That's what I need. A big dial (or maybe even better a large plastic hammer that bonks me on the head) to keep me in check when I get too maudlin and dramatic and teary eyed over my own woes. Yes, we are struggling with money. Yes, Mr. J is having a ridiculously hard time figuring out what he wants to be and do and then finding someone who will pay him to do just that. Yes, we are living beyond our means. Yes, I really do need to work out so I can fit into my clothes, since I can't afford to buy new ones (though I did go out and buy that blue coat ... turns out it was only $20!! bargain!).
But ... where's that fancy perspective-o-meter to remind me that all in all we are healthy, are happily in love (most of the time), have a house over our heads, have parents who are supportive in every possible way, aren't being gang-raped by a vapid group of sick teenagers, aren't living in Pakistan or Iraq or Afghanistan or any other bomb-prone, wartorn country, love where we live, have wonderfully supportive friends, aren't living in a tent city under an interstate, have a heater that works (thanks to handy Mr. J), and the list goes on.
If I can just remember all this, then maybe I won't fly off the handle and yell at the person I love most in this world when what he really needs is support and encouragement. Maybe I won't become thoroughly forlorn over the fact that we can afford a new blade for the saw to build shelves, but I can't afford to lavish my beautiful 7-year-old niece with gifts on her birthday. These things make me sad, but they are not the end of the world. Life will go on for us.
And by the way, do you think it is pronounced perspectiveOMeter? or perspective-oh-MEter?
Listen, my husband was laid off for a while last year. And it was no picnic for any of us, and I think a little wallowing in it never hurt anyone. This too will pass. . .really.
ReplyDeleteAnd maybe it will make you feel better that 7 year olds are fairly easy to please. My mom gave my daughter a stack of old National Geographics and a binder full of empty sheet protectors with which to make a "map folder." And said "map folder" is now a #1 Prized Possession. That and the homemade showtunes compilation CD from her uncle.
Keep on keeping on!