Short Term Disability (US)

Once I had finances under control so I could really rest, I found myself sleeping much more than I expected. It's like once you don't have to force yourself to keep going, you can finally relax and get some deep restorative sleep.

I spent my time reading, resting, (gathering, preparing, eating and cleaning up after a decent meal), doing all the basic household things I let fall between the cracks as I struggled to keep working....movies, tv, sometimes museums or short day trips (if someone else is driving). I only do one outside-the-home thing a day, and usually not consecutive days or it's too exhausting.

You should get 60% of your regular schedule pay. I think my work said there was a 1 week wait period, and then it kicks in.

I've only been on my 8 week rest for 2 weeks, and I've been sleeping a lot too. I go to sleep around 2 AM, wake up at 10 to eat breakfast and take meds, and then go back to sleep until 1:30. I haven't been able to do a whole lot because now I have tendonitis, but I do what I can around the house. I play loud music when I'm cleaning. I also read a lot... I know you have a kitty that's gonna love your extra attention! Mine couldn't be happier haha. I've been making handmade cards for my grandma and for the people at work who have sent me cards. I've been considering doing some crafts that I could sell to make a little extra money to help with all the medical bills.

On the days I feel up to it, I try to work in a little exercise. It's really easy to get in the pattern of just laying in bed, so be sure to work your muscles a bit haha. I just do some lunges and squats now and then for my legs, and when my arms aren't hurting too bad I just dance around a little bit for fun. Do silly girl stuff! I've been painting my nails and giving myself pedicures.

Take the time to just relax! I thought I was going to hate not working, but it's really nice to take a break! Be a happy little bum for awhile. <3

-Misty

P.S. I think you'd be good at writing poetry.

Amy, so far since I've been out of work I haven't done a darn thing but rest! But there are things I want to do like: read the Harry Potter series, scan and make copies of OLD pics, make my son and daughter a photo album of some of their baby pics and pics of their grandmother that passed in 2003, she was only 54

I would love to learn to sew, knit, crochet, something but I'm afraid my hands wouldn't hold out.

I also want to redo my daughter's bathroom in GA Bulldogs... that should be fun!

I could take up scrap booking, but I think that could get expensive!

We could always take a trip somewhere WARM!!!! ROAD TRIP!!! LOL