As Always The News Is About Dad

Dad has been in the hospital for a week. That's primarily why I've been an absentee blogger. I just don't have the time or the words anymore. He had a bad reaction to a medication and then he developed and infection and as always, a very low blood count.

I'm trying desperately to get my life in order. To find some semblance of sanity somewhere. So far, I'm having no luck.

I'm also trying a new diet.

Caregiving is fattening, especially when there's no way of getting out of the house. When I'm not home, my nephew is in charge, and when he's sleeping, I am. And when dad's in the hospital, we all worry. When I worry, I eat.

In the last 3 years, the weight I've gained is embarrassing. I'm not a lazy person. I'm always running around, but I'm a stress eater. I admit that. And I love potato chips.

I'm doing the whole protein shake thing right now. I'm hoping it can at least jump start my metabolism, which I think is a bit sluggish. Thanks for the wonky thyroids, from mom's side of the family.

The taste, is not so terrible, but not so great either, but it does seem to curb my hunger a bit.

And combine it with depression that has me sleeping at 8:30, well, at least I can't eat in my sleep.

Here's hoping things start to look up soon. Cos my nerves are shot.

Cat Thursday

Some more pics of Ifyouplease and Ifyoudon'tplease the two Siamese shorthairs that hang about our yard.

Always Remember

Sometimes Change Isn't Good

I ate Subway the other day, and I was left totally unimpressed.

When I was in college, about 20 years ago. (Yes, I am old) Subway was fairly new to our area and things were much more simple there. There weren't so many choices of bread and flatbread was unheard of. They had a little round bun for small appetites and for their breakfast options.

Yes, 20 years ago Subway did breakfast and it was 100 times better than the crap they are serving today. The bread was better too. You could go into the restaurant and smell it cooking.

They used to have a seafood sub too, which was really great. (And I don't even like seafood all that much)

Then you decided you wanted to compete with Quiznos and then things started going down hill. Sure I love my Italian Herbs and Cheese bread...but I don't need my subs toasted, and all the hot opinions for subs are lousy.

Oh and here's another tidbit. At one time there was a rib sandwich at Subway and it used to be great! At times it was even better than the McRib.

So yeah, you have loads of options and franchises, but Subway, the quality of you food makes me wonder why I didn't just go to McDonald's.

(I'd go to Panera...if we had one closer than 20 miles away)

It would be nice if sometimes the changes that are made didn't always make things worse.

Hump Day Hunks

Time for the hotties to take over the blog!

Why Buy Cat Toys?

Today is my little Smokey's 2nd birthday. I was at Hellmart...erm Walmart and I saw a cat pedestal and I really wanted to buy it, but I can't justify $35 bucks when there's so much to be done around the house this year.

That said, when I got home, Fedex delivered some of my father's medical supplies..and they came in some great kitty sized boxes...

Everyone was happy, including my wallet! The only cat that didn't play with the box, was of course, Smokey.

Hump Day Hunks

How can you not love this face?

And this one

My Little Cutie

He comes a running whenever I call

Hump Day Hunks!

It's hump day!

Let's be crazy..

Like Keith Harkin

And a bit silly like Benedict Cumberbatch

A Whole Lot Of Crazy

Dad wasn't feeling well last night so my after work relaxation was cut short. Thank god it was Cinco De Mayo, though. That helped take the edge off the week (that has only just begun...ARGH!)

Yay for Arbor Mist Sangria!

A bigger yay for my Mexican Lasagna recipe, which was awesome. Check out the recipe here.

Oh and after dad's not feeling good, he woke up around 2 a.m. and started fussing, so needless to say, no one really slept well last night.

Always fun at our house these days.

I'm trying to figure out how to request a vacation from my life, because I need one.

Oh and anyone want to help me bitch about gas prices in PA. If it weren't for Giant Eagle and KMart and the discounts on gas, I think I'd have to buy a horse, because owning a car is getting to be too expensive! The last time I passed a station, prices were around $3.83!

That really hits you were it hurts.

Guess I won't be doing much this summer, again.

To Do List

I really think I need to make a to do list that can be accomplished.

I have so much I need to get done and so much I need to get for the week ahead.

It totally sucks to not be able to do any shopping during the week, but my father's rather fragile mental state doesn't let that happen much.

They never told us how much caregiving becomes a prison to all parties involved.

It sucks the life out of you. I don't know if there is a minute in any day when I don't feel exhausted.

Of course, little things start to bring me joy, like hearing Your Wildest Dreams on while I was shopping at Giant Eagle today. It was impossible not to sing along. I haven't played The Moodies much lately. Mostly I've been listening to Celtic Thunder and Keith Harkin.

Let's hope I can get through tomorrow and get what I need to do done. I need to hit the grocery stores, Tractor Supply, Dollar General, Goodwill, KMart and the library, and all in about 3 hours.

At least Walmart isn't on that list. I'm not that kind of fool.

Wish me luck.

Cat Thursday

My newest friend...Ifyouplease aka Ferdinand...aka Sassy...the silly neighbors cat that likes our porch.