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As those of us in the Sandwich Generation know well, the many issues of multigenerational caregiving can often keep us too busy to get out and about to do much for ourselves. Yet "caring for the caregiver" is an important way of keeping "caregiver stress" at bay. What to do? I have several ways of taking care of myself such as:
1. Taking a few minutes here and there to just enjoy browsing the internet – yes, sometimes I'm reading articles at other sites with great tips for taking care of elderly parents. "Busman's holiday," so to speak. But sometimes, I'm just having fun and enjoying the many creative minds I've come to enjoy "meeting" online at places like Google+, Facebook, and Pinterest (have you seen the adorable giraffe picture I found and pinned there? Isn't this adorable! My grandkids thought so too. 🙂
Source: tumblr.com via Kaye on Pinterest
2. Listening to podcasts and verse by verse Bible studies on my iPod
3. Watching a favorite TV show like NCIS
4. "Attending" online holiday blog party fun like the many Valentine blog parties I shared with you last week, or the annual 5 Minutes for Mom Ultimate Blog Party with all their delightful blog party posts and prizes (I'll be letting you know when to expect the 2012 party), or the fun little seasonal "breaks" that Denise Brown at Caregiving.com loves to throw. And when I get to win a prize? It's a double treat – both the attending AND the having fun at the post office a few days later when I get to pick up a package like my first picture above.
And speaking of winning prizes, I just had to share with you the latest goodies that Denise and her wonderful "Secret Helper" put together and sent to me. It just so happened that my senior mom and a grandson were with me when we stopped at the post office and were quite excited to hurry home and open the box. Inside we discovered one of the grandkids' favorite movies that I haven't yet seen – perfect for sharing with them on a future visit.
There was a Walmart gift card for online or in-store shopping fun for this Sandwich Generation granny nanny, along with some tasty M&M's that my senior mom was quite happy to share with me.
And talk about your fun family memories – this Baby Boomer remembers well that oh-so-good-smelling, oh-so-tasty, and OH-SO-COOL-TO-POP JIFFY POPCORN. WOW! I can't wait til my grandkids are over for the evening to show off how fun it is when the popcorn pops and the foil goes up – up – up. Remember that stuff! It was ALWAYS my fave!
A hearty thank you to Denise Brown at Caregiving.com. And one for Beverly at How Sweet The Sound, as well, for the weekly pleasure of Pink Saturday – yet another fun way of "caring for the caregivers" for the Sandwich Generation. It's easy to squeeze in a few minutes between caregiving duties to enjoy the delightful eye candy and encouragement and blog party fun – and definitely fun to leave a quick comment, especially for those giveaways. Who knows, YOU might be the next caregiver opening a fun treasure box. Stay tuned for more blog party fun for all of us! 🙂
P.S. If you are also on Facebook, Google+, or Pinterest – do come say howdy! 🙂
Happy Pink Saturday Kaye Sweetie…
What a gorgeous share today. I simply adore you little box of love. Loved that movie Mall Cop, and you received pop corn, m&m’s and a Wal-Mart card. What a wonderful gift of love Kaye. I am so tickled for you.
Off to visit grands today. On Sundays we try to celebrate by visiting each of the 3 families and spend a little quality time with them.
Many hugs to you sweet friend and much love, Sherry
Hi Kaye – Always love all the caring, creative ways you inspire us to bless our families! Celebrating the generations in our home this week as my grandbaby visits and I bring together my dad, aunts and uncles. Blessings in all good things and beauty!
Joy!
Kathy
Hi Kaye, it has been too long since I have visited you. I’m back. My life is always busy so I can’t make excuses. Just know that i have missed visiting you.
It was fun reading all the lovely things that make you happy kaye. A surprise box is the best and I too love the popcorn evenings with our grands. Love that popcorn. Gift cards and candy makes me happy too. We are blessed with family and friends who love us.
Thanks for sharing a bit of your life and happiness.
Hugs, Jeanne
Im glad you’re taking time and enjoying yourself, sounds like ou really deserve it!! Some great goodies!