Tell Me Whatcha Hate About Your 40's

 

I'm 45 y'all! I took the plunge this week and tried my first ever ICY Hot Pain Relief patch.  I'm in love with yet another thing that gives me comfort in my 40's which is the decade where things break.  It seems like ever since I tore my Achilles a little over a year ago, more and more things are simply falling apart.  I bruise easier and for no reason.  I might open a jar or be stirring something and my finger gets randomly bruised.   If I lift weights or try to do some strength exercises, my muscles hurt. My shoulder has been hurting for about a month which I can only attribute to some floor exercises I've been doing.  It's more difficult to lose weight these days and working out feels like a chore.  I can only imagine what it will be like in my 50's?!?!  And these are just the health related things.  My emotions are entirely another subject.  I know It doesn't help that my eldest Karson is 200 miles away at school, meaning a large CHUNK of my heart resides in another city. Isaac is going on a college visit over spring break, left for Boston Monday, and is quickly approaching his Senior year.  Miles is a total beast and towers over me and will be getting his learner's permit in the fall.  I'm not sure I like this new phase of life I'm in but am trying.

Yesterdays surprise gifts were a stomach and headache.  Matt and I both ended up at home with the same ailments.  Bleh!  It wasn't the way I had planned to spend my 45th but not shocking either.  My stomach is delicate these days.  We'd already planned to do our taxes that evening and didn't want to reschedule that.  It always feels good to get that out of the way anyway.  Big day of celebrating - stomach bugs and income taxes.  What can I say we are party animals!?!?!  Before we left for our taxes, we'd dropped Miles off at the gym so afterwards we picked him up.  On our way back home, we saw the saddest couple struggling to make it up the road walking.  I'd bet they were in their mid 30's but not sure.  The wind was AWFUL, and the man had terrible cerebral palsy.  He'd fallen down to the ground when we pulled up to the shoulder and offered them a ride.  They were literally going to a hotel about quarter mile up (so not far at all), and we're pretty sure had walked quite a distance based on where they told us they had eaten.  They were so pitiful and yet very appreciative.  They didn't ask for anything or expect it, but we slipped them $100.  

We were over at Matt's grandparents house a few weeks ago going through things and came across a cross-stitched framed picture that Debbie had given her dad which said:

  What I Spent, I Had; What I Kept, I Lost; What I Gave, I Have

The only thing that truly counts is the special moments we have with the people we love.  

I did receive some really nice Facebook messages and texts throughout the day.  My sister and Paul came by a little later and spoiled me with some goodies.  Matt and Miles got me some flowers and had planned to pick me up something from the mall which apparently has weird opening/closing hours.  The security guard told them it was closed when they walked up at 7PM.  

My dad and I share a birthday month.  Isaac was super excited to give Pops the Predators hat.  They love talking hockey these days and swap Preds stories.

As I mentioned, Isaac left in the wee hours of Monday headed with a group to Boston.  I've not heard much from him since, but I have been following his teacher Mr. Jenkins on Twitter where he posts updates (and I catch glimpses of Isaac).  A friend of mine has also been sharing pictures with me since her SON likes to give her updates.  I'm happy this year seems to be somewhat "normal" for these Juniors.  What a treat!!!

 

Boston is COLD!  I was fortunate to assist Matt with two student group trips there when he taught AP US History at South.  Layers are needed.  Period.  Isaac took lots of layers thankfully but still looks chilly.

Lots and lots of pictures in no particular order.  Their Boston travels have consisted of college visits (Northeastern, Harvard and MIT), Quincy Market, New England Holocaust Memorial, Fenway Park, the Freedom Trail, Bunker Hill, Boston Tea Party Ship, USS Constitution and Isaac's TWO highlights including professional hockey and basketball games at TD Garden - Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Celtics vs. the Miami Heat. 

He'll arrive back in Bowling Green late this evening - close to midnight.  I can hardly wait to see him and hear about his adventures.  If nothing else, Isaac knows how to have FUN.  

Since we're covering trips, Karson got to take a quick trip to the windy city over UL's Spring Break.  While many in college went south, she and her friends flew north and loved every minute of their time there.  The went to Second City, the Field Museum, Fine Arts Museum, Skydeck, Navy Pier, did some shopping and did a bus tour of the city.

Spring break is right around the corner, and the weather keeps teasing us with warm and cold days!  Let's hope warm days are here to stay soon!!!