Life Update…

On By MischenkoIn Reads

Hey, guys. I just wanted to post a quick update to explain some of the things that are going on with me. My oldest son is now in Los Angeles and doing okay–staying very busy in fact. It’s affected me in weird ways; I suppose because I know this is just the beginning. It’s very possible he’ll be moving and because of the distance, it’s making me feel a little negative. On one hand, I’m so very proud, but on the other, I miss him incredibly. It’s weird how just taking one out of the equation changes the family; the children are missing big brother as well.

My youngest son has found ways to get around his broken arm, but he’s very much looking forward to getting his cast off. He can’t write or ride his bike and it’s also affected his Lego building (his favorite activity), so believe it or not, it’s been a big adjustment for him. It’s amazing how strong he is though and how well he’s adapted. Children truly are resilient! The good news is that he should have it off before it’s time for swimming this summer.

My husband broke his hand last week and because he’s a firefighter, he’s now on light duty for six weeks or more, which puts him at work daily versus the every third day shift I’m used to. Not a huge deal, but it switches up our outdoor work plans quite a bit during this ‘go time’ in spring.

I’m laughing as I type…Minor changes, right? My body is still extremely sensitive. It seems that everything over the past three weeks (albeit minor) has caught up with me and it’s thrown me into a whirlwind of on and off depression and anxiety, something I haven’t dealt with in some time. It’s good to think forward, but my mind works in strange ways (intrusive thoughts) and it’s sent me to a strange place. I’m thinking too far into the future–full of the ‘what if’s’ again. A few days ago my husband asked me: “Why can’t you just take life as it comes?” The truth is: I don’t know. What I do know, is that after everything I’ve gone through in repairing my physical health, I still have a long way to go with my mental health as well.

So, with a lack of vision, I can’t seem to write much of anything right now and don’t feel much like communicating. With free time shortened, reading is at a halt. The plan is to finish the A to Z to challenge, but it won’t likely happen this month.

I apologize for being absent without many comments over the last few weeks. I’m still visiting posts, but may be quiet for a time. Thanks for your understanding. I hope you’re all doing well.

❤ Mischenko

79 thoughts on “Life Update…”

  2. Oh, Jenn, my heart goes out to you. I only know you from a distance, but your energy and spirit have always come through. Just remember to take charge of your self-talk. Because you are a fighter (I’ve seen through your posts how you’ve tackled your health challenges) and you are STRONG. And although changes, big or small, can challenge our footing by shaking the ground on which we stand, they are not greater than us and our fighting spirits!!! You are AMAZING!!! Everyone is different so I don’t intend to suggest that what works for me might work for you. But when I regroup to steady up my footing, I purge all the small stuff and only focus on the areas that really impact my life and immediate family. People will understand, and if they don’t, oh well. That cleansing process helps me re-energize and adjust. My thoughts are with you!!!

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  5. Scarlett Readz and Runz

    Take your time for self care. I am a worrier myself and have had insomnia all of March and into April from it. It’s ok to take a break and adjust. Hope you will feel strong again soon and your guys will be well too. 💐

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    1. Michael Mclellan

      Sometimes it’s best to step back and lighten the load for a minute.
      You know I’m in your corner, Jenn.
      Thanks for being a friend, and for all of the support you have given me.

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    2. starjustin

      Jen, I have to say you kinda sell yourself short when you say these are just minor things happening in your life right now. To me these are all huge! Whenever a Mom has to adjust to changes with her family it takes a toll on her that others don’t experience. Take my word for it and try to take the time to regroup, grasp one day at a time, and get back to the norms in your life. Find peace with what you have to deal with , take hold and ride the bull by the horns. 🙂. Your uncle Mike used to tell me that all the time. I know it’s easier said than done but you have so much more to be thankful for than so many others. You yourself are a beautiful person, you have a strong family and great husband, and you’re in a safe place with a wonderful home. You’ve planted your garden of life now you need to enjoy the flowers! 🙂❤️🌺💐💕

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  11. Jenn, Change can be overwhelming, especially when it’s unexpected or comes in multiples. You are loved and will be in my prayers. 🤗🙏🏽💛

    “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
    And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” —Philippians 4:6-9

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    1. Bonnie. ❤ That verse is on my wall in my closet and ironically, it’s one that I sent to my son as he was boarding his plane. It’s a favorite–that and Joshua 1:9. I appreciate all your support, friend. You’re amazing.

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      1. “get better at change”.

        Hhahaahhaaaaa. Sorry. I’m about the worst person when it comes to change 🙂 Even something as little as the time change each year throws me for a loop. So you have my full support just not much actuality from that support. Kind of like a blind man leading the lame woman 😀

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        1. Me too! I tried to keep my mouth shut about the time change. 😂 Had a whole negative rant post lined up highlighting all the reasons why I hate it. I appreciate you sharing that because it gives me comfort knowing that others struggle with change in general. Thank you. It’s very much appreciated.👍

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  13. You mentioned to me the other day that you were sorry you hadn’t been around, and I said you were probably busy with spring stuff. I had no idea all of this was going on. I learned through this message another big thing (or two) we have in common. We’ll catch up about it next time we chat. I’m here for you any time, and I’m thinking of you. Do not worry about blogging or keeping up with anyone other than your family and most of all you. Sending massive love and hugs! Xoxoxo

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    1. Thank you, Jen. Honestly, these are things that are minor compared to what could be. My body is just so sensitive and I’m still not dealing with stress well, even though my physical health is going strong. I’m just so close to my kids and the distance will be hard, but manageable. I’m feeling much better now and thank you so much for your support. I appreciate you so much. 💙

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      1. Managing stress well is hard, M, and things piling up and that has an effect, too, even if they are small things. I’m happy you are feeling better. ♥️ And guess what? I have had my first TWO peony blooms of the season. One more than I have ever had. 😂 And possibly about ten more to come, but who’s counting?! I’ll have them in pics soon! Sending you some more love. I appreciate YOU. Xoxoxo

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        1. Yay! I’m so happy for you, Jen! Can’t wait to see them. So far here we’ve only daffodils and the winter rose in bloom. Looking forward to more as May rolls on. I can only imagine how beautiful the peonys are! Take care, Jen. 💜 xoxo

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  18. Ahhh, so sorry about all the problems. Thought you’d been quiet lately and I see you’ve had a lot to deal with. Some of the things I worried MOST about came and went w/o a whimper–or changed so much I wondered why I’d given it so much thought. I know you miss your son and that is tough. Every time our “Croatian son” spoke on the phone to his mother, I could hear her crying. It’s hard. One day at a time, Mischenko. Stay strong for those close to you–they need you.

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    1. I didn’t realize you had a Croatian son. How interesting. Ugh… that had to be so hard for his mom though. I hope we can chat about this sometime. Thank you so much for your support. I’m feeling much stronger and thinking more positive this week. ❤

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  20. I can identify with having kids moving away, although my son isn’t as far away as yours. And I completely get your younger son’s frustration – I loved building Legos with my youngest, and it’s unfair when Lego time suffers, lol. Take care of yourself, Jenn – you’ve got this.

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    1. We talked about it and he understands that it could’ve been much worse. He didn’t have to have surgery or anything and he can still do other stuff like reading, etc. He’s a strong boy and has taken this quite well truly. A lesson learned as far as playing safely too.

      The distance will be manageable. Everything just happened so fast and all the change sort of jarred my mental stability. 😆 Doing better this week. This is a learning experience for me. Thank you, Teri.💙

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  21. Lorilin

    Oh, girl. I’ve definitely been there. Parenting is hard. Wife-ing is hard. And all those little changes in routine sometimes add up to more stressed out feelings than you would normally anticipate. It’s weird how the body can know and express what your brain isn’t quite aware of yet. The good news is that it will pass. It always does. Sending love your way. ❤

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    1. It is weird, isn’t it? Especially when you feel fine and think you’re doing okay when in all actuality, you aren’t. Thanks for your positive words, Lorilin. I appreciate it very much, friend. 💜

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  23. Hello lovely! I’m sorry things have been tough lately and you have had a lot on your plate. I understand “minor” things can add up quickly. I am a huge “what-iffer”. The more anxious I’m feeling the more I start to do it.
    I’m glad you are taking the time you need. Keep taking care of yourself! Thinking of you and sending tons of hugs!! ❤

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  24. Hang in there! I know little random things can set off my depression and anxiety and the things you are dealing with aren’t little, so its not surprising that you are feeling this way ❤ Take care of yourself! Mental health is so much harder (at least for me) to control than physical health but its every bit as important ❤

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    1. Thank you. 😊 I’m doing much better this week. Sorry you deal with some of the same issues. I’m amazed with how common it is with others. It’s comforting knowing this. Thanks for sharing. 💜

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  25. Oh you are going through so much at one time– totally makes sense that your anxiety has resurfaced. Your son is going to do great in CA! & your other son & husband will heal up before you know it. 🙂

    My boyfriend often asks me that same question… I wonder HOW men can just not worry & take life as it comes so easily.

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    1. Thank you, Hunida. All is well and I’m doing much better. I appreciate your support. I’m unsure how it is that some people remain worry free. I totally get that it’s the best way to be because worry is such a waste of time! I’m working on it though. 😉💕

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  27. Hey M, sorry to hear that things haven’t been going on well. I hope that they will get better soon. Take all the time you need. We will be here when you get back. Take care x

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  28. Sorry to hear about how rough things have been. I know my comment to this is much later than your post (I was on a blogging hiatus) so I hope things are looking better now for you and your family now. ❤ 🙂

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  30. You keep saying these are minor things, but wow, that is a lot happening all at once. No wonder there was some stress and ill feelings. You are strong and I am glad that you are doing better now. It is tough when our babies fly off and spread their wings. You are such a great mama, that no matter how far your son goes, he will still have those strings and be back. My daughter moved to Baffin Island and was gone off and on for 3 years. I missed her terribly, but we kept in contact and she came home twice a year. Hugs to you Jenn.

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    1. It felt like a lot at one time. I feel so much better now and everything is great. It’s good to know that others feel the same way. I’m glad that you and your daughter stay in touch. I hope we’ll always stay close too.

      I appreciate your positive comments, Carla. You’ve always been so supportive to me. Thank you ❤

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  31. Wow, this is an old post and I have so much catching up to do! I don’t think I realized I’d been gone for so long. :/ Broken arms, broken hands, kids going away…that is a lot. A LOT. And though I know this was written nearly three months ago and some of those things have resolved, I know it had to have been really tough. And I definitely understand about the mental/emotional strain. My husband struggles to understand my “thinking” sometimes as well. Hugs from afar, even if they are very, very late.

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    1. Hi, Myndi. I’m so late getting to your comment! I’m so very sorry. You know I appreciate your support.

      Things have resolved for the most part and all is good. Situations like this just seem to really affect me. It may be an ongoing thing for life lol. 😂 Although I’m trying.

      I hope all is well with you. 💙💙💙

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  32. Since I, too, had to step away from blogging off and on this year due to life’s challenges, I’m just seeing this post. It touched me because I know how the anxieties of life can disrupt our mental stability. Even though we try to take one day at a time our mind can race ahead and it’s difficult to shut it down at times.
    Since this post is several months old I think you’re doing better now. Thank you for being so candid about your life and the challenges you’ve faced. 🤗

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