"Womaning"

Yesterday, the third Saturday I've lived in my new home, I sat watching this scene.  My mom was washing the front window and my gram was ironing the curtains that she insisted she go out and buy when she saw I didn't have any window treatment for the living room.  And although I have blinds (awful, terrible blinds) over the other windows in my house, I'm not sure she'll be done until every room is properly curtained.  Oh, and by the way, I learned one is never to put up curtains without first washing the windows.

I told my mom thank you for coming to my house three Saturdays in a row to clean, unpack, and help me move in (this place was so filthy when you got down to it and everything from the storage unit was so wrecked from the dust, etc.).  I also told her I knew she was coming over to make sure I worked on it and that it got done - she didn't deny this.  And I thanked my gram because not only had she looked out for me with the curtains, but she insisted upon buying me a beautiful new table (pics to come).

My gram told me this is what women do.  They take care of each other.  It's what it means to be a woman.  This is one of the reasons why I've always looked up to the women in my family.  They are all strong, independent, tough, and reliable.

Yesterday I got all moved in - even all my clothes put away in drawers!  Then today we had a party for my mom's birthday.  The aunts and their daughters (and a son) came.  We ate "diet cake" and drank coffee and told stories and laughed.  Then of course, the cards.  The legendary cards that you hesitate to open because it turns into a birthday roast.  But that's all I'll say because my mom said she'd blog about it and post some pictures:

http://lifeatthecasa.blogspot.com/

One more picture and then a postscript:

My gram ironing my new curtains.

Postscript...

Earlier this week I attended a teleconference orientation for the University of Utah Pain Management Clinic (different place than the neurology clinic; apparently they think I should be here, okay).  It was incredibly useful and also mandatory to see a doc there.  And actually it's not just one doc, but rather a team of specialists that outline a treatment plan for me taking into account my chart and their various specialties, such as anesthesiology (which is what most pain docs are certified in), physical therapy, psychology, pharmacy, etc. - yes, they have their own pharmacist on staff!  

I also got to talk to a nurse before the teleconference and discuss the state of my pump, so they know clearly what's going on with that because it has been beeping an increasing number of times a day (they call it "alarming" when it beeps) and I find it annoying.

I got a lot out of the meeting and took a lot of notes.  I have some articles and a book to find and read.  When I get that information I'll share it here.  But I have learned one important thing already: I am going to have to change my attitude toward dealing with my chronic pain.  I have to start actively doing more to keep myself out of the worst of it, they call them flares, and then not yell at myself internally about being a wimp and a loser and a waste, etc.  As you can see there is a lot to do there.  And if they could figure out some way to get Medicare to pay for it, I would love to see one of their psychologists.

Anyway, that's the update on my pain issues and healthcare. If you've made it this far, go get yourself a beer or some chocolate - pick your poison - because, man, you deserve it!