1,2,3,4

Whoops. I've just realised that it's 7.30pm and not 8.30pm - no wonder the children were so upset about going to bed. They were both demanding more stories. Actually they were both being pests - quite revolting. Josh wanted me to read the entire song book we'd just finished all over again and Mia wanted me to continue with her l-o-n-g many-chaptered book. I was happy to read something neutral, but neither of them were being remotely sensible, so I put my foot down and told them if they didn't stop being ridiculous, there'd be no stories whatsoever! I walked out and let them call for me while I put away the dinner remnants and when I went back read them a quick story (teacher style) and they were back to their usual selves. BUT, the minute I'd finished they were back to being revolting; whining for me to read their stories again. So of course I didn't.

If they hadn't been so silly about their story choices, then we'd all still be snuggling and reading on the top bunk! Never mind, I have some time on my hands now.

I'm actually not at all alone in my depression status. (Hard to type that word: depression. Depression. Depression.) Almost all the women I talked to today at Joshka's Salvation Army playgroup suffer from some form of it. I was open and forthcoming and so were they. We all agree that the stigma is the hardest thing to overcome. One woman went so far as to say that Rotorua itself is depressing. Her cousin who grew up here has left and will never come back.

It's interesting. Interesting to share thoughts with other women who would normally just share mundane small talk - I really connected with the truth with them today. I felt calmer and more together. More able to meet their eye. More able to respond without inhibition.

All in all, things seemed a little easier today. I've talked. That counts towards Number One. Number 3 - (spiritual/creative)...I made some cards today for the ladies who are leaving the playgroup. And I even let Josh 'help' or at least observe (from quite close). Both children helped me to wrap some small presents and they did a great job. And Number 4. Yes, that's the easiest part of all: I popped half a tablet. (Only half for a week. Then on to a full one). So all I have missed out on today then is number 2: exercise.

Easily fixed...
:)