Venting: Like a volcano, only not as much fun

I’ve been feeling overwhelmed and exhausted lately, and it’s not a bad idea to take a moment and examine why. Or maybe it is. If I knew for sure, I’d be making a lot more money as a therapist.

Earlier this week, while at a doctor’s office in Fort Wayne, I learned my father fell and broke a couple of ribs. (Then we walked outside to hear tornado sirens going off, so—long day.) My family and friends have had a series of illnesses/accidents lately. We were, after all, at a doctor’s office.

Oh, on an unrelated note, my garage door fell on me again. Long story.

That puts it in perspective, because everything else is pretty minor. It’s just been an accumulation, plus I tend to get tired and down when the weather turns cooler and gloomy and when my chronic back pain acts up.

A lot is writing related: I’ve been sending eight different story submissions out to agents and editors, and the constant flow of rejection letters was starting to get to me. I just finished the third polishing of my latest novel, and being done with a big project (even if only temporarily done) can leave a writer with a lost feeling. Also, still not a big fan of selling myself—but I’ve got books, and you need to buy ‘em.

So I think it’s just that perfect storm of little things accumulating, along with some sleep and digestive issues. (Cause, or effect?) Oh, and pain. Did I mention the garage door?
A lot of people have gone through way worse than us, and if that thought doesn’t help … there’s always chocolate. Either way, I don’t plan to vent often, as I seem to have developed a reputation as the funny guy. I think I prefer that to being the complaining guy.

Just another day at a barn fire

Four hours at a barn fire. Well, four fires, really: The original barn, a hay barn downwind, a shed downwind, and a field across the road (and downwind). I put out a little fire on the corner of the shed's roof by literally pulling the burning roofing materials off and throwing it to the ground. This is why our gloves are so expensive.

That 2 1/2 inch diameter hose is way heavier than it was ten years ago. Yep. Anyway, five fire departments represented, zero injuries, six hours of sleep, and now three days of sore muscles. Just another day at the office.