roller coaster of life

It seems like the roller coaster of life continues to throw me up and down on it's tracks.

  Or maybe I'm stuck in a loop-da-loop and the ride feels like it's never going to end.

Either way, life is feeling a bit crazy these days!

Doesn't it always seem like life has these moments? 

Moments where you find yourself just holding on until there is a lull and you can catch your breath?

Ever since winter break ended, I have been sitting in that roller coaster car and man, I haven't had a chance to stop and even think about what's been going on.

Loop #1:

First four days back and my office was filled with students who wanted to share every last detail about their winter breaks.  Normally, I don't mind these "mini-counseling" sessions.  I like to help kids and part of that is listening to their teen angst.  For some reason, their teen angst was exhausting last week!  But they vented, I listened, and thus, didn't really do anything productive for my job.  Obviously, that means I feel like I'm drowning at work.  And today, I found out a former student committed suicide over the weekend, so I suspect this week is going to be a repeat of last.

Loop #2:

After a long week at work, I found myself supervising two varsity basketball games on Friday night.  On a week where I'd rather do nothing than put my feet up, I found myself at the high school, frantically running around, trying to put together the halftime shows.  Uh, yea, organizing half time shows isn't even my job!  However, when the community asks for your help, you definitely do not want to say no.  So, there I was, organizing a halftime drawing and a half court shot competition at the last minute.  Oh well.  At least both teams won!

Loop #3:

After a morning of cleaning the house, I jumped in the shower so I could go meet Jodie for a little shopping and talk wedding plans over a few drinks.  Her wedding is in August and we had a little pow-wow about the show.  It's going to be a fantastic show.  Fantastic.

Just like the drinks we enjoyed.

Loop #4:

From there, I drove out to book club to spend time with my fabulous friends.  It was a smaller group this month and, as predicted, none of them liked the book (read my review here) I suggested.  It made me laugh and I wasn't all that surprised because it is very different.  Next book is Unbroken and after that is The Unquenchable Thirst. 

 I'm so excited to read these next two books, that I suspect I'm not going to be able to wait for the local library to get them in stock.  It was a super fun night, filled with great conversation, excellent wine, and delicious treats.  Thanks for hosting, Mari!

Loop #5:

After a late night, I was able to sleep in until 9ish.  But soon after waking up, I had to finish cleaning the house so we could host the virtual baby shower for my brother.  You can read about it here.  I couldn't have been happier to see my brother and my sister-in-law, surrounded by their loved ones.  The baby is due in four weeks and we are all over the moon to meet the little man.  After seeing my brother's giant head on our big screen, I'm even more convinced to make a trip to Florida in June, a reality for us.

Loop #6:

Today, Dad had his eighth surgery in two years.  The doctor snipped and realigned the vein in his upper arm for a better dialysis connection (that's the easiest way to describe it in non-medical terms).  And he came through with flying colors!   Mom, Kim, Auntie Joanne and I sat in the waiting room for most of the day.  He's home and resting, and hopefully, his new fistula is healing so he can begin home-dialysis in early April. I was able to answer a few work emails from the hospital but most will have to wait until tomorrow.

So, the ride keeps going and going, with all the ups and downs that life has to offer!  With wedding dress shopping, Alexander's birthday party, and family photos scheduled for this weekend, I don't see it stopping anytime soon.

Tonight, though, I'm going to sit on the couch and watch Captain America with the boys.

And a beer.

Such is the chapter in my life.