Ponder with Pamela

Category: Uncategorized

  • From Leaks to Little Wins

    From Leaks to Little Wins

    May 21, 2025

    Unexpected Plumbing Disaster (& How I Handled It)
    Today got away from me. Life decided to throw a curveball. Everything was going fine until I went downstairs to do laundry. That’s when I discovered water leaking into the basement from the kitchen sink. 😬

    Quick Fix: How I Scheduled an Emergency Plumber

    Thankfully, I managed to book a last-minute appointment with Eco Plumbers for tomorrow. Pro tip for plumbing emergencies: Call early in the day for faster service! In a house with four people, dishes pile up quick (and a broken sink is a nightmare). Fingers crossed they can fix it without too much hassle.

    Side note: Eco Plumbers had same-day availability, which is a lifesaver for busy families.

    Chronic Pain & Weather: Why Rain Makes Everything Worse

    Between the leak and the cool, rainy weather, I’ve been feeling drained and in extra pain. Fun fact (or not-so-fun): Studies show changes in barometric pressure can worsen joint pain and fatigue, and my body is proof. When it’s gray and damp, I feel it in my muscles, energy levels, and mood. Counting down the days until sunny spring weather arrives so I can throw the windows open! 🌤️

    Better days are coming. I can feel it. ☀️

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • 🌧️ Today was one of those days

    🌧️ Today was one of those days

    May 20, 2025

    The rain came and went and so did my energy. I was in a lot of pain and barely slept last night, so productivity took a backseat.

    I managed to submit a few job applications. The rest of the day was all about Netflix, rest, and cuddles with my daughter and our pups.

    Sometimes, that’s enough. 💙

    Here’s to giving ourselves grace when our bodies say slow down.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • From Factory Floors to Freedom: Why Working from Home Changed Everything for Me

    From Factory Floors to Freedom: Why Working from Home Changed Everything for Me

    May 19, 2025

    There are days I miss parts of my old job at Electripack. I miss the routine, the familiarity, and all of the people. However, the truth is that working from home has been one of the best things I’ve done for my health.

    When you live with chronic illnesses, traditional jobs don’t always fit. Pushing through pain, hiding fatigue, and pretending you’re okay when you’re not takes a toll. Now, I can rest when I need to. Work when I feel my best, and give myself grace on the harder days.

    This flexibility has allowed me to do more than just work. It’s also helped me grow. I’ve started a blog, I’m writing a book, and even enrolled in digital marketing training. I’m still hustling, but it’s on my terms now. And that freedom? That’s everything.

    If you’re navigating work and chronic illness, I see you. And there are options out there that support you instead of draining you.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Sunday Reset: A Little Rest, A Little Progress

    Sunday Reset: A Little Rest, A Little Progress

    May 18, 2025

    I spent most of today relaxing, but I still managed to get a few things done.

    I made lunch today to give my husband a break from cooking. He usually does all of it. The planning, the grocery shopping, and the cooking, because he genuinely enjoys it. But even when you love something, everyone needs a break now and then. (Yes, he’s amazing — and no, he’s mine. 😉)

    I got the laundry folded and put away. Cleaned up the fluff that Zoey left behind after destroying yet another stuffed animal. I also spent some time binge-watching Netflix with my daughter. She’s still in pain, but the swelling has decreased somewhat. The Aleve they gave her is helping with both the pain and inflammation.

    I also signed up for a free Digital Marketing course through HubSpot Academy. I figured it would be a great way to stay productive while I wait on my exam results for the new job. I’m excited to learn something new and see how I can apply it to everything I’m building.

    It wasn’t a busy day — but it was a full one, in all the right ways. 💛

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Today Was a Full Day, and I’m Proud of It

    Today Was a Full Day, and I’m Proud of It

    May 17, 2025

    Today was a pretty good day overall.

    It started with a grocery run with my husband. Now, I know that might not sound like a big deal to most people, but for someone living with chronic illness, it absolutely is. Crowds, noise, and the physical effort — it all adds up. My anxiety always spikes when I leave the house, especially when I know I’ll be around a lot of people. Thankfully, my husband has this calming presence that helps me push through. If I can just get out the door with him, the rest usually feels manageable… even if it still wears me out.

    After a quick lunch, I was back out the door — this time with my daughter. She’s dealing with an infected tooth, so we took a trip to the ER. Miraculously, we were in and out in less than 30 minutes. Then came the pharmacy stop to get her prescription filled.

    By the time we got home from that adventure, I was completely wiped. So I did what I’ve learned to do without guilt. I lay down and rested.

    When I got back up, I felt a little better. And I used that energy to do something important: I finished the last part of my final exam for RWS. Now all that’s left is waiting to find out if I passed.

    Every part of today, from grocery shopping, to being there for my daughter, to completing something big for myself reminded me that progress doesn’t always look flashy. Sometimes, it looks like showing up anyway, resting when needed, and finishing what you start. 🌿

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Hurting, But Hanging In

    Hurting, But Hanging In

    May 16, 2025

    Today was an okay day. I was in a lot of pain, and it was hard to get much done today. I did get the second exam for my job done, and started working on the third one. I just couldn’t concentrate, so I’ll get it done tomorrow. 

    I honestly can’t wait to get to bed and try my new pillows out. Fingers-crossed that they help with my neck and shoulder pain. It was excruciating today. Wound up with a headache too. 

    I would write more, but I just don’t have it in me. Have a great night everybody, and enjoy your Saturday. I’ll be back tomorrow evening. 

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • This Life Is Still Mine

    This Life Is Still Mine

    May 15, 2025

    I planned on completing the entire final exam today for my job. It’s split into three parts, but I only finished Part 1. The next section didn’t show up yet, so I pivoted and spent time working on my memoir instead.

    I actually got a lot accomplished in that regard. I cried a little while writing. I had stopped for a few days because the emotional weight of it all was just too much. Sometimes remembering the pain we’ve been through brings that past pain right back into the present.

    Even though I’m much happier now, those memories can still sting. I’ve been especially focused on enjoying every moment I have left with Deezy. I want to make the most of the time we still have together.

    Watching Orange is the New Black recently has shifted my perspective, too. It reminded me how precious our time is and how even the hard, messy days are still our days. Life may not turn out the way we imagined, but it’s still ours. We still get to choose what we do with it.

    And for that, I’m thankful.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Rules, Readiness, and the Road Ahead

    Rules, Readiness, and the Road Ahead

    May 14, 2025

    Today was productive. I managed to get through a good part of the guidelines my new job sent me. These guidelines are very in-depth, and honestly, I like that. I’d rather have too many rules than not enough and be left wondering what I should do.

    I’ll finish reviewing everything tomorrow and start the first (of three) exams. Fingers crossed that I pass them all. I’m so ready to start working again and earning that money. I’ve got bills to pay.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Cuddles, Calm, and a New Chapter

    Cuddles, Calm, and a New Chapter

    May 13, 2025

    Today was a pretty good day. My daughter and I binge-watched Orange is the New Black and just relaxed. I got some extra cuddles from my fur babies too, which is always a bonus.

    I did finally receive the General Guidelines file I’d been waiting for, later in the day, of course. By that point, I decided to wait until tomorrow to really start digging into it. There’s a lot to go over, and I want to be fully focused.

    Plus, I was just enjoying the time with all of my kids. I don’t feel like I’ve had much of that lately. I was working almost 60 hours a week at my previous job, plus working on my book and working on my blog. It an all be a lot at times, but I enjoy it.

    I’m genuinely excited to get through this final exam and finally get back to work. I have a good feeling about this job. It already feels like I’ll have way more support than I had at my last one.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Training Complete, Coffee On Point — Let’s Go!

    Training Complete, Coffee On Point — Let’s Go!

    May 12, 2025

    I finished the training for my new job! I even scored 100% on the final module quiz 🙌

    Now I’m just waiting on access to an important document so I can study for the final exam. Once I pass all three parts of it, I’ll officially be in — and ready to start working on tasks (which means money starts coming back in 💸).

    And hey — speaking of wins… I broke in my new coffee maker this morning while I was studying and WOW. I made an amazing iced coffee, and it totally hit the spot.

    I thought I’d need to buy reusable K-Cups, so I ordered some in advance. But surprise! The machine already comes with reusable pods for both coffee and tea, plus an insert for regular K-Cups. Gotta love those unexpected little wins. ☕✨

    Check it out HERE!

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜