Help myself, or help my roommate?

[Fluffysmom]

Hi everyone.

I finally called about the Gentle Yoga for People with MS classes, and told the contact person I'd be there on Saturday.  8:15 am, and the class is quite a drive from where I am.  I figured that it would be a whole Provigil day.

They have two levels of classes, and I was told that I was right for the second level, since I'm pretty mobile and have taken a few yoga classes in the past.  The level 1 class is at 11 am.  Hmmm.  Anyway, she said that after class several people go downstairs for coffee or some breakfast (its above a Whole Foods Market), and some of the people from the level 1 class show up early and they all socialize and be supportive.

I was happy and excited, though getting up real early would be a challenge.  Then I talked to my roommate, who told me to "do what I have to do", but I know that she was a bit hurt.  She was counting on my help this weekend and is afraid that I'll not have any energy after all that driving, class, and socializing.

You see, her condo community is going though a major overhaul, where they are replacing all the windows, siding, and roofs.  She needs to move all her garden stuff, her BBQ and decorative stuff off the deck, a couple heavy plants, and her air conditioner.  Her neighbor is going to help with loading the heavy stuff into the truck she's borrowing, but she needs me to help off-load it where she's storing things at her ex-husband's house.

I told her that I'd start Yoga next weekend; that I understood how much she needed my help.  I also told her how important going to this yoga class and socializing with other people with MS (in person) was to me, and she understood.

I think its possible that I could go to the class and help her in the afternoon.  I could skip the socializing after class, or stay a short while.  A lot of the people have known each other for years, so it will take a while to work into the group.  

I just don't know.  Should I wait until next week, or should I go to class this Saturday, taking care of myself first, then helping my roommate later?

Thanks for any input,

Kathy

[Fluffysmom]

You're both right, of course.  I've just been putting off getting started for so long, I didn't want to blow my momentum, lol.

We're not sure when the work will begin on her unit, but they're starting to set up equipment in the area, and my roomie wants to be prepared, not get a notice on her door saying they'll be installing the windows in 48 hours and have to panic and get everything moved.

She needs to have everything at least 4 feet from each window, and she has several large windows.  She needs to move her entertainment center, a bookcase, both beds, a desk, dining room table, etc.  Too much stuff to do all in one fell swoop, so I'll help her.  I'll work on some of the stuff I can do myself today.  She wants to take down all of her artwork so the work on the outside of the building doesn't knock it down.

She really has been a great friend to me.  I'll be a great friend to her, too.

Thanks,

Kathy

[essdipity]

I'm with Ren. The class and socializing will continue to be there, but your roomie's need is one time only.

She's been a great friend to you. MS goes on and on and you'll have many opportunities for good therapy.

ess

[rendean]

My two cents worth says to help your roommate this weekend. She has been so helpful to you and waiting one week will probably not make any difference in the Yoga. Just call back the instructor and explain the situation and tell her you  are still committed to the yoga class.

Good luck with your decision,
Ren