Gail Force Winds

I'm still running against the wind, and those winds are blowing, let me tell you.  Nothing seems to be going my way, and the resistance is strong (which kind of sounds like something from a Star Wars movie).

30 mph winds

I can't get my house clean and the laundry done.  So, even though you won't read this until some later date (I've recently become a fan of writing when it's convenient, then scheduling it to post another day, when I'm too busy), it's 5 am on a Saturday morning, and I'm blogging in between loads.  I've been up since 1:44, which is when Mauri came in, tapped me on the shoulder, and asked me to tuck her in.  She had already been in bed, but apparently had awakened and needed mom to make things feel right before drifting back to sleep.  When we got to her room, she decided she needed to use the bathroom, so I patiently waited, curled up on her bed.  When she returned, I pulled up her covers, kissed her head, and shuffled back to bed, where I tossed and turned for an hour (those winds in my mind were blowing like crazy).  I hate that.  Then I decided to be productive and started the laundry.

50 mph winds

I've been working two jobs, and it's been a bit overwhelming this past week.  I have a bad case of peri orbital dermatitis, and mood swings like you can't believe.  I personally believe that there's a link.  The doctor said there's no known cause (love that), but that it occurs much more often in women (the dermatitis, although I'm sure you could say the same for mood swings).  I'm pretty sure the onset has something to do with stress.  And hormones.  And chemical imbalances.  So my two "perfect jobs" on their own would be great, but together, they're pushing me over the edge.  Throw in PMS, or PMDD, or OCD and the peri orbital dermatitis, and you have one completely "out of sorts" mamma (the kinder, gentler term we use around here for whacked-out-on-the-verge-of-a-nervous-breakdown).

80 mph winds

In my "out of sorts" state of mind, I sent a somewhat confrontational email to another cheer mom (and I'm feeling not-so-Christlike about it).  Oh my, she was not happy.  In fact, in her lengthy reply email she returned fire, repetitively using my name like a mother reprimanding her out-of-control child.   What a can of worms.  I initially felt better getting it off of my chest, but in hindsight, should have handled it another way.  Here's to a whole school year of avoiding awkward and uncomfortable situations by dodging this woman, like a teenage girl in a fight with her best friend (although we've certainly never been best friends... or even friends.  Friendly, that's it).  I think in this situation, I will just go where the wind blows... away from the drama.

(P.S.  Since writing this post I have sent an apology to the cheer mom, and expressed my appreciation of her efforts in behalf of the team.  Now I can walk -- or be blown -- away with a clear conscience.)

On the bright side, I managed to get some super great pictures of the cheer team by this awesome truck (that totally goes with their theme this year of "HOT").  A cute family in our ward recently acquired it, and believe me, it's been the talk of the town (at least among ward members).  

And I have one more great work story to share.  As I was texting the sad news of my speeding ticket to my fellow event planner, Julie, I lamented that my hard work of the previous day was for nothing.  We had some pretty interesting and complicated circumstances to put up with that day.  Her response:  "At least it was good for a lifetime of laughs."  I'll have to spread the joy and share the story tomorrow.