It seems like a long time since I last posted, and I guess it has been 2 months! It has been a very stressful time, and I don't feel like I can get into too much detail here, but L withdrew from college for mental health reasons at the end of October and we have been on a journey to get her better since then. Frustratingly there has been very little forward progress. On one hand, I'm glad that she is here where I can SEE her, but on the other hand it is heartbreaking to see how miserable she is day in and day out and not be able to do anything about it!
I kind of feel like my entire life has been on an extended pause punctuated by short bursts of panic and small breaks in the clouds every now and again. At the same time, life is barreling forwards regardless, and Christmas (believe it or not) is in 2 days. I am going through the motions, but not feeling it this year.
On top of everything, both my practice and JP's have been purchased by another company and so much is still up in the air with that - neither of us really knows what this means for the "bottom line." Basically it means that both my home life and my work life are pretty stressful at the moment.
Some of the bright spots lately have included:
- carving pumpkins (grown right here on Poplar Ridge) with L. Hers is Elmo on fire, mine is Elizabeth Bennet (one of my favorite literary characters.)
- hanging out with JP's sister and family for Thanksgiving, including my great-nephew (named Bennet in honor of one of my favorite literary characters) who is a fun little guy.
- making some tiny doll house items from a kit gifted to me by J's roommate/BFF and additional daughter by proxy.
- being unable to find a cheese advent calendar for J, so making my own.
-seeing the sun rise over the frosted valley on my way to work last week.
This morning I had the chance to meet up with my dear friend for coffee and a catch-up. That was wonderful! I do have one batch of Christmas cookies in the fridge before slicing and baking. L has a long appointment and then is going out with friends this evening. J is out Christmas shopping. JP is working. I should be cleaning, but can't get motivated.
Let me leave you with a little bit of the Christmas cheer that I've been able to generate:
