Interesting title for a post, huh???????
This is definitely a "Keeping It Real" personal post!!
If you read my post in the beginning of the year about My One Little Word, you already know that last year was one heck of a year for me and my family with a few ups and downs, filled with what I called "Unexpected Occurrences"!!
In November of last year, I was dealt quite a blow as for as my employment goes....
2 weeks before Thanksgiving, only a small amount of staff members from my department ( those who were working that day) were called into a meeting with several members of Administration and were told that my unit, the one I worked on for 36 years, would shut down the day before Thanksgiving and reopen the Friday after Thanksgiving as an Acute Medical- Surgical Unit!!!
I got an email via face book the following day from a former co-worker and friend telling me that my Unit was closing.........
After 40 years of employment service, this is how I found out about the Closing of my department....
I am going to stop here because I am sure that "Big Brother" is watching.......
My Stress level has been through the roof since Thanksgiving and it seems that since I was so sick after Christmas, I have not been able to get my strength and ambition back......
However, by the first week in January, I knew something was not right....
The shot seemed to have worn off and I have been feeling the bones rubbing against each other in that knee when I walk......
I have been bone on bone in my right knee for 6 years but it is now that I am really feeling it......
Yes, I have put off the surgery for that long because I was initially told by my Unit Manager that she would be posting my job in 3 months if I was not back to work by then!
NO COMMENT.......
I have 8 months left to go if I was to stick with my plan that I developed 6 years ago of having my Knee Replacement Surgery done this October, using any sick time I have and my Short Term Disability and then retiring when I turn 62 years old in Jan. of 2020.....
It is now becoming clear to me that I will have to have my surgery done much sooner.......
But I will address this another time....
Because of all this, it has taken me until now to take down and pack away Christmas in our downstairs......
The truth is that I have really been struggling......
After taking down Christmas, I USUALLY decorate the Living Room and Dining Room for Valentine's Day......
The Den and the Front Porch and Yard for Winter and the Kitchen and Powder Room for Winter with a touch of Valentine's......
Okay, I did manage to get the outside of our house decorated for Winter...
I will be sharing the Powder Room in a future post.....
But that is as far as I got and I am now "Tapping Out"!!!!
" An alternate name for submission "
" To deplete the resources of someone, something, or oneself "
Synonyms
beat, beaten, burned-out (or burnt-out), bushed, done, drained, exhausted, fatigued, played out, spent, tired, tuckered (out), washed-out, wearied, weary, wiped out, worn, worn-outYep!!
Those descriptions and synonyms pretty much tell the story of how I feel......
The last time Joe went up there, he nearly killed himself, impaling his head and back with the roofing nails sticking out of the roof!!!!
LOL!!
I do hand things down and he hands things up to me but it is so much safer for him not to go up into the attic...
I have managed to take down Christmas in the Kitchen and I am just now working in the Den but I have returned those rooms to what they look like with no Holiday or Seasonal decorations......
I just could not do it this year.......
I usually do not take down Christmas upstairs until Feb./March when the downstairs is re-decorated for Valentine's and Winter.......
I will slowly take down Christmas upstairs over the next few weeks.......
If you would like to see what the Kitchen and Den looked like last year decorated for Winter with a touch of Valentine's, click on the high lighted links below to see those posts......
Winter Cardinal Tree in the Kitchen, 2018
Winter Kitchen Hutch, 2018
Winter Kitchen Desk, 2018
Winter/Valentine's Decor in the Kitchen, 2018
Winter Snow and Ice Tree in the Den, 2018
I have also realized that it is time to start "Letting Go"!!!
Many of which was gifted to me and many items that I bought myself had sentimental value because they reminded me of my childhood where Christmas was always so special because of my parents, especially my Dad, who LOVED to decorate and cook for the Holidays!!
Because I am having such a hard time this year moving around and trying to pack things away, I decided I would put some items up for grabs .......
My new daughter-in-law took several Christmas things off my hands since they now have more room because they have moved into a larger place......
And my niece Renae has also graciously took a bunch of things for herself and her 3 daughters!!
FAMILY
However, I did take several boxes filled with some smaller things to Salvation Army also.
I have finally realized that on the Brink of my Retirement, I have to "Let Go" in order to "Move Forward".......
Now please understand that I am doing this in Baby Steps as this is much harder than I thought it would be for me to do!!!
I will be "Letting Go" of more Holiday decorations through out the year....
In a future post, I will be posting another chapter in my series on Planning for Early Retirement which I started when Joe was planning to retire at 62 years old....
It will also be based on the topic of "Letting Go" when planning for Retirement.....
All the comments were amazing and I feel they deserve to have a little more light shined on the subject....
So I hope you will be back to visit again soon.......
And thanks to those who took the time out of their busy day to spend a little bit of time with me!!
If you do not have a blog, PLEASE give me some way to reply to your comment, maybe by including your email in your comment. If I can not find a way to reach you, I will reply on the post where you commented so please check back......
Sizzle into Summer Party
Talk of the Town Party
Party in Your PJ's
Dream Create Inspire Link
Waste Not Wednesday
Style Showcase
THURSDAY
Vintage Charm
Home and Garden Party Thursday
Share Your Style Thursday Link Up Party
Inspired Creations Linky Party
Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop
Grace at Home Party
FRIDAY
Friday Features Linky Party
Feathered Nest Friday
Funtastic Friday
Friday Favorites
Home Matters Linky Party
Flaunt It Fridays
Sweet Inspirations Link Party
SATURDAY
Saturday Sparks
Pink Saturday-Anything Goes!!
Best of the Weekend Party
SUNDAY
Snickerdoodle Sunday
Sundays at Home
Silver Pennies Sunday
Happiness is Homemade Linky Party
Nifty Thrifty Sunday
The Fabulous Party
MONDAY
Inspire Me Monday
Inspiration Mondays
Dishing It and Digging It Link Party
Busy Monday
Amaze Me Mondays
Over the Moon Linky Party
Merry Monday Linky Party
Creative Mondays
You Are The Star Blog Hop
What'd You Do This Weekend? Over the Moon Linky Party
Merry Monday Linky Party
Creative Mondays
You Are The Star Blog Hop
Cooking and Crafting with J & J
Metamorphosis Monday
Project Inspired Weekly Link Party
Celebrate Your Story Monday Night Link Party!
Make It Pretty Monday
Heart and Soul Link Up
TUESDAY
Tuesdays At Our Home
Inspire Me Tuesdays
Please take some time to visit these terrific hosts and all those joining in on the fun!
Hi Debbie, I'm so sorry to hear about all you're going thru.... I have been where you're at. When my knee was at it's worse, I had to retire early...move into my mothers home....and take care of her, all while I hobbled around on my bum knee. I was there about 18 months before I saw a window to get my knee done. I was to get my knee done on a Monday and my mother was admitted to ICU on the Friday before my surgery. She insisted that I not postpone it any further so I had it done. They wheeled her down to my room from her own hospital room to see me....lol! Hang in there girlfriend....it gets better! hugs...
ReplyDeleteIt's been a grim season, hasn't it? I know what it feels like to be that overwhelmed and dealing with pain and stress -- been there, done that and have the horror stories to prove it. The good thing is that it passes. It's also humbling. You realize that one year you can't get up every decoration (or get it down!) and if you didn't get it up, you rotate and next year, less. I realized I saw more of what I put up when I put up less, which was sort of a shock but a refreshing one! And getting it down? You do the best you can. There have been times when I got it down (meaning things stuffed in totebags and such) and even to the basement but not in its bins. And that was OK too. I know what you mean about being glad your family wants things. I'm trying to pare down a lot because there's a lot to pare! Molly gets first choice. Her taste is much different than mine and she doesn't take much, though I think there are some things she would if I was ready to let them go. When we go to visit cousins in Ohio next week, I'll take a few bags of Christmas there, too and let them at it. Eventually, charity. But it's always one step at a time. You'll be better, feel better. Just be gentle.
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie, I understand your need to Let Go a little bit as you prepare for retirement and surgery. Downsizing can get over whelming so try to just take it a little bit at a time. I found Marie Kondo's little book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, a big help in dealing with how to get rid of gifts and sentimental things. Be good to yourself and rest when you can. You've got lots of blog friends out here sending you positive thoughts. ~Cheryl
ReplyDeleteOh, Debbie, I am so sorry to hear that you are in pain. Life does get challenging as we get older, doesn't it? I am also sorry about your work situation, too. I never worked long enough to collect social security, so I have to depend on my hubby and he wants to retire but has to wait until I am old enough to draw off his - age 66 :( - another 3 years. He is 65 this year and his company has been sold and he doesn't know what will happen. Oh, life is so challenging sometimes. I am glad to hear that some of your dear little things are going to good homes. I know how hard it is to let go - I need to do the same. Your Valentine decorations are darling. I will be thinking of you and sending some good vibes your way and hoping all will turn out for the best. Sending hugs xx Karen
ReplyDeleteYou sound like you're in a good place despite the setbacks you've had. I'm still finding xmas decor as I move around the house. Hoping you'll be able to do the operation soon and get back to health. My husband had both knees done one at a time and it has really helped him. He doesn't even think about his knees any more and he's 71.
ReplyDeleteWhen it rains, it pours. And it sounds like you are in a storm. I can appreciate where you are with your knee - I need a replacement too, but with parents at 90 and 96, and my closest sibling living 800 miles away, I need to put it off too. It stinks. I had my hip replaced because I knew it would be an easier recovery, and thank goodness it was - I was driving in two weeks.
ReplyDeleteHang in there. Still love reading your posts.
Sounds like you deserve a break! Lol I’m amazed at all you accomplished while in such pain! You are one tough cookie... but I know that the decorations help to cheer you. I know I love my valentine decorations especially during this bleak time of year!!
ReplyDeleteI always love coming over here to admire all your pretties.
ReplyDeleteYes, Bill and I really downsized our Christmas decos a few yrs ago. We had attic stairs like yours and it was too much for us. I bought a 4 foot tree and have never looked back. I love it. Here at the Summer House, we don't have to go upstairs with anything...Bill built the greenhouse, a storage room and a shop before he got too much older and sick. It sure has been nice....
Take care of yourself...sorry about the work problems...
There is absolutely no time limit when to take Christmas stuff down...you could leave it up all year if you needed to.
xoxo
i am so sorry you’ve dealt with so much . I know that when you can have knee surgery you will be bs k in the saddle again . But you know what friend ? It’s okay to let go too . I wish i could still do the things i used to but I’m finding some of those things harder and it makes me mad . But i realize its life too . However , our generation dear friend are survivors and sometimes it’s the little things that we can do that will bring us much joy . Looking forward to your future post . Hugs and blessings , Cindy
ReplyDeleteI was so sorry to read about the pain you are in and your job situation. How hard this must be for you but what a joy that your family wanted to take some of the decor. When we downsized we gave some of our decorations away to our daughters. It was a delight to know that they meant so much to them and that they would be treasured. We took early retirement and fill our days easily and often wonder how we ever had time to go to work. Take care.
ReplyDeleteLetting go has been the greatest accomplishment in my life. I give it up to the universe or god and expect that I will be exactly where I'm supposed to be. Since then I have less fear and stress. I also believe in "Embracing the Change". Feel weel and I expect you will be telling us about new adventures soon.
ReplyDeleteLordy, I don't know how you have done so much being in so much pain!!! I am letting go of some things too, and it actually feels good. I have TOO MUCH stuff so am trying to pae it down. And as you said, little by little. I hope you vcan get your knee done soon!!! It sounds like your hospital is not being supportive to it's own staff!!!! WTH? XO, Pinky
ReplyDeleteI loved your winter cardinal tree in the kitchen, Debbie. If it has birds or bird houses on it, I'm gonna love it! I still have Christmas stuff around too. I still have the window sill over the kitchen sink decorated and because it's also a winter theme, I can get away with it. My mantel is still decorated in the living room too but I replaced the poinsettias with roses. We enjoy the glow of the lights when we're sipping coffee in there. And I still have our four foot tree up for Valentine's Day.
ReplyDeleteI think you're being very wise to go slowly and not overdo. You must take care of the knee until your surgery. I think it is very unfortunate how work places treat their employees these days. Years ago, your employer valued you and your hard work. It's sad how thongs are going. The Post Office got so bad here that Hubby couldn't take it any longer and he is made of tough stuff! He's having a blast working at a sporting goods store now. So, it all worked out.
You are a strong lady and you are a survivor like many of us. We have to be! No one else can do it for us so we dig in our heels and simply keep going. You are a blessing, Debbie, and I look forward to your next post. Take care of yourself and know that we all appreciate your honesty and sharing. Hugs...Sandi
I have missed out on so much because of knee pain and then healing from surgery. Last year I was unable to plant any flowers or seeds due to too much pain before I was scheduled for surgery. I missed my flowers last summer. This year, if everything is up to par with my health, I plan on getting my second arthritic knee replaced in June. The first knee I had done was so bad, I could barely bend it to get into the car. I think I will be able to do a little flower planting this year, if I schedule my knee shot right, before my surgery if my husband will do all of the digging.
ReplyDeleteIt is frustrating to find that we can't do all we used to be able to. I am hoping after my second knee is done I will be more able to do things that I used to do.
Please be really careful on that ladder. I hope that your next knee shot will do well for you for a good long time (at least 3 months or maybe a bit more). My surgeon said it needed to be at least 3 months after a steroid shot in the knee before he will do surgery on it, but you probably already knew that being in the medical field.
It is always such a pleasure to see the beautiful way you decorate your home.
Take care.
Dear Debbie. Take it easy and get some rest and I hope your knee is better soon. I do enjoy your decorating. You are in my thoughts. I'm sorry to hear about your job Things will get better. Thelma xo.
ReplyDeletesorry to hear about all the stress and craziness with work, I hope you can get relief from your pain soon and be able to get back to work when you need to
ReplyDeleteI really hope you get better in all ways...My Mom has the same problem in her knees and I know it is a lot of suffering(it will be my future!)...At your work,do your best and keep your faith,we are on His hands and GOD is GOOD!Blessings!
ReplyDeleteDebbie,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that you are dealing with knee pain. That is never any fun. I know. As for downsizing, I am doing that too. It is not easy but it was time to get rid of things that I really don't need. I have lots of garage sale boxes and things. Hang in there and only do what you can. No sense in making your knee worse.
Hugs,
Bev
Well let's hope the year of the Earth pig will be a better one for you ... I must admit I will be happy to see the end of the Year of the dog myself too! Im sending you some Thai warmth and brightness as we're in the middle of Chinese New Year here in case you were wondering what I'm rambling on about!
ReplyDeleteWren x
Oh my goodness, Debbie. I'm so sorry that the past few months have been so stressful (and painful) for you! I hope your knee holds up until whenever you decide to schedule surgery. And I think your motto is more than fine. It's not only okay, but often times healthy, to let go. I love the free feeling that comes with letting things go. Plus, I have a 4 year old daughter who is currently obsessed with Frozen. So, I pretty much hear "Let It Go" all day long. ;) I hope things start looking up for you!
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those people who likes to have a system, and have traditions, that I can just stick with again and again. I have started to realize lately, though, that I really have to listen to myself when I feel like "tapping out." It's important to do! I have a friend who uses the phrase, "Let go of what is no longer serving you." So I often ask myself if what I am doing is serving me, or if it's just out of habit or a feeling that I "have to." I'm glad you are letting some things go. Sometimes it's good to let things go forever, and other times I think just letting it go for a short time is enough of a break. :) Thanks for sharing on #heartandsoullinkup
ReplyDeleteOh Debby, I'm so sorry. I've been following your countdown to retirement on FB and saw the lovely "new" car you guys bought. Congrats I hope she gives you and Joe many happy miles together. I never realised the stairs to your attic were so steep. Lordy, I don't think I'd manage to climb that one and I don't have a wonky knee. Good on you. Please get the surgery done as soon as you can. The pain must be unbearable. Sending loads of love from South Africa. You're always in my thoughts
ReplyDeleteWow! Your decorations are amazing. I am so sorry for your work upheaval and your knee pain. I am praying for both for you today. Visiting you today from the best of the wkend link party. laurensparks.net
ReplyDeleteBless your heart, I am so sorry that you are having difficulty with your knee AND your job. One of those issues is bad enough! My husband had knee surgery last summer (not replacement, but we know it is coming). He did injections after the surgery and it still plagues him. He's a young guy, only 47, but like you, just can't seem to get away from the pain! Your decorations are amazing!! Thank you so much for linking up at Celebrate Your Story! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteHoly cow, you think you don't have much up for decorations? - you've got way more than we do! Best of luck for your knee replacement, and I am so sorry about your job. You will feel so much better once the surgery is done and you can move beyond the pain a bit! #heartandsoullinkup
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie, So sorry to hear about all you've been through this past year. It seems when it rains it pours, doesn't it? Your decorations were just lovely and I am impressed you accomplished what you did with a bum knee! My husband and I have decided we want to live and work from an RV, so we've been paring down for several months now. It's a looooong process, but I want to do it before I can't any more. I pray for many blessings for you and your family this year. #heartandsoullinkup
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've been through a lot lately. Hugs and prayers to you. That's a pretty bad way for a job to let you in on the changes.
ReplyDelete