It Has Been A Year Already!

So What’s Been Happening Recently? #41

A few things have happened. But. I think. I should start with this first…

It’s been a year since we lost Mick, Dr Micheal Hiam, My Father-in-Law. The 23rd of February was the anniversary. We didn’t really know what to do about it. The best we could do, was for us to go and visit the crematorium for a while. So that’s what we did.

A friend of the family asked if he could join us. We happily agreed, and since he has a car, we could get there a lot quicker without dealing with people and public transport. The wife wasn’t in the state of mind for that. Nor for a bike ride. He was more than happy to help. We appreciated that a lot.

We met up at Morrisons in Grays. My wife had to sign off from the Job seekers allowance at the local job centre. She was successful at getting a new job. Our friend arrived, and after buying some flowers, we headed to the crematorium.

It was Nice

In a weird sort of way. It was nice. The weather was good for us. It wasn’t too cold, although the wife would probably disagree. And even though it was cloudy, it didn’t rain.

The place was a little messy. There must have been a fair amount of wind recently as other people’s gifts and offerings were thrown everywhere.

We took our time, and the wife placed the flowers as we stood in silence. And then we chatted for a while.

Eventually, we left and went close to where he used to live. And placed one of the roses by the tree I laid the last of his ashes. After a while, we went home.

I Hurt My Back

In July 2022, I had an accident at work. I ended up with my back getting banged up a bit from being hit from behind. I was off work for about a week. After the investigation and there was no denying I wasn’t at fault. I put in a claim, and it finally came through. I was getting worried it wouldn’t get here in time. This was due to, as I was gradually feeling the pinch of running out of money, the same as with everyone at the moment.

I have been able to pay some bills. And my fears have been averted for now, as I can now afford a small getaway for myself and my wife. Nothing too expensive but enough so we can relax for a few days. And we both need it.

I will, of course, be blogging about the experience with plenty of photos for you to enjoy. But more on that at a later date.

It Happened Again

I had another accident at the beginning of December. This time it isn’t an open-and-shut case. But because of the accident, my knee hasn’t been the same. So, after speaking with the doctor. I went for an MRI scan. It turns out I tore some of the muscle around the knee. There is some inflammation and fluid retention as well. I can work. But I do have to try not to push myself too hard. I would end up having to go home again. This doesn’t help as I already have Arthritis there.

My Mental Health

I am happy to say, touch wood. That it has gotten better. I have finished with my counsellor. She gave me access to the CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) website for a year. So I can continue getting some extra help when I need it. The most significant benefit to me, at the moment, has been the meditation practice they have provided. It has helped to clear my mind of constant repetitive thoughts that would bring me down. Fair enough, it hasn’t completely gone, but I have been able to sleep better and concentrate on the things I need to. I do have to keep it up. I went without doing it for nearly a week. It wasn’t good.

The best, for me, has been the guided Body Scan meditation helped the most, and I have continued with some videos on YouTube that help my mind calm down before I go to sleep. I’ll add a couple below. I did find that you have to find the right voice that suits your needs.