on losing your shit

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I take my hat off to single parents. Especially with three or more children.

Since we arrived home from holidays last month, I have been flying solo 95% of the time. And I'm buggered. My patience has left the building. The end of year exhaustion has well and truly hit. Like a bus.

Two days ago I felt on top of everything, being patient with the demanding smalls who seem to have lost their manners and gained a hunger for fighting with their siblings, even more than usual. I was even handling the after school meltdowns from Missy. We finished up school on Friday and a wave of relief washed over me. We made it - through our first year. All in one piece.

I knew I was nearing my limit late yesterday but also knew relief was in sight with work this afternoon and an extra hour of Christmas shopping and hot coffee in hand, stuck on the front to save my sanity. Two minutes before I am ready to walk out the door I hear my beautiful, big, musical snow globe crash to the kitchen floor. That was my undoing.

Farewell leisurely shopping stroll. Farewell sanity. Hello blubbering mess.

An almost hour long drive to meet with clients, I played the music LOUD, windows down. Both to blow away the foul mood.

I met Kristen and Willis and all was forgotten. They showed me their beautiful big backyard, where they will be married early next year. And I will be there to capture it for them. We chatted and laughed and Kristen told me their engagement story. We drove to the dam for some photos and they sent me home with a VB box of lemons from their three lemon trees. Yes, I think their wedding will be something special.

I should think of something witty to say about making lemonade when life hands you lemons. Or stick a wedge in a G&T. And I'm not even a drinker. Maybe I should start?