Goodbye, April

Oh, for goodness sake, April - what were you playing at?  After March left me feeling more than a little exhausted,  I was really hoping to catch some sort of a break in the month of April.  Apparently April had different plans!

The month started fresh out of the gate on the heels of Easter.  Easter was something in, and of, itself with all plans for the day going completely topsy-turvy at the last minute. But as they say - all's well that ends well, and we made the best of it.

At the beginning of the month, every week looked like it was going to be quiet and I would have a chance to catch up on a few things.  But it never seemed to work out that way.  Life happened, as it always does. 

As the middle of the month rolled around,  my calendar was full and fuller.  Between the dogs and myself - I will have been in some sort of doctor's office 7 out of the last 14 days.   The last one being today for my mammogram.  That's a lot of appointments. I hope not to see the inside of any more medical offices for a while. 

My stomach issues continue. They improved somewhat with the medication, but not as much as hoped/expected.  So, I'm starting a different medication and I am scheduled for an upper endoscopy in July. 

There was beauty in April.   We saw some amazing sunsets. The cherry trees, tulips,  lilacs, and dogwoods blossomed. The trees shifted from bare lacy branches to lush green. 

My goals for April were mostly displaced, postponed, or abandoned.  Too many other things came along to take their place.  And some days nothing more than a weariness and a longing for rest made my to do list seem somehow unimportant. 

Looking back,  I suppose I would describe April as a very long month that went by very quickly. 

How would you describe your April?

Sunday Inspiration: Don't Change

Thankful Thursday: April 25, 2024

 

I Am Thankful For:

Quick doctor appointments

Eating a healthy lunch

Napping with the dogs

Homemade oatmilk

Sleeping with the windows open

Homemade pizza

My daughter bringing the boys by for a visit

Dogwood winter

Extra lazy Sundays

Perogies

A good checkup

An after dinner walk

Planning a trip to the beach

A blue jay outside the window

Sunday Inspiration: You'll Never Know

 

Thankful Thursday: April 18, 2024

 

I Am Thankful For:

Green grass

Fresh fruit

The neighbor kids playing in mud puddles

New skincare products

An afternoon nap

Not speaking out in anger

My husband picking up dinner when the power went out

My son's new car

A beautiful Saturday

Kindness

A long hot bath at the end of the day

Cupcakes

When my husband makes me laugh

Chatting with my daughter

Coffee Confessions

I have a confession.  I haven't been completely honest with you recently. 

It's a known fact that I am a coffee lover. If you follow me on Instagram, every Monday you get a cute little reel of my coffee preparation process along with a little inspirational or funny video bit, or some music.  I drink at least a few cups of coffee every single day.

But here's the thing...  That's not entirely true.  

Don't get me wrong.  I most definitely am a coffee lover.  And I did drink at least 2 to 3 cups a day.  Until about a month or two ago. 

You see, I've been having a lot of stomach issues.  Heartburn - sometimes extremely painful, stomach aches, nausea, belching.   I know - it paints a pretty picture, doesn't it?  It reached a point where it was bothering me enough that I went to see my doctor who referred me to a GI specialist.   

Based on my symptoms,  they suspect it's gastritis or an ulcer.  I tested negative for H Pylori, which is good news.  We're trying to treat with medication to start. I go back next week, and depending on my progress (or lack of), they'll decide whether or not to schedule an endoscopy.   

In the meantime, I have to be careful with my diet and avoid anything that upsets my stomach.  Which is currently a long list. Including coffee. I admit that I have had a cup here and there. And if it's weak and has plenty of oatmilk, it usually goes ok.  But, mostly I've been drinking tea and honey (sometimes also with oatmilk) for my caffeine fix. 

And there you have it.  As much as I enjoy my coffee - I've been forced to become a tea drinker.  

Sunday Inspiration: A Person You Are Not

Thankful Thursday: April 11, 2024

 

I Am Thankful For:

When the storms have passed

Freshly laundered bedding

Games

Sushi

When a stranger compliments the sweater I made

Feeling cozy

The smell of rosemary

Cranberry muffins

My daughter's family stopping by

The pear tree in bloom

A drink of cool water

Dogwoods starting to bloom

Lilacs blooming

Book club day

Cardinals

Watching the eclipse

A return to Spring weather

My "baby" sister

Rainy days

New dog harnesses

Sunday Inspiration: The Best Way

• 
  
  

Thankful Thursday: April 4, 2024

 

I Am Thankful For:

A day at home

Comfort food

Long talks with my sister

The beauty of Spring

Dreams

Grocery shopping with husband

Fresh air

Four deer in the backyard

Hearing a mockingbird sing

Wild violets growing in the yard

New sandals

Easter

Warm, sunny days

A new month

Max feeling better

A cooling breeze

Azaleas blooming

Sunshine Follows

Last night there were storms. We were more fortunate than some areas that were hit with severe storms, including tornadoes.  It was a rough evening for many. 

This morning I stepped outside to hear birds singing.  There was a light, refreshing breeze.  The sun was shining through the remaining clouds.  

This reminded me that there may be storms in life. Some are loud and scary, but not severe.  Some rip through feeling as if they are destroying everything and leaving us completely devastated. 

But the storms always pass.  Always.  No storm, no matter how severe, lasts forever. 

Yes, we may have to deal with the aftermath.  There may still be grief.  And we may have to rebuild, or completely start over. 

But, after the storms pass, there is sunshine. And a brand new day.  

Keep those affected by yesterday's storms in your prayers today.  And if you are struggling through one (or more) of life's many storms - I pray that you may you see the sunshine soon. 🩵

Hello, April!

March was a rough month, especially the last couple of weeks. I am happy to put it behind me and move on to April.  Hopefully this month will be kinder and gentler than the previous 31 days.

Things are well and truly starting to warm up here in North Carolina.  I am hoping to take advantage of the beautiful spring weather for some walking and  a hike or two.  Hopefully the pollen levels cooperate and don't make it too miserable to get outside.

My "baby" sister has a birthday this month.  I probably won't be able to celebrate with her in person this year.  That won't stop me from celebrating and appreciating her, though! 

My reading list for April is still very much up in the air. I have already read the book club selection for the month (The Maid by Nita Prose).  I will be completing Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross over the next day or two, and beginning  Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward. After that,  I may try to finally read a few of the books that are piled up on my nightstand. 

April is going to be a month of doctor appointments.   I have lab work scheduled and my yearly well check.  My dog, Ziggy, is scheduled for a checkup this month. 

In the last days of March, I completed the cardigan I had been crocheting.  I'm working on a character hat for my daughter to wear to a comic convention this month.  After that, I can't decide if I want to work on another sweater or try something completely different. 

March saw mixed results for my goals.  I did purge and reorganize my purses, and, as I already said - I completed my crochet project.  I did not, however,  walk three days per week.   If I'm being completely honest - I don't know that I set a foot on my treadmill for the entire month. 🫤

My goals for April:  

• Clean out and reorganize pantry
• Switch out winter clothing in closet for warmer weather items 
• Meditate 3- 5 days a week for 15 minutes 

What are your plans for April?