Hanging on by a Thread

I know you've all been there...that place where you think about the next couple of days and wonder how much stuff you aren't going to be able to get done, because it just isn't possible to do it all.  It seems to be a common thread amongst the SpouseBUZZ authors right now - deployments and PCSs are pushing most of us right to the edge of our sanity.  I'm guessing that a lot of you are the same place.

The other day I mentioned "the next 10 days of chaos," and a friend looked at me quizzically.  Seriously, it isn't at all hard to imagine:  the end of the school year stuff, times four kids, minus one parent.  Subtract the non-deployed parent for one fun SpouseBUZZ weekend in Utah (Hill AFB, here we come!) and add back in two grandparents who are traveling a distance to watch the kids, plus are allergic to cats and dirt.  Multiply the kids by the swim practices, and add the Mom helping to run the swim league.  Try (desperately) to subtract some weight from Mom's mid-section (Fit Club post coming soon, I promise!), and also subtract all the hours that it takes to accomplish that goal.  Take Mom's job and multiply it by at least twice the number of hours it is supposed to be.  Subtract one kid and the parent for a two day, overnight field trip, add a field day (times four) and one promotion ceremony.  I'm tired just writing about it.

And I know that my schedule is pretty easy, because this is the first summer in three that we are not moving.  For those of you who are trying to juggle a PCS as well, I wish I could help.  That truly would push me over the edge.

For now, I'm just hoping that this thread is strong enough to keep me together for a little bit longer.

Comments

[DL Sly]

When you think you're at the end of your thread, tie a knot in it and hold on tight.
Then swing through the *jungle* like Jane looking for the last bunch of bananas.
0>:~}

[Wife of a Sailor]

I am so there myself! Hubby has PCSed across the country without me and I'm still here in Michigan trying to get the house ready to sell by myself. That's on top of trying to find a new job in our new duty station, working now two jobs here (60+ hours a week) since we can't afford two households and getting ready to commission as a Navy Reserve Officer myself! Did I mention this is my first PCS as we have only been married two months?

On the bright side, I now know how to sand, stain, polyurethane, tile and grout by myself now!

[Basinah]

Questions currently keeping me sane:
1) If this doesn't get done, is anyone going to die?
2) If this doesn't get done, is anyone going to get hurt (physically, emotionally, spiritually)
3) If this doesn't get done, is anyone going to suffer financially?
4) It I do try to get it done, what is is going to cost my physical and emotional health, my family, etc? What am I sacrificing?

Sometimes, all the things I think are critical really aren't.

Then I go have a chocolate-raspberry milkshake!

[Sara]

ohmigoodness... WHEW! That's alot for one mom! We're on the heels of our first PCS together but I'm pretty relaxed about the whole thing. For now, at least.

[HomefrontSix]

I like Basinah's questions! I might have to print those out in large print, laminate them, and hang them in every room.

Kate ~ Wish I could be in Utah to commiserate with you! I'm glad your parents are able to watch the kids.

[Jai_Army_Wife]

Wow you are my new personal hero!! I am exhausted now and I only read your list.
But I really like and agree with Basinah's post. Sometimes you just have to whittle it down to the must does, and then enjoy a milkshake!

[Jessie]

Ok...I needed to read this post tonight! I was feeling sorry for myself for all that I have going on as I get ready to get in the car and drive to the new home on the 6th and work and go to class. Seeing everything other people are doing, helps me put my craziness into perspective. So, thanks. And here's to praying that we can all get everything finished AND find time to decompress once in awhile.