9/1/14

What do they say when someone loses their mind? "She's fine, dear, she just went abroad for a few months." Sure. I've been abroad.

I’ve been trying hard not to think about all I’ve had to accomplish these last five weeks.   But just in case you missed it, let’s do a quick re-cap, shall we?




1.     I packed my apartment/duplex in two weeks and moved it into the garage and basement of the house I will be renting.  I had help with the physical move each weekend (Thank GOD in heaven), but spent the other ten days packing all the odds and ends myself, and moving boxes each of those days into my friends’ garage.
2.     I had some amazing help from my sister-in-law and nephew that day cleaning the bathroom and windows and walls of the apartment, but finished the rest of the cleaning myself over the next five days.  Frankly, I can’t remember ever working that hard for a large security deposit that in the END the landlord kept ANYWAY. (They replaced the carpets that were trashed when I moved in.  Honestly, some people are just bad people.)
3.     I packed the rest of my personal and valuable belongings into my car leaving JUST enough room for the two cats and left for a 6 hour drive to Maryland, where I spent a marvelous and incredible three weeks, house-sitting for a friend on the western shore.  Did I say it was incredible? (And honestly, some people are just GOOD PEOPLE.)  
4.     I packed my belonging BACK into my car, along with my two cats, and headed back to PA to spend a day with my friend before my house was available for the move-in the next day, which just happened to be the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.
5.     I found out I was going to kindergarten when I was in Maryland, and spent the first few days back in town moving MY WHOLE CLASSROOM from one side of the school to the other. (Yeah, Kindergarten!  But be careful what you ask for….)
6.     I packed for four days straight from 8:00 – 5:00 at school, and then spent each NIGHT unpacking at my new home until who knows WHAT TIME.  

Then I had what I’m pretty SURE was a bit of a nervous breakdown. I finally figured out that I had no control over anything in my life at the moment, and I might have cried for pretty much a whole weekend. 

Now that it’s over, I am trying to heal myself. I wish there was an overnight cure, but I’m afraid there’s not.  I am figuring out what one should do when life is spiraling out of control.  I think you need to settle into things that bring back a sense of normality; things that are familiar and comfortable, things that feed your soul and relax your mind.

I started swimming laps again.
I spent some time with a few good friends.
I went back to the gym and rode the bike.
I spent the day at school planning.


And now, today, I’m trying very hard to write.





But this might be the hardest part of all.





22 comments:

Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement said...

Wow! What a week! Good luck with all of your moves!

Sheila said...

It will be a wonderful day, followed by an even better year! Glad you are settled. Take care of yourself.

Anonymous said...

And all you now need are a bunch of five year olds that tell you you're beautiful...will fight to hold your hand... will suck their thumbs while rubbing your legs during story time... will tell you that you 'might need one of those breath mints'... and will make it impossible not to laugh every single minute. Have the best year ever!

Vodka Mom said...

Yes, Marilyn, they will SAVE MY LIFE!!!

And they remind me that life is damn good.

S said...

Deep breaths.

There's more to the story said...

I heard someone say once that you are where you are today and even though it's hard and it stinks that you need to be at this place, and believe that it WILL get better. That statement has kept me going at difficult times.... and just let me tell you how much I love your writing... not many people have a gift like you do... you are an amazing storyteller... your kids love you and so do your readers. Keep on writing.

As Cape Cod Turns said...

At least you have something to write about if someone asked you what you did over summer vacation? Sounds like a nervous breakdown was the best scenerio. Hang in there, it will be Halloween soon enough :)

Formerly known as Frau said...

You are strong, some day you will look back and laugh at all that you have endured and see the strong women you are. Hope you have a great school year!

quiltmom anna said...

Hope that you have a fabulous school year. You have had more than your fair share of curve balls lately so here is hoping that life is a little less busy and that you get to stay in one place.
I love your blog and I can relate to the challenges of finding time to write and reflect when other things are in upheaval. sending you positive energy and calm thoughts.
With best wishes,
Anna

Auntie Pam said...

You are such an accomplished, strong woman. I look forward to hearing about your students, and seeing pics of shoes! I have no doubt that after this terribly long stretch of bad luck and bad times, you will have a long stretch of bliss. Oh, and take before pics of your new house before you move in!

Dawn said...

I saw this quote this week and it helped me... hopefully it does the same for you.
"An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backwards. When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it's going to launch you into something great. So just focus, and keep aiming. "
Hang in there Vodka!!

#1Nana said...

Sometimes it helps to have a friend who agrees with you and will wallow in the misery that is your current situation. To show my sympathy I have downed several ice cream bars and mumbled "yeah, that sucks." Now I'm moving on to phase two...I'll tell you that it will get better and all of us here in cyber space are rooting for you.

Gigi said...

Sending you lots and lots of hugs. It's gonna be a GREAT year for you, I just know it.

Vodka Mom said...

I am trying to head to Phase 2! Am putting on my smile this morning, and remembering that this is a "little thing" and that each day will bring me wonderful surprises...

It always does.......

Anonymous said...

A very talented blogger that I follow once wrote about a framed poem that her mother had hung in every home she lived in . It went something like: Just For Today. I refer to it often. There is much wisdom in that little poem.

Scope said...

You changed your longitude. Every one knows to change your attitude, you need to change your latitude.

Anna Whiston-Donaldson said...

That sounds disausting for sure!

One crazed mommy said...

Wow...what a whirlwind for you! Hopefully once you get settled in (home) and settled in (new classroom) things will start to get back to normal - it's hard when things are topsy turvy. In the big scheme of things it is a small thing...but boy, it sure can seem huge while it's happening! Big hugs to you, and wishing you an amazing new school year!!! And pet those cats a lot - a cat purring is therapy for the soul, IMO! :)

Yolanda said...

Yiiiiiikes!! I mean, really? Just know that things will settle down. And this will be a blur of boxes and packing tape. One day we'll all laugh about this.

My favorite advice from my aunt: Be gentle with yourself.

It will get better :)

Mocadeaux said...

After all the craziness, after all the bad breaks and after all the mean, bad people who have thrown darkness and obstacles in your path, you STILL can see and appreciate the good in people. And you still have passion and enthusiasm for your profession. You are truly amazing. The people in your life and the children in your classroom are very lucky.

A&W said...

A&W writes - Vodka Mom, you know I have lived your pain, and i too stayed positive thru it all - but I know how truly exhausting my 3.5 years was and I remember how a good cry - or breakdown was sometimes necessary and good for the soul. It's ok to take a break from staying strong. I like Yolanda's advice - be gentle with yourself. My life is finally settled and I know yours will be soon. Hugs to you my friend.

AW said...

Ugh - I still don't know how to post correctly haha!
Perhaps it doesn't like symbols. Let me try just AW