New Life This and That

       Figuring out a new schedule aside, there been other changes to manage. I'm adjusting to the hearing aids. It feels like I have an earful of wax at all times, and there's a scratchy sound. I understand both improve in time and it takes 4-6 weeks for wearing them to feel normal. Answering my phone through my ear is kind of funny. I have a high eye lens prescription, a new knee, and now blue tooth ears. I'm a bit of a bionic woman. Kidding aside, these technologies and options to improve my life are amazing. As much as each change has taken adjustment, it truly is a gift that I have access. 

     Two Fridays in a row I've had alerts that there is an urgent need for substitute teachers in the district. I want to wait until the week of the 28th to pick up a session, but if I am legitimately free, I think I'll opt into the next alert request. Knowing that I likely can work as much as I want, work the day and leave it behind, gives me some peace of mind in these unsettling financial times. Summer of course when school is out will be different, but I'm looking at a couple part day, part week, summer session options. Not sold I want to work at all though in the summer.

    On the home project list, I'm gearing up to get the kitchen table repainted where it was worn tomorrow if it ends up being a rainy day. I could have the window open and there was no big dog around. I will have to put chairs around to try and keep the kitten away. This will be a free project as I had meant to do this last year, no 18 months ago but didn't get around to it. My husband had gotten a $10 off anything for a local hardware store after his death. I used the coupon to buy a paint pot of brown acrylic paint and foam brushes back in August of 2023. This was a table and chairs set that came as part of a starter furniture package bought in 1992, couch, love seat, coffee, and end tables, plus the kitchen table and four chairs. It was from Slumberland and I bet we paid about $1,000 for the whole lot if you can imagine. The couches and living room tables stayed until 2007, then found a new home as we gave away and bought the set I'm using still. It was the farmhouse style, with the white and wood grain. Six years ago I painted the legs black and top brown to update it after we bought the stainless appliances and the gray tiled flooring. The table is sturdy and has a lot of life left in it. 

    I'm trying to figure out what color I'd like to paint the desk that will go in my office. I'd like       to reuse the same quilt that was my younger daughters years ago on the day bed, but not sure if that is motivation in picking color. It has purplish tones with cream. I found this desk online and while different, it has similar lines and style, and I love the teal color. Not really a match with the teal but there's no rules to follow and I don't need matchy rooms. I love the idea of finding a cool picture or mirror frame and putting cork backing instead for a bulletin board. 

     Then I found this desk chair on a search (not sure where to buy) that might go on my want list, but I can't really find a color that goes with the teal. Nothing is a priority-I can put any chair there temporarily, so not going to spend money on anything I don't love. I'm in no hurry to spend money on non-necessities (other than travel and to me, that is a priority). I'm taking on a make do with what I have attitude. It doesn't hurt to look and get ideas. Who knows if something that works and I like comes across my path. 

   My brother's fighting but we fear it's getting harder with each week. Where his first sessions of the infusions seemed to perk him up, the latest chemo has made him lethargic. Then another kidney issue put him back in the hospital. We're so thankful my other brother came north specifically to be of assistance. He and a brother in law assist with all the transportation to the clinic and now hospital. The sick brother seems to tolerate their method, where he gets cranky at his wife, daughter's, and sister's. This all happened just the past few days, when I thought I'd be of more help to my SIL.

      I'm going to pick up free bricks this morning and get to Menards for some top soil and a few needed garden tools. I'll wait to hear if he'll come home or stays in the hospital longer, but either way I'll visit later, if wanted, or minimally help SIL as needed. I spoke to my MIL and she updated me on her brother. He too is suffering from cancer and also had recent falls causing neck and back damage. He's out of state and has two daughters near, but is in a care facility while he recovers from falls. Aging and being so ill is cruel. 

     I started out this post on a productive and positive note, and sorry I went sad. But, I guess it's evidence that I need to try harder to make a decent life for however many years I have. I've the gift of time right now for my yard, my house, and my family. I best not squander it.