organized chaos

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Escape Adulthood: I fell off the wagon.

I finally realized it last week. I had fallen off the wagon. I had done so well with my recovery, but that was during summer vacation. I can't even pinpoint the exact moment it happened, but I'm sure it had something to do with going back to work.

I am, once again, totally suffering from "Adultitis".

*What is Adultitis?Adultitis is a common condition occurring in people between the ages of 21–121, marked by chronic dullness, mild depression, moderate to extremely high stress levels, a general fear of change, and, in some extreme cases, the inability to smile. Patients can appear aimless, discontent, and anxious about many things. Onset can be accelerated by an excess burden of bills, overwhelming responsibilities, or a boring work life. Generally, individuals in this condition are not fun to be around.*
I'm struggling with this big time. I want to change this. I want to be experiencing joy moment to moment, instead focusing on my never ending "to-do" list.

What I'm finding out, though, is that change is hard. I know that's not some profound new discovery, but it's true.

I have always been mature for my age. Through my whole life, I have been called an "old soul". People complimented me for this, which caused me to see it as a positive personality trait. Which it can be, much of the time. Until, of course, you realize that you are turning into a grumpy old man at the ripe old age of 35.

I have a fabulous life. My husband is truly the most amazing man I know and my 4 kids (while frustrating at times) are beautiful people: inside and out. I have an incredibly wonderful family. My circle of friends know me, like really know me, and they love me and support me anyway. My job is rewarding and fulfilling; and I have a boss and colleagues I admire and trust.

And, above all else, I have a God who loves me with a deep, unconditional love that I can't even understand. He offers me grace when I mess up, love when I don't deserve it, and peace when I stress myself out. He's always there, with open arms, offering me all of himself, even when I withhold so much from Him.

So, what's my problem then? I think my biggest mistake is that I take myself, and my tasks WAY TOO seriously. Life is busy, crazy, and chaotic. I'm a full-time teacher and mom of four. The fact is, things are not going to slow down any time soon. So, it's time for me to get over it. I can live this crazy life, and enjoy myself while I'm living it.

I need to stop putting fun at the bottom of my to-do list. I need to give enjoyable activities priority. The truth is, the laundry, vacuuming, dishes, dinner, paper grading and whatever else I have to do really can wait. It's time for me to stop following the rule that work must be completed before play can begin. Honestly, I'm pretty sure that rule doesn't exist anyway.

* All information about adultitis taken from Kim and Jason's blog: http://kimandjason.com/blog/

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Road Trip 2012 Memory List

1. Asher- What are those black things? Us- Those are cows city boy!

2. Flying Red Jacket, Angry Mom and Dad

3. Us- Hey kids, look at that view. Kids- (in patronizing voices) Oooooooo. I could live here.

4. Melted red taffy in Josey's hand.

5. Delicious relaxation time reading under the redwoods at the campground in Humboldt.

6. Crazy Long Distance Bicyclists

7. Asher lost his camera, wallet, and jacket.

8. Cute Coffee/Gift Shop in Florence- Got my gift shop fix in 7 minutes.

9. Beautiful Scenery in Northern California

10. On Columbia River Bridge: Josey- I'm freaking out right now. Eden- Are they working on the bridge right now? That makes me uncomfortable.

11. Korey (once we crossed the Oregon/Washington border)- Good. Now I can pump my own gas. That's a weird law.

12. Disturbing Names Like: Lost Man's Creek, Dead Man's Cove, Cape Disappointment

13. Korey adding the letter "y" to words to turn them into adjectives: oaky, piney, wetty.

14. Bikini Coffee Bar in Anacortes.....Creepy

15. Listening to Everyone's Beautiful Memories about Mema: My Favorite- She washed Rhonda's feet.

16. Eden skipped a rock into Asher's face. Trip to ER....not broken....relief.

17. Crazy Day Trip to Canada: a bus, running to the stinky sky train, Asher almost got off the sky train by himself at the wrong stop, we made it to the train station....relief, wait.....not relief.....last call to get on the train and we're not ready.....phew, we mad it.

18. Abby walked to the train door. It opened automatically. Anthony- Oh Crap!!

19. Trail Mix + Fruit Bars = Contraband

20. Du Bomp Bomp, Chick Chicka Chicka

21. Bowling Alley Fish and Chips.....Yummy

22. Lots and Lots of Beautiful Views: creeks, rivers, trees, coast.....love, love, love!

23. Korey- I actually like country music.....I secretly listen to it.

24. Eating so Much Crab that it Made me Full

25. Undergrowth- Thick Ferns, Lush Clover, and Washington Wildflowers

26. Trip Music: Fun.- Some Nights

27. Humboldt Gift Shop- Abby fell in love with a big stuffed bear. She kept pointing at it and saying, "Bear, Bear."

28. Giggling at the parents who were pulled over cleaning up the mess their kids made after getting car sick. Fast Forward 15 minutes, not giggling anymore as we were the parents cleaning up the mess our car sick baby made!