No this is not a "Navel Lint and the Art of Belly Button Gazing" post. Just talking to myself, as it were. I am used to a very busy life, and things have shifted into overdrive. Am I stressed out? I don't think excessively so in a negative way. Just even busier.
A few weeks back some friends and I went out to "play pool", which translates in Canada, as sitting around in the bar doing shots and getting completely pickled. It was a very interesting night, at the end of which, we staggered to one of the friend's house (luckily) located 2 blocks from said bar. May I remind every one that 3 adults crammed onto a double inflatable mattress on the floor may be a good idea when you are 18, but it sucks just a little bit when you are 31. Memo to me : Don't do that again. Though I must admit that I managed to escape the dreaded hangover that usually accompanies such an evening. This is extra good, as I'm a light weight when it comes to drinking (I rarely pull a cork) and usually pay for it for at least 24 hours.
And then there is the wonderful planning of a wedding. Don't get excited, it's my sisters. Though I must say that acting as Maid of Honor, comes with it's own set of responsibility and time consuming chores. Anyone who has tried to organize 15 women for a Bridal Shower/Stagette day at the spa will understand my pain. The ensuing Gong Show of scheduling, booking appointments, and trying to locate all close friends from another city is an adventure all it's own. Thank goodness that all parties involved are mature and not going to be upset if everything is not perfect. (unlike our other sister the drama queen) However finding a Spa to handle such a "large" group was not as easy as one would assume, though thankfully it has all been sorted out. I am still contemplating taking the whole week before the wedding off and going to my sister's place (@3 hrs away) to help her out with all the final preparations and such. ( I'll be down for a good 3 days before in any case)
The weather has gone to pot, right in the middle of calving season. Last week we were at +20 C, and this weekend it has dropped to -15 C, with about 7 inches of snow to make it fun. So my parents need extra help on the farm. So far we have 2 calves down sick, and we are fighting to keep them alive. So much so that they have been moved into the basement of the house, and are being bottle fed every few hours. The 7 other calves that have arrived so far are doing well, but they also are being watched very closely for any signs of weakness. Trying to keep the little buggers in the shelter can be a challenge, as calves are very independent thinkers, and rarely do as you want them to. Slipping through cracks in the fence seems to be their favorite game.
Work is always busy, and my boss has been out of the country for the last week or so. What does that mean? Well seeing as I'm second banana, I get to do both our jobs. Whee! Lets not forget that we had a "fly right" conversation with our other staff just before he jumped on a plane. So I get to read the staff's body language and try to encourage and positively motivate them as the balance. This wouldn't be a big deal, save that I am less diplomatic than a stick. I'm more of a "Do your job, or don't let the door smack you in the fanny on the way out" kind of person. Always a good time when he leaves me in charge.... for him at least.
I finally overcame a rather nasty lung infection only to be upgraded to a head cold, fun fun fun. I have to make an appointment with my cyro to get my spine back in place from all the coughing, and a deep tissue massage wouldn't hurt anything either.
Lets not forget the joys of trying to buy a house in a hot market. A 3 bedroom attached town house was $359,000 a few months ago. The same houses are going for $309,000 now. Five years ago they would have gone for $60,000 or less. 2 bedroom apartment style condo's are going for over $180,000 to $200,000 plus condo fees, (that is what they have come down to, there was nothing under $250,000 for the last 3 years) Crazy is the word. My rent has gone to over $1000/month for a one bedroom apartment, and I am looking around for anything cheeper. Closest I have come is a one bedroom for $895/month. Keep in mind I live in a small town about 30 minutes from the city. If this market stays stupid high, I'll have to look at getting a roommate and hopefully between the two of us, we can find something in the $1100 range for a 2 bedroom. But in the meantime, I'm looking hard for a deal to own. Doesn't look very promising though.
Hmm, what else can I rant about? I think that's all for now. But what's the bottom line? Well a lot of people would be stressed out by everything getting so busy, but I'm not. It all comes down to perspective for me. I can choose to be nasty and miserable, or I can choose to deal with the situations and cuddle up on the couch with a blanket, hot tea, and my dog at the end of the day. I can look at the positives that come with the responsibilities. Like how grateful my sister is for the work I am putting into her special days. It makes me feel good that she is happy and that she is less stressed out in a time that can be very taxing. Like seeing the calves (hopefully) recover and watching them run around in the pasture again. Not to mention how much it means to my parents that they can count on me to help them out when things are going rough. Or trying to grow as a person. There is nothing wrong with me learning to be more politically savvy (except that it's no fun at all). But hey, that's life.
So hopefully I'll stay positive and keep from becoming a snarling green eyed stress ball. It all comes down to my perspective and attitude. Life is complicated, tangled, and unpredictable. No surprise there, but how I deal with it makes all the difference.
Moosetracks out.
Moosetracks
2 Comments
*hugs*
Hey you know AdGuy always gets the last word! ;)