Monday, November 24, 2008

Off Track and Out of Sync

I've been all off track and out of sync for a while now. I just didn't realize it. But last night it hit me. I've been just getting through the days one after another, in survival mode. It's not that I haven't been having fun with the kids and my friends here, I have. But, well, its been one thing after another and another. My routine has vanished. I'm struggling to take good care of myself. Don't worry, I'm taking care of the basics. But the extra stuff: to be gentle with myself, go the extra mile for my health and well being, those types of things have fallen off and gotten lost in the shuffle of surviving everyday life.

My work has been going well. I enjoy the people I work with very much. But I am working very hard both physically and mentally and my days are long and my body aches at the end of the week. I feel tired and decidedly un-enthusiastic in the mornings getting ready to go to work. Once I get started interacting with my patients my enthusiasm returns, but the tired lingers.

I am so very much enjoying the kids this year. They are each so unique, so interesting and so loving. I get to see them at least once a weekend. I play soccer with Richard, arts & crafts with Lucas and baby animals with Jacqueline. The time with the kids is very special to me. It replenishes me. It keeps me going.

I'm having a great time visiting with my friend Michelle. We get to see each other about every other weekend. It's great to have such a good friend here. She helps me remember to pamper myself and fully supports my efforts to make positive changes in my life.

So, its not all bad.There is lot's in my life that is good. But I'm still off track, and still out of sync. I'm hoping that simple realization is the first step to rectifying the situation. I'd like that alot.


Sunday, November 2, 2008

Autumn Leaves

So, my friends over at Scrappersaurus posted birthday wishes to me on their blog! Isn't that cool! In her post, Dee mentioned her jealously of my watching the leaves here turn. So I thought I would post a few pictures. Last year was my first ever getting to see a 'real' autumn. And I fell in love with the leaves. Of course the true leaf peepers will tell you the DC area leaves are nothing compared to the northeast. And I'm sure they are correct. But compared to NOLA, this is leaf peeping heaven, and I get to see it everyday!

When I was a kid I took piano lessons. I liked it ok I guess. But I hated the song "Autumn Leaves", hated it. Even to this day I can't stand that song. But as I was pulling together the pictures to post here, I had it in my head. "The falling leaves, drift by my window, the autumn leaves, of red and gold . . ." So here are a few pictures of the autumn leaves. Especially for my friend Dee!




Saturday, November 1, 2008

It's my Birthday!

I had a great day for my 43rd birthday. The weather here in DC was beautiful, sunny with a high in the mid 60s. I spent the day with the kids, after letting myself sleep in this morning. We did arts and crafts, played soccar, and had a great birthday dinner cooked by my wonder sister in law. I'm so lucky and loved. What a way to start off my new year!