Thursday, July 30, 2009

Sometimes You Have to Make Your Own Sunshine


Despite the fact that I got what I wanted; that I’m here with the man I love; that I’m having the opportunity to travel every weekend, I found myself falling into a funk at the end of last week.

I couldn’t get my Internet access to function right, which made work quite challenging. I’d had it with the rain and wind turning my “summer break” into a soggy slog with one bad hair day after another. I got pissed when we tried to go to multiple grocery stores, multiple times, and they were closed over and over…carrying your bags home ¾ of a mile isn’t something I’m used to doing every few days. And I didn't even have PMS.



I found myself missing home.

Missing home when there are incredible sights all around me. Missing home when I’m in the midst of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Missing home when I should’ve been enjoying every moment of my time here.



After Mr. W went to bed Sunday, I punched myself in the face and wrote in my journal until I could get my positive outlook back.

Thankfully, it returned Monday morning. And what do you know, the Internet has worked better, the weather has been nicer, the groceries haven’t felt so heavy. I’m trying to stop and soak everything in—to enjoy every detail of this experience. Because really, it’s incredible.



Yesterday, I walked to the town cheese shop and bought some goat and Camembert, then took the back way home and stopped off in the Terrace Garden above our apartment. I sat down to read a book and laughed as I watched a cat pounce between rose bushes hunting something I couldn’t see. The clouds rolled in, the wind picked up. But it didn’t matter. It was still a lovely day.

13 comments:

Rick said...

did you see any Druids at StoneHenge?

laura said...

sorry...no sympathy here. BUT....I am glad you've cheered up and that the weather has gotten better.

Jane Moneypenny said...

Would you like some cheese with that whine? :P I kid. I completely understand. Truthfully, I'm probably going to break down in Africa from lack of internet and showering. At least you have a hot guy there.

justrun said...

Holy awesome, woman. All of it.

Melissa Maris said...

Rick - No but we did see some Dorks.

Laura - Yeah it was a pathetic few days. I'm glad I came to my senses.

Jane - Actually, yes - cheese is my favorite. :P We've been eating a ton of it here. I think Africa will be so amazing that you won't even notice the lack of Internetz and showers. At least it'll be sunny!

JustRun - Yeah the coast was amazing and gorgeous. Stonehenge...very tiny and unimpressive. But I'm still glad I saw it.

Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks said...

I can definitely relate to what you're saying. More than once, I've been in the middle of a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I've managed to get soured over something that matters not. I love how one, swift punch to the face and a few hours of writing corrected your outlook. I'll have to try that next time!

Bretthead said...

Nice bounce-back. Beer at the pub helps too.

Melissa Maris said...

Nilsa - It's funny how we can get lost in our own thoughts and totally lose sight of what's right in front of us to enjoy.

Wow TWA - Absolutely. I've been drinking "at lunch" on the job every night! :P

Mandy_Fish said...

Mmmm. Cheeese.

Anonymous said...

You bought "goat cheese and Camembert", then stopped at the terrace garden to read and watch a cat? This is starting to sound a little like Laurie from "The English Paper" post! LOL

I kid, but glad you're feeling better on your whirlwind European Vacation.

Lara Watkins said...

I think it's normal to feel that way! Also, just remember that it's not permanent. You get the luxury of knowing you get to go back and everything will be as it was before...except Mr. W. will be back :) I miss you tons.

Sizzle said...

What beach is that? It looks so familiar...wondering if I went there on my trip to England.

Melissa Maris said...

Sizzle - It's called Durdle Door.