Week in Review: Week 168
There have been way too many weeks in a row where there are things I have been stressed about – work things, personal things, too many commitments, expectations, etc. I aim for a quiet life…but I never quite seem to get there.
Remember last year when I wanted a white summer dress? Still do. Remember last year when I couldn’t find one?? Still can’t. This Marks&Spencer white linen dress seemed right up my alley – linen, simple lines, no waist constrictions. BUT…it only fit around my hips at the cost of being too big in the bust and shoulders. It’s already gone back.
Then there’s a gorgeous white dress at Anthropologie but it’s $$$. I saw this one at WomanWithin for a fraction of the cost and a similar look. Nope.
Moving on.
I was back at the tire center this week visiting my friend Guillermo to replace a tire that has had a worrisome bubble since last September. I thought I was going away for the weekend and before I drove 100 miles away by myself I wanted to make sure I wasn’t going to get a blown tire on the way. Unfortunately, it keeps being the same two tires that go bad so it’s not like I have all new tires at this point.
Tire center artwork.
This week’s Gwynnie Bee item. Not so good and it went back unworn.
I’ve finally been able to enjoy some time on the patio, except that I’ve outgrown my chairs and I can’t sit there long without getting very uncomfortable. Janey likes sitting out there with me and I’m considering getting her a harness so she can walk around a bit. There are pros and cons to this idea, so…
The Parent Association at work treated teachers and direct support professionals and staff to a bagel breakfast on Thursday in honor of Teacher Appreciation Month. Right after that I had to go to a center in another town where some of adult clients go a couple times a week for a program. This week I was presenting a class on photography to three classes and I had been a nervous wreck about it for a week! It went well, I guess, the teachers said it did, anyway. I wish I could share some of the pictures from the presentation but I can’t.
The reason I’m sharing it here is the nervousness so exhausted me that when I got home that evening, I tried to work on my blog post for Friday and within about ten minutes I literally could not stay upright at the computer. I did sort of a half walk/half crawl over to the bed, had a serious hot flush, thought I was going to be nauseous. That part passed, but it was 6pm and I never got back out of bed. I had HIT. THE. WALL. The weeks of extra work events and social activities and anxiety about this that and the other…had just done me in. It sounds so silly, but…it was a real thing that night.
Fortunately the extra-long evening of bed rest helped, and while I didn’t feel entirely back to normal the next day, at least I could walk! Also, good news/bad news…my weekend away was canceled, so…it was just as well, under the circumstances, as now I was able to have a quiet weekend to sort of get back on even keel.
Saturday I did a little erranding and finally planted some patio pots. I always forget that trick of scraping some bar soap under your fingernails before working in the dirt til it’s too late!
When I’m home on the weekend I get to see the light come in at different places.
I watched A Star is Born. I’ve never seen any of the earlier versions…and I doubt I ever will. But I really like this new version. I recommend.
Janey spends a lot of time in the window watching for our chipmunk.
I went to a nice garden this morning. I always love Japanese elements in a garden.
I spent the afternoon reading on the sofa. We had a brief thunderstorm. Hearing thunder always brings me joy.
I don’t think there’s anything to dread in the week ahead. And it’s a short week. And I feel somewhat better after my quiet weekend alone. Fingers crossed it’s a calm week.
xoxo
Liz Preece
Sometimes I have trousers & dresses altered to fit me – it’s not always a cheap thing to do but you may have been able to have the M & S dress altered at the shoulders . Wish all these stores made in between sizes x
Laurie Elliott
You had a busy week and I feel stressed for you just reading about it. Glad you were able to stay home this weekend and get some rest and relaxation. On the subject of chairs, I know the pain all too well. I found a resin patio chair at TrueValue.com called The Big Easy Stacking Chair. I’m sure it is available other places too. They look like your standard plastic patio chair but are wider and very comfortable and sturdy. Hold up well to the elements as mine have been on my patio thru snow, wind, rain and 100+ temps. Tested to 350 lbs. Thought I would share in case you or a reader had a similar problem that I’ve had. Have a good (short) week!
Iris
Oh my – I’m glad you got to rest over the weekend. Sometimes you JUST HAVE TO DO THAT. I’ve been trying harder on that score.
Janey looks happy in the window. You didn’t show us the flowers you planted 🙁 I did buy a few marigolds for my deck. About the only thing I can keep alive – and one of my favorites too.
Hope your life has slowed down a bit now.
Grace & Peace,Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com
bettyewp
I want to give the planters a little time to settle and fill in before I show them off. They look a little sad and bare right now. Got some more plants today at the herb farm.
Marigolds were my father’s favorite. Their distinctive scent makes me think of him. My mother loved red geraniums.
jodie filogomo
We used to have a harness for our Spookie girl. The first time we put it on her she acted like it weighed 500 pounds. But by the second time, she wanted to go outside enough that it was fine. We gave that up after she got sick from chewing on something…ugh!!
I hope your week is much calmer and relaxed. You need to give time to yourself.
And that tire issue has got to be the most frustrating ever…. Obviously they know you by name now. LOL (not that it’s funny, but..)
OXOX
Jodie
bettyewp
“The first time we put it on her she acted like it weighed 500 pounds.” HA HA HA Cats is funny. I can remember putting collars on cats when I was younger and they would go positively limp on the ground like I’d strapped cinder blocks to their backs.
Oh yeah, me and Guillermo are TIGHT. BUT, I hope I don’t see him for awhile 🙂
Nancy
I’m glad you got a little bit of rest. I had a harnas for my previous cats, it worked just fine. But Maine coons will not put up with that sadly. You could try it for Janey. Have a good week ahead!
bettyewp
Yeah, I will look for a harness for Miss Jayne. I think she would like to be able to explore the patio a bit. And maybe it’ll tire her out so she LEAVES ME ALONE.
Sarah
I hate weeks like that; I’m glad it’s over for you and pleased you survived intact and able to walk! And blog. I am shooting a special event for a local company next week and I’m dreading that also – have to bring my big studio lights and that’s making me anxious. But it will be in the past soon too.
Awesome tip about the soap and fingernails! Bought some plants yesterday and need to get them settled today! I’ve never heard that tip before. Thanks Bettye!
bettyewp
I’ve all but given up shooting events – I still have to do work events cuz that’s just part of my job, but I’m not doing it for other people anymore. And I’ll only take portrait shoots for certain people…or if it’s a LOT of money (which it never is, ha ha). I just had someone ask about an engagement shoot last week and I didn’t even have it in me to respond, ha. I’m like if I just sit very quietly over here maybe they’ll go away 🙂 I’M SUCH A PROFESSIONAL. Not to mention, ADULT, ha ha ha.
So I certainly know the dread and stress of upcoming shoots, ugh, lighting? GAH. That’s WAY too much pressure. CAN’T SOMEONE JUST THROW MONEY AT US CUZ WE’RE NICE PEOPLE?!
Debbie Stinedurf
Although it kinda sucks that your weekend plans were canceled, it sounds like you very much needed the rest so maybe it’s a good thing. I’m planting my flowers today…that always makes me happy! We have 4 days this week & then it’s summer vacation…I really need it, not because of the kids but the petty nonsense perpetrated by adults! Take it easy this week my friend…xo
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
bettyewp
Ohmygod I’m so envious of your summer off I could cry. I might cry. I will definitely cry. Ha. ENJOY YOUR TIME!!! Let me live vicariously through you!
ROBIN
Fibromyalgia and other ailments often require a wind down day or weekend for me. I don’t know why I feel bad about it–I assume I should be doing more. I understand the need for rest and solitude. Beautiful garden view–I could sit back there all day.
bettyewp
We’re just too hard on ourselves. Push push do more and more and more. After the way I felt last week I’m really backing off some things for a little bit.
I don’t know much about it but I’ve heard that fibromyalgia can make you REALLY exhausted, ugh. Have you had that long?
wendee
beautiful photos
The Glossychic
Wonder Cottage
bettyewp
Thanks, Wendee!