2.19.2010

Potatoes, Olympics and Dear Friends

The dishwasher is humming and the dryer is tumbling and I just spilled my tea and got olive oil in my eye and all in all it's been a pretty good evening. :-)

I've been trying hard all week to look on the bright side, find things to be grateful for, soldier on through awful pain and one disaster after another, and tonight I crashed, an absolute puddle of tears and stress. I rang Mums and she commiserated beautifully, as only mothers can, while I snuffled and gulped. I felt so much better. Amazing what a good weep and an understanding listener will do for a girl. :-)

I took some pain pills, got in my pjs, eased down onto the couch, and rested a while, pondering what to do about the laundry, dishes and projects that have stacked up while I've been recuperating from ye ol' car accident. Then I remembered a mantra from one of my old teachers: "Do the next thing." That's all. Simple and tangible. I could do that!

So, after the Advil kicked in I did a load of laundry, then rested. Popped in Hercule Poirot dramatized cds (known to our family as "Poy-rot" :-)) and loaded the dishwasher, then rested. It worked like a charm. :-) I felt stress melt away as I saw clear counters and knew I'd have clean clothes in the morning.

Pondering what "soft" food to make for dinner, I turned to my comfort food favorite, potatoes. I fried them up with onions and a bit of farmer's sausage and ohhh, they were so lovely. :-)



Now I'm sitting back, restful in body and spirit, looking forward to a good weekend. :-)

Months ago I made plans with a gang of dear friends to go to the Olympics just across the border.

 The Peace Arch border crossing between the United States and Canada

When the accident happened I thought for sure I'd have to miss it and was sorely disappointed. But my friend Trish called tonight and said if all I can do is sit on a bench in the Olympic Village and soak up atmosphere, she'll sit right there with me so I won't be alone. Now I'm all teary again. Friends sure are lovely. Our friend Viss also badly injured her back, but she just wrote that she's going to try to make it too - yay!!

So if you happen to be in the Olympic Village on Saturday and see three girls sitting on a bench just looking around and grinning like fools, come on over and say hello. :-)

24 comments:

  1. That's all you can do, the next thing. The potatoes look delicious. I could go for a bowl right now. I hope you get to the Olympic Village. I'll be keeping an eye out on the tv.

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  2. We'll be a motley crew indeed, but it's all about soaking it all up! So sorry to hear about Viss. Yikes. See you tomorrow!

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  3. You said it, Amuse. :-) Makes me think of that old Bill Murray movie with "baby steps" :-)

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  4. Motley is the word, Trish! :-) You and your hobbling friends :-) Can't wait to see you and Todd! YIPPEE!

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  5. It's all about those baby steps. It's amazing what a clean kitchen counter can do for one's outlook on life! Nice to see you at P.P. Enjoy the sports!

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  6. Good for you for not letting the accident get you down! you are going to have SO much fun at the Olympics. I wish I could go!

    You will have to tell us all about it when you get back.

    Those potatoes look delicious - ultimate comfort food for sure.

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  7. Have fun watching and that bowl looks superb!!!!!!

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  8. Sure is, Paradis! :-) Gotta love those clean counters. :-)

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  9. I wish you could too, Joanne! I promise to take heaps of pictures and tell you all of our adventures. :-)

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  10. I sure will, Ozoz! :-) Isn't it lovely?! Another thrift store find. :-)

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  11. I just read about your accident. Honey I really hope you can go and sit on the bench :)

    Poy rot..ha ha.. and comfort food, no wonder you feel a bit better.

    hugs DJ

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  12. Me too, DJ! :-) I'm going to ice and rest all evening (after an intense massage and adjustment today), and hopefully feel well enough. :-)

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  13. That looks like pure comfort food. I hope you get to sit on your bench and can see some action from there.

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  14. Thank you, dear Sarah. :-) I hope so too!

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  15. wow, yum! I want to try the potatoes. sorry about your accident! Have fun tho xxoo LA

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  16. They're awfully yummy, Leah. :-) Thank you so much. :-) I know it will be a lovely day whether I sit or wander about. Just being there is enough. :-)

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  17. I'm sorry to hear about the car accident. I hope you are well soon. I hope you had a great time at the Olympic Village.

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  18. I'm sorry to hear about the accident and that times are tough. I know exactly what you mean and it's true there is nothing like breaking down and having someone dear to listen to you... it makes it all worthwhile. Until this week the last 2-3 months have been a roller coaster of emotions for me and as you said "do the next thing" that is all that kept me going (along with a few buckets of tears and long chats with loved ones of course!)

    All the best x

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  19. And let me add- the comfort food like you've shown here works miracles as well :)

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  20. Sounds like you are doing all the right things to take care of and comfort yourself. Despite being so terribly sore, you have managed to make yourself a lovely dish! I am sending good thoughts to you from Michigan.

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  21. Thank you, Barbara. :-) I'm a bit better today and had a lovely time at the Olympics. :-)

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  22. Oh Bethany, I'm so very sorry it's been a rough few months for you. :-( But I'm so glad you've had people to love on you and help you through it. I hope things get better and better for you. Big hug!

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  23. I quite agree about the comfort food, Bethany! :-)

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  24. Thank you so much for the good thoughts, Jane! You really cheered my day! :-)

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