I’ve refrained from being too personal on this blog in a while, but this has not been a particularly easy week for me. We’ve had the first indications that my mom may be getting a diagnosis that I do not want to hear again – my younger brother passed away of cancer five years ago, and I have been petrified since that I will lose someone else to it. I’m doing my best to provide comfort and not let it get to me until the diagnosis is definite, but this has been a hard week. I hope things don’t get worse as the next few weeks continue.
Partly because of this I’ve signed up for a “Flying without Fear” course from Virgin Atlantic, scheduled for late April, something I’ve meant to do for a while. I’m terrified of flying and it seems to get worse every time I fly (bad news when your family is all on a different continent), so I’m looking forward to banishing that and feeling comfortable with travel again. Even if my mom comes out perfectly fine and just has an easily-banished infection, I’d like to look forward to visiting my family and going on vacation with my husband.
In other news, the rest of life has continued as normal, which always feels strange when there is so much turmoil in your personal life. This week was my one-year working anniversary, which feels weird; as I said on Twitter, work makes time both drag and fly. I think this is the first year that I’ve managed to stay in one place, doing one thing, since I was in high school. I also passed my Life in the UK test this week, so I am all set for my next visa – indefinite leave to remain – which I will be applying for in November. That visa pretty much means I can live in the UK for however long I want, so we’ll at least never have to worry about immigration to this side of the pond again.
Unsurprisingly, I’ve also been reading a lot. I spent quite a lot of this week wading through the tome that is A World on Fire (Amazon UK) by Amanda Foreman, a truly epic history of relations between the USA and England during the American Civil War. It’s the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and I was prompted to acquire this one thanks to BBC history magazine, which spotlighted both the anniversary and recommended this book, and Amazon.co.uk Vine which featured it at just the right time. It’s totally different from Foreman’s last book about Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, but fascinating if slow going. I read a few other short books around it, as I generally do, but it’s been my main read for over a week now, and will probably persist into next week as well.
So that’s my week – how has yours been? Are you reading anything good?
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My thoughts are with you and your mom. I know how hard it is. Try to stay positive for her – it really will make a difference in her eyes.
I have actually been reading The Sherlockian and it is amazing. If you are looking for a fun, well-written mystery, check it out.
Caitie F´s last post …TSS- To Read-a-thon Or Not
Your family is in my thoughts during this time. Hopefully everything will turn out for the best!
Amused´s last post …Black Dog
I’m sorry you’ve had to go through that this week. I’ll pray for great news for your mom.
bermudaonion (Kathy)´s last post …Review- Irish Lace
You have had a rough week. Good luck with next week. Will keep your mom in prayer.
I need to take that flying course.
Bluestocking´s last post …Fern is for fascination
Sorry to hear about your mom and I will keep her in my thoughts.
Congrats on passing your test. That is great news!
My weeks have been pretty busy and I will be glad when the end of April is here. I dislike wishing my life away. REading three books right now and am really enjoying Never Let me Go. quite compelling.
Have a lovely week
Jennygirl´s last post …Suddenly Sunday March 20
We are dealing with much the same thing over here, and I know just what you mean about it being a hard week with your personal life in shambles. Please take it easy and be good to yourself. That is the advice everyone is giving me, and I think it feels right to pass it along.
zibilee´s last post …UCF Orlando Book Festival 2011 Featured Books
Sorry to hear this about your mum. This type of thing is when it is hardest to live away from your family.
Things have changed since I got permanent residency in the UK. Of course, I got my residency and then left within 12 months. I quite often have the vague thought wondering whether or not it is still valid. I doubt it!
Marg´s last post …Currently Reading- Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Just want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers as well as your family. *hugs*
Amy @ My Friend Amy´s last post …Review- Wither by Lauren DeStefano
You’re definitely in my thoughts, I really hope your mom is okay.
S. Krishna´s last post …Sunday Salon
I’m sorry to hear about your mom.
I hope everything turns out all right. (((hugs)))
As for flying… Benedryl. Or Nyquil. That’s my advice.
I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom – I really hope that you get good news soon.
I am scared of flying and would love to know what the course is like. I hope that it is useful for you and it means you can get back to your family easily whenever you need to. ((HUGS))
Jackie (Farm Lane Books)´s last post …The 13 1-2 Lives of Captain Bluebear by Walter Moers
Meghan, I’m so sorry. Feel free to email me at my real person email if you need someone to talk to. I’ve never faced cancer in a family member, but my dad does have serious heart disease, which is quite frightening to deal with. *hugs*
Amanda´s last post …Book Review- Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler Series- 1
I’m so sorry you’re having to deal with this – I will pray that your mom’s results show something else, something minor and easily fixed. Hang in there. (Hugs)
Carrie K.´s last post …Faithful Place read-along- Chapters 13 through 18