Back Again

I need to get back on the blogging wagon -

Things have been really tough the past couple of months, and I need an outlet that isn't FB. I have been going through a phase where I don't know where I belong. It has been a long time since I felt a part of a community or even my family. This is a tough time of year for me, and I am experiencing the start of my PTSD flashbacks and triggers. It will be 4 years in August that my life was turned upside down. It breaks my heart to see my husband still struggle with his health and emotional pain.

We live in a time where there are not many support groups out there for caregivers in my situation. There are plenty of groups about caring for an aged parent, but not many for young adults. It is hard to accept that this is our new normal. When I look back at the early years of our marriage, the biggest decision was where to vacation, where to spend the holidays, and what car to buy.  Our marriage has evolved over the past 4 years - things that used to bother us, make us laugh now. We cherish the "little things" that mean the most - walking to the end of the block, being able to walk and hold his hand, sharing a Dr. Pepper while going out for a drive, sitting on the porch watching the rain. I know it sounds stupid, but it is amazing.

I feel lost without many friends - we have lost most of our support system after getting kicked out of our church, and it is hard to get connected with anyone now. I have a few friends that are there for me, but not many that truly understand me. It is hard to talk to anyone without thinking that I am a burden. I am going to use this as an outlet for me -

Thanks for reading

Stress Relief

So - I am trying to figure out new ways to relieve stress and make time for myself. I have a hard time with making time for myself...I am a giver - always have been. Taking time out for yourself is necessary, and I need some help in that area. These are a few of the things I do for myself:

• Working out - I have fallen in love again with water aerobics, and I have become friends with "Zumba" recently. I have a great workout buddy, and that is half the battle. We encourage each other, and share many laughs along the way ;)
• Scrapbooking - This has not happened for a few years, but I was really getting into scrapbooking. Life has gotten in the way, but I am trying to change that.
• Going out with friends - O.K. this is not an easy one...I don't have many friends anymore. Yorkie Dad and I had some "great" friends that were actually "conditional" friends. Once we left the church we attended due to certain reasons, we were blacklisted. I have one amazing friend here, and she is truly the only one who understands me, but I don't want to monopolize her time either. I try and get out once a month or so.

What are some things you do for yourself???? I am always looking for new ideas...

~Yorkie Mom

Welcome

Welcome to my first blog post - not sure what this blog will take shape as, but I am game to give it a shot! A little about myself - I am Wife, Yorkie Mom, Aunt, Sister, Daughter, Caregiver, and Friend. When I love, I love with my whole heart (just ask my family). Our lives were turned upside down almost 3 years ago when my husband (Yorkie Dad) was diagnosed with Stage 3 testicular cancer - it has caused inoperable blood clots, kidney failure, and now diabetes. During the past 3 years we have experienced many ups and downs, but we continue to move forward. I will keep everything private on here, so all will be protected. My doctor suggested blogging as an outlet for my emotions and stress relief, so I will try to do that. Be prepared for some humor, raw emotion, pics of our adorable fur babies, recipes, ramblings, and progress of my Couch to 5k program. Please follow my blog, and give me some suggestions of other blogs to follow.


~Yorkie Mom