A Room of My Own

The thought actually crossed my mind today that I could be on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Even Bob thought I looked a bit stressed over lunch. Objectively, I can honestly say that life is good all around -- great job, great hubby, parental supports, happy kids, and a decent nanny. Yet, I'm starting to feel overwhelmed by the thousand little crises that seem to have assaulted me over the past week. What should have been a no-brainer, having my willing nanny watch three older girls for an hour after school this week, has turned into a neighborhood drama to rival Desperate Housewives. Benjamin's terrible three's has only escalated with his recent illness, although he's mostly recovered. Our struggling little church fellowship group has been navigating the treacherous waters of hurt feelings, and I'm the midshipman. My nurses at work have been getting on my case for not wearing a permanent smile on my face. Plus I missed Secretary's Day!

A woman journalist recently wrote about her journey to a modern-day monastery for lay folk, a place to get away from it all. No phones, no TV, no talking, period. She found it extreme and not exactly life-changing for the weeklong experience. Yet the concept is intriguing. Just to have some time to yourself to decompress and hear yourself think without worrying about getting decent food on the table or getting the kids to bed.

After our lunch, Bob said we needed to plan for some quality time tonight vegging in front of the TV. It may not be anything like a cloister. But I think he's got the right idea.