You see, I'm ill. Without going into too much gory detail, my entire upper half is cramped up due to stress. And here I was, thinking I was coping pretty well with everything that's going on. Whilst lying in bed earlier this evening, wishing for it to just go away, I made a mental list of all the things I'm going to do to better my life and never have to suffer this again. SO:-I'm never going to eat again
-I'm never going to drink coffee again
and (perhaps more realistically) (I think)
-In the mornings, when I've dropped Pelle off at the bus, I will go for a 30 minute walk, just to get this '30-minute excercise' thing out of the way first thing
-I'm only going to eat healthy foods from now on. Not that I eat unhealthily, but perhaps I could do without the crisps and the Ben & Jerry's and the gluten and the cookies and the liquorice... okay. Excuse me for a bit...
Blegh. Ugh. Okay. I'm back.
Anyway, what I really came to tell you is that (and this really is a bad side-effect of stress-related yuckiness) I cannot stitch. Isabella Johnson, or as I like to call it, The Red Cow Sampler, is verrrrry nearly finished. Not even a days' work, but it's taking me forever. Behold (and excuse the bad quality of the picture. It is, after all, three in the morning):
See? Just a bit of the border, the cow needs filling in, and a little rose in the right hand corner, and that's it! I hope signing it before finishing it (over-one, so there is no way I will ever frog it) wasn't too premature :o) (Oh, I've just noticed: that's Pantoef's pantoufle at the top of the picture. He was completely flummoxed at being woken up in the middle of the night and demanded a mention in this post).
On a more serious note: you can probaby guess what's causing all this stress. My father is now very ill and in and out of the hospital all the time, and we're all deeply, deeply concerned. Frankly, I'm so pre-occupied that blogging and blog-reading and e-mailing is something I do only sporadically now, but I do appreciate you all stopping by my little neck of the blogosphere!
Yours sleeplessly,
Annemarie.
51 comments:
I'm so, so sorry about your father...I can't imagine what you are going through right now, but take care of yourself & I will look forward to updates when you are able.
Annemarie~ You poor dear, I do hope the stress is relieved from your life and soon. I know exactly how you feel, because my father was just recently ill...four trips to the hospital and two surgeries later, he is mending..although at age 86, it is difficult.
Please don't quit eating, nor drinking coffee...and please, please don't quit stitching, because this beauty must be finished. Lovely, just lovely.
Get some good rest!
I'm so sorry you aren't feeling well! I hope you feel better soon. Your sampler is looking so pretty!
I'm so sorry to hear about your father... sending prayers and best wishes to you and your family.
Oh Yikes, Annemarie! I am so sorry to hear about your dad's current state, and yours as well. I can understand the stress and pain connection. I'm sure you are trying to do all you can to overcome it.
I can vouch for changing your diet even a little can make a huge difference. I wish you luck in making the changes and send you lots of hugs to bear through the tough times.
On a lighter note, the cow sampler looks great. I completely empathize that sometimes what should be a small bit to finish is like a huge canyon to jump over!
Hang in there! ps watch some old Fry & Laurie...
Hugs to Pelle too!
I'm so sorry that your Dad is so ill and you are stressed! I'll keep good thoughts coming your way. Hopefully between Pelle, the kitties, and your new stress busting measures, you'll feel like smiling and stitching again in no time!
So sorry about your father and that you've been ill too :( my heart goes out to you. Please take good care of yourself, your family needs you to be well...I know it's hard though...sigh...
Your Pelle is so cute! Kids always are when they're sleeping, lol!
Love that cow sampler! You're soooo close! I ordered that magazine today at an online shop...hoping they still have it because I really want to stitch it someday, it's so beautiful!
Good to see you post. Hope you feel better soon. Will keep you and your father in my thoughts and prayers.
xoxo
I know how you feel, as I've gotten older stress bothers me physically much more than it used to. Everything goes right to my stomach and I have been bent over holding it at times (and cursing myself for my Diet Coke addiction which isn't helping the stomach acid issues). Trying to eat better during stressful times may at least help you feel better physically, as there isn't much you can do for the mental stress. Blessing on you and your father.
Stressing about all the things that are stressing you out are stressing you out!! You follow? Forget giving up licorice and coffee, etc. for awhile. You need the stress relief. Take care and prayers for your dad.
Sorry to hear about your father Annemarie and that the stress is causing you to be ill. I'm sending lots of good thoughts and {{{{hugs}}} your way right now. Take care.
I am so sorry to hear that your Dad is so ill. It must be so difficult for all the family. Sending hugs to you all.
Your sampler is beautiful!
Annemarie, I can imagine that your life is in turmoil just now, there is nothing more stressful than family illness.
Do take care of yourself, I hope your father will have a speedy recovery.
I'm so sorry about all the stress and about your father. I will send lots of good thoughts for his recovery. I know what you mean about stress -- I'm the same way. It's hard to concentrate on stitching when you're too stressed out. Which is too bad since it's a stress reliever too. Your Isabella is beautiful -- you will finish it when you're up to it. I'll be thinking of you.
What!!!! They say things come in threes. Let's hope this is the final straw. Hope you start feeling better soon. I like your idea of 30 min walk. I might take you up on that. xxx
Lots of hugs and positive thoughts coming your way Annemarie. I hope you start to feel much better soon.
Jij? Lopen?? Huh, nee, ík loop, jij zuipt koffie... Isa Koe is leeuk... niet mijn kopje thee, maar toch leeeuk! Neem een hap sushi, en maak die koe af!! Liefs!
So sorry to hear of your father's helath isues...we will be praying for his recovery.
Isabella is looking beautiful!
Annemarie, I'm thinking of and praying for your father and your family. It seems to me from reading about and "knowing" you for the years I have, that if ever there was a woman with a firm constitution and a get it done attitude, that would be you. The stress of what your going through is quite simply awful. I understand and I am praying for you all.
Hopefully Dad will be on the mend soon. And your stress related ickies - sorry to hear about that too.
Your stitching (and all of us in bloggerville) will be here when you need us!
Smiles - Denise
So sorry to read about your troubles. It can't be easy, you'll be in my thoughts.
Sorry to hear about your dad. I hope that you will find a way to deal with your stress and get some sleep...and get back to cross-stitch of course!
Dear Annemarie,
Stress takes it toll on our bodies in so many different ways and I'm sorry that you are having a bad go of it these days with your Dad being ill. Life is stressful enough without fragile moments creeping in on us - I'll be thinking of you and hope he will be comfortable and feeling better. You too!!!
Love,
Tanya ... who tries to stay clear of Ben & Jerrys but it's hard ... I know.
So sorry to hear about your father. Will keep you all in my prayers. And please try to take care of yourself, even if it means a little Ben and Jerry's.
I've been sick because of stress lately, as well (major diet overhaul the result. No sugar, starch, vinegar, fermented cheese, mushrooms...working a treat and my skin looks great. Somewhat tired of cheese-bereft Salads dressed with lemon and olive oil only, however).
The Red Cow is looking so lovely, and a Paw Appearance as well! Your family is in my thoughts; please rest well and recover soon
So sorry about your father. You will be in my thoughts.
Allereerst - maak je niet druk over het feit dat je geen zin/tijd hebt om te emailen of comments op blogs te maken. Wij zijn allemaal al lang blij als wij af en toe wat op jou blog kunnen lezen.
Wat erg dat het zo slecht gaat met je vader. Een hele moelijke tijd voor jullie allemaal. Geen wonder dat jij zoveel stress voelt. Geen koffie drinken etc lijkt mij een slecht idee. Koffie is altijd zo goed als je een opkikkertje nodig hebt. Lopen - doen!! Goed voor ons!!
liefs en een dikke knuffel van Margaret
Annemarie, I'm so sorry to hear that your dad is worse. And you, young lady, must take care of yourself--and on a side note, they have Ben & Jerry's there? Please take care, and know that your faithful readers are thinking of you and wishing you and your family all the best.
Aw, Annemarie, my heart goes out to you and your family. It's so hard when someone we love is ill. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Love the picture of your sweet boy. I don't remember seeing a recent one, and Pelle looks so much older! How did that happen?
Hope you're on the mend soon!
I am hoping that your dad is doing much better. A nice walk in the morning with a cup of coffee (not too much coffee!) will indeed help relieve your stress. You're on the right track to eat healthy foods, leave off the junk foods for awhile. And hopefully, some soothing stitching will get that stress right out of your system.
Prayer will help, too.
I'm sorry to hear that you are going through such stressful times. It sounds like a difficult situation to be in. I'll be thinking of you and hope that you can find ways to make yourself feel better.
Pelle is just adorable!
I love your red cow sampler. It's such a pretty design, and your stitching always looks so nice. I hope you can find the time to finish it and share that with us.
Always thinking of you and (I don't know if your into the religion thing) praying for you. Sent a small package your way yesterday. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Oh look at Pelle, he's gotten so big! :)
I'm sorry to hear about your father. You and your family are in my thoughts *Hugs*
I am so sorry to hear about your father and also sorry to hear that the stress is taking its toll on you. It always is made harder, I think, when what comforts us in times of stress isn't happening (ie no stitching). Recently I found myself not able to stitch or read and it's so difficult when you can't even escape for just a bit into what you enjoy. Isabella looks lovely, and I am sure that she will be finished when you are feeling up to working on her. Please take care and try to get some sleep!
I'm so sorry to hear about your stressful time and about you suffering from it so much. But it's more than understandable. I'll be thinking of your and your Dad.
I am so sorry that your Dad is ill; sending good thoughts and prayers your way.
{{{{Annemarie}}}} I shall be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Isabella is looking gorgeous, I hope you feel up to finishing her soon.
Oh heavens, Annemarie, I just feel so helpless. I wish I were right there to lend a hand with practical things and take some of the stress of the daily doings off your hands. You're in my thoughts every day. Take care.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Mary Eman
I know too well how this is all very stressful...My thoughts are with you and your family!
Take care...
groetjes uit Chicago!
Karin
I'm so sorry to read that your father is not doing well, Annemarie. I can imagine how that adds to your stress. Try to take good care of yourself.
Pelle is jus te cutest little boy!
Isabella Jonstone is gorgeous - you'll finish it; I have no doubt!
I know what's going on with your dad is hideous, and I'm so very sorry for you and your family. I'm thinking of you, and I hope there's some way for you to find some peace and calm during such a trying time.
When my mom was so ill, the only thing that helped was half an Ambien once or twice a week, just to get some rest. It allowed me to stop thinking enough to sleep for several hours.
Hang in there.
I am so, so sorry about your father. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. {{hugs}}
Sorry to hear that you are going through a very stressful time at the moment. I hope that things improve for you all.
You'll get back to Isabella when the time is right. She is a lovely piece.
Take care.
Big hugs, Annemarie. I am so sorry to hear about your father. Hang in there and take care of yourself.
I hope you're feeling better by now. And Pelle too. I'm sorry to hear your father is having a hard time with his illness. I hope he can enjoy some better days soon.
Dear Annemarie, I am hoping that by the time you see this comment that your dad will be better. It's so hard when a loved one isn't well. Your Red Cow sampler looks wonderful. Take care of yourself.
I, too, am so sorry that your Dad has been ill requiring hospital stays! Know that you and all your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Remember that you'll not be a help to your parents and Pelle if you get sick too, so do try to be good to yourself. Here's hoping for peaceful days real soon!!
I feel your pain sweetie as I have been there before. It is terrible to have to see our father's so ill. I cursed cancer often in that time. Try and find solace in being together with your family and by hugging that sweet little boy of yours as much as his little body can take. I cannot say any words that can make the situation better but I can tell you that I am thinking of you and your entire family!!! Stitching and blogging will have its time again but now it is family.
I do love your red cow sampler. I have never seen it before and oh how I do love an unusual sampler.
Maybe I will join you on a daily walk commitment!
Hugs en groetjes ~
Heidi
Don't know what could alleviate the pain or the stress. Life can be unbearable at times. A closely-knit family helps - you have that.
Annemarie, I am so very sorry to hear that you are having such a difficult time. I am not sure if any words are enough to help, well I am thinking of you and hope that things get better.
I have been eating a lot of crisps (potato chips?) for the past couple of months and found out yesterday that my blood pressure rose 28 points!! No more for me!
I hope your father's health improves. Best wishes . . .
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