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Finding My New Normal

August 15, 2022 By Mandy 4 Comments

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Good morning!  Looks like another heat advisory day for us.  Last week we got some much-needed rain, and although it was still hot, it wasn’t horribly hot like it’s been for the majority of our summer.  Only one of my tomato plants, my ferns, and my lemon tree is managing to survive the heat.  I am looking forward to fall and cooler days.

Back To School

The teen started school and seems to be enjoying it so far.  His class has had a couple of get-togethers to welcome in the new school year, so he has attended those.  He and I will be wrapping up the school supply shopping this afternoon to finish getting a few things he still needs.  I actually had most of what he needed because I bought so much extra last year.  I was afraid the schools might shut down again, and supplies would run low.

Adjusting to My New Normal

Last week was pretty rough for me physically and emotionally.  I just couldn’t seem to muster enough energy to get much accomplished around the house.  I was also feeling lost because school had started, and I wasn’t going back to work.  I really didn’t think I would feel sad about it, but I did just a little.  I guess it will take a while to adjust to being home.  Goodness knows there is plenty to do around our home, but finding the energy to do it has been tough.  I start something and then easily tire out and have to rest…go back to it, have to rest…rinse and repeat.

I met with my new cardiologist and mentioned how easily I tire out now.  He ordered an echocardiogram for me, which I had done last Monday.  He said everything looked stable.  I definitely had some muscle damage to my heart after the heart attack, and my heart function just isn’t what it used to be.  I guess that’s what I have a hard time accepting.  I’m quite hard on myself because I like to stay busy and productive.  I will not be able to do as much as easily as I used to.  I honestly don’t know how I made it from December to May at work.

Rockin’ In My New Shoes

hoka one

I’ve been sporting my new sneakers this past week, and my feet have been thanking me for them ever since.  I have never been one to jump on the bandwagon of wearing expensive sneakers.  There are a couple of brands I like, and since I couldn’t wear them to work, I may have bought sneakers once every three or four years because I just didn’t wear them much.  However, during the last few months of work, I was wearing them daily (with permission) because of the neuropathy in my left foot and the heel spur in my right foot.

One of my coworkers had on a cool pair of Hoka sneakers one day, and I knew they cost more than I ever would want to pay for a pair of shoes, but they looked so comfy.  I asked her if she thought it was worth the money, and she raved about them.  I wasn’t so sure because they have a very thick sole, but I was desperate for relief for my feet, so I just took the plunge and ordered a pair.  The shoes came in, and I sort of just put them in the closet, and they sat there.  I didn’t want to wear them to work and get them messed up because they were way more than I had ever paid for a pair of shoes.  Of course, I know this was ridiculous in hindsight.  I mean, I ordered the shoes for comfort!  Haha!  So, I dug them out last week, and I couldn’t believe the difference!  Super comfortable, they come in wide widths, and I feel like I’m walking on little air mattresses for my feet!  Ha!  I absolutely recommend them for anyone who has foot pain or needs extra support.  They also make these cool slides I’m thinking about getting for wearing around the house.

What Else?

I managed to get a haircut on Thursday.  I think the last one I had was in November of last year.  I was glad to get it trimmed and shaped up.  It had gotten quite long in the back and was just a little unmanageable.  My mom has made a good recovery from her bout with the virus.  Jake is still as rotten as ever.  He has claimed the couch at night here lately until I go upstairs to bed,  which he follows.

rotten cat

 

I’m off to wait for the appliance repairman.  Our dryer is making a terrible screeching sound.  It’s always something!

 

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: life

Comments

  1. Mari says

    August 15, 2022 at 6:26 pm

    I’m sure the transition to being at home will take a little time. I think you are wise to do a little, then rest. Your body is telling you something!
    I like the shoes!

    Reply
    • Mandy says

      August 21, 2022 at 10:10 pm

      Thanks, Mari! The shoes have really been great! And yes, this transition has certainly been challenging and emotional. I never expected to feel a little relief and sadness all at once.

      Reply
  2. BillieJo says

    August 15, 2022 at 6:06 pm

    My mom says, “Listen to your body.” So, if you don’t feel like getting things done one day, don’t. I know exactly how you feel about being home and knowing there are things to do, yet not feeling you want to do them! Some days I do stuff; on others, I make my bed, brush my teeth, and binge watch tv or read my books. Take it easy! Have a cozy evening!

    Reply
    • Mandy says

      August 21, 2022 at 10:09 pm

      Learning to listen to my body has been a learning experience for sure! I guess I’m so used to having to get everything done in a weekend’s time that spreading chores out is a challenge. I’m sure I’ll learn to slow down in no time! Haha!

      Reply

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