I like to think that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. Years of solo parenting made me work through some seriously difficult days, but the truth is that sometimes my body says nope. This week was one of those times.
We’ve had an intense month with 3-4 days of teaching and 2-3 days of driving every week for the last four weeks. I knew the teaching days would be exhausting, but I honestly expected that on driving days I could pull out the ol’ laptop and get a bunch of work done.
Nope.
The truth is that driving the RV is intense. It requires a lot of concentration from Hawke. I have to help with navigation because Google likes to choose the most inane routes. It’s super loud from both road noise and the internal rattle of a household in constant motion. Driving feels like you are on a boat, rocking from side to side and up and down due to road construction, or roads in dire need of repairs, everywhere.
We finished up classes at Blue Bar Quilts on Wednesday evening and headed south to the Iliinois State Beach Park. I’d bought tickets to go see the Bisa Butler exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago and went to bed eagerly anticipating the day in Chicago with Hawke—our first real day off!
On Thursday I woke up feeling like utter crap. My body decided to give me and my plans the finger and instead of seeing the beautiful quilts and art and architecture of Chicago, I laid in bed and stared into space for hours.
Thankfully I was able to convince Hawke that he didn’t need to stick around and do anything to “take care of me” and he took off for adventures of his own, including seeing the Bisa Butler exhibit.
Three days later, we are chilling out in Ohio and I’m feeling better again. My body and brain just needed a break and so they forced it on me. I’m feeling better and making headway on the to-do list over here. From here on, we are taking it a little easier with less teaching (except for the week I’m at the Original Sewing & Quilting Expo with Sew It Up Bernina), less driving and more time to recharge.
See you Tuesday from Quilt Beginnings in Dublin, Ohio!
Very smart decision! Self care comes first!!!
It’s good your body made you listen!! Glad you are better. Enjoy each day!!
I haven’t ever been able to figure out how you do all you do. I would get tired even thinking about your schedule! Glad you’re feeling better. Take care of yourselves first! Everything else will follow along 😉
Happy, I am, that you listened to your body and that you have a partner in the journey, just in case. Blessings for the next leg of the journey. Be safe and well! Your adoring followers send you positive and energetic vibes! 🙂
You are amazing. Good for you listening to your body and taking time to rest. The whole journey you are on is all-consuming. Thanks for sharing it! (I realize the sharing is just one more exhausting part sometimes!)