Getting Back in the Groove

Hey, Barb.

Sorry to hear you're down again, but maybe being home today is better what with the crazy weekend coming up. Are you off Thursday and Friday too? I'm pretty sure what you're going to need is Monday off!

The weekend was good, if insanely, constantly, full of noise and activity. JB's girls are good kids, but they're girls, and they're squealy, and they're more than a little demanding of Mom's time and attention. They and JJ played unbelievably well together without a single problem the whole time, which helped. Still, it's three extra people in the house (and those people being the kind that need to be with me every moment). I just had a hard time with someone in my kitchen while I was cooking, especially since JB is big on letting the kids "help" - which, as you know, simply doesn't jive with my OCD. I have become so accustomed to my six hours a day of alone time - whether I'm running errands or sitting in the house, it's usually just me. I was a little "peopled out" by Monday.

JJ and I took them to the airport and ran a few errands Monday morning, then, because our weather was unusually sunny and warm, S offered to take all the kids to the bike park for the rest of the day. Love her! As soon as they were gone, I curled up on the couch and slept the rest of the afternoon away. Mostly, I wasn't asleep, I was just relishing the quiet.

Yesterday I had my second appointment with MC; it went well. I have an appointment with her colleague, the naturopath, this Friday, so we'll see how that goes. She is supposed to come up with some concoction (I'm open minded, I really am!) that will serve as a replacement for the antidepressant I clearly need to be taking. She also deals with food and addictions, so I'll be going there too, I guess. MC and I talked at length about my drinking and I think she convinced me to check out an all-women AA meeting. Of course, I'm still hesitant to go, because that would mean I actually think I might have a problem. Of which, to date, I am still in denial.

Today my carpets are being cleaned so I'm putzing around the house, doing laundry and such while he's here. Dr. appt for JJ after school, then a quiet night in while J's at bagpipe band practice. Tomorrow, JJ's school performance of Grease at 9:45, volunteer for Spirit Week after that until noon, then the second performance of the play in the evening.

Friday, we're off to Oregon for a weekend visit with C and the new boyfriend. We'll start with a hockey game in Portland then head down to her place Friday night. Saturday we're all going to the coast for the day, then Sunday hanging out and heading back home. I'm looking forward to meeting the new guy...I think she's probably more nervous than he is or we are. :)

Anyway, that's all that's going on around here. I know this party is taking up all your time and energy, but if you want to talk (vent) I'm around! Soon it will all be over, and you can look back on the evening and know that it was the most wonderful and giving thing you will ever do for your parents. You're a good daughter, B.

Love you lots,
A