Friday, March 30, 2018

Celebrate: Shopping



Pretty much every facet of my life is hard now, but that's why I need to find any kernel of good and trumpet any accomplishment, which is what we do on 'Celebrate'.

This week, I went shopping all by myself for the first time in over 9 months. Last July, I was hospitalized, and for the following 3-4 months, I was too sick to leave my bed. Then I got a bit better and hubs started driving me out and about. But he worried about me and followed me around in stores like a scared puppy. After his sudden death (on March 3), my friends just brought what I needed, or I walked to the tiny shops in our neighborhood. However, they have only very basic stuff (food & drinks), and these days I need unusual things, like notebooks, binders, folders, and pens to write notes to myself. (I have a hard time remembering things unless they're written down due memory impairment caused by arteriosclerosis).

But finally, the piles of 'to-do' notes to myself, important info (like how to get on Blogger), and the lengthy medicine schedules were all over the couch, and the chaos was working my last nerve! I needed folders to organize things. So I got in a taxi and went to the mall -- all by myself.  

Then what do I find? The biggest store in the mall that had anything you could want (clothing, shoes, hair products, stationary, notebooks, etc.) was shut down, all windows covered up, and no people anywhere around! I don't know if it's permanent or what, but dang that was a shock! Everything else at the mall is clothing stores or restaurants...

Then I remembered a place at another shopping strip and got a taxi to take me there. After getting what I needed, I had to get home. But money is running short with me these days, so I decided to walk. It's probably about one and a half miles. Not so much for a normal person, but quite a challenge for sick, chubby, out-of-shape, and rather pitiful me. :P

But I did it! I literally walked home -- through other neighborhoods, on sandy stretches beside highways where there's no sidewalk, and even squeezed past overgrown, thorny bushes that I had to disentangle from my clothes -- ouch!

The doctors tell me that exercise is important, but sit-ups/push-ups, etc. is hard and too painful (since I have chronic back & knee problems) -- but at least I finally did something! It's time for me to be brave and do difficult-but-necessary things, right? 

I'm a little bit proud of myself. ;)


My kind and wonderful co-hosts of Celebrate the Small Things are:
L.G. Keltner @ Writing Off The Edge
Tonja Drecker @ Kidbits Blog

Celebrate The Small Things Linky:



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** To see who’s posted for the hop look at my Celebrate The Small Things Blog Roll, left sidebar bottom **


 Celebrate the Small ThingsTo be part of this blog hop, all you have to do is visit the Celebrate page on Lexa's Blog for the rules, and then post every Friday about something you're grateful  for that week.  It can be about writing or family or school or general life.  This is the funnest and easiest blog hop ever! (Originated by VikLit)


28 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Now you just need to find a safe place to walk. It is good exercise. If you start with a mile a day and work up to more, you'll see quite an improvement.
Big accomplishment Lexa!

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

You have much to be proud of, Lexa. Take this wonderful accomplishment and feel good about yourself.

Julie Flanders said...

You should be proud and I know we are all so proud of you too! I am glad you are finding your way after so much loss and that you have such good friends to help you too. Hugs to you!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Be proud of yourself. You went out and did it and got home safely.

Anonymous said...

That's definitely worth celebrating. =D

Luanne G. Smith said...

Truly sorry to read about your husband and your accident. As you may or may not have noticed, I've been away from blogging for awhile. Very proud of you for making that move to get out on your own.

L.G. Keltner said...

That is a big accomplishment. When times are hard, it is indeed important to celebrate every victory you can.

Rhonda Albom said...

Big day, congratulations. And, I am a believer that walking is the best exercise there is. (I know they say it's swimming, but I prefer walking. Sorry about our favourite store being gone, but I am glad you found an alternative.

Jocelyn Rish said...

I've been thinking of you and worried about how you were getting on. So proud of you for taking the bull by the horns to explore on your own. You're an inspiration!

kimlajevardi.com said...

Definitely worth celebrating. I find walking/running--albeit in slightly safer conditions--to be an amazing addition to my mental health and writing. Both work, although walking has better benefits for working out story issues. Here's to more and more days where you can improve and make yourself proud.

JeffO said...

You should be proud, Lexa, very proud. Good for you, and I'll hope for more good things on the way.

Breanna Teintze said...

I'm proud of you--I'm spoiled enough to have a car and I STILL hate shopping, so I think you're doubly brave.

Sue Bursztynski said...

You have every reason to be proud!

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

You should be proud of yourself, Lexa. Every step is a step forward. You are a brave lady and an inspiration. Keep up the good work. Hugs.

Cathy Kennedy said...

Lexa,

I’m glad to read you’re out finding a adventure for yourself. This is really good for you and I know your darling late husband would be super proud of you! You have reason to celebrate.

GlenR said...

Well done, Lexa, I feel so much sympathy for you - and empathy too, I I am familiar with the excruciating pain of arthritis in the knees. And this is in addition to your other health issues. I do hope that you have good friends and family to provide the support that you need. I have no idea what the social services are like in your corner of the world but here in the UK there is a safety net of support services and disability benefits for those with financial struggles. I hope things get better for you soon.

Michelle Wallace said...

Yes, definitely something to be proud of!
Keep going, Lexa!

Cathrina Constantine said...

I'm giving you a virtual high-five! You've accomplished so much with this outing!! Stay positive. Stay Strong!

Jessica Ferguson said...

❤️ You go girl! Build that strength. ❤️

Mark Murata said...

Good for you. Especially since it was a spontaneous walk. That will improve your confidence as well as your health.

cleemckenzie said...

That was a giant step, Lexa. Take it easy, but keep at it. I have faith in you and your resilience.

Julia Thorley said...

Lots to celebrate there and lots to be proud of. One step at a time, my dear.

Carol Kilgore said...

Very much worth celebrating. You accomplished something important. Keep on going!

Erika Beebe said...

Your attitude Lexi, is really inspiring. Thank you. I'm sending you continued thoughts for good health and strength. Happy Friday :)

Tamara Narayan said...

Congrats on getting out there! That can't be easy without a car.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I think you're amazing. What you accomplished, after all that's happened is something to celebrate for sure. Most people (maybe even myself!) would have cried like a baby at the sight of the closed store, but you didn't. Keep up the faith...one foot in front of the other!

Birgit said...

I am so proud of you...you are an inspiration

PlanetKimberly said...

That sounds scary, Lexa, but I'm glad you got what you needed and made it home. Try to walk a little bit every day. That might help. Make a goal to go a little farther each week. Take care!

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