Sleeping in Seattle
Monday, September 15, 2008 at 11:05PM I’m up in Washington right now, spending a few blissful days with Sara and her children while recovering from the whirlwind last few weeks. Sean is out of the country for a study abroad program, and I promised her I’d help out for a few days.
Let me recap, so you know what I mean when I say whirlwind--first there was the wonderful Australia incentive trip, then I was sick for almost a week, and then I spent 10 days helping out at the Browns (first one up in the morning, last one to bed at night). Last week was our corporate retreat, which is valuable and important, but it’s three solid days of focusing on strategy and planning and making quite important decisions, which was exhilarating and exhausting at the same time.
On Friday I spent the entire day doing a video shoot for three videos (you’ll see two of them in the next few weeks; the other one is for the regionals that I will not be attending personally—only a few of those, I hope), which is also very emotionally and physically draining.
I only got a few hours of sleep the night before because I hadn’t even had a minute to prepare the projects I was going to demonstrate in the videos. I hope I didn’t look as tired as I felt! I also slipped Phoebe’s celebration in there, as well as a wonderful dinner with our Board of Directors on Friday night.
My flight to Seattle left very early on Saturday morning, and I didn’t sleep at all on Friday night. I hadn’t had any time to pack during the week, so I came home from the dinner on Friday and started that. I had to pack for both Washington and Founder’s Circle (I’m going straight to southern Utah from here), which are very different climates and temperatures. I also needed to figure out my swap for Founder’s Circle and gather the supplies for that so I could make those while I’m here at Sara’s.
Now, let me assure you that I’m not complaining. I love my life, although it’s a bit more hectic at times than I would like. But I’ve made choices and I’m happy with them for the most part. I just told you all that so I could tell you this—I arrived here in Washington about 10 in the morning, got my luggage, and Sara picked me up with all five kids in tow and we headed for Seth’s soccer game.
I had taken a nap on the plane, but I was still exhausted. I was quite proud of myself for staying awake through the entire first half of the game, but as the second half started, I told Sara I just couldn’t do it anymore and I had to take a quick nap.
So there I am, in the middle of this huge soccer park with hundreds of people (there were at least 15 different games being played on 15 different fields), and I curled up on the quilt on the ground and zonked out. Sara told me that at one point, the soccer ball hit me in my fanny, but it bounced right off my rubber butt, and I didn’t feel a thing! I’m sure people thought I had lost it, but I felt much better by the end of the game.
I read your comments faithfully, and one of you mentioned that I was a super mom. Well, my snooze on the soccer field proves otherwise! I’m just like the rest of you in so many ways—working hard to get everything done as well as I can, hoping to drop as few balls as possible and keep the right things as priorities. I don’t always take the best care of me, I don’t always get the sleep I need, I don’t always do everything as well as I’d like. But I sure enjoy trying, and when I fail miserably, I’ve found that a good cry does wonders!
Then I just pick myself up, dust myself, and determine to do better next time. Or I sneak a nap during a soccer game.
Reader Comments (34)
Congratulations on the new grandbaby! You were wondering what you will do when the girls aren't having babies anymore, I'm there myself, the youngest just turned 11 BUT the oldest is 18 now, so, maybe in 5 or 6 years we will have babies in the family again!
Thanks again Shelli,
Leanne in Marysville
From a 23 yr old single mom / worker / demonstrator / foster-mom etc. etc....
Thanks so much for sharing your life with all of us, you are such an inspiration! I am realizing just how "down to earth" you really are with us. I giggled when I read about how you stayed up all night doing the same things I have experienced. Everytime I read your blog I feel uplifted and always go stampin' afterwards. You get my creative juices going and I am so grateful for that!
Enjoy your time with your daughters! Have fun at the Founder's Circle gathering, how exciting that must be!! You are always in my prayers.
Hugs,
Gay Ferland
Even though the whirlwind continues - have fun!
((()))reen
Sharon
Thank you for a good laugh this morning. I am having an especially hard time juggling the events in my life today and was feeling pretty down about my inability to do it all up to my standards. I wasn't sure how to handle today until I read your post. (I was so hoping for a new post today...I just read about Phoebe's celebration yesterday and didn't realistically expect another today) Now, I am sure I can handle today. Doesn't it always help to know that we are in this all together?
Thanks for sharing so much of yourself. I always knew you were special, but your blog makes me feel like I really know you!
Roberta Layton
Enjoying your blog,
Terry~~
Your life sounds like mine, only more traveling. And I hate to compare your life to mine, but mine is non-stop--just around here. But I like what you said about making choices. My crazy life is because of choices I have made. Sometimes it makes me crazy, and sometimes so tired that if I had a soccer game I could sit down at I would fall asleep,too. (Maybe I should think about putting the kid(s) in soccer!) But the bottom line is, I've chosen the life I lead. It's rewarding most of the time. I love that you see it the same way. It's not about what other people do to us, but the decisions we make for ourselves. Your attitude is always so refreshing.
Thanks for sharing your stories. You're the good friend that I haven't had the pleasure of meeting in person yet...notice I said yet. This past convention was my first and there was so much I wanted to do that I didn't stand in line to say hello to you....I will definitely do so at my next convention. I think we're all Super Moms in our own special ways. And, I couldn't agree with you more, a good cry does make it better. Love your blog, thanks so much for being a part of my life.
Welcome to Seattle and what seems like the best weather yet this summer! Hope it stays nice while you're here!
Jen
Krissie in Marysville, WA
Welcome to Seattle! I wish I could see you! Knowing your only a few minutes away from me right now! Wow! Enjoy the weather with your wonderful daughter and her family! Try to get in a little rest as well before you head off to the Founders Circle Retreat! That should be alot of fun too! Where are you going to be for dinner tonight? Maybe I'll crash the party! No, just kidding! Take care and God Bless You!
Sarah Kirk
Redmond, Washington
One side question... where do you get your clothes??? You always look so beautiful and well put together :) I'd love some tips on good clothing stores.
Thanks much!
Glad you weren't hurt at the game during your power nap - i got hit square in the face last week by high school boys and all i could think was 'i hope i didn't break my new sunglasses...or my nose' - both were spared this time. :)