Seasonal Depression in July

Most people talk about seasonal depression in the winter.  When the days are shorter and the sun is often hidden in the sky.  In some parts of the world, it gets too cold to be outside for more than a few minutes, creating a sense of isolation.  In Texas, it has been way too hot to be outside for more than a few minutes.  My seasonal depression comes in the summer.  I get up in the morning with a spring in my step (okay that may be an exaggeration) and feel productive and active during the first couple of hours.  By lunch time, I am cranky and disheveled.  All I want is my recliner and a fan for the rest of the day.  So here’s what we’ve been doing (mostly indoors) this month.

The month started with a visit from my best friend, who lives in Alabama, and her son.  If there is a cure for my seasonal depression, friend time is it!  Another friend from college came over for dinner and games the first night they were in town.  The next day we took in a Texas Rangers game.  My daughter Shelby is a huge fan so it’s always fun to witness her joy and delight.  The Rangers didn’t win, but they are having a great season.

Monday the 3rd we ventured to the golf course.  My friend’s son is quite the golfer so she and I rode around in a cart and watched him school 3 grown men.  On the 4th of July, we toured the Frisco Star, home and practice facility for the Dallas Cowboys.  They are America’s team!  I had taken the tour before and knew my Cowboys loving friend and her sports enthusiast kid would dig it.

What Else Can You Do in a Seasonal Depression?

After bidding my friends farewell, Allie and I went to her future roommate’s home to talk all things dorm room.  So exciting to plan for the next phase for my girl.  And speaking of the next phase, the hubs and I took Allie down to Waco for her college orientation.  Shelby stayed with my parents, who we met for dinner on the way.  In our spare time we drove Allie all over Waco to show her some of my memorable haunts – including the run-down apartment I lived in on the back side of campus.  Still standing and advertising a move-in special! 

The driving around in our air conditioned car was much more pleasant than hot footing it (I mean that literally) all over campus during a heat advisory.  But if you look miserable enough, the university president’s husband and dog will pick you up in his golf cart and escort you to your next location.  Baylor does a great job of making new students and family feel welcome and I’m excited for our girl to embed herself on campus.

We left her in Waco for a few more days for what is called “Line Camp”.  She had a blast and met lots of new friends.  When her group ventured down to Independence, Texas to see the original location of the University, she was issued her Baylor Line Jersey and greeted with “Welcome home.”  She said she got a little choked up and I admit, I did too in the telling!

A dear friend’s 50th surprise party was a social butterfly’s highlight, and a long talkative lunch with a new church friend filled my soul.  What an embarrassment of riches for me!

Thanks to the generosity of Chuck’s parents, Shelby got to go to Camp Blessing for a second week this summer.  This camp is such a special place for both of my girls.  Shelby had a rough start but a good time overall, and Chuck and I got some much needed respite from constant caregiving.

Entertainment to Help With the Seasonal Depression

The cinema beckoned for the new Indiana Jones movie.  I loved the nostalgia, but thought it could easily have been 30 minutes shorter.  We also took in The Sound of Freedom – a very sobering but important movie.  “God’s children are not for sale!”

We watched Jury Duty on Amazon Prime.  Some bad language but a very original premise and laugh out loud awkward funny.  A similar humor to The Office or Parks and Recreation.  Our guilty pleasure?  A documentary on the pop music duo Wham!.  Kinda sad but also fun filled with all the music of my youth.

I listened to Cherished:  Shattered Innocence, Restored Hope by Polly Wright.  I can’t say I would recommend this memoir from a former stripper who started a ministry for strippers.  Some parts are pretty graphic and could trigger people, plus I know too much about the post-book story.  On the recommendation of my twin sister, I read Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools by Tyler Staton.  Since it was her copy and I couldn’t highlight, I took pages of notes.  Highly recommend.

And now I must get ready for 2 of my grandkids to visit for a week, followed by the other two for a week.  We have some fun things planned including a drive through animal park and a live production of SpongeBob Squarepants.  I’m sure they will enjoy the later more than me.  Pray for my stamina.  Also, I love you, I thank you, and I hope August is a lot cooler!

And now for this week’s featured post from the link up!

Donna Reiland gives a good word pertinent to every follower of Jesus today in Serving God in an Anti-Christian Culture.

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