Yes, I work in tech. Why do you ask?
I know I can’t just title every one of these “what do you mean, it’s (month)”, but it does feel like July flew by. Mostly for good reasons, though!
I started dance classes (tap & jazz) on July 8, and it’s been amazing to have that as an outlet again. I highly recommend On the Barre in Norton if you’re local- they’re great at running a class for multiple levels, giving modifications for different stretches or choreography depending on ability, etc. Everyone there has been really kind and I am going to continue to dance there in the fall. I actually tried a ballet class this week and based on how my ankles felt (read: weak and bad!!!), I am going to do that all year as well.
As I mentioned last time, my thigh tattoo is finished! Here’s Chernabog in all his glory.
I did finally get out canoeing a couple weeks ago, which was lovely. At the end there was a great-horned owl just hanging out in a tree not far from the dock. So neat. Still need to do more of that, but have been doing quite a bit of walking around the property and just sitting and watching the birds since there have been so many low humidity days, and spending time outside always feels great.
Grammy turned 88 last month, and while we were at the nursing home where she is still in rehab for a little mini birthday get-together in one of the small dining rooms they have, I found out that a friend works there. He actually mentioned that how he got started there was that he and our other friend had looked at upwards of 20 different options for her mother and ended up choosing where Grammy is now, so…I am cautiously optimistic that maybe we can convince dad and Grammy that this is a good fit for a permanent placement. It just feels so much safer than her being home alone.
Sike. Since I started writing this, she fell again and was hospitalized for most of this week. She’s back at the nursing home as of yesterday. I’m really not sure what you do when a person doesn’t seem to be able to accept that they just cannot walk on their own anymore and even living somewhere with supervision isn’t keeping them safe :(
After 9 years, I am no longer a member of the board of the Norton Singers. There’s too much going on between the above familial duties and the other nonprofits I volunteer with, so I made the decision to step back. There have been a lot of new folks joining in the last number of months and I think there’s plenty of energy there to keep the group moving forward.
I had my yearly physical, is that exciting? My bloodwork is all happy and fine except for my liver so I’m getting back in with my gastroenterologist to check and make sure my disease-formerly-known-as-NAFLD isn’t getting worse.
I’m trying to do more stuff that’s not online, which has included crocheting (sort of…I am basically just adding onto a tube that a friend started for me as every time I think about starting one of the kits I have I get intimidated) and continuing to work on Spanish and refresh my French (Duolingo can go to hell with all the AI crap, but it does keep me consistent). I really want to learn ASL (I know the alphabet, but not much else); does anyone local know of in person classes I could go to?
Finally, please enjoy these photos of my cats. I hope they bring folks smiles; it seems like every time I unblock Facebook to check business hours of the local ice cream place or whatever, I see that another beloved pet has been lost or is terminally ill. I’m so sorry for everyone who’s been through that lately.
As always, feel free to reply and let me know how you’re doing!
<3
Val