2017 amendment (to my words)

Just a slight adjustment to what I said only 3 posts ago.  I said the only thing that would push me into early retirement is starting dialysis.  Well, life & experiences have a way of changing plans.  That was before my aunt died and before experiencing what it takes to administer a probate case.  I've gone through so much stress this year

Just in the past 2 weeks, Mom's health has been up and down.  She'd be bedridden & refusing food for a couple days, then back to routine without any intervention.  Then down again, and up again back to her normal.  So while I'm just sitting bedside watching over her, I have time for more introspection.

The amendment to my retirement plan: Mom's death will mark the end of my full time work.  There's no way I can go again through the stress of a full time job while administering probate.  There is so much to do during lawyer office hours & bank hours & investment company hours.  The company I work for is lenient about time off while family members are alive, but once they've passed, there is no sympathy or appreciation for all you have to do to close out their life on this earth.  Granted, Mom's probate will be easier than my aunts but I'll have alot of discovery to do.  Fortunately Mom is physically healthier than she knows.  She's delicate but still going strong.

Another year, another post

LOL, I can't believe I've been writing only one post a year.  That sucks.  Truth be told, 2018 was my annus horribilus.  Auntie's Edith, Susie, and my dad died within the span of 4 months.  I only thought I was stressed and overwhelmed with Mom's care, now it's 10X.  My thumb has been numb all of December.  I think it's carpal tunnel because it was helped by wearing a brace for a week and, though I haven't been off the computer, I haven't been using the mouse too much for the past week and the hand isn't hurting anymore, though the thumb is still numb.

So at the beginning of the year, I was set up for 10 personal trainer sessions, and I was clear from the beginning that I could only get away on Sundays, then for no more than 2 hours.  It was rough.  Though I got what I wanted out of it, the trainers couldn't stick with me.  They were all flakey, except for the last guy.  I didn't know there was an expiration date, but that wasn't my fault they didn't have a trainer for me.  The last guy made it right.  I got my 10 sessions, even though it took me another month past the expiration.  Just in time, because then Auntie Susie died.

So, as far as fitness, I learned a few things I could do at home while keeping an eye on Mom.  Physically it made no difference.  But when Auntie died, she took my appetite with me.  I was just beginning to get it back when Dad died.  I think I lost about 20 pounds.

Then I got an instant pot and I've been experimenting during the holiday break.  I have 11 days off (unpaid) between Christmas & New Years (hence the rest for my hand).  I brought work home but I haven't touched it.  Too much personal paperwork to get rid of before I'm overwhelmed with 3 or 4 income tax filings.

Okay.  2019 goal:  practice tai chi every day.  I need the workout.  I need the stress relief.  I need the meditation time.