When they go through the safety announcements on airplanes, they always talk about making sure that–in the event of cabin depressurization–you secure your oxygen mask before helping others to secure theirs. For those who find this confusing, the issue is that it’s assumed you can’t assist others with putting on their masks (especially if they’re panicked and struggling to breathe) when you yourself are panicked and struggling to breathe. First things first, you have to get YOUR oxygen supply under control. Then, you’re far more able to settle down and calmly help those around you.

Lately, I’ve been a complete ball of stress. The usual stress at work has been multiplied a few dozen times, and the kids continue to grow at an impressive pace. With growth comes…well, all sorts of stress that physical and emotional growing pains induce. In particular, I’m watching dd closely and seeing her frustration at the boundaries that we’ve set for her (bedtimes being too early by her estimation, for example). In other words, it’s the usual stress of having a full-time job and having kids. Being an active parent is exhausting.

So, I do have stuff to say and mostly I’m just trying to figure out how to say it. I won’t talk about work here. Period. It’s off-limits. I also have to respect some boundaries about what I’ll say regarding the kiddos. There’s a point at which I don’t want to violate THEIR privacy, and they’re certainly entitled to some of that, too.

For now, I’ll just say that I’m happy I have fresh ink on my wrist (got that lovely artwork featured above just this past weekend, while visiting my BFF in Pittsburgh) and I’m working hard to climb my way out of my current stress-hole. Let’s just say that I’ve been watching and rewatching Marvel movies. A LOT. There’s something just so compelling about the escapism of completely improbable scenarios, hopelessly attractive people, and happy (enough) endings. Fresh ink, fresh start.

2016: it’s time to become more awesome…and remember how to breathe.