Freedom Week

With my income tax mailed and years of filing sitting nicely in an organized file cabinet, I woke each morning this week,  to a sense of freedom.  Gone was the guilt of passing those boxes of papers each day, knowing that I "should do something" with them.  Amazingly, probably 3/4 of it was trash!  As I watched the Trashman take it away on Thursday morning, I felt an evil little smile creep on my face.  GO!  Guilt, be gone!

Ok, there is still work to be done, but at least I know what is left and WHERE it is!  Mikey asked for his birth certificate on Thursday and I was able to walk to the file folder.  That is a miracle in itself that only my children would appreciate.  I didn't get the project finished until Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning was like waking to sunshine, regardless of the weather.  Although the rest of my week was filled doctor appointments, errands and transporting people, I just did not mind.  I as ready to be out of the house for a change.

When I drove to Albion to pick up my tax return that was being checked before mailing, I could not resist going into a little resale shop next door to the accountant.  It was THE absolute best resale shop I have ever entered.  Everything was neat, clean and well displayed and I would defy anyone to leave without a purchase. I sifted through at least 1000 metal cookie cutters to find the perfect ones for Cat and Tate.  At 50 cents each, I found wonderful antique Halloween and Christmas shapes.

On Thursday I wore myself out.  I had an early (for me) appointment in Lansing, had to drop Joey at work and then a later afternoon appointment.  I decided it would be foolish to drive back and forth, so I would spend the day in Lansing.  I thought it would be enjoyable.....WRONG!   After my first appointment, I stopped by my favorite Threadbear, just to visit the people and fondle the yarn.  I read some patterns, chatted and made a small purchase.  I still had 3 hours before my next appointment and the pain in my shoulder radiated down my right arm until I actually thought about laying down in the back seat of my car for a nap.

Maybe lunch would help?  After cruising through the Taco Bell drive-thru, I munched on a taco and drove downtown to Rae's Yarn Boutique in search of a knitting needle that Threadbear was out of.  Rae didn't have the needle either so I spent some of my time reading and chose a pattern, bought a small knitting notebook for notes as I knit and faced the fact that I still had an hour left.  This is when pain becomes darned inconvenient!  I longed for the days when I could shop all day without a care, since 2 yarn shops had me reduced to exhaustion.

What to do?  Threadbear is always my 2nd home!  I headed back, found a nice comfy chair in a quiet corner and got a book.  There I found the rest that I needed to get me through until my next appointment.  How many stores have created such a presence in the community that a patron knows they can just go there to rest?  It made me realize how truly different they are from other businesses and why I drive the 17 miles to shop there.  I know I am always welcome, even if it is just to rest.

On to my appointment and dinner with Joe, finally getting home after 9:30pm.  I have never been so glad to see my recliner, my computer, my knitting basket and my cup of coffee.  Have I become a recluse?  Nope, just a woman in pain.  It made me realize just how much this injury has affected my life.  Maybe it is time to regroup a bit and find ways to enjoy myself, yet get out of the house this spring.

I chose to make a Friday hair appointment and after a cut and color, emerged feeling at least a year younger!  The kids all complimented me as I walked in the door.  That felt nice.  Mikey and his roommates were rooting through the crawl space, in search of 'treasures" and playing with the remaining male puppy, which went home with them.  Make my day!  His name is now "Chief"  and he has a wonderful family.  I am sure he is one happy dog.

Plans for next week?  My "To Do" list will be equal parts of "should do" and "want to do"!