Here are some images from this week that make me grateful for the beauty around us.
(Ignore the neighbor’s trash cans.)
June 3, 2022
(Ignore the neighbor’s trash cans.)
(Ignore the neighbor’s trash cans.)
June 2, 2022
I’m thankful today for the beautiful weather and a birthday celebration again with my lovely friends.
June 1, 2022
I saw my plastic surgeon today for my pre-op appointment. He was running behind, but I talked extensively with his nurse about my upcoming surgery. Even though I’ve seen him numerous times and know the plan, I still had a list of questions, like what kind of implants and how much recovery time.
My questions are answered. Smooth gel implants. Four hour surgery. Incisions below my breasts. Hopefully no need for drains. About a week recovery but that will depend on the fat grafting. Both the nurse and my doctor agreed that this surgery should be much easier to recover from than my last.
My doctor also drew on my again while measuring for implant size, all the while explaining what he plans to do and why. He also explained why I may need bigger implants or different sized ones. The spacers are hard, and the implants will be soft, which means they take up space differently.
At this point, I can’t even imagine what it’s going to feel like to be rid of these miserable spacers. I hope it feels like nothing actually. I would love nothing more than to not think about my breasts again. I’m grateful to be so close to being done!
May 31, 2022
Several months ago I found myself randomly feeling like bursting into tears. I knew my job was causing stress, but I also felt like it was more than that. Like maybe I hadn’t fully processed my year of cancer and quarantine and everything else. So I started seeing a therapist, and she’s been amazing.
I’ve struggled with anxiety most of my life. I remember having my first panic attack when I was in grade school. I learned to live with it, and like a lot of people, also learned to hide it. However, when life got extra crazy—like when Brianna was born 3 months early or when I got divorced—it would surface again. I’ve tried different things along the way. Medication, counseling, wine. I even went through bio-feedback training which helped me recognize how my body reacted to my anxiety (I hold my breath) and how I could relax myself. That has helped me tremendously over the years.
I think what’s helped me the most, though, is simply admitting that sometimes I’m overwhelmed and talking things through with a professional can help. Which is why I’m thankful today, on this last day of Mental Health Awareness Month, for not being ashamed of taking my anxiety seriously and seeking help when I need it. I’ve learned a lot about myself and how to manage my bouts of anxiety in positive ways. And I just feel better.
May 30, 2022
This is what happens after hanging out and staying up late for a few days. Exhaustion. On our final day together, we walked to a Thai restaurant for lunch (in the 90 degrees) and played games. Emma left early to drive back home, and Brianna took a quick nap before they dropped me off at the airport. Thankfully, my flight was uneventful as was Emma’s ride home. Once again, I’m grateful for my fun weekend. I miss my kids already.
May 29, 2022
Another fun day in Virginia! We had a picnic in a park just a few minutes walk from Noah and Brianna’s house. The woods were so lush and pretty.
Then we went to a cute cake and wine shop where we each got a different, delicious slice of cake served on vintage china.
And after we spent a little time checking out the quaint downtown shops, we went to Brianna and Noah’s church for an evening service.
I’m grateful for the beautiful day and our new memories.
May 28, 2022
Today we had brunch, did some shopping, had ice cream and pizza. Then hung out and watched tv. I’m thankful to hang with my kids and do daily stuff together again.
May 27, 2022
My youngest, Emma, told me she was planning on driving to her sister’s for the long weekend. I thought it would be fun to surprise them and fly down, but I was a little put off by the high price of flights right now. When I mentioned it to Patrick, he offered to pay for it. How sweet is that? I don’t even care if he was just angling for a weekend alone.
So I booked a flight and then made sure Emma was still planning the drive. She and I decided it would be fun to surprise Brianna and Noah. I flew into Virginia and waited for Emma at my hotel. Then we went over to Brianna’s. The look on her face when she opened the door was priceless. And worth it.
I’m so thankful to be able to see my kids for the weekend. It’s been a year since I’ve seen Emma and 7 months since I’ve seen Brianna and Noah.
May 26, 2022
May 25, 2022
This guy. I’m not always good at expressing how grateful I am for him. But I am. Every day. In all the best ways, he’s there for me. He cooks good food and makes good coffee. He’s a gardener and whiskey collector and hat enthusiast. He drives me crazy but also drives me around to all my junk shops, so it’s a good trade off. He’s smart, sarcastic, funny and strong. And I’m thankful for him today on his birthday.
melissagratitude 