The Slump

Anyone who has been to college can tell you in great detail the pitfalls of the end of semester slump. It's a festival of procrastination and suppressed worry. Hopefully, you have been good throughout the semester, but even if you haven't, the slump hits us all. Fortunately, I have been good this semester, so when the dreaded slump hit last week, I was able to accommodate its necessary presence. I am so ready for school to be finished I could scream. I would say I am ready for the summer, but as the summer will still include working and completing two mini-mesters in one month, I think I will just say I am ready for retirement! But of course, we all have periods like this, where we are just plain TIRED and it doesn't matter how much sleep you get, or how many three day weekends come your way, you are plagued. Some people take vacations during these strenuous times, but for me, whenever I take a vacation and I am in this mentally and physically exhausted state, I cannot enjoy it. No, I happen to think it is better to keep moving through the exhaustion, however slow or staggered it may be, until you feel your shoulders lighten, and a bit of energy return. Then take your vacation and see how much more enjoyable it is.

Probably what has contributed to this tired feeling is my allergies which literally popped up over night last Thursday. Since, I have not been able to breathe or eat much, and while my head feels seriously swollen, at least I do not feel truly sick as so often happens when I have a cold. This has been a very wet Spring for us, highly unusual, and my front yard is blanketed with the olive green strings shed from my pecan tree. I thought I might skirt by allergy season with no problems, but it looks like the pollen has got me at last. Still, I cannot complain about the weather, I am happy it has rained so much and indeed would welcome more. Summer rain is not an enjoyable experience in Texas, your raincoat sticks to you, the world turns into one big sauna afterwards, and the humidity can sometimes linger for days. Still, I will take a stopped up nose and sticky dress if it means my yard is blessed with some healthy rain. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a mild summer and cold cold winter.

 A couple of photo updates of my cross stitch work. It has relatively few colors so it is going much faster than I expected. So far I really like the results. 

I'll close by wishing everyone out there a fast, productive, fun week (can't ask for much more right?). And, regardless if you are in "The Slump" or not, have allergies or not, whether raining or shining, the fact is that today is Sunday, tomorrow is Monday, and the work still has to be done. 

*P.S. To all my pen pals out there, know that I am slowly replying to your letters, and that you may receive a faster correspondence with me after my final on May 10th.