much time as I can afford to do this.

Not for once have I questioned planning this trip and to weigh the cost of flying vs driving was quite a difference and so I just automatically decided that I would make the treck with me and my car. For some, however, its quite surprising to them that I would take on such an adventure and by myself I might add. I'm not sure if I'm used to being by myself or I am living the above scripture statement. I've been more surprised at people's reactions to me driving by myself or saying how they would be scared/hesitant/nervous to do such a thing.

To me, I'm just doing what I need to do to be where I need to be. It's that simple. I know this is a small example compared to other scenarios of what it means to do 'all things' but its the principle of the matter. I just know I need to have confidence in God and that He is by my side through any challenge that I face.

There are many examples I could show but that might lead to me exposing myself in ways that are meant for me, God and ....Hope. haha

Can I do all things? Yes, I can be put to a challenge but if it wasn't for God by my side I wouldn't be as confident. If anything, no matter what happens I know that He is there for me and its me and Him at the end of the day.

House Sitting Story #5

I was tempted to write this blog at the time of its actual occurance but I couldn't muster up the strength to explain the chaos around me. Well, chaos? I guess its subjective since now that I look back on it all is well.

This past summer....actually, let me back this up to March give or take a month. One Sunday morning Chris Bailey was walking past me on her way somewhere but asked me if I would be willing to housesit for them in July for the whole month. Seeing as she was on a mission somewhere and the first words out of my mouth when someone asks me a question is 'yes' that was my exact response. Then, of course, my hesitation creeps up after the toothpaste is out of the tube (me saying yes) and the memories flood back of all the incidences that have happened the last 4 out of 4 times while looking after someone's house.

I usually don't ask for details prior to committing to something because in my mind I'm thinking, 'they need me and I am available to help them out.' I'm sure I should discuss this matter with my therapist and get to the root of that issue but that's for another day....haha. Anyway, the Bailey's planned a trip to Africa for a month and since she was asking far enough in advance I thought that was thoughtful on her part. I did warn her of the fiasco's as of late but interestingly enough it didn't seem to bother her.

Needless to say I resided in their home for a month but I guess I did it so I can now write another housesitting story. Sigh. I've also come to the conclusion that it doesn't matter how long I stay at a place, it is just guaranteed that something will happen. It's only a matter of time. The event usually takes place close to when the owner is coming back home, I've discovered. Not sure if its a test to how I handle the stress of making sure everything is fine when really a tornado hit the place just moments before.

So, back to the story, my responsibilities at the Bailey home was to look after their two cats and Orin's ......ugh....snake! He was the scariest part of it considering I had to feed him a dead mouse and yet he was the least of my problems. One of the guidelines that Chris mentioned to me was that they recently had some stairs installed to their back deck. These aren't just a few steps stepping out into the backyard, this was a winding staircase so it was a flight of stairs. She also mentioned that the cats are indoor cats yet one of them (Dustbunny) would tend to head for the stairs and wander into the backyard.

Gosh, I didn't even know the cats name till the 'incident' happened. No offence but its not like I talked to it much while I was there and for sure didn't call it by name so there was no need for me to remember 'Dustbunny.' Coming from the other side of it now....I do. So, at some point during the hot sunny days, I decided to sit out on the back deck or cook dinner on the BBQ and that's when DB (Dustbunny) would attempt to go down the stairs. Following that would be me running after her/him (I don't know) and picking 'it' up to take it back inside. Now, me talking to a cat is like talking to brick wall in my opinion. What is the point? I tried to talk to it like a child and remind it that going down the stairs was a 'No-No'. Did it listen? NO! How many times do I have to say 'no' and you will listen. I felt like I was talking to some ex-boyfriends! haha

Well, it was near the end of my stay and the Baileys were due back home on the Monday. The Wednesday before I had used the BBQ and shut the back door but didn't lock it. I forgot that you needed to lock it for the door to stay shut as the latch wouldn't click on its own. Later that night (at 11pm) I was in the dining room on my laptop and needed to change the laundry, when I came back I noticed that the door to the deck was open. That dang cat got out!! Now, its 11pm and dark which it had just turned given setting sun so late....of all times, why at 11!! So, I ran down the stairs to see if I could find this white ball of furr and of course, no.

At first I wasn't too worried thinking it would come back right away or the next day. When it didn't show up the next day worry started to set in. How am I suppose to tell the family of my happenings? And my next thought was....'dumb cat'! Then, of course, my facebook friends were making it worse by saying that a coyote probably got it. Well, either way to me it was dead because if the coyote didn't get it and it came back I would've gotten it myself. Why do I let a cat get to me. A cat! I walked around the neighbourhood a few times with treats in my hands calling for it and nothing.

The one funny part was that I told a friend about my situation and his response was, 'You have a snake and two cats and one cat went missing? I'm no Sherlock Holmes but the first place I'd look is where the snake is!'

Anyway, I broke the news to the family and they seemed okay about it....or they were just playing it up so I didn't feel so bad. They came home, posted some flyers and sure enough the cat was across the street at a neighbours house. Dumb cat.

The crazy part of all of it is that they still want me to housesit again! I don't know how that works but knowing how I work....I'll probably sign myself up for another week or two of trouble. Next time though, the cat will be on a leash.

I would like to say this will be the last housesitting post but for some reason I doubt that is the case. Until next time.....

Being blessed

Well, I have to say that I truly think the Lord is taking care of me. Time and again I will worry about how to pay bills or when or where I'll find my next painting 'gig' and sure enough everything seems to fall into place. I would have to say that I am living proof of Matthew Chap 6. Do not worry about tomorrow....etc, etc.

I went out on a limb to start my own business and He has provided for me. I haven't needed to advertise and all of my business has been through word-of-mouth. Thank you Lord. You're good to me and I wish I could hear you more instead of talking all the time with my requests!