Christmas

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Looking Ahead

I always need to pre-plan anymore because my spontaneity went out the window when MS came in the door! Of course, I was always a plan-ahead type of person, but now, I have to really figure things out in minute detail. A simple thing such as going to the store or hairdresser needs to be well thought out ahead of time. What clothes must I wear? That seems like a dumb thought process; however, I need to know that I will be comfortable in my circumstances – not too cold, not too warm, not too bulky, not too loose, not too constricting – well, you get the idea. Then there’s the whole shoe aspect – which ones will I be able to move around in freely, and will my feet get tired or sore when the swelling sets in? Which handbag should I carry – not too big, not too small. And these are just the beginning plans!

I have to be sure that I hit the powder room before I leave, and I have to know the location of the nearest restroom once I arrive. Or, I just have to plan to not be gone for too long a period of time. Bathroom issues are a big concern if I’m going anywhere. Tomorrow, I’ll be going to the hairdressers at 1:00, which is a change from my regular 11:00 visit. That means my legs will be more tired, and I’ll be moving a little slower. I’ll have to visit their powder room because I want to go to the store after that, and my boys are coming for dinner. Can you imagine the planning going on in my head right now?

Our little guy [the older one] is coming for the weekend, and that really involves some organizing. I have to be sure we have the foods he likes – not just junk, but real food items. Then, I have to be sure his craft area is ready, so I’ll check all the art supplies. His little bed must be ready, and activities must be available. No matter what happens, we’ll have fun, but I like to be prepared.

My really big issue right now is an upcoming wedding. We must attend because it’s the daughter of our dear friends. The big day [night] isn’t until the end of June, but I’m already mentally jotting down items of concern. The shower will be held in a nice restaurant at the end of May, and I’ve already pretty much ruled out my attendance. I would need someone assisting me at all times, and my husband won’t be there. I can’t manage a buffet because I can’t walk and carry a plate. I can’t cut my food. I’ll have to make restroom visits, and that’s scary. Even I take the wheelchair, I’d still need a lot of help. So, I plan to get the bride-to-be a lovely gift and just have it delivered. I know my girlfriend will say she’ll be there to help, but she’s the mother of the bride, so she’ll be tied up. Then there’s the wedding itself. I have a beautiful dress that I only wore once before, and it would be perfect. However, it is a dress, and I’ve gotten away from them. Why? Well for one thing, putting on pantyhose has reached the proportions of an Olympic event, and my legs are too white to be bare. So, I need to shop for a dressy pant outfit. And, I’ll have to find shoes that are dressy, comfortable, and safe – a big order! Then, again, there’s the whole restroom situation. In our church, I’ll be okay, but what about at the reception? It’s being held at the same venue as our daughter used. At that time, though, I had a private room, and my disability wasn’t as advanced. So, I plan, and as I plan, I stew!

People think that I sit around all day doing nothing. They are so wrong. This planning of every event and situation is time-consuming and tiring.

Peace,
Muff




10 comments:

  1. awwww muffie, i sure do hear ya!!! but we are just super organized, really super organized!!!!

    peeps ask me what i do all day, i just laugh and say, oh if only i had more time....i am busy every second of every single day!!! there is never enough time to do all the things i "want" to do!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree -- but if my days were longer, I'd still fill them!

      Delete
  2. HI MUFF - I have experienced EVERY situation you have mentioned. I have to plan every venture out as well from what to wear to bathroom accessibility. I attended my best friends daughters wedding and the bathroom was NOT handicap accessible. I managed to get in with my scooter but the stalls were narrow and not even a bar to hold on to. I managed somehow to get off the toilet by holding on to the tissue dispenser. It was horrid. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr
    And in your reply to my comment in your last post you didn't mention if you want to exchange contact info so I can send you "JACOBS SONG" Let me kn ow. :-)
    Happy travels ugh
    Love Gail
    peace.....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hold my breath when I go into non-accessible rest rooms, wondering if I'll be safe! I usually don't put my email address on here because of past security issues. I did enjoy the you tube session, though. Your husband is very talented!!

      Delete
  3. I was always a planner so it's really nothing new for me. I have a "going out" wardrobe. I dress in layers so I have an outfit for spring/fall, and one for winter. I rarely go out of the house in the summer.

    Just put some tanning gel on your legs Muff, and wear that beautiful dress!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah, tanning gel -- I wish I had the dexterity to apply it! I have tried, but I always look 'streaky!' I think I'll go with a dressy pant outfit.

      Delete
  4. Any one who thinks you sit all day doesn't read your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Like you, I have always been a planner, but now it is taken to a different order of magnitude. Indeed, I think I stay away from complicated events. It's too complicated! But, sometimes, one somehow has to muddle through because it is such a significant event. Case in point, in October, there is a 50-year anniversary for what was one of the most significant events in my life, and it's in DC. I'm already thinking about what I'm going to do. Since my husband is no longer able to do this for me, I'm going to have to find someone to help me.Anyway, the point is, I have to plan; in part, because right now I have no idea how I'm going to pull it off. And, that is, yes, because of MS. Grr.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, wow, you're a brave one. I couldn't even think of doing such travel on my own. I'd definitely enlist the help of a friend, if for no other reason than moral support. Good luck in planning that trip!

      Delete