I’ve been social 3 times this weekend and I’m still standing (not literally)

Last week I suffered a rough few days as I started allowing myself to slip into old habits.  Between school and family, plays, birthdays, special events, etc. I have been getting the same old sinking feeling. Exhaustion and being overwhelmed started me down a path that can lead to no good, and luckily I recognized it and after a little wallowing I was able to catch myself.  I actually followed through and reached out to a few people, including Dan.  

He took me out Friday night when my gut reaction was to stay home and curl up on the couch and binge watch something on TV.  We went to a Taco and a Tequila bar in Norcross (a cute little town near our house) that we always love.  It was just what I needed.  Truly.  One delicious drink (shared because I would have fallen asleep at the table) and some amazing food (also shared because if you’ve ever gone out with me you know I like to eat all my meals tapas style) later my mood started to lift.  I came home, collapsed in bed before 10 and had a great night’s sleep. It gave me the energy to make it through Saturday and Sunday.

We were invited to a lunch on Saturday that was populated by 7 adults and 11 children, which constitutes a big gathering for me at this point.  I enjoyed myself and stayed in the moment for the afternoon and I also realized when it was time to leave.  I put my hand on Dan’s thigh (a signal that we had actually not consciously predetermined, and one I plan to use again and again) and he asked if I was ready to go.  At that moment I was conscious of the fact that I was beginning to tire and needed to head home.  It was a relaxing, enjoyable, delicious meal spent talking to some people that I don’t know so well.  And leaving then allowed me to continue on my weekend of socializing without getting burned out.

Saturday night a close friend, his wife and daughter joined us at our home for a dinner brought in to our home. I was barefoot and as casual as can be as we ate out of styrofoam containers with plastic silverware (horrible for the environment, great for my sanity). Our daughters bonded and begged for a movie, so the adults sat around talking while the girls watched, lounging on a blanket spread out in front of the TV.  Time flew by as we talked and I had no need to escape.  When the movie ended, it was late enough for the little ones and they headed home.  The day was a success.  And for a moment I thought I was pushing my luck to do something again today.

My little one turned 9 last weekend and instead of a party she invited two friends (and their families) to come over and watch Despicable Me as a playdate/pseudo-celebration.  Yesterday morning she woke up and decided she wanted to plan it out with games, coloring sheets, etc. So we woke up early this morning and had some fun with minions (she is more than a little obsessed).  

This was great, because it kept me occupied and ready to have people in my house for a few hours. I didn’t worry about the clutter or mess (something that in the past I would have been totally stressing out about).  We had a fun time making the playdate a fun atmosphere.  And I entertained.  And enjoyed every minute of it.  It’s now Sunday night and if truth be told I might be ready to take on Monday.  As I’ve said time and time again - I am cautiously optimistic!  Will check in soon and tell you how it goes...