So, I started thinking back over the last month and a half... wondering why it is that I haven't posted. Then I realized up until the last couple weeks, there really hasn't been anything "blogworthy." In fact, things were a little rough for a bit. But, then again, maybe that IS "blogworthy" too. Sometimes I have to remind myself that life is not all ups. Sometimes the downs can be just as important.
Because of adjustments in medications, the last month has been rough. But, I am leveling out again, and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am back to my exercise routine, spent an entire week toursting (yes, that's a word... because I just used it) in Texas and on my feet a LOT. I am managing well. My body never ceases to frustrate, challenge, then amaze me, and I am going to say that is a gift, not a defect. Sometimes it truly is mind over matter. Sometimes the muck and mire of depression or set backs can be more painful than the disease, and it is a matter of "kicking out the door," as a good friend of mine would say, and getting out of the cycle. I believe that is exactly what I did, with the help of a LOT of prayer, support, and love.
This "challenging gift" took up most of the month of February. Grey, cold, February. Frankly, I could do without that month all together anyway (with the exception, perhaps, of my Daddy's bday). But March.... March is fabulous. March is when things start changing. You get your first glimpses of warmth, things start budding, sky turns blue again, the word begins its slow and beautiful wake-up.
Larger Child, Smaller Child and I started the month by taking advantage of the first warm day of the month, and heading out to the zoo. It was a lovely day. We spent over five blissful, fight free, well behaved, sunshiney (also a word), animal filled hours together.
The next week was Spring Break, and we spent it the same way we have spent every spring break since LC started school, with a visit to GeeGee and Grandpa's house. It was a fabulous week that started with a road trip pit stop at a "roadside zoo" called GW Exotic Animal Park. I had heard many great things about this place from friends who had been there, and I thought it would be fun to experience the "up close interaction" they claim. I have to say, I am still processing my feelings about this place. While it was certainly a once in a lifetime experience to be that close to those animals, it left me with some strong feelings of sadness, fear, and frustration that I just couldn't shake. The conditions of many of the large breeds they hold there are less than appropriate. Small cages that contain several tigers, concrete walls holding in huge grizzly bears that are so cramped they cannot even stand, broken down chimpanzees begging visitors for peanuts, and don't even get me started on the staff...
Larger Child seemed none the wiser, his curiosity and admiration for the animals trumped the conditions they were in. He loved getting to be so close, and seeing these wild animals so personally. We took a guided tour (where cellphones, cameras, and video equipment were expressly forbidden), that ended with each guest being able to hold, pet, and interact with snakes, baby wolves, baby black bears, white tiger cub, and a albino skunk. I was just like the rest of the guests, totally caught up in the amazement of what we were experiencing. It wasn't until after that I began to feel totally ill-at ease with the entire experience. Regretfully, afterwards means that I had already paid our admission, souvenir costs, and time spent... I would suggest to anyone considering paying a visit to this place to do their research FIRST. There was nothing worse to this animal lover than to realize only too late that I financially supported a place that in all respects should NOT be in business or exist on any level. I plan on doubling the money I spent to send as a donation to the ASPCA just as a small token of amendment.
I tried to delicately explain this all to LC when he begged to go back, I think he gets it... sort of. But, we did "get" (paid the zoo's photographer for) some cute pics. (Sigh.)
After I shook of my crushing sense of guilt and betrayal, I was able to enjoy our time with my parents. My kids love their grandparents, and rightfully so... they are fantastic! We really had a fun fun fun week. We went to the World Aquarium, (a place that should be on ANYONE'S bucket list! I am telling you, I have been there at least 10 times and I would go 100 more!)
Mom and I ditched the kids with Grandpa, and we went shopping one day too. It was really great to spend some one on one time with her and go shopping without the kids in tow. Dad had a ball with the kids too, I think. They spent the day at the park, and wore each other out!
We went to the Dallas Arboretum on the official first day of Spring. I am not sure there is a better way to celebrate. It is gorgeous there. So much beauty! And the kids got to check out the new Children's Garden. which is expansive, hands on, and thoroughly entertaining.
Lovely week, lovely weather, lovelier company. Couldn't have asked for more. I left exhausted, happy as a clam, and ready to be home... I think we all were.
So, that's been the month in a nutshell. There have been a few downs, but some really great ups. I am looking forward to the warmth of spring, gardening, being outside, and enjoying my boys... and more blogworthy moments to come!
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