Stress

Although we live in a mountain paradise, I can't break my old habit of letting stress creep up on me until I LITERALLY explode.  This past weekend was ground zero.  Maybe some of you female readers can relate... male readers probably won't understand. 

It had been a pretty long and busy week at work.  Wednesday evening after work, we attended a free lecture put on by the hospital (it was all about knee injuries and rehab related to skiing) and went out with friends for dinner/drinks after.  Thursday night, I rushed out of work so we could get to North Lake for an avalanche awareness lecture.  By Thursday evening, I was feeling pretty exhausted, both mentally and physically.  Friday, it was time to relax and enjoy the weekend but I just couldn't for some reason.  

Friday afternoon, I exploded.  Here's how it went down:  Mike and I dropped off our bikes for some minor work at the bike shop and headed to get some lunch.  We walked into the restaurant and I headed straight to the bathroom because I felt an epic meltdown coming on.  I couldn't even compose myself enough to get through lunch!  I came out of the bathroom a teary mess and asked Mike to take me home.  Bless his heart.  The next 30 minutes I was a blubbering/hyperventilating MESS.  Once I got it out of my system... I felt a little better and we were able to get some lunch and go for a nice bike ride with a friend of ours.  

Here are some pics from the ride: 

The bike ride was pretty good.  It's ALWAYS nice to get out in the fresh mountain air.  And to think, I nearly ruined a perfectly good Tahoe bluebird day!?!?!  That would have been tragic. 

Saturday, I had to work in the morning but it was a short day, so that afternoon we were able to go on another bike ride.  The trail was pretty snowy/icy in some places and the chain on my bike kept getting stuck and I almost, ALMOST had another meltdown in the middle of the trail.  Apparently I was in a very fragile mood and it didn't take much to start the waterworks.  My dear husband helped me free my chain (twice) and I was able to keep from crying... this time. 

The ride had beautiful views of the lake... 

Seriously, how could anyone be stressed here??? 

Sunday, the lake was blissfully calm so Mike and I loaded up the paddleboards and headed out to paddle a stretch of the east shore that we haven't paddled before.  We paddled from Cave Rock to Glenbrook Bay.  I know that doesn't mean much to those of you who aren't familiar with Tahoe.  Anyway, I took a camera... but there was no battery in it... so that was pretty much a wasted effort.  But imagine paddling with the sun behind you, shining perfectly into the bluest water you've ever seen, with huge boulders the size of small elephants below you.  The lake was like a sheet of glass and there were times it felt like we were literally the only ones on the entire lake.  We worked up an appetite, and headed out to a lunch date of all-you-can-eat sushi.  It was exactly what I needed before starting another week at work.  

Mike: thank you for loving me despite my "episodes."  I wish I could tell you that was the last time... but it's probably not (just being honest).   Love you.  Mean it. 

This blog is sponsored by:

wine... 

lots and lots of wine!