In the backyard...
...you guessed, it's raining. I know a lot of areas have had more than their share of rain this year, but we got pretty dry in the last week, so rain today is good. Today we're getting the slow, steady sort that I love. The grass has stayed soft this year (joy) and the flowers and groundcover are all so green. It helps that the temps only got over 90 for a handful of days so far. My (environmental policy major) son keeps reminding me that global warming is a misnomer -- it's global climate change. Sounds more right considering the weather we've had.
What's going through my mind...
...lists of what my second college boy needs for his apartment. Move-in is next weekend and I'm not ready and, well, he's a guy, so he thinks it will all just appear when he needs it.
In the school room...
...ah, today the CAT tests get mailed away and we are officially on break with just math review every day. Sigh. School does not begin until September...uh 3rd...for this teacher and her student.
On the table...
...I think marinated grilled chicken, steamed green beans, grilled potatoes and fresh bread for dinner. I purchased this ebook (after Elizabeth Foss wrote about it) and I am determined to simplify our meals. For too long, too much thought has gone into meals in this house. Meals need to be healthy and not expensive, but we are going to be down to four eaters at meals after next weekend, so they need to be much more simple. I already had almost all of what is required to have on-hand to use most of the recipes, and we just joined Costco, so I can have veggies, fruit and meat in the freezer more often. If you want to check out the concept written about in the book, go to the author's blog and see her meal plan for the week. Admittedly my husband wants more meal than the author plans for, as does my 6'2" son, so I just plan an extra side or two for my meals.
Today I am wearing...
...a lightweight denim skirt and pink and white striped Lands End top (new to me -- cute). I have a physical therapy evaluation for my back this afternoon and I know the therapist is going to tell me I need to wear pants to my sessions, but guess what? I gave away all my pants! At least I have culotte style slips for modesty.
I am reading...
...listening to The Private Patient on my phone while I do other things (when will I ever sit and just read a book again?) It's a light mystery, moderately entertaining. I am alternating between the book and watching Sherlock on the Kindle.
I am creating....
...a scapular with the Discalced Carmelite crest on it (this one was a toughie) for a young man who is a new secular Carmelite.
...several baby quilts
...several rosaries and St. Michael chaplets
I am hoping...
...to get out of the funk I've been in lately. I don't know what depression feels like, and because I can get out of bed every day and do all the things I need to do, I don't feel like I'm depressed, but I feel like I'm in a funk for sure. I think my kids do, too. I think Doug and I both feel like we missed summer this year, after the home renovation project. We decided we had a home renocation this year. Get it "renocation"? As in renovation and no vacation? We haven't been on vacation in five years and we can tell. That's one of the things that goes by the wayside when mama stays home with the children and doesn't have an income. Maybe some day when we don't own a home and don't have things that need fixed and replaced every year...speaking of which my dryer is broke and I just realized that the rain means no dry laundry today. The repair man comes tomorrow...so I guess I'll worry about laundry tomorrow.
"I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy.
I'll think about that tomorrow." -- Scarlett O'Hara
...my husband and children
...my cousin Amy and her little girl -- due August 25
...my friend Gina, who is on vacation right now and I am happy for her!
...Nella, who I found through Mary, and when I feel sorry for myself because of anything I think of Nella and pray for her (if you have some time today read about Nella and then pray for her)
...Thomas Peters (more sacrificial intentions there)
...our priests and religious
...all the babies whose mothers are contemplating abortion this week, for a change of heart
Quote of the day....
“Love is shown more in deeds than in words.”
― St. Ignatius
of Loyola -- feast day July 31
I think depression can look a little different for everyone, but I understand a little, I think, about the funk. I've been feeling like I'm too busy with things that just really don't matter, and the things that really do matter have been passing me by. It's frustrating, sometimes, because I can't see a lot to change. Some things can change, and some things are just a season, literally, and it all be better in September. Maybe I'll feel better when I can see an end. Maybe. Anyway, I'll be praying for you. Pack Peach up and go do something fun. :-)
ReplyDeleteFunks are hard. Hard to deal with and get out of. Been there and done that sista. Prayers to you.
ReplyDeleteNella sure has a lot on her plate. Prayers to her also!!
Enjoy the rain and maybe a good book. I love to read but can never find the time..or take the time.
I know what you mean about the funk, the rain, and no vacation! Blah to all!!! We've had too much hot, humid, rainy weather this July. I was very happy to turn the calendar page to August this morning!
ReplyDeleteWe need some of that rain out here! It's hard to breath, even inside the house, due to the hazardous levels of smoke in the air... And the weather forecast isn't predicting a change until Sunday. :(
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry about the funk. I can relate. I'll be praying for you!
And we are right there with you! We won't be starting until September 3rd either, and not a day sooner! ;)
You need a vacation. Even if it's a cheap weekend away, or a staycation where everyone else takes turns cooking. :-)
ReplyDeleteFor me, depression was: I hate my life. I want to run away (with my husband) and leave everything else, knowing, logically, that I had an awesome life and no reason to complain. I got up and did everything everyday, too!
Can you get a pair of knee-length jogging pants for PT, if she says you need them? You could still wear them under your skirt. More opacity, is what I'm thinking.
Hugs!
I am sorry about the 'funk' (and I can surely relate too). I do think grief and loss can effect us in such ways, even when we don't necessarily identify that which is making us feel down. I find grief can have this sort of long lasting ripple effect that can creep into may nooks and crannies of the mind and heart. (I don't mean to sound so glum, just trying to say there could be a cause for the funk...)
ReplyDeleteMy husband told me he heard on the radio they're now calling it 'climate fluctuation' or some other ridiculous vague term. :-)
Hope your PT went well! (I don't have any pants either)
Jennie, I do think it has to due with the lack of change. I also feel like I am pulling my circle of comfort in closer and closer and when I am forced to move outside that circle I start to pull back. Does that make sense? So I am sort of causing the lack of change, even though it's becoming a bit of a trial.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the prayers, Christine. I think I need a vacation to Minnesota to visit all my friends up there!
ReplyDeleteI am happy for the calendar change, too, Cheryl. I just need to make the most of it. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI wish I could send you some rain, but we've had some winds, too, which you don't need. Prayers for your beloved!
ReplyDeleteSara, I need to email you -- too long to comment. "Talk" to you tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteKimberlee,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree about the origin of the "funk" and a lot of it comes from my husband. If it was a cold, he definitely shared the germ, if you know what I mean. And we all react to his moods.