Ponder with Pamela

Tag: chronic illness life

  • 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. 💜

  • 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. 💜