Not so today. Okay, sort of so. Does that mean I just need more days? Maybe one day is not enough. And then I think "Ooooooh, I could give them up for Lent!" but if I'm excited about giving something up, maybe that really isn't a sacrifice, you know? Maybe I could give them up AND perform a sacrifice. Yeah...maybe something like that.
As usual, I have no idea where I'm going with this. Just...blah.
Like, I can't finish the taxes because some forms haven't arrived and the taxes being ufinished makes me think taxestaxestaxestaxes insert angry face here; just discovered I don't know where the title to our van is so the little refi we're in the middle of is starting to be more trouble than it's worth; and then every time I turn around, I find another article about some terrible thing going on in the world.
And nothing is even WRONG! So many people are enduring so much and because I'm so grateful, I feel extra bad and guilty. I know we're called to be hopeful and I know this is The Enemy working hard to bring me down (seriously. Last night I actually, just for a few seconds, considered writing a post called "Top 10 Reasons I Suck". Hey, that's super healthy!) but I can't seem to figure out a way out of this FUNK.
This afternoon however, right before another dumpin' of snow, it got up t 31.8 degrees Fahrenheit and I did say "All ye children who are mobile! The baby is napping so to the out of doors we go! Nay, small one with the tears in her eyes, you may not play with play doh right now. You may put your coat on. Oh yes, at some point I will probably let you watch something, but that point is not now, oh no ma'am it is not. I'm serious! Put yer boots on, child!" And that felt pretty good.
snowball launcher |
turning the playhouse into an indoor skating rink |
goin' on an icicle hunt, gonna catch a big one... |
"hmmmm....not too shabby" |
wintertime popsicle |
So maybe more of this, then? More of this outdoors business? More of this social media silence? More of this catching up on Downton Abbey? Yes. Definitely more of that third one. Also, send me some good, happy things if you have them, will you?
Wait! Baby feels left out. Here...
madame suspicious-pants strikes again |
Is *that* what this funk is? February-itis?
ReplyDeleteAs much as I like children... and have been known to babysit at the drop of a hat... I can only make such a suggestive offer if you-all will leave the land of 20 inch icicles and move to AZ. Up for consideration? :-)
ReplyDeleteNoooo! It took us 9 years to get out of Southern California. Four seasons for the win! :)
DeleteGirl I'm right here/there with ya. I didn't even get to the 2012 in 12 pics cause we didnt have an available camera last January. Annddddd that was our firstborns 1st birthday. So you don't suck. I think a lot of this stems from our nation being in such a nasty spot and sickness is like wildfire this winter. Yes, go outside, enjoy! I'm finding less social media helps me to be present to my gam in a HUGE way. My husband totally spots the difference. Hug your way!
ReplyDelete(Sorry, there was nothing witty or funny for me to share! Except my toddler pooped in the tub tonight...oh yes she did.)
*fam
DeleteNot, gam
Good job getting outside with them. There is always one who cries or pouts, isn't there? I always say something like, " good mothers have to make sure kids play outside. I don't wanna fail, so get your coat on
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have been guarding my emotions and mental energy with this Downton Abby thing. I have been hovering, but not committed. I don't need the drama! From what I'm hearing, that may not bethe place to go to get uplifted. Isn't there lots of mother's heart- wrenching tragedy going on?
ReplyDeleteTotally. Luckily I'm only behind one episode, so the REALLY bad ones (so far)are behind me. I just wanna get lost in something outside of my crazy brain for an hour, ya know?
DeleteI've been thinking about you. Take a field trip to Chi town! We have a guest room and a rink. And jalapeño kettle chips. You know you want to...
ReplyDeleteEhrmagherd. That would be awesome! I did get little Lum Lum Yukes birthday invite in the mail today.....
DeleteAww, I hear ya. The funk thing stinks. I don't think I'm going to be able to get out of my funk till this baby is born. Or maybe I should start praying for hope because it feels like my "hope" tank is empty. I hope things turn around for you quickly Dwija!
ReplyDeleteAMEN. I keep thinking once this play is over (5 more days) my mood will improve. But who knows. It's easier for me to just throw my hands up and say "It's just February" then put much thought into why I feel blah. Sending a virtual brew your way.
ReplyDeleteI mostly stayed off social media today and as a result, I got caught up on laundry, cleaned a little (the husband noticed), read to my kids, made up silly songs with my daughter, cooked dinner, mopped the floors, etc. It was glorious...and I feel ... wait for it...happy. Less social media, more family, more outdoor time!!! Keep doing what you're doing & I'm confident your funk will fade. Hang in there!!!
ReplyDeleteOh Dwija, I hear you there. I have those days more often than not (and it doesn't take February to start them). Like everyone says (and I'm sure you know) these days will pass. I think I saw somewhere - Facebook? - someone quoted St. Therese by mentioning how she always took the outlook of humor. That we MUST have it about life or we will never survive. Ok...that last part is my interpretation. Truth is, I take myself and my surroundings waaaay too seriously sometimes. It chokes the life out of every situation. The fact that you got outside, wrote an honest post about living honestly and are looking forward to another day means that you, my friend, are very normal and healthy and beautiful inside and out. Whether there is humor to be found or not, we HAVE to find a way to smile. Have to, have to. Even if it's to ourselves and not on social media ;)
ReplyDeleteAt least that's what I've found. Take it for what it's worth. Oh, and by the way, if you actually would have written that post about 10 Reasons you Suck, I would have had to drive all the way to Michigan to give you a piece of my mind ;) Ok, not really...just to tell you that "God doesn't make junk." Ever.
Hold on to hope. Feb. is a short month!
February, while chronologically the shortest month, feels like the longest month. It teases us with warm, then cold, then warm, then cold, then wet, then frozen...February was invented by Satan, I think, just to put us in a bad mood.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, the kids with the icicles look really cute, but remember: they can put your eye out! And also, I think baby Mary has a rich interior life. Such a contemplative look!
Dude, I feel ya.
ReplyDeletehate "blah" days.. and taxes too! But those outdoors-y pics look like they were memories in the makin' Here's hoping the mood changes soon. And darn... I SO have to start watching Downtown Abbey... haven't ever even seen one episode. I so live under a rock.
ReplyDeleteGo away, The Funk! Leave Dwija alone!
ReplyDeleteFunkytown over here as well. The bad kind. I need something to look forward to and all that's there is Lent. (I mean....yay, Lent!!)
ReplyDeleteSo, I read the first part of your post and was feeling you on the grumpy (interior dialogue was going, 'amen, amen, amen') then I was feeling grumpier. Which sucked.
ReplyDeleteBUT THEN...
I saw your children enjoying the joy that is our Michigan Winters...and I smiled.
Thanks for the smiles. I shall try to focus on more of those today.
But but but Saint Valentine's Day is coming!!!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteGirl, sounds like you need a date night! Any way you can scrounge up a babysitter?
ReplyDeleteOMGoodness, I am writing a post right now about a funk I am in! Not quite the same as yours...but a funk nonetheless. I hate FebruaryFunk. Hope you feel better!!!
ReplyDeleteI am in the funk too. :( Don't have any advice but, hey, at least you aren't the only one right? If you need to get out and commiserate shoot me a text.
ReplyDeleteHang in there! Those of you that live in the northern frozen tundra have it extra hard! ;) Yesterday, we hit 57 here in the Land of Oz and I allowed my littles to play with construction trucks in the garden beds..oh yes I did! Supposed to hit 62 today...wooo whooo! Sunshine...it's good for the soul!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely believe it's the lack of sun. I never realized how much this was an issue with me until I moved to Colorado. We are in AZ now, but at a higher elevation (so 4 seasons!), so a little further south, but it's still something I have to work at. We've had so much rain/snow/cloudy days here that I've been about to go nuts. Finally was 64 degrees yesterday, and I went on two walks. Good for the dogs, good for me! I hope you have some sunny days ahead!
ReplyDeleteI hear ya! We keep having the spurts of fake Spring that are so exciting and then it drops down to 40 degrees again. Crazy midwest.
ReplyDeleteSame thing in my corner of the world... Hang in there! If it helps, I try to remind myself lately that these feelings aren't from God. It helps me make a clear choice to push them away. But it's hard. And the weather makes it even harder. Keep your chin up!
ReplyDeleteOh, yeah! It happens every year to me too!!! This year, I have some strategies: walk outdoors for 20-30 min each day, read some easy books (I pick books that are hard for me usually), get a massage, leave work early. A few weeks ago, I mentioned to my priest that I always struggle during lent. He said, "That's good- you are supposed to struggle!" Hmmm- go figure! Praying the enemy leaves you alone!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you and Kelly need to meet up and run away from the kids...
ReplyDeleteOr, I could just help you out since we will be MOVING TO MICHIGAN next month! Woop Woop! Just found out today. Thank you, Jesus Buddy!
February is the pits. For real! True story: One of the main reasons University of Michigan (probably other places too, but UofM's what I know) has their spring break mid-February is to combat this month's exceptionally high suicide rate. Which may not sound like an encouraging story, but my point is just that you are NOT making it up. Many people suffer from seasonal affective disorder which makes it even harder, but even if you don't being up this long isn't much fun.
ReplyDeleteHmmmmm....the last time I heard a blogger was in a FUNK (coughBonniecough) it turned out she was pregnant....just sayin :)
ReplyDeleteI know the funk too. February in Chicago was the worst.Watch Waiting for Guffman. Do not watch My Dinner with Andre. Or rather, watch them in reverse order. It will make the last scene of WofG more rewarding. Really all of WfG more rewarding. You could also do what the Danish do and create a cozy corner (hugge) so as to embrace the funk along with a book, quilt and candle. This might require putting a gate around said corner to keep small hands out though. Or all of them in. Then it would be a super cozy corner!
ReplyDeleteFebruary is the longest month of the year. No, it totally is. But Vitamin D and Iron help. And lots of playdates to keep busy and get out of the house!
ReplyDeleteWe have totally implemented these strategies in the last few days with excellent results. Crisis averted!
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