Friday, September 16, 2016

Close a Door, Open a Window


Life's like that, isn't it.

I'm meeting a Toronto friend for dinner tomorrow night. She's in St. John's for a conference and staying with another of her friends in the city. We're meeting for dinner to get caught up as she's been moving around quite a bit and currently lives in Florida. Her friend is organizing a get together for later that evening and invited me to come along and meet her and some more of their friends from university. And added she had a spare bedroom and a bed for me. Up to last week I'd have had to turn down such invitations because of Ansa. But now I realize another world and other opportunities have opened up.

I had a radio broadcaster stay with me for 3 days and 2 nights as she conducted interviews in my town with local residents. It seems we've got ourselves noticed quite favourably due to our volunteer library and other initiatives. And it's quite odd this feeling I have: I was interviewed for about 2 hours (the total of about 10 hours she's recorded of everyone will be edited and whittled down to about 1 hour)and I would have been a fumbling bag of nerves three years ago. I literally bless the blasé now, I've gotten used to being interviewed and while I'm flattered at some level it's all part of my life here. I'm conscious of "ums" and "hesitations" and I suppose I'll be right teed off when the interviews stop (what? I've lost my oomph?)but for now I truly understand the fleeting life of any kind of fame and know it's quite ephemeral.

The fabulous weather continues to astonish out here on the Edge and I feel my life is becoming more controllable. Tourists take a lot out of one, it's constantly a performance and sheets and towels and breakfasts and cups of whatever and entertainment. Now it's wound down and I'm so very glad to get my life back. Today was my very first day of getting to choose exactly what I want to do, hence this post.

I'm a little rattled by a locum doctor who saw me yesterday and was very thorough both in questions and in assessment of my health. However, he validated some anxiety I had about my endurance when walking where my legs would seize up and I have to stop and take a rest. I am so thoroughly sick of hearing "It's all in your head" which is the standard opinion offered to most women when they complain of such "minor" ailments. He took about 1/2 hour to examine me and told me he was setting up a hospital appointment for further tests as it appears the circulation in my legs is not up to snuff and stopping activity when walking was due to oxygen deprivation. I must say that even though I'm worried I also feel relieved as I've had medications switched as my permanent doctor thought it was the meds I was on that caused this leg pain.

So a lot of open windows here. I've started a nightly gratitude list again to keep me in the right frame of mind about life. I do have much to be grateful for.

Up on top of this post I have a postcard, which I framed, of Venice, where Grandgirl was recently. At 21 I was there too. She's now 21 and fell in love with the palette of Venice, the subdued and enchanting colours, as I did. Life is full circle.

23 comments:

  1. I hope you can sort out the problems with your legs.It may very well be some medication you're taking that's causing the pain.

    I've been interviewed once or twice and it's always a nerve-racking experience. I get totally flustered and my mind goes blank and I blurt out something quite nonsensical. Ironically, I used to be a journalist and interviewing other people all the time!

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    1. I always thought it was easier to be the interviewer because of control. I'm thinking more and more this doc us right. It explains so much and a brother and an aunt had the same leg issues. I thought all that running would prevent this.
      XO
      WWW

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  2. It sounds like life once again unfolding. Ido hope your leg issue is sorted quickly. This doc sounds like he listens as well as looks and doesn't jump to conclusions. Nice to know you've gotten out and seen friends. Sometimes the best remedy, as is your gratitude list.

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    1. I hope this leg thing is sorted out too. Even sitting is causing pain now which never happened before. All will be revealed. So many on this planet are so more worse off.
      XO
      WWW

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  3. Sometimes statin drugs cause leg problems with pain and walking difficulty. All the best for improvement with this.
    Condolences on the loss or your beloved canine friend.

    Lynda (NZ)

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    1. Lynda I was moved off statins due to leg pain previously but now it's continuing and it looks like this new doctor nailed it.
      Thanks for the sympathy, she was so precious.
      XO
      WWW

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  4. Sorry for the loss of your beloved pet. But as you say other opportunities open up. That's why I'll never own a dog again.

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    1. A dog is like a toddler, Hattie. Either companioned, which mine was, or day-cared which is worrisome and always in the mind when away. Cats are easy compared. Though Ansa's 2 barn cats have been visiting me with inquiring meows directed at me. Hard to explain her demise as I think English
      isn't art of their curriculum.
      XO
      WWW

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  5. I agree with the gratitude list, as my Ramona sleeps under my knees. She will be turning 11 in the New Year and needs to have some dental work. People think cats are easy but she has a hard time when I am away. The other one is fine and likes his kitty check in person! We are starting to build our airbnb apartment so looks like next spring for us starting up. I have an older friend here trying to find her feet after ending a relationship (she is 75) and moving. Life changes can be quite hard.

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    1. Yes some cats are easy. My Walter certainly wasn't as he was far too attached to our dogs and to me. Let me know if you have any questions on Airbnb.wisewebwomanatgmaildotcom
      XO
      WWW

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  6. I like your phrase -- bless the blasé -- and the attitude that goes with it. Hope your legs feel better.

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  7. checking in
    and looks like a lot of new doors are opening...

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  8. Venezia. Place I'll remember to my last day. Walking the small streets, dead ends at the green-blue canals...
    Off the main streets, i,t's one of the best places in the world.
    If you go, maybe stay on Lido Island, places nearby and water taxi commute. Easy, cheap, and quiet at night.
    Cheers,
    Mike

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    1. I have lovely memories of Italy Mike. And surprisingly clear.
      XO
      WWW

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  9. Yes, a lot of windows open up when a loved one departs. Another one comes in and those windows again shut. That is the story of my current situation. The new other is a dog in case you start wondering!

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  10. Love your gratitude list. I've done that before and it really helps.
    My legs cramp up sometimes because of bone damage but I can walk 3-4 miles without too much bother so that's something to be grateful for.
    You're meeting some interesting people!
    Maggie x

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    1. I'm hoping my desire to walk is fulfilled when I get the medical insight Maggie. Bothersome. I'll never take walking for granted again!
      XO
      WWW

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    2. I'm hoping my desire to walk is fulfilled when I get the medical insight Maggie. Bothersome. I'll never take walking for granted again!
      XO
      WWW

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