Méli Mélo

Ah the return of the mish mash post! I love it! I have a not too busy week ahead of me. Sure, I have something to do every day this week, but not overwhelmingly so. This is something I hope to maintain as school resumes in September. I want to be able to get stuff done but not pay a stressful price for it. Of course, this means saying no to social invitations. This means not attending every fundraiser I am asked to. This means not joining more committees. This means being a bit of homebody. I do not like saying no so this strategy for life balance is a bit of a challenge, but when I put myself and my goals first I have more to give to others in the end. I am doing my best to improve on this. I hate to disappoint and when you take on too much that is the result. I certainly do not want that. - Speaking of improving, I bowled a 151 again this week. I so love bowling. Our league is a bit of a joke. I mean that in the best way. People rarely bowl above 200, but we do have fun and it can be quite competitive. There is lots of trash talking which is not really my thing. I am going to try to play with it though. I do not like being perceived as the super serious awkward person in a group of socially adept folks. It has been my lot in life - having outsider status. I know it is of my own making and being shy and awkward has held me back. Still, I am who I am. I am quirky and positive and silly and sentimental. I do not want to change. I cannot change. Letting my qualities shine can be different for some - hence the perception that I am weird.  Being yourself in a group - its a tricky thing I still have not fully figured out yet - at age 40! Sigh. - I took a little mini vacation last week. I went to my friends' chalet up in the Laurentians. I swam and napped and ate and played. It was not quite as relaxing as I needed it to be as there was a lot of hustle and bustle with the kids who are 6 and under (5 of them!), but it was great to see my girlfriends and spend time with their families. I care about them very much. And the venue itself is a special one. Its quiet and rich and filled with life. Trees, moss, underbrush everywhere. Fish in the lake. Birds in the trees (I saw an Osprey!). Frogs in the marsh. Being out in nature is something I really need. I wish I could do it more often. Especially with views like this one to experience. * Méli Mélo is a French term for mish mash. *