Just Relax
Relax they tell me. Relax? Is that a word? Could you define that for me?
Verb…..to make or become less tense.
Let me get this straight…..I’m supposed to just “make” myself or just “become” less tense??? How? I have Generalized Anxiety (GAD) as well as a few more specific issues. No, I’m not self diagnosing or going with the “trend”. Anxiety seems to be a buzzword these days. I was clinically diagnosed as a child. It’s real and it’s a lot deeper than just saying, “I have anxiety issues”. More on that another time…… for now I’m surviving.
It’s Summer
Summer means POOL TIME!!!! Are you thinking, “that sounds like the perfect place to relax“? Sure, it’s great, in the movies (go back and read my thoughts on fantasy vs. reality). Reality:
- At least 4 children in tow (sometimes more)
- The baby has to be watched at all times. He could drown in the baby pool.
- The others scatter themselves between 3 other areas. One of which I can’t see from baby pool jail.
- I have to carry multiple bags of “stuff” (towels/toys/snacks/diapers/clothes….)
- The baby wants to eat or use me as a pacifier. Try doing that tastefully at the pool…..
- The baby wants to nap.
- The big kids want me to do the diving boards/slides….PLAY WITH THEM…….
- There’s laundry at home that’s getting stinky in the washer because I’m at the pool and can’t switch it to the dryer. There’s a pile of laundry getting wrinkled because in the rush to get out of the house and to the pool, I left it in a heap. And it’s not just laundry….they house is pretty much a disaster!
- The yard needs mowed, the weeds need trimmed, the flowers need attention…..oh wait, the flowers were taken over by weeds because I can’t keep up.
- My photography clients are waiting for me to finish their sessions.
You get the idea, right??? Going to the pool is not exactly relaxing for me. Cabana boy bringing me cool drinks, another fanning me with a big palm leaf on a stick, tuning out the world while absorbing some vitamin d……that’s relaxing!
Pool Party Fun
We went to our pool‘s annual party this past weekend. Creg was able to be there……It makes it a little easier (there’s still a house and work that are waiting for me). It was more of a “family activity” than “entertain the kids for the day”. The kids played games. The Bigs did the diving board competition. I did a relay with them. Julianne dove for change in the kiddie pool. It was a fun time! I was actually able to relax a little……..until this happened……….
But that face…….it brought a smile to mine, too! The laundry didn’t get done, the house was still a wreck, my photography sessions were still waiting for me, but we had a fun afternoon! I’m trying really hard to relax. It’s easier said than done. Some days are better than others. Somedays, I’m drowning in the baby pool….. I’m getting by……
With a Wink and a Smile =)
