Causes of Stress

You know what causes stress?

• Too much to do, and not enough time in which to do it.
• People hired to help, who do not do what they are supposed to, therefore adding to your load (which you thought you had paid to lighten.) Having to sit down and make detailed lists, describing what you need, or just muttering "fuck it" and doing it yourself, because it's quicker. Feeling as if you're pouring money, earned with sweat and tears, down the toilet. Looking for replacements, and not finding anyone.
• Too much *stuff* cluttering your home. Piles of papers and catalogs that, if you turn your back, you can swear you hear multiplying.
• Toys. Toys, toys, toys, toys, toys, toys. Especially the noise-making ones, and the ones with parts that get separated from the main toy, thereby rendering it unusable. Of course, you keep hoping you will get mother and satellite toy together at some point, so you don't throw out any of them.
• Workmen in the home. Things that repeatedly break, making it necessary for said workmen to show up again and again. Workmen showing up late and staying all day, including during what is supposed to be the little ones' nap time. Ohhh, this one is a biggie for me.
• Not being able to sleep...again. Waking up at 2AM in a cold sweat. Feeling threatened, and not knowing when, or if, the threat is really coming.
• Having to go to New York on business for 3 days and worrying about everything at home that you've *just* managed to get balanced (including your kids' complicated diets, complete with herbal drops and different supplements, 3 times a day.) Wishing you could just stay home, because things will fall apart and your children will be sad. Feeling as if you're going away at their emotional and physical expense. Being pissed about not being excited and happy to go to Pre-Christmas in New York. Putting off packing because you're just too damned tired.
• Feeling as if your problems are minor, that you have no right to be stressed over these things, thinking people would give a lot to have your problems instead of their own.

Well, at least the boys' ear infections are gone.