My Brain Needs a Break

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I NEED a Mental Vacation!!

9/5/2025

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Some days, life's challenges feel like too much, and other days I'm just bored, so I end up cleaning or running errands just to feel like I did something. Today is one of those boring days with a long list of things to do.

Homeschooling my daughter is a big deal, and it takes a lot of planning and creativity. But today, I'm a bit sidetracked because I have to take my anxious dog to the vet. After two failed attempts, they finally managed to get the blood draw done with some sedatives.

I'm also getting ready to have stitches taken out of my ankle, two and a half weeks after surgery. I can't wait to get back to my usual activities without any discomfort.

Later, I have to visit a patient in another city, which needs some careful planning. I really enjoy these visits, but they definitely add to my already busy schedule.

After that, it's off to Walmart for groceries and a new can opener because the one I just bought broke. It's annoying dealing with poor quality and having to go through the refund process.

My day is packed with responsibilities and errands, showing how unpredictable life can be. Even with the chaos, getting these tasks done feels rewarding and keeps my family and home running smoothly.

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A Lesson Learned

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So, I just found out that my daughter's volleyball coach bumped her down to a lower-level team because she missed three weeks of practice. I'm pretty upset about it since she's really put in the effort with her training. Two of those missed practices were because of events at her dad’s place, and I didn't even know about them. The third time, her dad took her to a Blink-182 concert, which I get was a blast for her, but it meant skipping practice. She's poured so much time into getting better and loving the sport, and I'm worried her hard work might go unnoticed.

Last week, I figured giving her a break at the start of school would be a good idea, not realizing it clashed with practice sessions. Even though the season hasn't officially kicked off yet, the coach is big on attendance to keep things fair for those who always show up. I get where he's coming from, as it shows the other players' commitment.

The coach did say that if she shines on the lower-level team, she might get back to the upper-level team, which is a bit of hope but also kind of stressful. I want to be there for her during this change and help her get her confidence back. Even though it's a bummer and frustrating, I hope she sees this as a chance to grow, and I'll be there for her every step of the way.

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At times, we need a WooSah

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I've got a husband and four kids with super busy schedules that often overlap, so I'm constantly juggling their needs with my own. As a mom and a dedicated softball coach, I help young athletes get better at their game and learn teamwork, which adds to my already packed life. My job as a hospice nurse is rewarding but also emotionally tough, requiring a lot of physical and emotional strength as I care for patients and their families.

Besides work and family, I try to keep up with my friends, though it's tough with my crazy schedule. Plus, I've got four pets that need attention, adding to my list of things to do. When I manage to snag some time for myself, I often feel guilty, thinking I should be doing something productive or taking care of someone. I used to take breaks to recharge, but I realized they sometimes led to procrastination and chaos, which messed up my ability to keep commitments and affected my daughter's homeschooling.

Realizing this has made me rethink how I manage my time, trying to balance self-care with family, work, and pet responsibilities. I'm learning to prioritize better, understanding that taking care of myself is important and doesn't have to mean neglecting others. My goal is to create a balanced life where I can take care of my loved ones while also looking after myself.

Balancing Each Other Out: A Partnership Built on Strengths and Weaknesses

My husband and I really balance each other out, which makes our relationship strong because we support and understand each other. By sharing responsibilities, we tackle life's challenges together, each bringing something unique to the table. We're far from perfect, but recognizing our flaws helps us grow. Tackling issues head-on leads to solutions and keeps our communication open. I'm all in on improving myself for the good of our relationship. Whether big or small, life's challenges teach us resilience and deserve our respect. It's important to face problems directly, get to the root of them, and work together on solutions. A solid partnership embraces differences, encourages open conversation, and focuses on growth, helping us thrive through life's ups and downs.

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So Overwhelming

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I'm often swamped with daily chores that just never seem to end. Cleaning feels like a never-ending loop with dust piling up, toys everywhere, and a laundry basket that's always full. Cooking takes a lot of my time because I want to make sure my family eats healthy meals. My husband sometimes helps out by taking out the trash, but he doesn't really cook unless I ask him to. It feels like I'm the one mainly running the house and planning meals.

On top of that, I'm the one who schedules all our kids' appointments, like dentist and doctor visits, which can get pretty overwhelming. I handle their dental appointments, while my husband only deals with his own, which just adds more to my plate.

I also take care of organizing vet visits for our pets, making sure their appointments are set and their meds are ready. All these responsibilities are exhausting, and I feel like I'm carrying the weight of the household. Trying to balance family, home, and pets is a constant juggling act, and I often wish we could share the tasks more evenly.

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Can’t Do it All Alone

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I count on him for certain tasks while I take care of my own, which keeps things running smoothly at home. He handles all the financial stuff, like paying bills and budgeting, and I totally trust his attention to detail. He's almost done with his bachelor's in engineering, adding to his aviation degree, which shows how dedicated and skilled he is. As an Air Traffic Controller, he works six days a week, keeping the skies safe with precision, even with the stress and long hours. I also rely on him for home repairs since he's way handier than I am. For example, I tried changing a faucet but needed his know-how to get it right. I've always wanted a bigger porch and even got paver stones for the project, but it stalled when I missed some materials he was supposed to pick up. Lots of home projects, like the kitchen renovations, have been left unfinished for years, which can be frustrating. Even though we plan to improve our home, life and changing priorities often mean these tasks have to wait for the right moment.

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It Takes a Toll on Us All

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My oldest daughter sometimes gets a bit annoyed when I complain about my husband not helping much around the house. She points out that he works really hard, six days a week, at a job where people's lives are on the line. It's a high-pressure gig that demands quick decisions, often with barely any sleep. Even with all that, he manages to keep his work and family life separate, which I really respect.

His constant work schedule takes a toll on him, especially since he's working six days a week to keep his job secure in this tough economy. It's overwhelming and affects his health, particularly as he gets older. On top of work, he also helps coach a girls' softball team, which takes a lot of patience and energy. Plus, he's involved in our daughter's homeschooling, making sure she gets a solid education. I just wish he didn't have so much on his plate. Even though we're careful with our budget, we're still dealing with rising costs and tiny raises, and we only buy new clothes when we really need to.

We wear our clothes until they're totally worn out, embracing a frugal and sustainable lifestyle by shopping at yard sales, thrift stores, and flea markets. We like to support local businesses and only hit up the big chain stores when we have to. I love going to the local butcher shop for jerky meat because my family can't get enough of the beef jerky I make. These experiences remind me how important it is to keep balance, understanding, and appreciation in our family, even when things get frustrating.

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Exhausted

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Today was a real marathon, packed with all sorts of things to do. I juggled homeschooling, which took a lot of patience, creativity, and focus to keep my kid engaged. On top of that, I took our pet to the vet to make sure they got the care they needed. I also had a long doctor’s appointment, which just added to the stress of my hectic day. Later, I headed to another city to see a patient, and that really wore me out both mentally and physically.

When I finally got back home, I hit the grocery store, then whipped up dinner, which just piled onto my tiredness. Cleaning up and catching up on patient records were necessary but exhausting chores. I had planned to hang out with friends at an event, but after such a long week, I was too wiped out. Lately, I’ve been hitting the sack earlier, between 8 PM and 9 PM, instead of my usual 11 PM to 1 AM, but I still feel like I need more rest.

I might be coming down with something, or maybe I just need to chill out a bit. Despite feeling worn out, I’m really looking forward to a trip to Pigeon Forge with an old coworker to check out Dollywood. It’s a month away, so I need to focus on recharging and finding some balance in my life.

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So Many Obligations, Not Enough Time

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A friend asked me to join them and another buddy for a night up in the mountains. The idea of getting away to nature is really tempting, but I've got other plans. This weekend is a big deal for my family because both my cousin and niece have birthdays. My niece is turning one, and that's a milestone I can't skip.

A first birthday is all about family coming together, celebrating the joy the little one has brought, and making memories. There will be lots of laughter, cake, and good vibes, and I need to be there.

Even though I'm all about family, I really miss the mountains, my go-to place for peace and recharging. Whether it's hiking, breathing in the fresh air, or chilling by a lake, the mountains give me a break from everyday life.

Just a night or two in the mountains usually gets me back on track. There's something calming about being surrounded by nature. Each season has its own charm, from the vibrant fall colors to the lush green of summer.

I'll miss hanging out in the mountains with my friends this time, but I can always plan another trip later. Right now, I'm focusing on celebrating with my family. The mountains will still be there, ready to offer their peace and tranquility whenever I make it back.

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Traveling is My Brain Break

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I'm totally hooked on traveling; it's what keeps my passion alive for discovering new places, cultures, and the beauty of the world. Every trip feels like starting a new chapter, packed with unforgettable experiences and insights into the diversity of people. My job pretty much revolves around planning the next adventure, always on the lookout for new experiences, learning local customs, and making the most of every moment.

But our trips depend on my husband's work schedule and our budget, which can be a bit tricky. A lot of times, it's just me and my youngest daughter hitting the road, which has helped us form a special bond as we explore together. While the older kids are with their dad and my husband is busy with work, we still find ways to have meaningful adventures.

For example, during Spring Break 2024, my ex-husband took the older kids on a cruise, so my daughter and I planned our own budget-friendly adventure. We picked a nearby spot full of experiences, which let us explore without the hassle of a big group. It was an unforgettable trip filled with laughter, exploring, and bonding. We checked out local attractions, tried new foods, and made new friends. I treasure every trip, whether it's just me or with family and friends, because each one deepens my understanding of the world and its people.

I'm super excited about exploring stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and hidden gems. Every journey is a chance to grow, step out of my comfort zone, and embrace the unknown. The stories, lessons, and friendships I gain enrich my life. Whether it's a weekend getaway or a long international trip, I'm always pumped for the adventures ahead.

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Homeschooling Takes A LOT of Work and Effort

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On my birthday (Aug 13th), I took my family to an adventure park. I don't usually participate, having tried and failed twice before, though I've zip lined and done the sky coaster in the past. This is my 8-year-old.

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I decided to homeschool my daughter to kickstart my own learning adventure, and it's been super fulfilling. Going over subjects I learned ages ago helps me teach better and creates a curious learning vibe for my kids. I encourage them to do their own research and find reliable sources, helped by a college class they take. This way, they can handle misinformation like pros.

Besides the school stuff, I really value the time I get to spend with my kids, making sure they feel loved and safe with daily affirmations and regular chats, even when they're with their dad. This keeps our connection strong no matter the distance.

My daughter and I both love hands-on learning and travel, which makes our homeschooling journey even more exciting. We hit up museums and plan real-world learning trips, like checking out a geology mining site or taking a marsh explorer class for oceanography. These experiences are priceless, unlike the field trips I used to go on in school, which aren't available anymore.

Homeschooling gives me quality time with my daughter that traditional school just can't match. I love being so involved in her growth, although she does miss hanging out with friends every day. Her social nature and adventurous spirit make her a potential star for travel or cooking shows, as she charms everyone with her fearless attitude, even at just 8 years old.

My AF reserve crew quite a few years back at an adventure park in Germany. I chickened out half way through the 2 out of 7 courses and had to get some that worked there to come and get me down. It was pretty sad.