Feeling It!

I will never do that again!! I went running for my C25K (third workout for this program today - yay, me!!) But when I got back home, I was pressed for time since I go to work early MWF. I showered but didn't have time to eat or drink before work.  I ate a little egg and cheese a few hours later and drank three bottles of water, but  in the middle of the visit from the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, I started to get the vision/balance problems I get prior to a migraine. As soon as I got everyone back to their rooms after the function, I went to my office to take the medicine, but by then it was too late. I was dizzy and nauseated, I couldn't see well, the slightest smells were killing me (imagine having to pass trays of fish to residents feeling like that!), and my head felt like it was being crushed on one side. I gave the medicine an hour to start working, but it didn't. I ended up having to come home early in excruciating pain. I went straight to bed and stayed there all day and night, even sleeping past the time I usually get up (5:30) until 8 am. I did get up around 6:30 to get some food, but then went back to bed.

I've been drinking almost 100 ounces of water each day, but I guess I need more since I'm exercising so much. (Well, sweating so much!) The running is getting easier, just in time for me to start running 90 seconds at a time. I suspect my next few C25K workouts will be VERY hard. On my off days (the days I'm not running), I'm doing Zumba in the mornings, though I plan to switch it out for Slim in 6 when it comes in. I'll be doing Slim in 6 for six weeks, then trade it out for PiYo, a combination pilates and yoga program. I'm keeping up the Zumba though...Laine and I will be doing it in the evenings for fun. :)

I've been feeling so blessed the last few days at work. Many of the residents have been giving me positive feedback, which I needed at this point. One of the gentlemen paid me a very high compliment, and in general, there has been higher attendance at all the activities and more support from the staff. Even one of the residents who lobbied hard against me in the beginning is starting to confide in me and has been very supportive. I've been feeling down lately because one of the staff members had told me that the residents didn't like several of the activities, and even though I had been pretty sure that she was wrong, it was hard on me for a while, especially when she told me that some of the residents were "tired" of me. Nevertheless, in prayers of late, I have felt that I am exactly where I need to be, and I have more work to do here. Despite all of it's challenges, it is a great job to have, and I love it and LOVE the residents.

People often talk about the forgotten in Assisted Living Facilities, and it's true that some residents appear forgotten by the outside world. But I figure that while I am there to serve them, they are never forgotten. What keeps me going is the love I see there every single day. The resident who grasps my hand and covers it with kisses each time she sees me, even though she can't remember my name. The aide who takes the time to make a resident's hair look fantastic despite the fact that she can't really appreciate it. The husbands, sons and nephews who come with chocolate, flowers, stuffed animals and compliments for their loved ones. The daughters, nieces and grandchildren who give the gift of time to their own family member and take a moment to brighten the day of other residents, too. Every day at my job I am surrounded by love, and have plenty of chances to give it too. I remind myself that these are daughters and sons of God, and their greatest need is to feel love from others. It fills me up to feel the love and support that staff give to the residents, that residents give to us, and it allows me to give it to others even when I myself am running on empty. Love is what it's all about!