Okay! Now that the Holidays are over... and I survived them fine I did a few things I'd like to share with you that helped me tremendously through this process of becoming a widow. The first thing I did was redecorate the living room. After it being a 'hospital' room for the last two years it was wonderful to turn it into living space that was open and matched. First I donated the hospital bed and Jim's huge desk to Charity. Then I got a brand new rug (blue of course) and a new recliner to match the couch. I had our 55" flat screen TV mounted on the wall to give the living room a even more 'open' look.
Then I tackled the front porch. I had everything, and I mean everything, taken out and donated to Goodwill or trashed what wasn't savable. I had new screen doors placed and the windows all around were replaced by this new material like plastic that will keep out the rain and wind. I had new outdoor carpet placed on the steps front and back and the whole porch. I placed two small patio chairs with side table looking out the front door of porch and screened walls that lets the breeze blow softly through the porch front to back. Behind the chairs I put my new exercise 'row boat' machine with a couple dumb bells for exercising and viola I'm good to reshape myself then sit and watch the traffic and people go by.
Next, I went to Walgreens' and got a Nice 'n Easy coloring kit for my grey hairs. Smiles. A beautiful brown color with highlights. Then I went and got a hair cut, layers, and also had my nails done. I haven't done either of those things in over five years. What a treat! I am already feeling like a new woman. I am researching having implants set for a brand new smile too. In reality I think the new implants will be a healthy choice, like exercising. As it now I can barely bite into some foods and I know I am not chewing as well as I should. I think it will be a good choice for me.
Jim use to always tease me about having something to look forward to. I think that is called 'HOPE' and everyone needs HOPE. As my Grandmother use to say "Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future."
I have several hopes going round and round in my head now... 1) Visit my virtual friends this Spring time 2) Go to a concert with my daughter 3) Take a small Cruise on a BIG ship and 4) Visit the land of my ancestors... Scotland/Ireland. Those are future hopes but for now I still have the spare bedroom to work on. It had turned itself into a 'catch all' room and one can barely find the floor, LOL! I hope to make it a nice craft room/guest bedroom. That should keep me busy and take me up to the Spring time season and I shall see where I stand then.
Don't be afraid to try new and different. Do the small things now that you know you can and can afford. To me it's mostly been keeping busy and working the logistics out. A lot of trips to the dumpster, a few items at a time.
Now let's get to work ! and Happy Hoping! and Happy New Year! You got this!!!
Kathie's K.I.S.S.
Together we will travel the road beneath the stormy rain.
