Blue Skies From Now On

My mom told me a couple of weeks ago that she heard on the radio that January 22nd is "the most depressing" day of the year. Some doctor based this finding on the weather, failed new year’s resolutions and consumer debt from holiday spending. The winter blues are not foreign to me. I’m feeling it. The inauguration was a bright spot, to be sure. But I was more tearful than normal—full of joy, but but my emotions were and continue to be right on the surface. So I’m trying to take care of myself…reading really good and funny books, journaling every day, trying to stay “in the moment” with Audrey.

Today, the sun was shining very brightly so around Audrey’s morning nap time, I threw her in the car and I took off for Lone Elk Park. I was reluctant because she is in the car so long on the three days that I work, but I had to get out of the house. She took a very decent nap and I got to drive through the park and look at a herd of bison, two deer, and one elk. Afterwards, I headed to Eureka where I remembered there to be a huge antique mall—great for walking. But it was no longer there. So instead, we checked out Ben Franklin and Dickey Bub Farm & Home—both amazing. I am a sucker for a Ben Franklin—so much crafty junk and weird candy. And I needed some brown thread anyway. Dickey Bub was incredible. It smelled like the MFA feed store I would go to sometimes with my mom or dad when I was little. Most impressive—the variety of bird feeders, the hot pink horse halters, and the cowboy boots.

Afterwards we got some lunch then headed home. Audrey napped most of the way with the sun shining on her cheeky little face. She has one little bottom chicklet tooth and a lateral incisor has popped out—which is not the normal order. She looks postively wacky at times. So flippin' cute I can't stand it. Once home I watched Mad Men (Netflix) and folded clothes and chased her around.

My new work schedule is Tuesdays/Thursdays/Fridays. It will take some getting used to—but I love working three ten hour days. I know it won’t last forever—but I love it.