This last 7 days have been a CHALLENGE

[Siwsan]

I've had out of town company so there's the preparation, hosting, cooking, shopping that goes with that. Add 5 family members who have been here for dinner, 3 times since last Monday. I'm exhausted.

My car is acting up. Probably need to start looking for a replacement. My dryer died. My refrigerator is dying. The drain from the washer is clogged and nothing I do seems to break up what ever is causing the problem.

Add to that having this wonderful little kitten, Merlin, who I worry about non stop, because I don't know why he was abandoned. AND one of my brother's house mates died very suddenly. He lived in the basement and was pretty reclusive so no one is sure when he actually died, but they had heard him earlier that day (I think). Now my poor brother is dealing with the trauma felt by him and the others in the house. He worked very hard to clean up what they found before the family arrived, to ease their trauma. I knew him. Not well, but we were FB friends and had met a few times. He'd been friends with my brother and his circle of friends ever since high school.

I have a call in medicine assessment appointment with my psychiatric PA tomorrow. Up until last week I thought I'd be giving her a great report. I guess I should be relieved that my anxiety, while pretty strong, is not nearly as bad as it would have been before taking my new medications. I am still feeling pretty frayed but have not had a full blown anxiety or panic attack. It was close when I spilled Merlin's breakfast, but after uttering a few select curse words I took a deep breath, cleaned up the mess and got back to the task at hand.

[XanaDUer2]

1. That's a lot on your plate

Hope things work out and calm down

[Biophilic]

2. Everyone has challenging times when friends and family come to visit.

It isn't anybody's fault, it's just one of those facts of life for most of us. We love having them visit and then we are exhausted once they finally leave. The let down is huge. Give yourself a pat on the back for simply surviving and take some time for yourself....Well what those furry friends of yours will let you. Let them entertain you for a bit.

[Siwsan]

4. Fortunately my brother will take her to the airport, early Friday morning

I'd gladly do it but worry about how my car will behave.

Friday will be spent snuggling with as many of the kid cats that feel like giving their mom some love. Well, maybe that's what we will do for the entire weekend.

[Biophilic]

5. Sounds like a plan to me. Good for you.

[MacKasey]

3. I think you need to reach out to the people you are close to that you could use a little support

It's like putting it out to the universe, they may know someone who does repairs, or a sale .

Keep talking about it here, you never know what connections you might make.

[Siwsan]

6. My niece brought a little refrigerator over for the essentials

The freezer is still working so that's a relief. She and her husband are going to take me to the place where they got their refrigerator. Great prices and they deliver.

They are also going to take me out to look for a car, and they have a spare one should that become necessary for me.

My problem is that I had to take care of SO many older family members who were constantly needing me to do stuff for them that I hesitate being that way to someone else because I know how emotionally, physically and even financially draining it can be. I've always been so independent/self sufficient and becoming a 'burden' is my greatest fear.

That being said, my niece and her husband are building a new house and it will have a 'granny apartment' for me, with a catio for my kidcats. We'll see.

[crosinski]

10. Sounds like you have a wonderful niece.

She won me over when you said “catio.”

[TygrBright]

7. Wow... that's a LOT, Siwsan. Take it easy on yourself.

You have so many friends here. Your participation in this community is so valuable, I really appreciate your being here and sharing so much about you and the kits.

And now, about YOU. Which is way important. All of us who struggle with mental illness know it can nail you hard and make it more difficult for you to keep taking care of yourself and others. Sounds like you are doing what you need to do to take care of yourself, and that's good to hear.

You're not alone.

affectionately,
Bright

[Evolve Dammit]

8. Much love to you Siwsan. That overload I cannot imagine. Give Merlin a big "hug" or whatever that may be! Take care

The mechanical crap will eventually sort itself out. Very expensive though. Dang.

[littlemissmartypants]

9. I'm sorry you're having a challenging time.

Condolences to your brother and all who knew his deceased house mate.

I have all confidence in you and that you will come out stronger on the other side of all of these challenges.

Stay encouraged. You have a lot of us rooting for you.



❤️