The first day of the rest of my life.

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

As many of you know I've been sitting in a chair vegetating since last August when I broke my arm. Healing has been slow but it is definitely on the mend now although I still can't open the fridge or pull on a pair of socks. (Obviously I can do those things with my left hand but I miss the other hand particularly for socks and pants)

I lost my job but haven't looked for another one yet. (Too many hospital appointments still in the pipeline)

The house needs a good going over but I need my arm to be working better before I set into that.

It struck me that I really need to find a new normal because I can't just sit around all week. I also need to cheer myself up. I asked myself what I enjoy doing and the highlight of my week is going to an acapella singing group on a Saturday morning. This is run from a muic venue in the area and it also runs a 'silver' programme for people over 50. I took the plunge and have signed up for two more choirs and possibly a gamelan group. (They are waiting to see if there is enough interest before trying to run it) Most of my friends have either moved out of the area or at still working so I need to meet some new people.

I went to the first of the new choirs today. It was scary as there were only 9 of us there and I feel that there is safety in numbers. (I don't have a great voice but I do like singing) It is a "Silver Rock Choir".  My children will laugh when they here I've been singing Nirvana songs!

Any way - it's a start, as I'm not fit enough for work yet.

Take care - Scottie 

[Ark mom]

Scottie,

I, too, have been struggling tremendously to find my new normal, a mom of two young ones, a tennis fanatic, and active outdoor amateur biologist.  Now I am a sick, ultra sun sensitive freak!  I can really relate to your struggle.  It seems I am still not stabile since we have switched drugs to Arava. 

I love that you are turning a new page and finding things that you CAN do instead of dwelling on what you can't.  That is the solution to a good mental state.  I hope you enjoy your choirs and gamelan group (what is that?).  Keep us posted on your progress.

Peace and hugs!

[Bobbie]

Good for you Scottie 

[Scottietottie]

 

I'm a great believer in concentrating on what I CAN do rather than what I can't. I always figured that when I was online and looking at a coomputerscreen I couldn't see the chaos in the house behind me!

[Ark mom]

Still, what is a gamelan group?  I checked back to this thread to find out, lol!

Girl, I know chaos!  My 3 yr old, tore all of the pages from a magazine, spread them around the room, and then came to tell me that she had made a mess.  That was the frosting on the mess cake in my living room.

[Bucky]

Since Scottie is sleeping right now, here's an explanation of gamelan:

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:   

A gamelan is a traditional musical ensemble from Indonesia, typically from the islands of Java and Bali, featuring a variety of instruments such as metallophones, xylophones, kendang (drums) and gongs; bamboo flutes, bowed and plucked strings. Vocalists may also be included. For most Indonesians, gamelan music is an integral part of Indonesian culture.


Now, you know.   

[Joe S.]

Happy birthday Scottie!

[Ark mom]

Thanks, Bucky!  The gamelan group sounds so interesting!  I hope it gets going for you, Scottie.

[susanep]

Scottie Congratulations on your new normal. Go Scottie Go! Go Scottie Go! 


susanep

[Meld256]

Scottie,

I'm so glad you're finding new things to do.  I am in the same boat, and needing to do the same.

You've had such a long haul with the broken arm and all it's kept you from doing-it must take a huge amount of patience dealing with all of it!

I'll be your kids will think it's funny you're singing Nirvana-but who cares, right?  Maybe with the next choir practice, more people will join in.

(and to all) I had to ask what a gamelan group was, too!  Sounds pretty cool-many times it is mostly percussion, but you can correct me there, Scottie, if that's not true.

You, go, Scottie!!

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

Gamelan is percussion. I used to belong to an drumming group that used African drums and instruments. I have a set of bongo drums too and an Irish drum.

I think I just like hitting things!

Take care - Scottie 

[Meld256]

Sometimes hitting things is a great way to release tension!     I sort of felt like smacking on something today myself.
Maybe I should invest in some drums...

[irish]

Go Scottie. Sounds like a good plan. I need to get out more, but right now the sjogrens is keeping me on more toes, more on my "butt".

Hitting things sounds fun to me. I used to play drums in high school. That rhythm can really energize a person. Irish