Firstly, it has been a harsh week on the emotional front. I have received several pieces of distressing news. My father in law, who has been out of sorts for a week or so, has been prescribed medication for a chest infection. Good news is that he is still at home and on the mends it seems. He is still adamant that he hasn't got - and never has had - an infection but that's just him! We were worried about his lethargy and confusion but he seems to be back on some kind of even keel. I am going to see him tomorrow so I will be able to see for myself how he's doing.
Another piece of news was a diagnosis of a degenerative condition for an 18 year old young man that I know. The outcome of his illness means that he will eventually end up in a wheelchair and need full time care. For him and his family the news has come as a terrible shock. I haven't seen him since he found out what was wrong but I hear that his attitude is positive so I do hope that he continues to feel well and enjoy every day.
The saddest news that I have heard is of the death of an estranged member of my family. The word 'estranged' makes it sound like there was a big falling out but that isn't the case. 'Estranged' here just means that we lost touch and that I hadn't had any contact with him for probably about 10 years or so.
In my head I still think of him as a boy or a teenager struggling with the world and desperately trying to make sense of it all. All I really want to say is that I always felt that he was lost and I felt that I wanted to look after him. Hopefully he is at peace now and he's probably having a good old catch up with Dad.
Obviously, when anyone receives sad news about someone that they care about it stirs all sorts of memories and feelings around. Memories that you may not want to recall. Feelings of guilt. There are some people who don't want to be helped or can't accept it when it is offered. People who fight their demons in the best way that they can and who choose to do it alone. We will all have our own experiences. Suffice to say that I have had my own thoughts and feelings over the last few days and have worked through them in my own way.
Now, on to better stuff....
My daughter has had confirmation of new dates for her cancelled eye surgeries and I have managed to swap my shifts around at work and I have the time off that I need so that I can go with her. This is a great relief to me. The hospital have told us that my daughter is a priority as they are aware how bad her eyesight has become and also the fact that they have cancelled previous ops means that they are less likely to cancel again. Time will tell but so far, so good.
I have also been doing a bit of cooking and have experimented with a few dishes from The Hairy Bikers recipe books that I was given a few years ago. The recipes are easy to follow, the ingredients are simple and the end results have been positive. Take a look....
Old fashioned chicken stew....my favourite. Amazing flavour and leftovers for the freezer.
Rocky Road....indulgent, laden with calories but soooo yummy.
Cooking and baking is great and I love the recipes but I'm afraid I have no willpower when it comes to regulating my intake. If nice food is in the house I'm going to eat it which is why I often give some of my culinary offerings away....to save me from myself and in an effort to stop me from putting on even more weight than I already have done!
And on the subject of weight (and health), I have decided that February is the month that I make a concerted effort with exercise and food. I know that I'm not active enough and I know that I don't drink enough water or eat enough fruit and veg so next month will see me juicing and keep fitting and similar. I'm not yet signed up to any challenge unlike this time last year when I had the Silverstone half marathon on the horizon. I'm keeping my eye on challenges and hope to sign up for something soon but it needs to be right.
Finally, for now, I have decided to throw my considerable weight behind a cause that I know a lot about and which is close to my heart. I have blogged before about Stickler Syndrome and the fact that it affects members of my family. I rarely come across anyone who has ever heard of it, be that doctor, health visitor etc. There is a support group (SSSG) - Stickler Syndrome Support Group- that I have had a connection with over the years.
I have decided that my mission for this year is to try to raise funds for the group so that it can continue to provide information of the condition to professionals and anyone who requires it. I also want to try to raise awareness of this condition which, I know through my own experiences, can disrupt lives and cause anxiety and stress to a lot of people.
Any fundraising that I do this year (except for the Poppy Picnic which raises money for Royal British Legion) will be done for SSSG. I've not thought it all through totally (well, there's no surprise there really, is there?!) but I'm already thinking wristbands, I'm thinking selling homemade jams and preserves. Proceeds from anything that I sell on eBay and so on can go to my 'Stickler' fund. I have already donated £10 which came from an eBay item so that's a great start.
This is just the beginning really. I feel like I can grab this and run with it - well, not really run due to the old knees! - but I feel that I can make a real difference and it's personal which makes it even more exciting.
That's it from me for now. I'll be back soon......!!
Everyone Needs A Helping Hand
www.stickler.org.uk
xxxxxx
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