I went to the post office yesterday and it won’t surprise you to hear that (on December 19th, less than a week before Christmas) the place was crowded beyond my comfort level. I started feeling a little anxious and I was having trouble focusing and I was thinking about leaving and that’s when the nun walked in.
She was super young and decked out in nun gear and she told me she needed international stamps and was wondering if they had them because she didn’t want to stand in the line if they were out. (She had already been to one post office that was out of international stamps.)
She is originally from Memphis and went to college in Rhode Island and is fairly new to this area. She got turned around on her way to the post office and she had a book waiting at a library branch on the other side of town and she was worried about the time because she had to be back at the convent in less than an hour to eat dinner before a concert. (I say convent like I know. I don’t know.)
I assured her that she would be fine and I told her the name of a fast back road she could take from the library back to the convent and I almost let her get in front of me in line, but there was a woman between us so I figured it wasn’t cool. (Right now I’m kicking myself for not offering to switch places in line with her. Damnit! Why didn’t I think of that?!)
After I made it to the front of the line and mailed my package, she said goodbye to me and I wished her good luck and you might think I’m a goof, but I sort of believe she was sent to my post office to help me get through that line without having to pull my jacket over my face and practice alternate nostril breathing.
This year has been a weird one for me. I’ve avoided involvement with band parent stuff and friend stuff and I’ve spent a lot of time alone on the couch. I can blame anxiety, but my anxiety is part of me just like the scar on my left arm and the extra weight I’m carrying around. It shouldn’t have to take the blame. Anyway, I appreciate the folks who have stuck with me, because some people haven’t and although it’s easy to sit here on the couch stressing out and feeling sorry for myself because I’ve been left off of several invitation lists, I think the better plan is to do something lame like setting a resolution for 2020. Something like: Be more engaged in 2020 by being a better friend and a better family member and just sort of a better person. (I do believe I’m quite a bit more good than bad. Sometimes at the grocery store I won’t buy something if there is only one left on the shelf because I’m afraid someone might come along who needs that thing more than I do. But still.)
Anyway. I don’t think I’m sending Christmas cards this year and I’m not done with shopping and our tree isn’t really decorated the way it should be and the house is a huge mess, but none of those things make the world a worse place, so it’s okay. 2020: Clean more, eat less. Create more, sleep less. Connect more, freak out less. Help out and don’t be shitty.
Dear girl, you are a WONDERfuL person!!! I am 100% sure that your nun went home to her convent and extolled the virtues of that angel who was in line ahead of her at the post office & helped her get back in time for the pre-concert dinner (and what is life like in convents these days, anyway? Concerts? International stamps?? Library books??? Sounds almost like “real life”, eh?) I’m glad you made it through – the line and the apparently sort of $hitty year. On to the 20’s and a more authentic version of the real you — who we love and adore!! Also, switching place with her would indeed have been a genius idea. Next time. Live and learn. And see? By writing about it, all the rest of us may now have that thought jump into our heads in a similar circumstance. I’m sure I would have thought to offer to let the person behind me go ahead, but I’d never have thought to offer to switch with the second behind either. Fluid Pudding: Spreading good ideas around the internet for, well, for as long as you’ve been writing here!!! Merry Everything to you and yours & a big virtual hug from far too far-away me. XXOO
Also…the dog…in a hoodie!!!!!!
And those really interesting blue sculpture things — can you tell us more about those??
And also also…what the heck is this title all about? Your mom had little chocolate liquor bottles. Where? When? Why??? What did she do with them???? Were you involved????? This demanding reader is requesting a “Part Two” for this blog post!!!!!
In all the challenges we face, Jesus is our best friend. But you already knew that. Here’s to a healthier, more amazing life for you and your family in 2020. You have a lot on the ball, girl. You really do.
Carroll said it best … so I’ll just add this: (((hug))).
Merry Christmas, friend.
Be still. The light is coming.
I’m sorry to hear that the anxiety is so strong and challenging, and hope the new year bring new ways of working with that part of yourself ???? You are a gem, my friend!
Those question marks are supposed to be hearts!!! <3 <3 <3
The merriest Christmas at the printshop was the one where one of our vendors brought a case of those little chocolate liquor bottles. Nothing like a little shot of brandy or two in the middle of a workday to make your paperwork extra festive.
I have been sitting on the couch a lot too, though also sitting in the driver’s seat of the RV as I drove 14000 miles. Both are pretty similar, actually. I find myself alone and far from everyone I love on Christmas morning, which is pretty weird.
My word for the new year is Will. As in the power of my will, not estate planning (I did that last year). Now I just have to figure out some things that are will-worthy. This is always my problem.
Onward to more stuff. Love.
I have been a lurker here for many years. I am moved to comment because “I know how you feel.” I struggle with anxiety and depression and find you so warm and relatable. Just wanted to wish you well in your journey…and to tell you how much “good” there is within you. May 2020 bring you light and peace.