Valium, Bubbles and Chocolate

Stress.

I hate that word. Just saying that word is stressful.

Lately, my stress levels seem abnormally high. Or at least, that's what I like to tell myself - because if they aren't high, then I am just not dealing with what (little) stress I have very well. And I never want to think that I'm not managing well, because dammit, I manage perfectly. I think.

Anyway, there's a lot on my plate lately. A biggie is this trip to Galveston coming the day after tomorrow. There's been some last-minute roadblocks and hurdles to get over - but the core group is ready to go. And willing to work. And anticipating some good times on the beaches of Galveston. I was pretty frazzled today with some of the phone calls and emails and messages and communications and miscommunications going on here - but I think it will all work out.

Buying a house...that's always stressful. Wondering if your offer will be accepted - it's almost like hoping you don't get turned down asking out a prom date. Rejection is always hard - and so I am stressing that we don't get "rejected" when we finally decide on the offer we want to submit.

Moving will be stressful. Ugh. Just the thought of packing everything up and hauling it 10 miles up the road is enough to send me into a chocolate-martini and valium-induced coma. Professional movers, anyone? That's looking more and more like a viable option.

The trip to Europe - coming up in June - is a little stressful. Worried that something will happen...worried that we'll be like Clark Griswold in "European Vacation" and the trip will be a disaster. Yes, I worry too much. I even had a nightmare last night that we missed the boat. Because we spent too much time in the restaurant. Made no sense - do dreams ever do?! But it still scared me when I woke up this morning.

Trip to Guatemala at the beginning of July - although it will be the 7th time I've gone, and you'd think it was routine - a trip to an unstable, 3rd-world country can never be considered routine. And I'm taking my Dad on this trip with me. What if he gets sick? What if someone gets hurt? Being the trip leader always carries additional responsibility and pressure - and face it, stress.

So - what to do? Just breathe, I guess. It will all work out, I'm sure. Not let it get to me, like it has been recently. Go for a walk. Eat chocolate. Talk to a friend.

Do you have things that stress you out? That keep you up at night? If so, what do you do about it? Any tricks on alleviating stress?

I'm going to go take a bubble bath. Another great stress reliever.

Peace.