My mom moved in with me about two weeks ago. My dad is occasionally also here on the weekends. For the most part, it’s going fine. But I have a few pet peeves that are consistently happening: papers left out, lights being left on, and dishes not being stacked neatly.
I’m the type of person who is very organized. Messes just make me feel chaotic. If I set something where it doesn’t belong, it doesn’t stay there long. But my parents just love to read a newspaper, and then leave it on the table and/or countertops. For days. Bills? Stacked on the table or countertops. Newspapers should go in the recycling when you’re done reading it, and bills should go to your desk/office! Not sitting a week in the kitchen!
I’m also the type of person who turns a light off in a room as I leave it, if I’m not immediately returning. This is a habit that was drilled into my consciousness by my parents. The very people who now have a problem turning lights off after they leave a room. They also have to turn on, like, every single light possible. I guess I’m more familiar with my house than they are, and their eyes aren’t as good as they used to be. So I understand a little bit why they turn on every light in a room. What I don’t understand is why they can’t turn the lights off. You moved in to save money, but you’re wasting electricity!
I do not have a dishwasher. So dishes have to be stacked by the sink until they’re washed. I put the silverware in a pile, and stack everything else neatly. Rinse everything right away so it doesn’t get smelly. My mother always leaves her spoon in her bowl or her fork on a plate when she sets them by the sink, making it annoying to stack other dishes. My father likes to leave dishes in the sink, making it a pain to use the sink, because you first have to pull out anything that’s in it.
I’m used to living alone, so having to deal with other people’s quirks is definitely a struggle. So far, luckily, it’s trivial little things that are bugging me. But damn! I learned my neatness mannerisms from these people, and it’s like I’m going to have to train them to be neat and not wasteful of electricity! So weird.
Also funny: my dad was really against me getting a dog. But every time he’s here now, he’s playing with her, or letting her out of her crate after I’ve put her in there for the night. Giving her table scraps (which I hate!). That’s my wacky old dad. A softie for pets. I just find it amusing that he’s spoiling the dog he didn’t want me to have.
I’m not much for the cutesy character thing, but sometimes a change-up is good! I thought the background image was darling, and I couldn’t pass up on the nice bright colors. It’s not “Christmas” or in-your-face “winter”. Just cute with a winter flair. Fun fun fun!
So how are things going? Well, not superb. I’ve been battling a bad bout of depression. I’m trying to keep in mind that moods are temporary, and even though things are rough right now, it will eventually go back up again. …Eventually! Now I’m taking medication and just trying to power through.
My mother moved in with me a couple weeks ago, to help both of us save up some money. I’m hoping that will eventually help with the depression thing. Anyone who says “money can’t buy you happiness” doesn’t know what it’s like to have not enough! It’s a huge, huge, huge stressor for me.
I know, I know. I never update this site. It’s sad really.
I’ve got a new project in the works. It’ll basically be a blog/resource site. I’m going to offer links to free tutorials, free graphics, free themes, free fonts, free advice. Maybe have some guest bloggers. Mostly it’ll center around web design and/or freelancing. I know there are plenty of other sites like that out there, but I’m hoping to give it a little something different. I definitely want to focus on free. And maybe have a bit of a ladies’ point-of-view. Most of the sites like that that I’ve seen have been written or run by men. Or if they’re for ladies – they’re for moms. There are plenty of us professional ladies out there who aren’t necessarily moms, or that isn’t a big focus on our professional side. I’m not saying there won’t be anything for moms, but that won’t be a big focus.
–Update September 29, 2009 – Anthony’s appeal was denied and as of 3pm today, his nurses were pulled from his case. If anyone can help, please help! –
–Update September 28, 2009 – Anthony’s situation is still very precarious. It is possible he may lose his coverage in the next 10 days. If you can help and bring attention to his cause, please do anything you can!–
Almost a year ago, I met a very sweet gentleman online. We got to talking and slowly became closer and closer friends. It wasn’t until months later that he told me had ALS – Lou Gehrig’s Disease. His name is Anthony. I believe the reason he took awhile to tell me about his disease is because he wants people to get to know him for who he really is, for the real person inside. With or without the disease – I consider him to be one of the greatest friends I’ve ever had.
That’s the thing with Anthony – he is not just his disease. He is just like anyone else. He has family and friends. He has likes and dislikes. He has good days and bad days. He has dreams and passions and desires. He is brilliant and funny and sweet. He reaches out to people and makes friends. Every day.
I traveled 1,000 miles to visit him not once, but twice this summer! I am proud and happy to call him my friend, and cannot wait to visit him again.
Anthony was diagnosed with ALS in 1997 – when he was only 29. The prognosis for ALS patients is usually 2-5 years from diagnosis. He has been living with the disease for about 12 years now. Over the years he has lost the use of his limbs. He is paralyzed from the neck down, but still has full sensation. He can use his computer and keep in contact with the entire world with the help of a headtrack that moves the cursor with his head movements. Anthony cannot swallow, eat, or breathe on his own for very long. He lives his day-to-day life with the help of friends, family, and 24 hour nurse care in his home. He is on a ventilator and feeding tube, and has to have suction of his lungs every several hours. Patients with ALS usually die of respiratory infection and failure. The fact that he has made it 12 years with this disease is a testament to his spirit and strength.
