Weighing In

I've been blessed with some pretty good stress relievers this past week. Good thing, since the stress doesn't seem to let up. Ever. I was hoping for a more calm and relaxed July after the crazy hot mess of June. Lets just say these first 11 days (seriously, the month is almost half over) have not proven to be the lazy days of summer I was banking on.

So... what do I do to manage all the stress? 

Think about the next yummy thing I can put into my mouth, of course.

Sure, I know it's not healthy. I'm sure there's a book by Dr. Phil somewhere on the subject. But it's better than finding the edge (spotted this today on Pinterest - another stress reliever).

How 'bout some loaded nachos to alleviate the I'm-single-parenting-FHE-and-I'm-beat-and-hormonal-so-let's-watch-the-Bachelorette-together-what-kind-of-mother-am-I stress?

They DO have lots of veggies... and some beans... that's a good dinner, right?

I've also been blessed with amazing chocolate (from my dear sister who recently returned from a grand European adventure), and some delicious candied almonds and pistachios (from my thoughtful husband who just got back yesterday from an exciting Seattle visit) to help reduce my I-just-can't-find-the-time-or-gumption-to-clean-the-bathrooms-and-finish-the-laundry-I-wish-I-was-touring-Europe-or-at-least-Seattle anxiety.

Dark chocolate...  nuts...  they're healthy... right?

I've also indulged just a little in peanut-butter-and-fudge-sauced dishes of ice cream, shaved ice with full-sugar flavors drizzled with heavy cream, and the occasional lime sherbet float.

Can you sense my stress/anxiety/guilt levels are high?

I'm afraid to face the scale.
But the scale is better than the edge, that's what I always say.


I've been reading this encouraging quote every day (kindly printed up by my visiting teacher, who I'm sure has no idea how much I've used it):

Love this too:

"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed..." (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

And, to end things on an up note, I've had this family favorite (sung during thousands of bath times over the years) running through my head lately (I think I've shared before, but it's worth a repeat):

Chin up, chin up, everybody loves a happy face,
Wear it, share it, it'll brighten up the darkest place,
Twinkle, sparkle, let a little sunshine in,
You'll be on the right side, looking at the bright side,
Up with your chinney-chin-chin!

Chin up, chin up, put a little laughter in your eyes;
Brave it, save it, even if you're feeling otherwise.
Rise up, wise up, let a little smile begin,
You'll be happy hearted, once you get started,
Up with your chinney-chin-chin!