Sorry the blog has been languishing. It’s almost embarrassing to think about. As I mentioned last weekend, my husband got laid off. So far it’s not so bad because he’s been able to spend a lot more time with the kids this week and he has about a million things to do around the house that he hasn’t been able to get to before. But now that Early Morning Seminary is over (which is a religion class for teenagers at 6 in the morning every school day. Crazy, isn’t it? But that’s what most Mormon teens do. How else can they survive against the onslaught of horribleness at high school? Really? Anyhoo, Mister is the teacher and it’s been gruelling. There have been a lot of blessings, though–like unemployment! kidding!), we can heave a sigh of relief and relaxation.
But the unemployment thing. It’s stressful. Especially since as a wife I get the job of head cheerleader (“rah, rah, rah! You’re awesome even though nobody has hired you yet! Your resumé turns me on! Don’t be sad, you’ll find a job that you’ll love even more! Go Team!” ) It is fun, let me tell you. In a way it’s like riding on a really awful roller coaster. I get very little say in what happens. I just have to hold on through the bumps and hills and jerks and smile, smile, smile. And tell myself that it will all be over soon. Soon. That’s what I’m praying for at this point. Although we all know how The Lord’s Time works. You have to hold on until you can’t possible hold on one second longer . . . and then you keep holding on because that’s what you do. And then you think you really just can’t hold on any longer. But you do. And then maybe it will be over.
So yeah, things are just starting to get a bit nervewracking. And when I am really stressed out I do not eat or cry or go running. I do projects. Part of me loves the creative outlet. Creating things really releases that interior pressure valve. Another reason for my project-therapy is because it really cheers me up to make things pretty (or make pretty things. Either way.) I’ve been stalling about my kitchen wallpaper for, oh, two years now. But Mister got that pink slip and I was up on the ladder the next day.
Lots of stress = lots of projects. I have been simultaneously hanging wallpaper and working on the mudroom-to-be (formerly the dining room-that-never-was-because-who-wants-to-waste-space-on-dumb-dining-room-furniture-when-the-kitchen-table-is-bigger-anyway). I will finally get my fondest wish of having lockers for my kids. Sadly, I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for, so I had to settle for crummy Ikea because that’s all that fit in the budget (they were bought before the lay-off and paid for in cash so don’t get all Dave Ramsey on me, OK?) But never fear, I spent all weekend beautifying my Ikea cupboards and they are as cute as can be. Seriouly, I almost fainted they are so cute. No pics, yet, though. I still have a lot of work to do on both rooms.
Aaaaand, I made/am making six aprons for teacher gifts (four down, two to go). I already had the fabric so they’re free, right? I mean, Target gift cards are very appreciated by the teachers, I’m sure. But aprons are so much better (and cheaper). Homemade gifts are where it’s at, man.
Guess what I have not been doing since Mister got laid off? Cleaning my house! And making nice meals! Instead the kitchen looks like a tornado of fabric and wallpaper ripped through it, and we’ve been eating cereal at least once a day. But I swore I would get it all finished today. And I will! I also swore I would do Makeup Monday today. And I will do that too. It will just be much later today.
The good news is that I’m feeling much calmer now. Much more in control. (I think that’s another reason why I like creating/fixing up. It makes me feel like I have control over something. Although wallpaper is a nasty beast. Kind of the wild stallion of the decorating world.)
So it’s up the ladder I go again. But things are looking beautiful (at least the walls are), and that makes me happy. And we all deserve a bit of happiness now and then.
You had me at "Dave Ramsey" LOL!
And "your resume turns me on"? That's classic.
Where are your locker pics???!!!
I just realized, my son Spencer did NOT leave that comment, I don't know why he's up when it's ME. I'll get intellectual and figure that one out later…
No locker pics yet! I like "before" and "afters". The "durings" are sort of embarrassing.
I'm SOOOOOOO looking forward to your new mud room. I'm hoping it includes a long table for folding clothes that overflow from the Laundry room.c
I can't wait to see it all.
Let me know when you need a break from everyone being home and I will take you out to lunch!
I totally relate to your need to do something (control something) in you our of your control situation. BTDT.
And as for cleaning the house and preparing meals, it is just not nearly as satisfying as creating something.
I can' wait to see the mud room pics!
I too can't wait for the pics of both the mudroom and the wallpaper. I am sure it will all be amazing. I love your attitude through all this Jennie. You are tough as nails. Hang in there. The sun will come out tomorrow! 🙂
I could never try to create something when I'm stressed. I would lose my mind! I have to clean. When I am upset, the first thing I do is start scrubbing the corners and basebords and cobwebs that I never clean. It's so satisfying and stress-relieving for me!
That is the funniest thing ever! I love your cheer leading style! What is better than a girl who is funny & crafty in the face of stress! I'm inspired! xo
Good luck with everything! It'll work out.
I wish I dealt with stress like you. My house would be gorgeous. Best of luck with the job search. I'm glad you found your "happy place" (or rather, were able to make your happy place).
I mostly eat when I am stressed, then I feel guilty and clean. Can't wait for the pictures!
Sorry for the bad news on the job front. 🙁
I'm with OMGirl I start cleaning when stressed or to avoid doing all the other things on my to do list! Today it was the van- I washed it. I had a million other things to do but it was important at the time. Over the weekend it was scrubbing the white bunk bed down with a magic Mr Clean eraser! Next… the master closet. What a wreck!! Wish I could trade with you though!
Sorry to hear about the lay off…I am right there with you! Only a wife gets, that the wife carries it!
I echo those who wish they handled stress like you. When I was younger I would clean, and bake, bake , bake. Now that I have teens adding to the axiety, I just take a melotonin and watch TV like hoarders and biggest loser to make myself feel not so alone.
Very sad, you have inspired me!
I loved this post for so many reasons. I'm so sorry about the layoff, but I love your spirit and honesty. Good luck with everything, including those kitchen walls and lockers!
P.S. My favorite line was "Don't get all Dave Ramsey on me." CLASSIC
I don't think my resume would turn you on.
When I get stressed I just get in my bed to eat doughnuts and read stuff. At least you have something to show for all your anxiety!
I envy your stress-driven productivity. I'm exactly the opposite – if stress is too high, I get absolutely nothing done. My creating is rendered from rainbows and lollipops. I bet you find that surprising. 😉