I did turn off comments for the cookie post, though, because i didn't want to seem like i was fishing. As a mom of a 5th grader (my youngest), I realized that this is probably the last classroom party she'll have. At least the last one where parents are involved on any scale. And I found myself feeling sad about that. How did we get from preschool to the brink of adolescence? So I suppose all the "cookie angst" had something to do with that. And if you think this is more about me and less about her, you'd be right. I suppose, I'm growing up, too. Decorating the cookies is actually an idea I got from a sweet friend whose mom started the tradition with her, and who now does it for her son. I made the mistake of asking what bakery she used--"Oh, no. I just make them." :0) Right. So 2 things are established: 1. If I do this again, I'll buy the proper tools, not some cheap-o lying sack of frosting. and 2. I'm not bloody likely to do this again. We all have our strengths, no?
So, i'm also feeling not so svelte and very unattractive. That doesn't help.
And the piece de resistance of my week? My annual check up is tomorrow. There I can not only face the scale, but also the mascara brush, which goes where no mascara brush should go. Evah. And let's not forget the snap of the latex gloves, not only checking my girl regions, but my nether-no-one-should-ever-see-let-alone-touch bum bum. Thankfully, C. is a nurse practitioner who has
So...annual check up. It also represents the fact that I'm simply not where I would like to be health wise. I had a nice cry in RHonda, the minivan on the way home from taking J. to school, and told God I needed Him more than ever for (shall I count the ways?):
- self (or God) discipline in really scheduling my work outs/walks and doing them.
- doing better at healthful meals for the fam. I am an example. Darn it. I've been doing great on meal planning, but other than soups and salads sans cream, the casserole thang has been calling my name for ease and comfort (and no complaining from the fam).
- patience with self and others
- taking care of myself so I can take care of others and not seeing this as selfish. major re-thinking/re-taping needed.
- forgiveness and grace when i fall. whether in parenting or eating or wif-ing, or any task which I attempt.
So...while not completely in a funk--who could be in a funk when going to Maui for 6 days?--having a garden variety $h!tty week.
Mercy and grace, Lord. Please. And thank You, Lord. Thank You for the not-so-good. It's easy to thank You for the rest, and I do. But thank You for this.
10 comments:
oh my girl....how is it that you can be so honest and STILL make me laugh...
Weeks like these are simply put in place to remind us we indeed need that Sweet Rescuer and how feebly apt we are to handle ourselves on our own..hormones, tears and all..."He's got you and your emotions...in His Hands, He's got you and crappy icing..in His Hands..He's Got GRETCHEN in His Hands!!
Love ya much!!
I love you dear one, keeping you in my prayers.
Girl...I knew you weren't fishing. ;)
Oh, the dreaded appointment. You reminded me that I'm overdue for mine...just one of those things that is so easy to put off, right? I think I get as nervous about getting on the scale as any of the other stuff.
His mercies are new every morning, indeed...that's what I hold on to every day.
The first time I went to THAT kind of doctor, I said to her, "I am SO not liking this"
and she said in the thickest accent you can imagine...
"hmmm. like? nobody like. if you like, mmm.... maybe someting wong wit you"
I think this every time my feet hit the stirrups. and giggle.
Oh Gretchen...I don't know what to say except I do love you as my sister in Christ and I will be praying for you right now as I clean my kitchen, (because I talk to God when I clean). You are such a blessing.
"That just feels so w.r.o.n.g.!!!".
My very dear friend, you are a HOOT!!! Even in the midst of all this blechiness. Are you sure you're not talking about me? All that stuff you mentioned - the discipline, the meals, taking care of myself - all of it! And you have the right idea.
You are a blessing to me!!
When I was in my 20s I used to get physically ill on THAT DAY. Now that I'm an old lady, it's not as bad as it used to be, but yeah...not fun...which is why I am overdue for mine too.
One good thing about getting older (I guess), I really don't care as much about getting on the scale.
Praying for you girl!
Love you!
Suzanne :)
I make sure, when I go to my once a year yucky checkup, to schedule an afternoon all to myself full of fun things. Starbucks, Barnes and Noble, browsing in a few shoppes I love but never buy from - it at least makes me look forward to the day overall.
BTW - did I mention how much I love your realness??????
Alright...THAT'S what I've been talking about when I mention being REAL.
Thanks, Gretchen for sharing your week and all of it's struggles.
I hope your appt. goes well...and I really, really liked Bev's advice.
I got your other email this morning, and YES, I will be praying.
You have the most amazing way with words. I cringed when I read, "the snapping of the latex gloves." Seriously, it made my knees want to snap together. LOL
Doesn't get much more real than this, Gretchen, and that's what we love about you. You're real. And you're too hard on yourself, too.
xoxo
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