Tell me there is a light at the end of the tunnel

[kiya]

I keep telling myself "Don't sweat the small things" and everything works itself out. It hasn't been easy here, everytime I turn around it's something else. Like yesterday it was just a bad day all around.
Started off the kitten knocked my ice tea pitcher off the counter, it broke. Lakota pulled my glasses out of my bag, chewed the lens & broke the frames to a tune of $300. Decided to walk the dogs in the trails even though I knew it was going to be muddy (it was bad). Left my travel coffee mug on the counter when I left for work (never have time to actually sit down & drink coffee untill I get to work). Had a bad day at work. Then because I had to go get new glasses & pick up horse grain, I got home almost 2 hours late. Hubby was cranky because he had a bad day at work. Didn't get to sit down until almost 9:30. I go to bed at 10, I was really glad the day was over.
Today is better.

[Stevenzachsmom]

Originally Posted by jocoyn

I always know whenever there is something like this "it could be worse" and there are plenty who have it worse........I guess this is just "I need a break" and know I won't get one for months.

That's true, but when they are your bad things, they are bad enough. When we are having a bad day - even if it is small thing, it doesn't make us feel one iota better that some people are much worse off.

I agree with Nancy....There is ALWAYS light at the end of the tunnel, but you have to keep your head up. Try not to look at the big picture. That can be overwhelming. Take small steps - one step at a time. Do what you have to do and don't worry about what doesn't get done. Try to squeeze out a little bit of time for you. You DO need a break.

Lauren, my sweet baby girl. I am expecting wonderful things for you. You are an amazing person and don't you ever forget that.

Wishing you brighter days and lighter burdens.
Big Hugs!
Jan

[jocoyn]

Yes, the dogs are all small things-and I know someday this little demon will be a dream dog**. The prolonged care of my mother is probably the biggest and most stressful issue. For us, we have had a total of 6 months as empty nesters and see our best years together melting away as caregivers, but it really is the right thing to do (and we do have paid help thanks to my father's excellent planning - which I did not appreciate when I was younger and he was such a scrooge)

But - like I said - we have a roof over our heads, jobs, etc.....in the scope of things it is just life but some days just seem more hopeless than others.

**honestly other than being headstrong he has no temperament issues - no fear, not biting us, just a high drive and high energy puppy who is also very hard and I am sure will be a handful for some time. But he is very interactive and smart.

[Hatterasser]

Dang, girl, I know how little things can bug you but it's only for a small chunk of your life. I've always looked at that as my anthem. There are so many years before you so what's a month or two in retrospect? Just a small chunk. And then things improve and you move on.....to the next month that bugs you. *laughing*

[mysweetkaos]

Originally Posted by Stevenzachsmom

That's true, but when they are your bad things, they are bad enough. When we are having a bad day - even if it is small thing, it doesn't make us feel one iota better that some people are much worse off.

I agree with Nancy....There is ALWAYS light at the end of the tunnel, but you have to keep your head up. Try not to look at the big picture. That can be overwhelming. Take small steps - one step at a time. Do what you have to do and don't worry about what doesn't get done. Try to squeeze out a little bit of time for you. You DO need a break.



Wishing you brighter days and lighter burdens.
Big Hugs!
Jan

Good advice....it is overwhelming to look at the big picture. I try to act like a horse with blinders on somedays when it's all too much. Not many people I know aren't struggling in one way or another. I try to find the positive.....as in due to cutbacks my husbands construction firm laid off 1/3 of their employees a couple of years ago....the rest took pay cuts/raise & bonus freeze/benefit cuts. I try to find the joy in the fact he still has a job.....but when you go from very comfy to constantly trying to juggle and pay everything it is a daily struggle to find the positive. So one day at a time, and I try to remember "this too shall pass"
Hope all your doggies are feeling better soon. My own parents are still in good health, but a few years ago I had the job of being my grandpas caretaker....what a emotionally draining position to be in. I completely understand, it is hard for so many reasons. Looking back I am so thankful to have been given that gift of time with him and being able to help him so much....but it was hard.
So here's some hugs and good thoughts coming your way!

[jocoyn]

Hugs welcome - Oh, yes, we have been through far worse and will go through far worse -as well as better. Without some stress and frustration in life you can't really appreciate the good things that come your way.

[mysweetkaos]

Originally Posted by jocoyn

Hugs welcome - Oh, yes, we have been through far worse and will go through far worse -as well as better. Without some stress and frustration in life you can't really appreciate the good things that come your way.

Absolutely...have you ever met anyone who didn't struggle? I have, they lack character in my opinion. I am not enjoying our restricted budget and lifestyle....but I am thankful that when things return to normal, and they will...we will all have a greater appreciation for what we have.

[jocoyn]

Well the tunnel is getting longer.
Went into Mom's bedroom and the floor (hardwood) seemed a bit rough - upon further inspection all the boards are warped and there is evidence of mop marks and stains.

12 x 20 foot room - solid wood hardwood not a laminate. We are running a dehumidifier up there now to see if there is ANY hope of unwarping it but I kind of figure we are looking at refinishing or at worst replacing the floor.

Well not until my mother passess unless it gets so bad it impacts rolling her around. There is no plumbing running under that floor or any signs of water coming in from the sides or walls anywhere.