Monday Musings: The Quiet Shifts That Stay With You
Happy Monday, ladies. I hope you had a great weekend. Mine was up and down with a few bright moments that made my entire week.
Friday night started with what can only be described as a culinary disappointment. Neither of us felt like cooking, so we defaulted back to our nearest local restaurant, which turned out to be just as forgettable as always.
We’ve been so spoiled by being able to walk to Michelin-starred restaurants in Vancouver that we’ve forgotten we need to go a bit further for decent food here. It wasn’t tragic, but the sports bar energy, blaring TVs, loud patrons, and food that tasted like it came straight from the freezer aisle made me wish we’d just made our own frozen entrees at home.
Saturday, my son and I hit the road to get our Prenuvo full-body scans. My first scan back in 2023 picked up a few changes in my spine and neck discs that I really needed to be aware of. There were also some other findings that I wouldn’t have been aware of, so I knew it was time for an update.
We left early, but in true Bay Area fashion, the traffic was a nightmare, so we arrived 20 minutes late. That meant I could either cancel and reschedule or downgrade my appointment from the advanced scan to the standard one. Needless to say, I took the standard scan, which is pretty extensive on its own. I do have slight claustrophobia, and I hate spending 45 minutes in that loud machine, but I’m doing these scans to be proactive because I’d rather know what’s going on now than get a nasty surprise later.
The highlight of the trip was having my son all to myself for the 6-hour drive without little ones vying for his attention. We seldom get to spend that amount of quality time together, and I treasure it.
Meanwhile, my right ear is still plugged. It’s been “off” for a few weeks now with that underwater echo that makes everything sound slightly off, including my own voice.
I’m starting with the dentist to rule out any tooth-related issues. The last time I had this sensation, they treated me for a sinus infection for six months before realizing it was actually a root infection. By the time it was properly diagnosed, the tooth had to be pulled, and I needed a dental implant, which was an epic procedure. Expensive, painful, and not an experience I’m eager to repeat.
After the dentist, I’m heading to my primary care doctor for another look at the ear. I don’t know what this problem is yet, but I know better than to ignore it. I’ve learned to trust my gut when it comes to my health, because if something feels off, it usually is—and it’s always easier to deal with it early.
My husband has his own full calendar too. This trip home has essentially become a medical catch-up tour. Our doctors are here, so we came back to take care of everything at once. He’s seeing his hip specialist, getting scans, and checking off his list. Between the two of us, we’ve got eight appointments in one week.
The other highlight of my weekend was seeing and hugging my two grandsons. The little one is growing in leaps and bounds, but the older one blew my mind!
When I walked in, he stood tall and looked straight across at me. I knew this was coming, but it still caught me off guard. We’re the same height now. I crushed him in a big hug and realized I’d missed him more than I thought. 7 weeks is a long time in little people’s lives…and mine too! I stood on my tiptoes, just to goof on him, but I know that ship has sailed. Watching your grandchild grow taller than you marks time in a way birthdays never quite do.
Looking him in the eye was a poignant moment for both of us and reminded me how important it is to do what I can to be here for these moments.
Between the errands and to-dos, did you have a moment that reminded you why it all matters?
My grandchildren visit every summer and this year my oldest grandson who is 14 is now a little taller than me. Definitely a reminder of how fast time passes.
Grandchildren are such a blessing and my 4 out of 5 are way taller than I. Seems to happen overnight!
I have white hair and when I do get a few brassy sections I mix in my hand small amount of purple/blue shampoo with my regular shampoo. No color stays on hands and I don’t turn into a Smurfette. 😂
Smurfette made me crack up 🤣 Good idea to dilute. My stuff seems to have gotten concentrated by the bottom of the bottle.
My friends and I sometimes joke that we retired so we’d have more time to go to the doctor(s). My husband still works and has to fit his appointments in around that. He had a dental implant “journey” for a number of teeth that lasted years for various reasons and at one point almost wished he hadn’t started it, although he’s glad now. When one of my sisters was being treated for cancer, she looked forward so much to the weeks when she did not have to go to the hospital for an infusion or to a doctor – it felt like a vacation.
Jennifer, hope you feel better soon and I know how frustrating not knowing what is wrong and causes much worry. Have you been swimming lately? A good friend picked something up in a public pool and caused ear problems.
I don’t swim, so that can’t be the issue, but I should know more tomorrow after I see my primary care Dr.
I’m just starting the journey of grandparenting! My son and daughter-in-law told us a couple weeks ago that they are expecting. We’re very excited, especially since my husband is retiring next month and we’ll be able to travel to see them regularly – we’re in NM and they’re in AR. Everyone’s comments about their grandchildren were fun to read 😊
I’ve had inner ear issues in the past that really affected my balance; I’m so thankful it resolved over time. Hope you can get yours taken care of quickly and easily, Jennifer!
Congratulations!! You’re in for the most wonderful experience.
Hi Jennifer-
Off topic but can you suggest a nice denim dress, prefer long sleeves but short sleeves okay too.
Good luck with your appts.
This denim dress looks pretty nice with the short sleeves. Thanks!
Jennifer,
I am not sure how I found you but I’m glad I did. I enjoy your daily emails and love your try-on sessions. You have a great sense of style and fashion. Your skin care tips and advice are also helpful. I trust your recommendations.
My weekend was quiet, but I did get to feed my granddaughter Samantha for the first time; she is precious. Born on 7/2-a joy!
Keep up the good work and best of luck with the week ahead !
Karen
Congratulations!! You are so blessed Karen
We have no littles any longer-my granddaughter’s ages range from 20 to 25 years old. I miss the old days but cherish when I can visit with them back in our home state. They are starting to realize that just a text now and then means a great deal! Regarding dr appointments-it usually works out about 2 x a year that I have 3 or 4 appoints in one week and bloodwork the week prior. Nothing makes you feel older than sitting around a waiting room waiting to hear how good (or bad) your cholesterol is!!
Love to hear about your family life, and health issues. Thanks for sharing
Wishing you and your husband good results from all your doctor appointments. I don’t know if this is relevant, but recently my ear was plugged to the point I couldn’t hear anything from that side. I finally made a doctor’s appointment and she flushed it out and the issue was wax buildup that had worked it’s way quite far into the ear canal. Yuk, but it was instant relief. Hope your issue is as simple as that.
Why have I not thought of that? Wow, thanks Yvonne
I’m new here. After reading your delightful post, I am confused about where you live. Is it the Bay Area ( I live on the SF Peninsula) or Vancouver? Health is everything, and I have several medical appointments coming up as well.
Happiness is family!
We live in both places because my son is in California and my daughter and both brothers are in Vancouver area.
Rosemary, just wait! We have 14 great grandchildren and most are still little. All of our 17 grandchildren are 29-42 and even the girls are taller than I am! The men are all 6’-6’3” and my granddaughters are 5’5”-5’8” tall. I’m 5’1” to give you an understanding in DNA. Our kids are getting taller. We are all blondes so that Scandinavian blood is strong.
Jennifer, I’m so glad that you are taking good care of yourself. You look terrific but I understand very well how deceiving that can be. I hope your doctor or dentist can help you resolve your ear issues. My weekend was a lost cause in pain and fatigue but I’m back today to my normal.
Oh no Sydney, I’m glad you’re feeling better.
Please consider seeing an ENT right away. The very same thing happened to my left ear years ago. Saw an NP who referred me to an ENT, but it took awhile to get an appointment. Turns out I had a sudden hearing loss caused by a vestibular schwannoma. My hearing loss might have been remediated by a quick round of steroids. Worth finding the cause asap. Hope everything will be okay.
Oh no! Thanks for the heads up.
I too am encountering unexpected health issues. All the best to you as you process through the changes you are experiencing.
I remember when my grandson couldn’t wait to be taller than me. Now he’s 6’2” and can pat me on the head. Cherish those moments. On another note, I have had two implants with no pain. I tool two Tylenols. I hope you are having them done at an oral surgeon. They have more experience. Best of luck if you have to have a second.
I’m really hoping I don’t need another implant and that it’s just a sinus issue.
Good luck with all your appointments ! Same here…lots of check ups to keep things in check. Sometimes feel sad over some health issues, until we see the other people in the waiting room and realize – we are blessed !
Yes, so true Ann
Love this post, family & health is everything.