Doing your best is enough

On Thursday we reached day 100 since my dad first went into the hospital.  It's crazy to think about all that we've dealt with over the past few months.  Thankfully, he's continuing to make improvements, although his progress in getting back his strength has been slower than he has wanted.  I know we are all looking forward to the day that he is able to get back home.  I had a couple of really nice visits with him this week, but if I'm honest, the travel is really starting to get to me.  At a minimum I'm spending two hours driving every time I visit, so there's no such thing as making a quick visit to see him.  

Work has been keeping me busy, and when you add my volunteer commitments and my weeknight visits to my dad, the week days seem pretty long.  Of course, I still have to find ways to get the girls the exercise and mental stimulation they need, try to take care of myself, and keep up on all of the things that are just part of daily life like cooking, cleaning, errands, etc.  I am doing my best, but I'm certainly not keeping up with everything.  It's just a fact of life right now.  

I've been maximizing the days by using my lunches to get the girls out or to run errands, and I have been bringing the girls along with me on my trips to visit dad.  This allows me to get them out for a walk along the drive home while it is still light out.  We've discovered some nice trails to explore and the change of scenery is good for all of us.  Plus I'm really enjoying all of the suns of Spring. This has meant a lot of dinners out over the last couple of weeks and arriving home after dark, but it seems to make the most sense right now.  

I'm thankful for my Wednesday nights at the shelter because my volunteer time gives me a break from all of the other responsibilities of life.  It feels like something I can control and that I am choosing to do for myself (although I do feel some responsibility to the dogs).  I do love the time I get to spend with the dogs.  They are always so happy to get a little love and attention and return it tenfold.  

I've also tried to find one day that we can just do something fun and to take my mind off the whirlwind of responsibilities, but what I need most by the end of the week is a full day of rest.  That seems to be the one thing that has gone to the wayside in most weeks.  I just keep reminding myself that this won't last forever, and I can't even imagine being in my dad's shoes...so that keeps me focused on what needs to be done to get through this little blip in our lives and reminds me to appreciate every day and to stay positive.  This will pass, and I'm lucky to be able to spend this extra time with my dad.

This week, by the time we reached Friday, I was exhausted.  The weather was cool and rainy, and I was glad not to have any plans for the evening.  I had decided earlier in the week that I'd stay home Friday evening and Saturday to try to do some things around the house and yard.  Saturday's weather looked promising for getting a lot done.  I was pretty excited about it.  So the girls ate dinner in there food games and then we settled in for a quiet Friday evening at home.

The girls woke up much earlier than normal on Saturday, and I felt like the thing I needed most was more sleep.  I convinced them to settle in for a little nap after a trip outside and an early breakfast, but they were pretty restless.  I finally decided to get up, but had no motivation to do anything.  So rather than force myself to start odd jobs around the house, I just sat down to read.  When I was feeling a little better,  I thought maybe it would make sense to make a Saturday visit to my dad instead of waiting until Sunday.  So I got ready and loaded the girls into the car for the drive.

Along the way, Peaches was anxious, so I decided to stop at a small nature trail in Shaftsburg to stretch our legs.  We enjoyed this lovely little area so much that we walked all of the trails in the park, and by the end of our walk, I knew what we really needed was a day off from running around and responsibility, so I changed the plan for the day again.

It was such a beautiful afternoon, that I decided to head to Lake Lansing North Park for some more time in the woods.  It was a beautiful late afternoon to be in the woods, and the marshes around the park were full of new life.  I saw skunk cabbage and marsh marigolds, and we heard lots of birds and peepers.  The girls were happy to be outside, and so was I.  

Ultimately, I made the decision to stay home on Sunday as well, and take the full weekend to catch up on some work around the house and yard, as well as to catch up on rest.  The weather is absolutely beautiful, so I'm hoping to do a little work outside this afternoon after spending the morning finally finishing my taxes and doing some other things inside.  

The girls have alternated whining to go outside with whining to come inside.  Peaches just isn't happy outside like she used to be and can be pretty pathetic(and annoying).  I had hoped that they'd just want to spend time outside on this beautiful day.    Mina has had some fun outside, but is currently whining to come back inside again, which I'm sure will start a nice wrestling match.  I'll be heading outside soon, and hopefully that will make them both happy.

This week was originally supposed to be the week of my Spring vacation, but with everything going on, I never got the chance to plan a road trip, and it doesn't make sense to be away from home for a week right now.  I thought about taking the week off just to stay home, but instead, I think we're going to plan a longer trip for June so we can get away and really get a break.  But I sure am going to miss my April vacation.  It's always one of my favorite times to explore new places.  

I am excited that I'll get the chance to see Fiona this week, though.  I can't believe that in just a few days, she will celebrate her second birthday.  Where has the time gone?!?  

Now I'm off to get some lunch and enjoy this nearly perfect Spring day.  I hope that you all have a great week!