Long time since I’ve written. Even my handwritten journal, which I’ve kept off and on for the last twenty years, has suffered for the last month. I’ve just been…so…tired. Just existing, and taking care of my family, has used every ounce of energy I can summon. And, as far as I can see, there’s no end in sight.
Mostly this is due to the hypothyroidism that made itself known in April of this year. This was followed in May by another surprise. After feeling yucky and nauseated for days, I decided to take a pregnancy test so I could rule that out before I called my doctor for a visit, and, lo and behold. So, here we are. Between the little one growing inside me and the thyroid crapping out thing, I’m having serious fatigue issues. Hopefully, my medication will get straightened out soon. In the meantime, I’m plowing through, with a lot of help from my family, and waiting for the day when I can make it 12 hours without a nap.
Writing has been going, though slowly (see above). I’m almost to the end of chapter eight, though in reading over the whole thing I’m finding I may end up either expanding or consolidating some previous chapters. I’d like to finish my first draft by the end of summer, so I’m trying to work as much as possible, given my physical limitations. It’s coming along though, and even though it’s a sucky, sucky first draft, I’m proud of it.
My daughter Kate has been working on growing her first garden this spring. An avowed carnivore, she won’t eat any of the vegetables, but she’s fascinated by life and the processes of nature. As for me, I’m happy to pass on the knowledge that was passed to me as a child by generations of Southern gardeners. In March she decided to enter her efforts in the local 4-H garden contest, and two days ago the judges came to look at her little plot. I was so proud as she led them to the backyard, showing off her veggies and explaining all the work she’d put into it. Yesterday afternoon we attended a little award ceremony at the local extension office, and found out she’d placed second int he elementary category. I was so proud of her, mostly because this is the first time she’s had to work at a long-term project, months in the making, to see some results. She stuck it out, though, and I’m very glad she did. She spent the evening plotting what she’d do with the $15 prize money, which will probably go to some great cause like candy or a plastic toy. Even so, she’s still my little girl, and I’m thankful beyond measure for that.