Sunday Matters

I am in a really strange place right now. After my mom’s passing, and all the other stuff that came with it, I find myself in this weird limbo stage where sometimes I am incredibly happy, and other times (not sad) but anxious. I feel all wound-up.

With the holidays and all the holiday traditions we have as a family, I can almost forget about my immediate problems. I see the tree and smile or I get excited about holiday reading with a warm, holiday drink by my side.

But then, it all comes rushing back to me. Reality. Life is hard sometimes.

Right Now:

I’ve got my cup of coffee and the sunlight is streaming through the window. It’s so pretty outside. COLD. For us, but pretty. We are about to head to church.

This Week:

December came up fast! This week I have two holiday parties to attend: the book club holiday party and one that a colleague throws every year.

Reading:

After my mom’s passing, it took me a long time to pick up a book. However, reading is like a tonic to me so I forced myself to begin again and sure enough, it’s calmed me in ways that no glass of wine could.

I finally finished Summer of Night. It was such a large book and parts of it were classic horror but it dragged in places. I still have to write the review. I am currently reading Commonwealth by Ann Patchett and I really love it.

Watching:

When your life seems like it’s spinning out of control, TV can be a comfort. I’ve watched SO much TV. I’ve watched old shows like Bob Newhart (so comforting) or several episodes of The Wonder Years. I’ve watched dark shows like Black Mirror and holidays classics like Frosty the Snowman. As you can see, anything goes in the TV department right now. I still haven’t experienced The Gilmore Girls yet. Is that a show my daughter and I could watch together?

Making:

I did cook for Thanksgiving but it was a weird day. Everyone was home, which was good but I could not relax. I’ve been making stuff here and there since I had the time off but now I am back at work for a little while and back to wondering what to make. What sounds good? I saw someone post a photo of Rib Eye steaks and lobster tail. Now, that sounds great to me.

Grateful for:

I am grateful for my friends and the many people who have reached out to me in some way over the past two weeks. You guys are the most awesome people. I’ve read every single message and card and some of the things you’ve said have literally brought me to tears. I am so grateful for you.

We had a beautiful Saturday. We spent some if it in the small town of Ojai and then went to the beach on a whim. The view. Absolutely gorgeous. This was taken without filters right before dusk. The rain was on its way and it was a mild 70 degrees.

After our lovely day, we had a rough night. The Otter Pup was not feeling well. She barfed on my phone, got spooked by a balloon in the backyard but we didn’t know this at the time and then right after my son got home at 3 a.m. from work, someone threw a pumpkin through my neighbor’s rear car window and completely destroyed it. It was about to rain so my son and the Hub helped to cover it up but can you believe that?

So…we had no sleep. Who could sleep after that?

Right Now:

It’s late. I seriously did not have time to post this until now so I am in my room trying to get this posted.

But earlier…

We had church this morning and then went to my MIL’s house for lunch and a little football. Then, The Teen and I left for the middle-school ministry’s Halloween party. I have so much fun with those students.

Happy Halloween

This Week:

My neighborhood gets into Halloween so even though it’s a school night, I’m sure we’ll have lots of trick-or-treaters. We’ve had rain off and off for the past few days so if it rains that might affect how things go. Maybe.

Halloween is a work day for us too so we’ll be fighting traffic to get home. I hand the candy out with The Otter Pup and then The Hub usually follows The Teen and her friend around while they go from house to house.

Thursday is book club but my church is having a worship experience so I may attend that instead. Haven’t decided yet.

Reading:

I am almost done with Summer of Night by Dan Simmons. I am supposed to be reading a book about witches for book club. Even though it’s certainly the right time of year for it, I haven’t started it yet and we meet this Thursday.

Watching:

I am still watching The Walking Dead although last week’s premiere really upset me. I know viewers always say “if so and so goes, we riot” but seriously, that is how I feel right now! But yeah, I’ll still be watching tonight.

American Horror Story has gone off the rails. It’s bloody and messy and funny at the same time. Where are they going with this story?

Making:

Not a thing. Haha. For Halloween, we will make Trader Joe’s pizzas and eat little snacks here and there.

Grateful for:

That beach day we had. I really needed it.

I have to catch up on all your posts from this weekend but I hope you had a wonderful weekend and that you all have a great Halloween!

Chatting with friends about books and life…