My Stress Cart



The Oxcart, Van Gogh


I have been all over the place lately. I know I've been a bit difficult to deal with. I don't like to make excuses, but I should at least allow for the fact that I've been under a great deal of stress.

I have a lot of stressors in my life, and I imagine myself each day packing them up into a cart that I, then, pull around behind me all day. I have the house, and all the concerns as to whether or not that sale will actually, finally go through. Then there's the divorce, which should be happening soon (which will bring an end to my stressors about the potential medical bills I could inherit if it doesn't happen in time). Additionally, I have the work stress (working 2 jobs). And finally the concerns about my son, and his college and work (or lack thereof) situation, as well as all the work/life stressors in the life of the person I am with, which I, unfortunately too willingly, take on.

I know I'm not alone here. There are plenty others who, I can only imagine, have it much worse than I do. But that doesn't mean I don't deal with this daily (some days better than others). I try to smile through it all, but it does get tough, and I tend to fray around the edges sometimes. I am human. I have to remember that.

And tell myself it will get better.

Embrace Your Inner Quirkiness!

In high school, I was voted "Decidedly Different." It wasn't that much of a surprise to me - I always marched to a different drummer, as they say. My son has apparently inherited this gene from me. His prize possession (other than, of course, his computer) is a grey, rabbit fur Russian hat that he wears all winter (and would probably wear all summer if it weren't so darn hot!)

We are, as I often say, odd ducks. And we know it. And we embrace it.

I am now seeing someone who is a bit quirky, too, which is why, I believe, that we get together so well. We're not just an ordinary couple (and what is ordinary, anyway?) I think those couples who are less than ordinary are the ones who seem to last, as long as they both understand and respect their individual right to be, well, individuals.

And, after all, why be normal :)