Emotional haze

I have been quiet over here for a couple of weeks and I guess it's about time to get back with it.  I know that I have it good and there are a lot of people in this world suffering and in really bad situations, and that in the big picture I am truly blessed.  The last couple of weeks have just been a bit of a downer and I am trying to pull myself out of it.  I hate to be negative so I have just been silent about it. 

This whole government shutdown was super emotionally draining for me.  Had the government shut down we would have been ok for a couple of weeks financially, but it was still scary none the less.  It also made me sick to see how so many people in this country feel.  I know there are some in the federal government who are basically unnecessary, and those who milk the system, but there are plenty of good, honest, hard-working people too and it really bothered me to see so many eager to have the shut down.  I heard people saying "well why should they have a job when we don't" and to that I think it's not like I don't want anyone else to have a job, in fact I really wish the economy would get going again and everyone would have a job and times would be good again.  It's hurtful that people would wish suffering upon others when there is no need or benefit.  My husband and I both worked hard and went to college to earn our degrees and continue to work hard in our jobs.  Both of us have received merit awards and recognition.  If people want to reform the government, fine, it could definitely use it, but realize there are many people who do a good job and truly earn their pay.  I am so happy they came to an agreement and averted the shutdown.  I hope and pray that they don't continue to hold up decisions in the future because politicians refuse to compromise.

I've also been frustrated with our house.  It seems like it is always something and there have been a lot of money sinks lately.  Some days it's wonderful to be a home owner and be able to make decisions and make it into your own, and then some days things break or stop working and then it is such a drag. 

Our visit with my in-laws was fine, I'm sure they enjoyed themselves.  We went on a hike and played outside a lot while they were here since the weather was so nice.  I have to admit though that it drains me when I am around them.  They are very different from me and we don't have a lot in common.  I suppose that should be ok, but I don't feel like they are mutually respectful about our differences.  Since we only see them a couple of weeks out of the year for now it is ok, but I know that if they had their way they would live next door to us, and plan to move accordingly when my mother-in-law retires.  I do worry about the future and what it will be like if they are around all the time.  They are good to Austin though and I know they deep down they do care, especially my mother-in-law.  I just have to remind myself to be patient and forgiving. 

I also have been really suffering from spring allergies.  It developed about half way through the in-laws visit and has not let up.  I am stuffed up unless I take an antihistamine, and then if I take one of those I get a dry hacky cough.  I hope that what ever is in the air clears up soon!

So to not end on a negative note, there are many things coming up that I am really looking forward to and will help greatly in lifting my spirits. 

• We are going to Colorado in three weeks!  My sorority is celebrating 20 years at CSU and we are having a celebration luncheon.  People are starting to RSVP on Facebook and I am exciting that we are getting a good response.  A lot of our members live out-of-state so we weren't sure how it would turn out.  We are also figuring on stopping at my brother's new house along the way.
• We got invited to an Easter brunch/egg hunt at some friends of ours.  It will be fun to spend the holiday with others.
• My friend Wendy is pregnant with twins after trying for over five years to become pregnant.  I am beyond ecstatic for her as it took 5 IVF procedures to get there.  She is about 12 weeks now and due October 18.  I told her that twins usually come early and that she should shoot for my birthday on October 8.
• I am going to a baby shower this Saturday for a girl that I worked with a few years ago. 

Now hopefully I will feel up to blogging more often.  I will try to post more pictures soon.