Taken from the car, driving through Haut-Médoc on way back from Souillac to Bordeaux
It’s not all easy summer pleasure around here. Sometimes I need a pretty picture to divert myself from the current stresses (and did you see what Lisaat Amid Privilege had to say yesterday about “stilling our emotional systems”?).
For example, in the last few days I
1. screwed up royally in an e-mail to an important person, causing temporary upset for both of us until my proofreading error (one single numeral, a significant one) was recognised and profusely apologised for. I’m representing my institution/department to an invited guest, so it was really horrid. Much wearing of the hair shirt. . . .
2. felt the telltale prickling that presages a coldsore — and sure enough, right now two of them have taken up apparently permanent and painful residence on my lower lip — which they’ve swollen into misshapen visibility. And a sympathetic nerve just nearby is twitching my right eye in true Inspector Dreyfus (Pink Panther) fashion. All just in time for those wedding photos, doncha know?!
3. went into my office on campus, picked up some books from my desktop, and surprised a boiling mass of ants into frantic activity. I’ve been through this once before and dread the protracted wrangling with Maintenance that happened last time, when pesticide was applied without warning, its residual effects making my office a toxic space just when I most needed it to get the term started. Luckily, a favourite department secretary has taken on the wrangling for me, and we’re hoping all the cleanup is done in the next week so most off-gassing is done before classes start.
Meanwhile, wedding preparations are falling into place. We’re crossing our fingers that today’s shift in weather is only a temporary grumbling and that next Saturday will be, if not completely sunny, then at least no more than a drizzle of rain. Because the bride and groom will be saying their “I do’s” on the beach. And because shortly afterward, we’ll be testing out this new dance floor (almost completed here) . . .
Between now and then, I’m trying to take Lisa’s advice. So I’ll be remembering to breathe, to let my “emotional system” catch up, as I listen to the waves, breathe in the salt air . . . and cross my fingers that next Saturday delivers decent wedding weather.
Thank you F. And I can hardly imagine what it must be like to start work and host a wedding at the same time. Luckily people forget many of the things that we obsess over:). Wishing you well and good weather.
This is the lesson Paul's trying to give me, that my mistake is human, reparable, and forgettable. I'm hoping my obsessing will be over soon. . . .
i'm sending the calm vibes your way across the water.
it will pass; you will enjoy; you will be stronger; this time of year is the hamster-spinning-on-a-wheel phase; bleh (please delete that which is not applicable or least supportive)
PS: i need the vibes back when you've finished needing them – there is a stamped-addressed envelope accompanying them. just replac ein envelope, seal the flap and drop in the mail, thank you
😉
Oh, thank you, just what I'm needing! I'll try not to be too greedy and to mail the vibes back early next week. 😉
Oh my goodness, I hope the cold sores and all of the "tangles" are worked out by next Saturday.
Thanks, Sue — I suppose a tangle-free life would just be boring?
When it rains, it pours (pun intended)! Take some acyclovir and the cold sores will be gone by the weekend. I'm sure you resolved the (regrettable) miscommunication more than adequately (though I've had those experiences and they do suck – more for you in memory than for anyone else, cuz everyone else forgets as soon as things resolve). As far as ants go, I got nothing. Bugs flip me out. But, in terms of the wedding, brides have a way of being gorgeous regardless of what happens with the weather – even if they're stuck in it. And everyone is going to celebrate joyfully, I'm sure. Mind you, get that tarp happening. Remember, it's to appease the weather gods.
Tarping backup got done this morning. And I'll carry my umbrella with me all week. That alone should ensure no rain, right? And you're right about the bride — and I'm assuming wedding guests will be prepared to be celebratory, no matter the weather.
As for my stupid mistake, I was, indeed, ensured by the loveliest Sr. Publicist from To. that I was to put this aside and enjoy my weekend. Thank goodness there are gracious people in the world!
Miscommunication happens. It's how we manage it on the flip side that matters. And, seriously, those guests are largely West-coaster, right? They've got to be used to your crazy weather by now 🙂 Now that you've got that tarp up, you need not worry though.
Thanks! So appreciate this kind of support!
Everything seems to be piling up on you these days. I wonder if things (such as miscommunication) bother you more with all the wedding preparations. Stress comes in good times as well as bad. I haven't read Lisa's post, but it sounds as if you're taking her good advice to heart.
We attended a wedding in Alberta yesterday. I'm not a fan of country music, but dancing to it was fantastic! One of the most fun receptions I've been to.
I hope the weather cooperates for you on Saturday. We're currently in Canmore, where thunder is rolling from hill to hill and we're wondering what the week holds for our hiking plans. Perhaps here, as on your island, the storm will clear the air and bring fresh sunshine behind it. I'll send up a prayer for you.
Yes, I think the stress compounds the stress, absolutely. I do try to put it in perspective — was lucky to experience a moment of quiet this afternoon when I recognised how very fortunate I am and feel some peace in that!
I know what you mean about country music and dancing — we were at a wedding in Ft. St. John last year — yeehaw!
Thanks for the prayer — much appreciated.
Oh Mater, I am sending peaceful thoughts your way. I know how hard it can be not to obsess about things.
Thanks Susan!
OH my! I know it is all in the past now, so just apply my peaceful vibes to the next crisis.