Valentine's Day

This is the anniversary of my back injury last year -- I only remember the exact day because it was Valentine's Day.  I've come a long way, but still dealing with some lingering issues and a little bit of memory stress over it.

Anyway ...

I went to the garden farm craft event yesterday -- got the lay of the land too.  Flower hammering until the residue leaves marks on watercolor paper.  Glued to make cards.

  

My cards

Got mine "featured" on the page.
That's me in the black mask.

I wore a mask because the friend from the other gardening group who sat next to me said she was sick -- COVID negative, but still feeling a cold.  I don't want to get sick ahead of Saturday's hike.  

Speaking of gardens -- look who's sprouting after some sun.  I hope they gets enough light to grow radishes.

I feel a bit better this morning.  Still recovering from the slush cake.  There was a piece leftover and I tossed it -- good decision.

I also realized I'm on a bit of a struggle bus because, guess what?  Yep, hormone time again.  Since it doesn't seem to be my time to go into full menopause, I need to just deal with the rollercoaster.  Not my favorite thing, but not a big deal by a long shot. 

Future self showed up in a conversation last weekend with my longest friend.  She's decided she doesn't drive on trips.  Period.  This has gone on for about a decade -- used to be she would sneak around the issue, now she just refuses.  Pick her up from an airport, drop her off, ride together, drive her to everything she wants to do.  It makes every trip with her WORK for me.  We've begun talking about a trip this year so it came up.  I told her -- we're each responsible for getting ourselves to a destination.  Period.  I'm not entertaining all sort of shenanigans.  She won't take public transportation, hates Uber, won't hire a car service. And, she's not very accommodating with her needs either.  She can drive; she does drive.  It's my vacation too.  This is FIRM and if we can't find somewhere she can go without me providing the bulk of her transportation, then we don't go.  

She's already trying to talk me into another position and I said no -- not compromising anymore because I've gotten burned too many times.  She gives me a 'yes' and then changes up last minute so I'm stuck accommodating her.  

I'm glad I'm speaking up.  This trip dynamic has put a dent in our friendship on my end.  Best to speak up and show up as myself.  I had been avoiding trips with her because I feel like her assistant on the vacation.  Not anymore.  I'm happy to get myself somewhere, happy to share responsibilities, happy to spend time with her, but I'm not her personal sherpa.  

It's hard to do this, but it feels good.  I've said it before -- being myself wins in the end.  Faking agreement, faking myself leaves a lingering ugly feeling that I'm ready to let go.

Well, after that soap box, I'll say Happy Valentine's Day and hope it's a sweet day.  I'm my valentine this year (and most years) and it's my favorite way to spend this day.  Later gators.