Burning the candle all the way around. That’s sort of how I have felt these last few weeks. So, with the help of an understanding Elder’s board, I’m taking off from Wednesday through Saturday this coming week.
I’ve found a place where I can be by myself. I’ve got things to think about and work through. And my good wife has food already planned for the time away!
What more could you ask!
Today I was involved in working out plans for some events of the next few weeks. I’m amazed, with myself, but also with others. We have a tendency in this day and age of programs and seminars and workshops and concerts and events of deciding at the last minute.
Maybe it’s just that I’m getting older. Or I’m not sure what my state of health or mind will be in a few hours let alone a few days, months or years. I still plan and commit as much as I can. At the same time, I’m having to learn that at some point I will disappoint someone. That is not easy, nor does it suit my upbringing, nor am I comfortable with a life of care-lessness. But choices are just that. And by merely making a choice someone or something is disappointed.
All that to say that I’m trying to find a way to get some retreat time in the next week or so. So, I’m going through my appointments and seeing what can be moved, postponed or missed. Meet me back here next week and you’ll know if it worked!
As we headed to our evening children’s meeting, the snow was falling and sticking. Usually in mid-October you will see snow fall but not stick. Streets will see some water flow and the next day dry pavement.
Tonight the snow fell, ice formed and streets became slick. My wife is reading me the weather forecast. Looks like we won’t get above freezing. So the snow will stick and form slick streets. Although ice that reflects the city lights is somewhat attractive, it is also dangerous. I’m trusting tonight there will be no catastrophic accidents.
Today was the day for a gastroscopy for me. We have been trying to pinpoint stomach problems I have experienced. Thankfully the initial tests today show normalcy – one more test biopsy is still to be examined.
As I was being prepped for the procedure, I was asked to sign some forms. I have this irritating thing – I actually read the forms. The nurse said I was the second person in 20 years to actually read the entire form (after the first paragraph they got rather tedious!).
Since a sedative was part and parcel of the procedure, they wanted to be sure I didn’t do anything serious for 24 hours. Like taking care of children, or signing legal documents, or driving, or making significant decisions. In fact, they asked that someone accompany me home.
I signed.
Amazing how stress relieving that is!
I’m only responsible to not be responsible. For 24 hours. No meetings tonight, and a light morning of work tomorrow. Then back to the usual activities. But for the moment, I’m taking it easy!!