Fav Side Trip

I've been having a perfectly miserable week.

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At work, I've been too uptight n ready to walk out due to stress overload. Trying to do more than I have time for, while not feeling well (sinus infection) has me feeling overwhelmed. W2 forms received prove that I made alot less the past year (while all my bills have increased). My scheduled hours have been cut more again, n my check keeps shrinking.

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The downstairs neighbors have been loud n home all week, so I haven't had one full day of sleep. As I write tonight the music downstairs is blasting n it's difficult to think.

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Between being unhappy both at work n home, I've been very moody. It's amazing I haven't gone ballistic, because I certainly feel like I should- I feel like screaming n yelling at everyone who's guilty of offending me, n I'm mumbling too much under my breath instead. I've learned it's really bad for me to internalize my intense emotions instead of getting them out. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) without enough sunlight just puts frosting on my mood cake.
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I've been in serious need of a "mental health day", but because I don't get any paid sick time, I can't afford to call in even one day. Almost the end of January, n haven't been taking current pics for fun, either.

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Finally I made it to Day Off, n was able to get up (woken with banging from downstairs again). I put off my normal routine of chores n got out into the afternoon sunshine to go get the mail. The weather report had slated a good day, above freezing, n sunny.

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I had to head to the center of town for errands, so made the side trip for a "Mini-vaca" at my Fav place in the world before sundown. It was my first visit there since October. I've really missed it. Despite the freezing windchill it felt so good to be there. Usually it's iced up this time of year, but the thaw this week has melted it all. The seaweed deposits are less than usual too.

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The tide was low n I walked below the jette end which I don't get to do often. The gulls were plentiful, scouring to eat before the daylight faded. I stood at the water's edge near them n watched as the sun sank lower behind the horizon's hazy clouds to put on it's color show for us.

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I'm blessed to be able to take a half-hour out of my day to feel so connected to the natural Earth n it's Creator. Only this brings me away from my wrath at frustrations. This brings joy to my life when all else is a chore. Now I feel I can keep trying, so I can once again come back n find this place of peace in my soul. Without this place, I think I might crumble...

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It brightens my mood that I can share it with other bloggers, no matter the distance away you are!