Where Have You Gone Joe DiMaggio?

I took another break from blogging.

I had full intentions of going on and on about the Californians and their world-wind visit (it was SOOO great to see friends from home!)

I had full intentions of telling the tear-filled tale of buying my oldest son his first suit (I'll tell the tear-filled tale of the actual date this weekend)

I had full intentions of telling of the Saturday sports (two losses and a big win - Go Freshman - 25-24)

I had full intentions of telling about my eldest son shaving his legs - but that one is just too weird.

I had full intentions about sharing the Boardman Rotary Oktoberfest highlights (rain and all)

And finally, I had full intentions of telling everyone I TOLD YOU SO about Sarah Palin.

But - I'm really PMS right now so I have absolutely no intentions at all!

Rebuttal...

I just received a comment on my last post about Awards Season. Shockingly, someone from this town actually reads my blog and even more shockingly, took offense to what I had written!

To clarify...the reader was appalled that I didn't see my son in any of the slides from the awards ceremony and that I expected more of HIM - like he deserved to be the center of attention...

What I was trying to convey - in a tongue in cheek manner that obviously didn't come across - was that my son HATES to be the center of attention and would go out of his way to NOT, I repeat, NOT, be in any of the pictures. Therefore, it was no surprise to me that I did not see him and I was making a joke to that effect.

For those loyal and anonymous readers from Boardman - I thought the video was BEAUTIFUL. Touching, fun and great for the kids to see.

I wish my son had a desire to be part of it...

Back to Basics

Today I had a chance to re-read some of my posts. Jackson is sick with some sort of virus so I pulled the short straw to stay home from church - hence, I have time to read!

I realized that my writing has taken a not-so-entertaining path over the last few weeks; obviously a result of the job stress. I really didn't like what I read - I really didn't like the person who was writing it!

In an earlier post I had discussed the symptoms of PMS and how it affects my emotions. Obviously, with stress, these same symptoms carried over into the last few weeks. Granted, I have probably dealt with more stress in the last several years than most people handle in a lifetime - our job situation, being forced to move, virtually being a single parent for the better part of three years, and raising a child on the autism spectrum! In the grander scheme of things, this doesn't appear to be such an immense burden (thank God we've all had our health!), but living it takes its toll!

This most recent contract loss briefly put me over the edge...I think last weekend was my rock-bottom! However, over these last several days, I have started to feel normal again and want to get back to basics with this blog! You'll see - SportsMum is back...

Have You Ever Had One Of Those Days...?

Once a month, being SportsMum and living and working in a world of men becomes a huge problem. Through most of the month I am relatively composed, professional, and sane. But then...exactly day 21 into the month, I become a neurotic, manic, mad-woman!
What sends me into this tailspin? Of course, PMS.

I know just thinking about its emergence sends shivers down the spine of the men in my home. Actually, the boys have no idea what causes Mummy to laugh and cry and scream and hug them (all at the same time!)...they just duck and cover.
It has caused me to make some irrational decisions (like quitting my job in September...) and briefly (I hope...) damage some friendships!

As I get older, the symptoms become more pronounced. But this month, compounded with the fact that neither my husband or I have ANY money coming into our lovely 3,700 square foot home with the lovely mortgage, I am completely over the top pyscho woman.

While I joke about the symptoms, the results really are no laughing matter. Years ago, my college boyfriend's mother committed suicide, directly related to the symptoms of PMS. This affected me profoundly, and I have always been on guard for similar symptoms in me, especially as I approach the menopause years (which is around the time Scott's mother took her life...) It's a pretty scary and real disorder!

What's the point I'm trying to make? This is a long-winded apology and quasi- explanation to the men in my life as to why I have been PMS "don't mess with me" woman the last few days. It's not rational, it's not intentional, but it's real...and I'm sorry...