Monday, May 4, 2009

Back to Normal

What is normal? I'm not so sure anymore. Nothing about this year has been normal so far. From the ice storm to the eighteen day power outage and Sissy's unexpected death, 2009 has been one big stressful surprise after another. Frankly, I'm pretty tired of being in the running for the Suckiest Year Ever Award. And while things have felt kind of surreal lately, life does go on, and things are slowly falling back into place. Yesterday was a little better than the day before, and today was slightly better than yesterday. The school bus pulled up the street this morning at 6:40. The electric bill came right on schedule and Bitchiest Clerk Ever was still serving up sandwiches at Subway. There is security in the routine. That's why preschoolers will watch the same video over and over without tiring of it. There's something comforting in knowing what to expect, and I take comfort right now in the rote. It feels good to go back to making dinner instead of dipping up a neighbor's casserole. I look forward to going back to work tomorrow. And running on my lunch hour. And taking Teen Angel to work. And watching a funny show on TV. And giving the dog a bath. The routine is what pushes us to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving when we don't feel like it. It's what puts us in the position to accept the laughter when it finally comes bubbling up unexpectedly. It's why I took time out today to buy mama's Mother's Day gift, to put a roast in the crock pot and to clean out the refrigerator. It's how I will find normal again. While I'm not sure when or how normal will get here, I'm pretty sure it's going to sneak up on me. And that's one surprise I will enjoy.

11 comments:

Trailboss said...

It's been an unusually stressful year for a lot of folks. I'm holding onto the hope that the worst is over and it's uphill from here on out.

oreneta said...

Hang in there, seems you're getting too much practice at that this year, but it will get better.

It will.

Go visit special delivery again. Babies are so lovely.

Living Life said...

It will be back to normal in "time"...one day at a time.

Rayne said...

It has been a rough year, it really has. I am so very sorry for your loss. I know I am a bit late, I do apologize for being so distant lately, and I know words will never be enough to heal the empty spot.
Isn't it strange how the very mundane, boring things that we rail against are the things we cling to and find comfort in when things are a little rocky?

Anonymous said...

Dee from Tennessee

"The routine is what pushes us to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving when we don't feel like it.".....that's pretty much sums it . So true.

Mike Golch said...

I have to agree with the church ladt.one day at a time works well for me.

Jason, as himself said...

I so know what you're saying. When things get crazy, I crave normal and wonder why I didn't appreciate it more when I had it.

I'm sorry 2009 has been such a rough year for you. My 2008 was a nightmare, with blips of normal.

karisma said...

As they say, Life must go on regardless! Big Big hugs and smoochies! You are doing great! Things will get a little easier a day at a time. I agree with Oreneta, go hug that baby a bit, they always make me feel better too! Mwah xxxxx

J.G. said...

You've had more than your share of troubles this year. Sometimes all we can do is just keep moving forward. Routine does help with that.

I so enjoyed your concert craziness posts. You have wonderful memories to draw on!

Janis said...

You said it so well Hula. Routine is what gets most people through in tough times. Life does go on. Keep the faith!

janjanmom said...

Welocme back to normal, whatever that is.

Did you not know bitchiness is required to work at Subway? I had one 'sandwich expert' tell me how much subs sucked one time. Makes me think minimum wage is too high.