Brain Dump — Feeling Unmotivated
by Katy on July 12, 2024 · 51 comments
Today’s blog post is a straight up brain dump (foot dump?) as my mind is scattered and I don’t have it in me to focus my thoughts into a coherent frugality post.
My Left Foot
Let’s start with my left foot, although not in a Daniel Day-Lewis way. I have a plantar fibroma, which took a couple years to diagnose as not being plantar fasciitis. I finally got an ultrasound guided steroidal injection in April of 2023, which helped tremendously, although it did take a week or so to fully take effect. Well it’s back, so I made an appointment this Wednesday with the same sports medicine doctor (sports, me?!) and got a repeat treatment.
Smart plan, right? Long term — yes, short term — OWWWW! Now I feel I’m both stepping on a Lego and that my left foot is acutely cramped. Am I explaining this well? Who knows, I’m just a hobbling self pitying woman with a long to-do list and a looming trip to NYC. Send strength and bagels.
Travel
This NYC trip is to help my sister with a project, but I’m feeling very unmotivated in the here and now. I am doing a couple loads of laundry at the moment so I can travel with clean clothing instead of day-three summer shorts, which I guess counts as productivity. I’ll unload the folded laundry directly into my suitcase which I consider to be a clever plan.
My husband is staying here in Portland, so I don’t have to button up the house and I’ll be traveling to my sister’s home, so I don’t need to worry about bringing random comfort items such as playing cards, a backup book, etc. These details make this trip easier to prepare for, so I suppose I should actively appreciate these aspects.
My thoughts are on my foot.
C’mon, Katy — End on a Positive Note
I did have a nice couple days, despite my foot.
• I socialized with two different neighbors, one of which included an almond croissant.
• I stopped by my father’s house and enjoyed a nice visit on the porch, which was pleasant as we’re finally past our heat wave. This included some Greek salad.
• I have a direct flight to NYC, so I won’t be stomping 10,000 steps through the Denver airport as I do when I fly to Nebraska.
• I continue to cook from scratch and not buy anything as I already own pretty much everything I need in life. I don’t require a cute new look for NYC and my thrifted suitcase’ll do the trick.
• A mother and baby raccoon crashed my backyard neighbor date, which was adorable but mildly frightening as I was worried that A) the mom would feel the need to protect her young, and B) rabies. She hiss/gurgled at us and went on her way. Still cute.
Brain dump. Sorry.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
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{ 50 comments… read them below or add one }
Love the brain dump! I left my house almost 4 weeks ago with half an hour notice. I continue to eat the same 3 pairs of shorts and 6 shirts that I originally packed. I did NOT know I was coming for a month (and it will be longer).
Grandbaby will be delivered at 34 weeks if she doesn’t come sooner. 10 days to go. Then there’s NICU…
I’ve lost 6 pounds while I’ve been here. I’m a stress non-eater. So my food has been more frugal.
I have not driven my car all week. It’s coated in dust. I do drive my son’s minivan to take grandson to hospital to see his mama. And I put gas in that. But at least no gas needed for my own car.
My only purchases for grandson are 2 sets of summer pajamas and a new playdough set. Some grandparents give a lot of STUFF, but we hope to contribute to our grandkids college funds and that’s worth a lot more than stuff. Full disclosure, the playdough set was more for my own enjoyment than grandson’s. I needed something different to play with him with.
I think that in general grand kids will remember spending time with you more than STUFF. Experiences trump STUFF and Play-Doh is more an experience.
I opened a bank account one my grandson’s first birthday. I will continue to make a deposit each year as well as on other occasions. I will also open one for my granddaughter on her first birthday.
My DIL always asks family and friends to forego presents. At my GS’s birthday, they collected food contributions for the humane society. Then the family went together to make the donation.
Bee, I love all of this!
I’m happy to read your daughter is still pregnant. Sending all my love.
I relate completely to being hobbled. My problem is my left knee. I am scheduled for sx in two weeks and it is a day to day until then. You are so brave doing a trip cross country. I hope the injection \will kick in before you leave.
I received the gift of cake in recognition of an award. Such good cake. I am going to share it with my neighbors. I can assure you that the cake will be remembered long after I’ve forgotten about the award.
Two frugal wins: 1) a neighbor was giving away a decorative wall hanging. I snagged it. 2) I saw a pair of chairs on Marketplace and was tempted, but didn’t buy them, so I think that counts as a frugal win……self control.
My daughter gave me about 4 cups of Asian chicken salad whe had made up. It is just chock full of chunks of chicken, cabbage slaw mix and a slew of vegetables. I went ahead and mixed a cup of it with my own salad greens and another splash of dressing. It is so good and by using my own greens I can stretch out her salad and also get to use up my own produce.
Cake is a fabulous award. My DH got interesting teaching awards–an artistic glass bowl and a fake book with a drawer that pulls out made of rare woods. Alas, both are engraved with his name. When he was responsible for a retirement gift he asked which store’s gift card Ruth would prefer. I suggested that he ask Ruth–and also ask her how she felt about cash. She preferred cash.
My husband received a teaching anniversary award inscribed with his name, dates, and employer. An 8×10 silver picture frame. How useless– Would he put his own photo in it? A blow-up of his ID card? I received similarly a single top heavy wine glass with my information. Is this from a bad prom souvenir catalog?
So although I might like un-engraved awards, I understand offering cash.
I left a job and the going away gift was a lovely crystal bell with name and dates and agency engraved on it. Totally not my taste and could not be regifted to someone who loves bells or crystal…
I never went to prom. I had a neighbor fellow whose grandmother lived with my grandmother. We were called upon to play whist with the GMs many Saturday nights and walked the mile home in subzero temps. I boldly asked David if he had thought of asking me to prom. He was a senior; I was a junior. He said that prom tickets cost as much as two of the books he’d need to buy the next year as a college freshman. Amy Dacyzyn would have been happy for me.
Hearing about prom souvenirs has lessened any regret about not going to prom.
I also don’t have first-hand experience of prom souvenirs, other than seeing them in thrift stores.
When my DH and I married, we were given a gift of a pewter-colored metal decorative plate with our names and wedding date engraved on it. While I appreciate the gift giver’s intent, it was soooo not our taste, and was never displayed. I’m not sure where it ended up, and wonder if it’s still lurking in a box somewhere. It will go to our scrap metal recycling pile if it’s found.
I retired during Covid. Asked for cash. I have always wanted a diamond eternity ring so I put the money towards that. Not frugal but I have a beautiful ring to wear. I was tempted by earrings but realised that I would hardly see them whereas a ring I can glance at frequently when I wear it.
Yum, that sounds really good!
Best of luck with your upcoming knee surgery. I had a right total knee replacement last November, and while the recovery and PT are challenging, I have zero regrets. It’s so nice not to have constant knee pain.
I wish you a quick healing and no more pain. Can’t they just remove it?
No, it grows within the ligament. Can’t remove that!
Yikes! So sorry about your foot and hope you get well soon!
Thank you!
Oh I feel your pain. Finally recovered from the torn hamstring.
I’m going to get some PT to help with stretching and strengthening.
1. Hosted a garage sale today. Sold $5. My sister sold $65 and my friend around $40. Hopefully tomorrow will be better
2. Received my $3.00 coupon from Hersheys after I shared my comments about one of their products
3. Worked 10.5 hrs this week which is an increase from the 3 hrs I worked prior week
4. Sold an item on FB marketplace which I will reuse packaging to mail tomorrow
5. Searching for a recipe that uses red cabbage and apples that I have in my frig. I have to bring a dish to dog club on Sunday
Dog club? I’m all ears!!
That’s not enough money from a garage sale! Sending many paying customers your way!
I hope the Lego feeling leaves your foot soon. I have had steroid shots in my arthritic knees, shoulder and thumb. Totally do not recommend that last one. Few things in my life have ever hurt that much!
Today was wickedly hot, so I mostly did indoor projects: refreshed a bed pillow with new stuffing, repaired more puppy-chewed dog toys, and cooked lunch for us.
Nothing wrong that being a homebody. WE all spend so much money and effort to have a home, there’s no reason to feel guilty and then enjoying it.
Very thoughtful comment!
This is so true. There’s no place I like as much as my home anyway. All my favorite people and belongings in one place is great.
I DO have plantars fasciitis and when it is bad it is bad. It is a common complaint of teachers. I had a cortisone injection which worked but I also do stretches, icing etc. . . . Plus I am never barefoot in the house or outside. I have two pairs of orthotics – one for indoor shoes and one for outdoor shoes. I know when it flares I feel desperate and feel it will never be ok again. it always goes dormant with attention. Good thoughts for your feet.
Back home after a 2 week dream vacay including lakes, sailing, baseball games and more ocean. My first pension check has been mailed. It is slightly above the amount I calculated which is fantastic. Still, my budget is super important if I want to fit in all my bucket list.
1. My food plan and tracking have been right on target now for three weeks. I have lost 7 pounds. The backbone of my plan is legumes, lentils, homemade yogurt and air popped popped popcorn. These are dirt cheap. I supplement with veggies, fruits and meat on sale.
2. I have developed a taste for Olipop. It is an whole food probiotic soda that is quite a treat. It is pricey. For now, while we are hovering around 114 degree, I am treating myself to one a day.
3. I brought my food with me on my trip and have some leftover. I am using it up before I do a big shop.
4. While on vacation I forgot about a due library book. I called up the place, told them I was out of town, and they renewed it even though it wasn’t “renewable.”
5. Returning home, I was so happy with my new front xeriscape yard ( which I worked three weeks on.) It looked gorgeous and none the worse for 100 plus weather. I also put softscrub in toilets after I flushed. Leaving it in the toilet helped with smell and freshness after a long trip away. I imagine some bleech would do the same.
SO smart to put in a low water garden. Sorry about your foot!
The Plantar Fibroma sounds dreadful and I hope the pain subsides soon.
I love “I already own pretty much everything I need in life”. How true that is for many of us if only we’d realize and appreciate it.
Seriously — anything beyond the equilibrium point is clutter and unwelcome.
Hope the foot pain subsides quickly so you can enjoy your trip. When we were in NYC last year, I ate at Russ & Daughters. I had wanted to go there for years and it did not disappoint. Best bagel sandwich ever. I will imagine you eating there.
I also plan to use your phrase “I already own pretty much everything I need in life” next time I am tempted by stuff. I wish it worked to say, “I have already eaten all the chocolate I need in life.”
No — we all need more chocolate!
I used to live in the Lower East Side, although is it long before it was gentrified. My step grandmother who grew up in a tenement there was rightfully horrified.
Pain is distracting. I think your commentariat are always happy to listen to your brain dumps. I hope your heel will feel better in time for your trip to NYC.
Today was the one day all year that sport fisherman can fish for Red Snapper. I watched my grands, so my son, DIL, DH and friends could go offshore. I just wanted say that caring for children all day is hard work. Some how I had forgotten this. So I’m sending my admiration to those of you who are SAHM and caregivers. Thank you for all you do.
I’ve been pretty much sole caregiver to my 3 year old grandson for the last 4 weeks. I’m exhausted. A highlight and also so hard.
Did they get a lot of fish?
Each person on the boat is allowed one Red Snapper each, and they each caught one.They caught a few Sea Bass that met size restrictions and Trigger Fish. The rules are strict on the Atlantic Coast.
The excitement occurred when my daughter-in-law caught a 5 foot long, 125 pound Tarpon. You are not allowed to bring these on the boat, but the fish hook must be removed. The whole thing was very much like The Old Man and the Sea.
Holy cow about the Tarpon catch! I hope photos were taken. 🙂
Wow, Bee, what a day of fishing!
Wow, that must have been an amazing moment!
Katy, I can feel your pain across the miles. Foot problems are so painful. I’m glad your trademark humor is still intact. Sending you strength and virtual bagels!
Thank you! Could you also send some virtual cream cheese and lox?
Of course! Sending things virtually is very frugal.
Loooongtime reader here, New Yorker, haven’t commented in years. De-lurking to send prayers, hugs, and love to your foot, especially while preparing for travel to this here walking city.
Last summer I was diagnosed (correctly, I hope!) with plantar fasciitis. And also with breast cancer, resulting in a bilateral mastectomy. The plantar fasciitis was overall the more physically painful of the two conditions!
For what it’s worth, the PF finally resolved (or at least stopped hurting) due to acupuncture and moxibustion. Some of the moxibustion I did at home under the guidance of my skilled acupuncturist. Self-moxibustion is super cheap and easy and may be worth a try!
So sorry that you’ve been dealing with so difficult health issues. I won’t be doing much walking on this trip as my sister will need to stay at home due to surgery. Walk the dog aroud the block will likely be the extent of my exercise.
I’m sending best wishes and hopes for healing to Katy and everyone else here who is or has recently been in pain. I’m reminded that I’m lucky at my age (nearly 69) to have nothing worse than a partially replaced right knee and occasional mild sciatica.
I’ve also just renewed contact with a former neighbor with whom I had drifted out of touch in recent years. He’s had Type 1 diabetes since he was 8; he’s now 81 and enduring many of the long-term physical effects of Type 1. Among other things, he has a diabetic ulcer on his foot that has caused several doctors to recommend amputation, but he’s fighting that off as long as he can. A true Viking, and I take off my hat to him as well.
Poor guy, that’s a awful decision to be facing! Thank you for your best wishes, I think they might be working as my foot is definitely better today than yesterday!
Oh my word, Katy, excruciating pain in the foot, horrible! So thankful you’re retired and not on your feet for 12 hr shifts.
Instead of racoons, I had a momma deer and 2 babies crash my tea party under my huge apple tree. The babies were cute and curious and momma was having none of it…snorts and grunts. Apparently they drink at the solar fountain, so they went to the next solar fountain in the back yard for their drinks. Thank goodness I had sequestered the pup to the house for the tea party.
I did purchase a new to me linen top and jacket at an estate sale yesterday. And I picked up 2 coolers that are akin to the Harry Potter Extension charms as they appear inside much bigger holding space. Perfect for long shopping excursions on hot summer days ( 2 for $5). And a $2 extendable dog leash to walk crazy pup at night so she doesn’t visit the skunks at the lower barn. She got skunked twice in one night. 2 full baths, the last one at 11pm at night. Sigh.
11 P.M. skunk bath? I’m so sorry to read this!
Best wishes on your upcoming trip to visit your sister. If you forget something like toothpaste, your sister will have some. I like this aspect of visiting family. No worries for (most) forgotten items. Economical lodging also.
Is the wavy line on your scan the fibroma? I cringed when I thought of your injection likely involving a long needle. Hopefully the fibroma has been quieted for another year.
I think the ultrasound image is actually after everything was all completed. And yes, my sister has a whole stocked house, so it doesn’t matter if I forget most things.
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