..and though we had a blast, I'm glad to be back at work. I'm feeling energized about work again, and I missed the structure. It's good to go on vacation and play things by ear, yes, and I agree that my life is sometimes a little *too* structured (at least, according to the Captain), so going on vacation and doing things when we want to do them is good, but...I also need structure. I do a poor job at creating structure for myself, so work is a good thing - not only does it provide me with structure, it also pays me. :) So: mental well-being + money = GOOD THING.
And I promise to post a proper account of our trip. I haven't uploaded all of our pictures yet, and you really need pictures to appreciate the trip. In any case, highlights: the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in DC; heckling the Towson 4th of July Parade, and admiring the multiple bagpipe groups in the parade; fireworks over the Harbor; petting goats at the Maryland Zoo @ Baltimore; the Jones Fall Farmers Market & eating some of the best spring rolls EVAR; the Post Secret religion installation at the American Visionary Arts Museum, but more so the All Faiths Beautiful exhibit (which, technically, the Post Secret thing was part of, but in my mind they're two installations); Nadia's homemade pesto-pasta dinner; spending loads of time with Nadia, needless to say; and stopping in Natural Bridge, VA, to see...the Natural Bridge. :)
But I've had my fill of the Road for a while, needless to say. This little body can't do what it could before, whether because of age or fibro. I was not so tired or pained as I thought I would be over the course of the B'more trip, and I was pleasantly surprised by that. Seems like my body was saving up, though, for when we got home. I haven't slept well lately, and it's mostly because of the pain. I took a hot bath last night, which helped a little, but this morning, the body demanded Lortab, which I took. It's helped, but that's two Lortabs in two weeks, so I must be careful.
AND: trouble amongst the friends. :( One couple has already dealt with their problem, which is good - Tara being sad and unhappy is unconscionable. But the other couple...well, their problem is more serious. Not that Tara's wasn't - but there are more far-reaching ramifications for L & T. L has become dissatisfied with life and doesn't feel like herself anymore and wants space; her husband, T, is scared of losing her, and is unsure what to do. The words separation have entered their discussions. I am not opposed to divorce, but I do share my friend's Tony sensibility: too many young couples (L & T have only been married 2 years) bail when the going gets rough. Things are "perfect," then...things aren't so "perfect," they get scared, they figure they must have made a mistake getting married, and break up. The reality of the situation? Healthy couples go through rough patches; it's okay. The Captain and I went through a rough patch in our second year of marriage. But we toughed it out, and it helped us grow as a couple, and as individuals.
I think part of L & T's problem is that L isn't sure what she wants, or what's really rattling around in her head, i.e., she doesn't feel like herself anymore, she's bored with her life, but she's unsure of how to deal with those feelings, and is feeling ashamed (this part I don't know for sure, but Tony agrees with me) because she has those feelings. T told L that he and I had been talking, and that seems to have opened a door for more communication. Tony recommended that they seek couples counseling, and I agree - this situation is better dealt with by a professional. I'm emotionally invested in these people, they are my friends, so I can't be as unbiased and objective as a counselor would be, and that objectivity and lack of bias will go much farther in helping them understand their situation and working through it. I am not going to judge my friends; none of us are perfect. But people are always afraid that they will be judged, and sometimes they don't get help when they should, because they are ashamed, or afraid.
But we'll see. Things will work out, one way or the other. L & T are good people, smart people, and I am confident that they will handle this situation like adults. I know they're both suffering, yes, and I am sorry; but they both know we're here for them, and that's the best thing I know to do - be available.
Anyway: what's on your plate today?
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