No West for the Reary

I'd like to start today's post by sayihg to all those affected by Superstorm Sandy, I am praying for you all and hope to see things restored quickly. Although I have never been through a superstorm, I have been through 2 large hurricanes, so I have some idea of what you're going through. God is with you.

Now, the above picture is not of me. I don't think it is, anyway, but it might as well be. Here's the thing: I'm still exhausted and I don't really know what to do about it.

Do you ever go through periods of your life where you just can't keep up? Please tell me you do, I'd hate to think I'm out here by myself. I honestly feel like I'm wandering through some maze and only turn down the next row when I bump into the wall.

I'm serious, I'm just wandering through life right now, running to whichever fire seems like it might be the one to burn the house down. A few weeks ago I really had a good routine going, really felt like I was getting things done most every day. Now, not so much. AND, my stupid foot is still hurting.

I think it all started with the fact that I took 2 really quick trips, hours away from home. You know how trips are; when you get home, you have to catch up. The trouble is, I have so much going on NOW, I don't have time to try to catch up on the things I missed. Plus, you're tired from all the driving. So, I usually just end up lying on the couch in the fetal position singing Kum Ba Yah. And....that doesn't help much. AND, my stupid foot is still hurting.

What to do, what to do? And, what's worse...THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING!! Now, here's the thing, I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS!! They are my absolute favorite time of the year. But, if I don't get a handle on things and get some real rest, by the time the fat man shoves himself down my chimney, I will be tucked away in some quiet little nut house. Hopefully a clean one with Direct TV. And WiFi. And a really good cook. Where do I sign up?

Another depressing thing is that it's been cold here the past 2 nights (YAY!), but it's supposed to warm up some tomorrow (BOO!), and we haven't been home in the evenings to make a fire (DANG.) Talk about kicking a girl when she's down. AND, my stupid foot is still hurting.

Things aren't going to get much better this week, I can tell you that. I have my first PAYING writing assignment due on Monday and that's going to take precedence over EVERYTHING else this week. Except tomorrow, when I head down to church to help get ready for our first outreach, a Family Fall Festival (hereafter known as FFF...I'm in a hurry, OK?) AND, my stupid foot is still hurting.

My take: Maybe I can stay in pajamas on Saturday if I get all my writing done. That's definitely motivation for me!!

Goodbye, My Lovely Youth

People.

I'm exhausted.

No, seriously. Exhausted. I think what little youth I still had left in my body has officially checked out. And I have yesterday to thank for it.

It began like any other weekday, with me taking Riley to school. I have to stop here and say that one of the things that has really helped my fatigue level this year is that Riley now wakes up on his own. I know, amazing. It's really been a very easy transition for someone who, true story, slept through an earthquake this summer in New Zealand.

When I complimented him on this very thing and asked him how he'd done it, he said, "Easy. I just set like 10 alarms, every 10 minutes, and eventually, I hear one of them." Whatever works.

So, at least this year I don't have to wake at 6, go up and down the stairs to his room 5 times, threatening sudden death, to get him up. Ah, progress.

Anyway, I regress...

After my shower, I voted. I felt very American and highly recommend voting to all of you other Americans out there. I mean, you know, people died so we can vote. Here's where it gets a little crazy:

10:30 - ran home to put washed clothes in dryer

10:45 - ran by school district office

11:00 - got nails done

12:25 - ran by bank

12:35 - drove thru Chick-Fil-A for lunch

1:00 - 4:00 - counseled at not for profit organization

4:15 - 1st trip to grocery store

5:00 - picked up Riley

5:30 - still waiting on Riley

5:45 - forgot car seat for Charlotte, take Riley home, get car seat

5:55 - pick up Charlotte

6:10 - start dinner

6:25 - 2nd trip to grocery store

7:00 - dinner

7:10 - Charlotte's first "I'm going to fwow up" episode

7:15 - Charlotte's second "I'm going to fwow up episode

7:20 - pot and towel next to Charlotte for third "I'm going to fwow up" episode

7:25 - Charlotte: "I have to poo poo."

7:30 - Robert gets home, (Robert as I'm walking back to the bathroom with Charlotte, "What are you doing?" Me: "I have no idea.")

7:45 - gave up on finishing dinner

Get the picture? And, to make matters worse, THE YELLOW JACKETS ARE BACK!!! What the heck? And, we're playing the 4th best football team in the whole area tonight. Joy.

So, yes, I'm exhausted...but, not too exhausted to share a recipe! I think I mentioned that while I was at my cousin's house, we made homemade pesto sauce. It was SO YUMMY!! I absolutely love it and highly recommend you try it. Happy Weekend!!

Homemade Pesto

Ingredients:
4 C fresh basil leaves, stems removed and washed
3 garlic cloves, halved
3 T pine nuts
1/4 - 1/2 C extra virgin olive oil
1/3 C Parmesan cheese, shredded
1/3 C Romano cheese, shredded
1/8 tsp salt

Directions
1. Place a few basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts and a little oil in blender or food processor. Cover and puree until leaves begin to look crushed.
2. Continue adding basil leaves a few at a time with small amounts of oil to food processor, using a rubber spatula to help combine pureed mixture.
3. Add Parmesan and Romano cheese and salt. cover and process until pesto mixture is smooth.