Toby awoke at 1am with loud cries, needing to go potty. Since I was already up, I let him out, amazed to watch him barrell-butt down the stairs, missing the last two, and head downstairs to the back door, waiting to go out. I was stunned. There is hope, He stayed out, did his biz, then came up and went into his crate again, Ok, I bribed him with another cookie, but at least he went in peacefully. He slept through the night after that. I know because I was up watching him.
Last night was better than the night before, thankfully. Still not *right* but think the drop in pred has something to do with it. Came home from school yesterday early, at 3, as there were no detention subscribers, and finished up the collages that I have been getting ready for an upcoming Artist and Craftsman workshop. Felt good to have an hour of art time in the afternoon. If only that were possible every day. Will try to work that in,
Finished the Mind and Brain book, which ended with a discourse on quantum physics that had me a bit lost. Onward to more stuff to help me stay the mental course as my body seems to give me more and more pain and aggravation. Toni Bernhard’s “How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness” is in my Scribd library now. Will take any pointers I can get. I’d reserved a Thich Nat Hahn audio book from the BPL too, Fear, that came in last night. The two books complement each other nicely. Feel like a basket case but if I can keep my mind distracted with learning new things, especially if these new things can help reduce pain, it is worth a try.
One idea that has come out in the book already (well, when one is up all night one might as well read!) is the “Not-to-do-list.” Kind of counter-intuitive, but for people like me who make many to-do lists as an attempt to control the chaos of life, it is a novel idea. Instead of piling on all the things that need doing (stress) focus on a few that will NOT be able to be done that day due to health issues and give yourself permission not to do them. The things that push you into the “overdid it” category. To allow for enough true rest and healing from flares, etc. This doesn’t mean being lazy, but it means being more aware of what pushes the mind and body into the “running on empty” mode. This is a new way to look at the game, for sure,
Kid energy is through roof at school as they prepare for big trips in grades 6&7. Definitely gets me pumped up, too! Then a few days with an extra prep period - no complaints on my end! So much to do in my classroom, too. Glad to have the extra minutes! I am so grateful to have a job that is so much more than just a job. I truly love it! Not everyone can say that, for sure.
Add to it how amazing it is to be awake at several points throughout the night and find a sweet little warm maltese, two snuggly cats, and a see-saw snoring pug all cuddled up around me, staying put no matter how much I shift the sore legs around. Then there is Toby, on the floor in a crate. He looks up at me as if to say “Why can’t I cuddle too?” But then I think of all the destruction he wreaks when given the freedom to roam at night, and feel less guilty. Managing his mess is a big part of managing my stress (physical and mental!) The geriatric doggie ward is in full swing at my house and they all need individualized care. We’ll get through this difficult physical time of mine, which is causing more mental strain than I am happy with, together as a tail wagging, squawking and talking, hair shedding family. They are such good companions and I am so grateful for them, too.
Off to make Ahhhht with the kids today and think up something really great for them to do next!