Ugh, this week was a tough one. Between the terrible news in Orlando, some health issues in my family (including what I suspect might be another ear infection for poor Joanie who has an appointment in just a bit to check it out), and saying good-bye to a close friend tonight who is moving away under not-so-great circumstances, I’ve been feeling pretty blue, a little stressed, and kind of helpless. Across the board, I wish there was more I could do to incite change, improve situations, and just ease some grief.
It feels trivial to talk about weekend plans and favorite products and minor complaints about daily life in the light of such horrific events…but if we stop living, then the bad guys really win. So, here we are. My plan is to enjoy the weekend and be grateful that I can. Tomorrow I get to see a wonderful friend who moved away a few years ago and is in town for the weekend, and, if the weather is nice, there will be a picnic in the park on Sunday to celebrate Father’s Day.
Next week Jackson has his “stepping up” ceremony as he finishes the school year and pre-k and looks forward to starting kindergarten in September. For the past two or three weeks, he’s been singing the very catchy “We’re Moving Up to Kindergarten” song and now it plays in an endless loop in my head. I suspect when I hear him and his classmates, whom I’ve grown to adore, sing it together on stage on Tuesday, I might shed a tear or two. Also, Joanie turns one in less than three weeks, so even if I weren’t already feeling all the feelings, I would be now.
That’s it from here. I hope that wherever you are and however your week has gone, that you have a lovely weekend and get to enjoy the company of people you like and care about, doing stuff that makes you feel good. And happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there, especially my own dad and to Drew, whom our kids (and I!) are so lucky to have. Love you both! And Happy Father’s Day to those taking dad-like roles in a kid’s life, including you single moms who are doing the work of two parents — you’re amazing!
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freckles June 17, 2016, 3:43 pm
This has been a rough one for me too. My grandfather passed away last week, and not only do I have to say goodbye, but there is a ton of adminstrative stuff to do as we close our his estate. Which just feels so….sterile. It feels wrong to talk about real estate agents and estate sales and bills and insurance and lawyers, when all we should be doing is grieving and remembering. But that’s the way it is. Going back to work this week was hard and I haven’t been on top of my A game, which just stresses me out on top of feeling sad and out of it. And I’ve been super busy at work as well, which was not helped by being out for a week. Plus I’ve been having problems with a friend of mine (as I posted in the forums) and on top of that I’ve been feeling rather like a slug, and haven’t been taking as good care of myself as I should have (I need to exercise, I should do my hair more, etc).
All in all it’s been hard between being sad and beating myself up (even though I know I should be kinder to myself). Here’s to hoping the next few weeks go better and I learn to be kinder to myself as well.
Lianne June 17, 2016, 3:46 pm
I’m so sorry for the loss of your grandfather, freckles 🙁
freckles June 17, 2016, 4:24 pm
Thank you Lianne. That’s kind of you.
Anonymousse June 17, 2016, 4:40 pm
Yes, be kind to yourself. I’m sorry for your loss.
Portia June 18, 2016, 1:57 pm
I’m so sorry, freckles. I hope you are able to take some time for you.
keyblade June 19, 2016, 7:43 am
I’m sorry for your loss, freckles.
Lianne June 17, 2016, 3:46 pm
I’m sorry about your tough week, Wendy. I have been actively avoiding the news. It’s too heavy and would be detrimental to the work I’ve been doing to overcome the anxiety I’ve been feeling. I know what’s been happening but I just need to ignore the details.
We had a good first week without daddy at home. Getting into my own groove with the baby has been good for my anxiety. I find great comfort in a routine. Not that there is a real routine with a newborn but just knowing that we wake up, I feed him, then I have coffee etc is nice. I’m excited for my husband’s first Father’s Day on Sunday. We’re going to my FIL’s for lunch with the whole family.
Hope everyone finds some happy this weekend to counteract the shitty events of the week.
keyblade June 19, 2016, 7:43 am
I’m glad the first week on your own is going well 🙂
girltuesday June 17, 2016, 4:24 pm
Today, I saw a picture of a new dad holding his baby and I got all the feels. It may be the new birth control, but I definitely got tears in my eyes as I realized I totally want to see that same picture with my SO one day. Gosh, I love that dude and he would make an amazing dad. (That sounds incredibly creepy, and I can totally only tell DW and not other peeps). Also, totally not ready for kids. I’ve got a stick in my arm that solves that problem for now. 🙂
Anonymousse June 17, 2016, 4:30 pm
Awww, that’s not creepy! It’s sweet.
keyblade June 19, 2016, 7:47 am
Happy Father’s day, to all the Dear Wendy-reading fathers out there.
Wendy, I hope you have a great time with Drew, today. He’s a lucky man to have you and the two children you gave him.
keyblade June 19, 2016, 7:50 am
Also happy Juneteenth, to those celebrating the end of legal slavery in this country 🙂