Five Things Friday: just five things I’m thinking about or things that made my week, or things that I otherwise feel like sharing.
The Memorial Service aka Celebration of Life for Jon’s Dad was very nice last week. I hadn’t been to a memorial service here in the US (and they’re possibly done in a gazillion different ways) and they are very different from the (few) memorial services I have attended in catholic churches in Germany. There was music, people had prepared speeches and shared anecdotes from the past, and it was all-around not a somber, but uplifting experience. Jon got to see a lot of people that he hadn’t seen in a long time (probably since adolescence.)
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Unfortunately, life keeps throwing some curveballs. We received news this week that my Dad needs his (second) hip replacement in the coming weeks, and Jon’s mom was diagnosed with a health issue that requires ongoing treatment for a while. I anticipate us going down to SoCal and helping out more often in the coming months.
* * *
I was stoked to get to spend an hour at the beach when we were in Ventura last weekend. I hadn’t been to the beach in quite a while and I was just so excited to hear the waves crash ashore and see the sunset.
The highlight of the evening was that we witnessed a rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base (north of Santa Barbara). At first, we thought the bright streak in the sky was a contrail from a plane, but it became clear pretty quickly that it wasn’t a plane and a quick Google search confirmed that this was exactly the time when Firefly’s Alpha launched “VICTUS NOX rapid response mission”. What a cool coincidence.
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I’ve been wrapping up some project tasks at work this week. It’s the end of the (federal) fiscal year and it’s always a bit chaotic with the way our funding works (story for another day). It feels like we’re supposed to wrap up work by September, 30 without really knowing what to do on October, 1. (I am exaggerating of course, but only slightly.) With a possible federal shutdown looming once again, it’s a little bit of a nerve-racking time every year. I’ll be glad when we’re through with this.
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Feedly (non-) Update: gosh, I can’t believe I still don’t have a solution for this issue. The last status update (three weeks ago) was that the Feedly Platform Engineer, who kindly contacted my hosting provider on my behalf, was trying to figure out a way to get their IP address unblocked. We were then told by my hosting company that Feedly was blocked by BitNinja (a server security company my hosting service is using) because Feedly was identified as a bot and we should contact BitNinja to get this resolved.
I am not a customer of BitNinja, so I am not sure why my hosting support couldn’t take care of this from their end. But in order to move the resolution of this issue along, I did email BitNinja support to explain the situation and ask for their assistance. Well, that was two weeks ago, and so far: crickets. They haven’t even responded to my request. Sigh. Customer Service is really not what it used to be.
BUT: I noticed that my post yesterday showed up in Feedly a couple of hours after I posted it. This hasn’t happened in a long time. I am very curious to see when this post will show up.
What’s been going on in your world this week?
Elisabeth
September 22, 2023 at 8:00 amI’m so sorry about the health challenges being faced by your dad/Jon’s mom. I’m glad you’re able to provide support in various ways – both in person for Jon’s mom, and I’m sure through lots of love and best wishes to your dad.
I’m ending the week on a high note, so YAY! A very bright point in my days lately has been my new go-to lunch: quinoa (cooked in our new – thrifted, of course! – rice cooker), cucumber, argula/baby spinach, and EVOO Italian dressing. Soooo delicious and satisfying. I’ve also been making giant batches of protein balls (oats, protein powder, coconut + coconut flour, peanut butter, pumpkin seeds) and having one each morning and then another in the afternoon for a snack. Also delicious and satisfying. Clearly food is on my mind…ha.
San
September 24, 2023 at 3:48 pmThank you, Elisabeth. I just keep thinking postitive thoughts!
I am happy to hear you’re ending the week on a high note. That is always a good thing… and I am always here for food talk. These protein balls sound amazing!
Meike
September 23, 2023 at 12:36 amWith the kids’ school being back in full swing the weeks blend one into the next but I did look at some flights to help out my dad for a week before the year is over so that has been exciting. He found an apartment close to my brothers and is planning to sell his house. Lots of emotions for various reasons. I hope your dad’s hip replacement goes well. Mine got his 2nd at the beginning of the year and it actually improved his mobility tremendously.
San
September 24, 2023 at 3:49 pmOh, I am excited for you that you’re going home to see your dad. I understand that it’s emotional that he’s selling the house ( your childhood home?), but I am glad you can be there for him and it’s great that he’s going to be closer to your brother.
J
September 23, 2023 at 10:02 amNice to see Elisabeth and Meike here, since Elisabeth isn’t blogging yet, and Meike doesn’t have any current posts. I have wondered how both are doing.
I’m sorry about parental health issues, that is difficult. I hope both go as smoothly as possible.
Your sunset picture is lovely on its own, and very cool to have the launch included as well!
San
September 24, 2023 at 3:50 pmThank you, Julie. I keep thinking positive thoughts. And I was so thrilled that I was able to catch the rocket launch (that picture was taken before I realized what it was!).
Melissa
September 23, 2023 at 8:23 pmI’m sorry to hear about the health challenges in your families. I’m sure it’s hard being so far away from your dad, but good that you can offer some help to Jon’s mum.
That rocket trail is very cool.
I am slowly getting back into some running, but I need to watch my energy levels. I’m hoping this will be the start of some more consistent training after a couple of colds and three bouts of vertigo. The weather here is stunning which makes me very happy. I’m off now to walk our dog and enjoy it.
San
September 24, 2023 at 3:51 pmThank you, Melissa. These incidents always make me acutely aware how far away we are from family. Sigh.
I am keeping my fingers crossed for your return to a more regular running schedule. I hate when you’re thrown off because of colds and things.
Nicole MacPherson
September 24, 2023 at 1:21 pmI’m so sorry about your dad and Jon’s mom. That’s so stressful.
I have had a really interesting week. I was back in Calgary, and then to Banff. Today I’m just trying to get my life organized again after so much going on!
San
September 24, 2023 at 3:51 pmThanks my friend.
I am excited to hear all about your adventures in and around your new home.
Kim
September 25, 2023 at 7:12 amI’m glad to hear how nice the memorial was. We went to one last year and felt the same way – we left very inspired (and that is why Steven started learning to fly!)
Sorry about your parents’ health issues. I bet they really appreciate the support you can provide.
What an awesome coincidence to see that launch! I would love that!
Gah, the Feedly thing feels so much like something THEY should figure out. Geesh.
coco
September 30, 2023 at 3:03 pmsorry to hear about health issues with the parents. I feel like we are in the middle age era that more and more of these will come unfortunately. caring for an elderly parent is scary because you don’t know when it will happen. my dad passed away due to sudden heart attack, we were devastating but at least we didn’t expect it to happen what that happen. but still, we only accepted the fact years later. I hope your dad surgery goes well, I know a few that had their hip replaced and recovery was smooth.
Lisa’s Yarns
October 1, 2023 at 7:50 amI am glad that the memorial service for Jon’s dad was nice and comforting. I always loved the prayer service part of a funeral best since that is when stories were shared and it was a more uplifting part of the burial process. Sorry to hear about Jon’s mom having health issues. I am glad you guys aren’t too far from her. Hopefully she has other local family too? I hope your dad’s hip replacement goes well!
The feedly issue is maddening! Your posts still seem to show up in batches for me. :(
Stephany
October 1, 2023 at 7:57 amGosh, the hits just keep coming with your family, don’t they? I’m sorry to hear about all of the health issues, but glad you can at least be there to support Jon’s mother during this time.
Gah, Feedly! This post showed up for me yesterday, so about 8 days after you posted it. At least they are showing up more quickly than they used to?!
Tobia | craftaliciousme
October 1, 2023 at 9:49 amI am very sorry other about ongoing health struggles in the family. Wishing you all strength to handle it. Not being onsite must be hard – physically and mentally.
The thought of parents growing older is something that is coming up in my thoughts more often than not too. As I mentioned my parents had a severe car crash early 2022 and both walked away alive but with permanent health issues. My dad can’t walk much anymore and has now decided to undergo two more surgeries to at least get rid of the constant pains. It is a bit saddening seeing im entere retirement and not being able to do the things he wanted to do.
On a more joyous note that beach picture is great and how amazing you were able to see a rocket launch. Was it your first one?
Anne
October 24, 2023 at 4:01 pmSan, I am thinking of you and Jon. I hope you are hanging in there. It can be hard, being far away.
San
October 24, 2023 at 9:28 pmThanks my friend. I appreciate it.