Reactions to stress

 Yes, there was a Bridal Shower.  I was in several pictures and was promised some sent to me electronically.  That I should take my camera never crossed my mind.  D'uh!  The house was quite close and I had no trouble finding it and had been promised a parking spot on  the driveway. There were 20-25 ladies there along with Jeremy. When I got there they were all gathered around a large kitchen island that divided a large square space diagonally with kitchen on one side and living room on the other. The entrance was in one of the other two corners, and in the other corner was a kitchen-size table covered with goodies. There were veggies and dips, small bread buns, sliced meat fruit dishes, Nacho and other types of chips all with sauces, and two large three tier daintie displays.  There were several types of "punches", both alcohol and non-alcohol. The place was very crowded but there were chairs all around the edges in every nook and cranny. There was only one game before the parcels were unwrapped. I was stunned at the value of some of the gifts--Air fryers, electric grills etc.  But I also realized that most of those were from several people, which would have made the actual cost more reasonable.

I was able to talk to quite a few people including one of the regular ladies from Starbucks, who just happened to be the daughter of the hostess.  It was a very pleasant evening.

So--how does all of that relate to today's topic?  I had no idea how much stress I had put on myself in anticipation of the event and maybe also the past few weeks (maybe last few months?).  I was exhausted when I got home.  Had a drink and early to bed.  I slept almost 14 hours that night, and was exhausted all day Monday, just wanting to sleep.  It was as though a huge weight was off my shoulders--stress and anticipation of the event.  I feel so much better today.

Today was a little better.  I think I told you that I had resigned from the craft group in Lorette, but today I attended -for the second time- a similar group in Landmark.  I battled wind and rain all the way out, and the same coming home but with less rain.  But spent a pleasant 2 hours with two other ladies and a gentleman who tuned up. This group meets every second week, but will not be meeting during June, July, and August, as the space is used for a Day Care during those months.

Sorry this is so long but, looking back, I had made the shower into a major event, and can now celebrate that I not only survived, but enjoyed myself, and came home content.  The exhaustion taught how this can and did happen, and was the result of my self-created stress.

The event also brought home to me exactly how old I am.  We represent the most senior generation.  We can still live well, but have more risks than anyone younger than we are.  We are responsible for own lives.  So, stay safe ladies.  Don't put yourselves at risk and treat yourselves well.