It’s been another really busy week with a lot of highs and lows. Also another week that felt really balanced between laid back at home work days and out and about memory making days. That’s one thing I really like about summer – the ability to try and balance it all out most of the time. Of course that can get overwhelming too, when I’m not as productive as I’d like to be. But I think the boys are having a pretty good summer and that’s what it’s all about it.
I was up early last Sunday and spent an hour or two finishing up some sewing room organization I started weeks ago. I’ve been really getting into being more creative with my doll hair – blending a lot more colors and textures for a look that’s unique to my artistry. But more options means more yarn – a lot more yarn! – so I had to do a bunch of rearranging to make room for it all. I love it!
We spent most of Sunday at a family reunion near Milwaukee. It was at such a pretty park, filled with trees, a huge pond, and walking paths. We brought Annie with us and it was a fun day talking to relatives we haven’t seen in awhile! We were also able to connect with Melissa for a little bit and give her some birthday presents. Even though I was DEAD TIRED by the time we got home, I went out and ran all my errands for the week, sneaking by without needing to take the boys with me once again! I’m getting very good at it this summer! Though it did occur to me that they’re probably old enough I could just leave them home and run out by myself during the day. But I’m not so sure I trust them together for more than a very short amount of time. Next summer, hopefully.
Monday was a big work day, finishing up a custom order Anne of Green Gables and Diana set an internet friend asked me to make. She sent me a whole list of literary themed dolls she’d like to see me make in the future. That’s not really the direction I’d like to go with my dolls in general, but I’m contemplating it!
On Tuesday morning we had a park playdate with a friend and her kids. The weather was so beautiful! We decided to bike there. Only my second bike ride since my broken ankle and I survived it! When I tried in May it took me a full two weeks to stop feeling the pain. Maybe it just wasn’t as rigorous of a ride this time, but maybe I’m also still hopefully getting stronger! I brought a batch of scones and she brought a box of donuts and we all had a really good time!
On Tuesday night we had a big date! Guster was in Milwaukee again (they seem to ALWAYS be touring since we seem to see at least one concert a year!) and I gave Greg tickets for his birthday. I let him pick the restaurant too because I always pick. He went with a pizza place a block or two away. We didn’t have to wait and were seated around the pizza oven where we could watch the chefs make the pizzas. It was fun and really delicious!
The traffic was terrible, so we thought the whole thing would be rushed, but we ended up with plenty of time to just chill in the theater before it started.
The concert was great! My only complaint is that this is the first Guster concert we went to where people stood up for the whole thing. I am adamantly against standing concerts! My feet were so sore from standing up all day on Sunday at the reunion, so I sat down during songs I didn’t know as well. I could still see between the bodies. đŸ™‚ It was a late night, but a really fun one!
Wednesday was kind of a bummer day because I got an ingrown toenail removed. I’m embarrassed to say it’s the same toenail that I visited the podiatrist for an entire year ago. At the time we decided to wait it out and hoped it would get better. It was infected for a very, very long time, to the point I was too embarrassed to bring it up again. But I finally had enough when the infection went away and it was very clear it wasn’t going to fix itself. I assumed the procedure would be fast and easy and wasn’t prepared for how much the numbing agent they shot into my toe was going to hurt! Shepard wanted to be in the room with me to watch, so he was getting a kick out of my cringing and wrenching away from the pain. Ouch. But then it all went fine and I’ve just been trying to take it easy the last couple of days.
Thursday was split between sewing and cleaning and prepping food for my party on Friday.
And Friday night I had a taco party! I’m not sure the emotional turmoil over planning a party is worth it for me in the end. I can’t stand putting myself out there knowing I’m going to feel rejected when people can’t, or don’t want to, come. Plus the pressure of cleaning the house when nobody else wants to help me out with it. So much anxiety. But it turned out to be a really nice time. Because I messed up which days she was visiting Wisconsin, my friend Dianne was in town for it. And a couple other friends came and some of their kids. We had way too much food, but it was a perfect amount of people and a really nice way to relax and enjoy each other’s company on a summer Friday night.
I spent Saturday finishing up eight dog and cat themed dolls. They were a hit and seven of them sold within three minutes of listing! The eighth sold a few hours later. It’s always so validating when they sell quickly! But it also really adds on the pressure to make more STAT. Greg and the boys were gone for most of the day, so it was just nice to have the house to myself finally, so I was able to read and take a nap after they were finished.
And today has been pretty lazy! I only went out to have lunch with Dianne before she flew home. I have a few things I’d still like to get done today, but I have a feeling it’s not going to happen. I’m so tired!
Sunday Intentions
Well, this is the week all the fun stuff really picks up. Monday and Tuesday are free – I need to do some household things and hopefully finish two more dolls I started this morning. But then on Wednesday Greg and I are going on a two night getaway to one of our favorite places. I’m looking forward to lots of time to just read and relax! Then next weekend my brother and his family will be in town and we’re keeping the days open to spend time with them. And later that next week I’m off to Book Bonanza!
My intention for the week is to try and stop letting my emotions rule my life. Sometimes I really hate how deeply and intensely I feel EVERYTHING. Nothing rolls of my back, nothing is ever forgotten. I’m not the greatest at actually expressing my emotions, but they overrule my thoughts and really dictate whether I’m going to have a good day or bad. I want to have good days. But summer is a trying time.
That’s about it! Have a great week!
