roller coaster

There's nothing like getting home just before it rains. Also nothing like having too many great photos in one day to choose from. Nothing like having a little rammy cat who runs and runs until she has to sprawl out panting. And there's nothing like spending the evening with a good group of friends.

It was a very up and down day. It started great: quiet time to read a good, spiritually challenging book that touched deep places in my soul. Quietness and wholeness continued through breakfast, exercise and a swim. A devotional time and pray-napping. (I think that should be a new form of spiritual discipline.)

Then we had to check out of the beautiful hotel and come home. I fully intended to continue my spiritual pursuits, but somehow failed to do so. Home work, like unpacking, organizing, and playing with the kitty captured my attention, and then I found myself wandering around on facebook and wasting time in various other ways. I felt quiet disappointed in myself.

I always come down hard after a vacation. Something about the "bump" back into real life. But I didn't expect it with this. I hardly even considered these two days as a vacation; more like time to stop and catch our breath a little. But still, it was sad to see it end so quickly.

If anything it made us realize how tired we actually are. I think often tiredness doesn't register until you stop the frantic pace. Then it all seems to catch up to you. These two days were quiet; we did minimal activities. But I think we're leaving it more tired than when we started. Or at least, more aware of the tiredness.

But then I was off to a coaching appointment, which went well, and then to a good-bye party for a friend who is leaving for the summer. She is really struggling with it. I was glad to see her surrounded by good friends tonight, but that's part of the problem, really. She has made home HERE. She knows who she is HERE. "Home" in the US is a myth. And historically it hasn't been easy for her there. I wish I could help her, but I can't be there for the bumps and bruises of the transition. I can offer my friendship as best as I can from afar. Skype is always an option.

And now home. The kitty missed us, it seems. She doesn't want to cuddle, necessarily, but she is keen to run and jump and chase. Every now and then I manage to grab her and make her endure some cuddling. And if she gives it a chance, she usually ends up with a good purrr going.

Even though it's late it's good to end the day "up". It's cozy to sit in our apartment and listen to the gentle rain outside. And revel in the fact that we didn't get caught in it.

Regardless of the positive ending to my up and down day, I hate roller coaster emotions. Hopefully things will stabilize tomorrow.