Cabin Fever

Well, it finally happened- I officially have "cabin fever".  After an exciting and eventful holiday season full of fun and enriching adventures, the January doldrums set in.  I don't remember feeling this way since I lived in Sandy Oregon in the early 80's and was somewhat restricted by my own choice from leaving the house too often with my four small children. 

On the days I did venture out with all the kids, it was a logistical trial at times. I remember once taking Taylor, Holly and Ryan to Safeway and pushing one cart with Holly and pulling the the second cart with Ryan as I tried to get my rambunctious toddler Taylor to stay with me and away from the sugary cereals.  After that, I always did my grocery shopping at night on my way home from work....by myself.

Our friends Kari and JR went with us to South Pacific at the Kennedy Center on January 15th and we had a great time with a wonderful French dinner afterwards at Circle Bistro.  The play was spectacular and very well done- you can't go wrong at the Kennedy Center.  Due to a last minute work commitment, Tom missed the first act, but made a valiant effort to get there at intermission.  While Kari and I stared dreamy-eyed at Emil de Becque singing in his glorious baritone voice, the boys catnapped beside us.



We really enjoy the company of the Larsen's and started the year off on a great note with their New Year's day open house.

It has been cold and gray here and sometimes apartment living has been a trial. Our next door neighbor apparently got a new big screen TV with powerful speakers for Christmas. lately, we have noticed the persistent bass thumping of a video game until the wee hours of the morning. The other night, I decided to sleep on the couch as it was so distracting to me.  I wrapped up in my cozy robe and snugly blanket and fell asleep until 4 am when I woke up to the feeling I was being slow roasted-ugh.  We have been keeping the heat too high and I think it contributes to the lethargy that I feel sometimes. I have even taken to watching court TV-I have sunk to a new low!  By the way, we have tried the direct approach with our neighbors, but they won't answer the door. Frustrating, but hopefully the management will be able to intervene on our behalf.   Our garbage disposal is shakes the counter top and sink so violently that I have to stabilize the soap dispenser or it ends up in the sink.  Our door makes an unnerving whooshing sound when a door is closed anywhere in our hallway. We were startled the first month by this, and Sandy still starts every time.  We got her a "Thundershirt" which has helped with her separation anxiety when we are away.

There are days when the only time I step outside is a brief potty walk with Sandy. The rest of the time I am able to get to the coffee stand, gym and mail room without leaving the lookalike hallways that put me in mind of the movie The Shining. Red rum red rum...I have learned to navigate between floors and corridors with the aid of familiar doormats, including our own. I can even tell when the upstairs neighbor is using the toilet-oh man!

There is a mystery that I find intriguing and unusual. There is an SUV that has been parked in the exact same spot in the parking garage since we moved here five months ago. The ironic part is that the company logo says Two Marines Moving, and they never move!!  The car seems to be unlocked and if I were clever enough, I might succumb to the inclination to take a joy ride to the grocery store on the days I am without access to a car.

I find I am easily irritated these days. Tom and I are on the hunt for a new church home after a polite yet firm rebuff from the pastor after questioning the wisdom of a common cup for communion in this day and age. Political discussions with Tom have been something I have successfully avoided for the past 7 years- but now they crop up at the most inopportune times.  It is hard to dodge a debate when you are surrounded by the up to the minute happenings here in Metro DC. Is it me, or just a symptom of Virginia style Cabin Fever?! 

The remedy for my condition will be to fly to Phoenix on February 6th- weather permitting. I am glad I booked a non-stop flight. I will get to visit with my family and friends who I have missed so much. My parents will fly in to join us from Oregon and we will all get to spend time with grandson Sam who is already three years old.  I will get to be Mom again as I assist Kelsey after her gallbladder surgery on the 8th.  Holly promises me a new hairstyle-yahoo. 

I will also take a Reiki energy healing class while I am there for massage therapy license renewal requirements. Who know. I might even sneak in a Botox treatment.......  Look out Holly and Kelsey- I am bringing my Zumba and Bollywood Boogie cardio DVDs- I will do my best to embarrass you while I am there.

When I return, it will almost be March and I am hoping the weather will start to change for the better. There are many things to look forward to- a new Indian vegetarian cooking class at the Plum Center, spending time outside seeing the sights and a visit in May from sister Mary Beth and brother-in-law Bob.  We are making a wish list of places to see and collecting Groupons in anticipation of the visit. I am really looking forward to their visit which will include eyebrow threading from my friend Axit.

All in all, we are happy and thankful for the experience of being here and I try to remember this every day and "bloom where I am planted".

Thanks to my I.T. advisors Taylor and Kelsey who helped me with some technical difficulties with this blog.  Just this morning I lost an hour and a half's work after attempting to put a caption on a picture...grrr. Who knows, maybe the second draft is better? Hope so.