"Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.
I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one. "
~John Lennon


Sunday, September 2, 2012

Preparation

In less than two weeks I will be flying to Las Vegas to spend a week with my mother. She is in an assisted living facility there, and will soon be moving to a nursing home. Years ago my kids and I lived there and they went through school there so they have kept in touch with school friends over the years, but I have not kept in touch with anyone there. The city has grown so much since I moved from there.

My mother and I speak on the phone almost every day, but we both decided that it would be nice to see each other in person, so it has become a work in progress for me to prepare for this trip.

The ten year old girl across the street will have her first "job" taking care of my Lola while I am away for nine days. Lola will be in our apartment, she has never been outside, so she will need to be attended to each day. My little friend wants $1 per day for the job.

The last two times to fly were from California to Hawaii and I experienced my first ever anxiety attacks on those two flights. I did not want to be on the plane; I wanted to get to the door and open it and get off the plane. In order to ensure I will be able to get on the plane to go see my mother, I had to see my doctor and discuss the anxiety, and filled a prescription for anti-anxiety pills. Sheesh.  My doctor assured me there are many people with the same problem.

Between the monthly decorating at the senior center and preparing for the trip, I will not be writing any posts. At least, I don't think I will. I will be reading my regular blogs and commenting.  There has been a change in the cataracts this past year, so when I return from Las Vegas, I will be making an appointment to see an eye doctor. If I am going to have the cataract surgery, I would like to have it done before winter.

My way of life includes being as prepared as possible for the things I am planning, so that when the unplanned things happen I have the wisdom and sanity to deal with them. Life brings surprises and challenges at unexpected times, so I try to be prepared for anything.

25 comments:

Ms. A said...

I feel for you! I'm a white knuckle flyer, myself, so I understand. The only thing good about it, is getting there quicker. I also try to be prepared for everything and then some. Wishing you all the best on your trip! Enjoy yourself!

DJan said...

I have internet for a few more hours, it seems. I didn't expect it to be on when I logged on this morning. The move happens today. I will be thinking of you when you fly. I used to be that way, too, believe it or not. I hated to get on an airplane and was stressed the whole time. Who would ever have believed that I would someday jump out of airplanes! :-)

Jeanie said...

It sounds like you will be well prepared for both the anxiety and the excitement of your trip. I hope it all goes very well for you.

Abby said...

Happy travels, CiCi! I'm sure your mother will love having you there with her. Your doctor is right, there are many people who get very anxious about flying, no need to sheesh yourself. Yes, be prepared - it's not just for boy scouts!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Have a wonderful time with your mother. To bad you can't live closer together. Safe travels.

Cindy said...

Hi CiCi, hope you have a wonderful visit with Your Mom. Mine actually came and stayed with me for a week this summer. It was wonderful. I understand about the plane. If you need the pills take them at least you are prepared. we need to catch up....now I have to figure out whom Lola is, so I have some reading to do. wishing you all the best. hugs.

Brian Miller said...

i hope this flight is uneventful...have been on some doozies but also some smooth as a button....cute on her working for you as well...good on you for giving her some responsibility...and enjoy your trip

terri said...

I hope your flight is pleasant and without any hint of anxiety. Your mom will be so happy to see you! And Lola will be in good hands while you're away.

Rock Chef said...

Hope you have a great trip and that the flight is OK. Will you be doing the slots or anything while there? Catching a show maybe?

Jeni said...

Sounds to me like you have taken every possible precaution available to insure a nice, easy trip and visit with your Mom. Will keep you in thought and prayers while you're up and away! And come back home, safe and sound.

Happy Frog and I said...

Well done on all your planning. I'm sure it will all pay off on your trip. x

Lisa said...

Enjoy your trip CiCi!

Hilary said...

A dollar a day is quite the bargain. :) I wish you a safe, comfy flight and a smooth transition for your mom.

Claudya Martinez said...

I have had anxiety attacks on a plane before. Not fun. It's suffocating. Once, I had to undo my pants and the man next to me thought I was out of my mind, which at the moment I was, but it passes. It always passes. I just remind myself that it is not forever and that I just need to keep breathing. If you need to take the medication TAKE IT!

Brian Miller said...

hey you...i hope you are well...smiles...

LL Cool Joe said...

Hey have a lovely time in Vegas. Don't worry about the plane, you'll be fine. My friend is pilot for BA and after talking to him about how rare it is for anything to go wrong he put my mind at rest. Enjoy your trip!

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

You are right to get help for the anxiety. Now you'll enjoy the trip and not panic. I am glad to learn you found a nice senior residence. It's on my mind to relocate because I feel I want to be a part in such a community now.
Hope you have a safe journey and a good visit with your mom.

Suldog said...

Best of luck on the trip, and don't be afraid to take as many of the pills as you need! If you have leftovers, and you don't want them...

Stickup Artist said...

I sympathize about the flying. I have to take 2 prescription pills to fly, or to go on a boat, or even an amusement park. One for dizziness and one for nausea! We are lucky to have medicines that make these trips possible. Have a wonderful time with your Mom! Viva Las Vegas!!

Lisa said...

Hello CiCi, hope your visit with your Mom is good and smooth. I had been going on and off blogging but I am going for a real break and to do that I have taken in my blog into private. I hope to see you again soon. Take care my dear dear friend CiCi.

Brian Miller said...

hey there....happy sunday...so when is your trip?

Reena said...

Hope you are having a good time in Vegas! And get those eyes fixed ... nothing to mess with!

Brian Miller said...

i hope that now you are having a great time on your trip...

Joanna Jenkins said...

Hi CiCi, I hope I'm not too late to wish you a wonderful trip and a nice visit with your Mom.

Traveling isn't always a picnic but I hope it's a smooth flight and the time is passed with perhaps a nap or a nice book.

I'll be watching for your return post and thinking about you often.

xoxo jj

Brian Miller said...

welcome home...smiles.