When I am truly stressed I am tired and cranky and feel out of sorts. I know that sounds "normal" but not for me. I am a busy, on the go person, who is constantly doing whatever needs to be done. When I am stressed out, I cannot function. I have never bleached a load of colors but I have forgotten the dog at the vet. My friends acted like I left one of my kids somewhere. Yes, I love my dog but he was in a safe place with food, shelter and care.

Take a couple of deep breaths and tell BM you did not get the laundry done and you are sorry that you were too busy and worry about the ruined clothes later. If there are any.

I developed excema which I never had until after I got married and SD came to visit all at once. When it flares up I know things are bad, that is the only time I have it, on my ankles.

Also my face breaks out and a couple months ago Aunt Flo came 2 weeks early! from stress I think.

"In the depths of winter I finally learned there was in me an invincible summer." -Albert Camus

is when my neck breaks out in this tinea rash ive had for years. It makes me look like a leopard....lol
"If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?" ~ Milton Berle

I get a migraine and forget how to operate simple items.

The items I forget how to work:

The washer and dryers at my old condo, this was after completing my 3rd 65+ hour week in a row at a job I dispised. Called the building laundry operators.. told them how the coin op machines were not working.. and then sent someone out. (I experienced this problem at about 11:30pm on one of the work nights.. ) they called the next morning to tell me that only 1 of the 4 machines was broken.. but that the rest were in perfect working condition. Apparently, I tried the first machine (the one that was broken) and then when I couldnt get that one to work, and tried the others, I developed laundry amnesia.

And then just recently, I had another episode, this one was step child driven.. I couldnt get my car to start.. BELIEVE IT OR NOT!! even went and took the train to the meeting in town and then had to be picked up after work in a different location. When my DH jumped in the car, didnt the darn thing start right up for him???

Those times, I then normally break down crying, realizing that my brain is FRIED and that its dumping what it considers to be useless information out of my head!!!

Luckily.. I never use bleach, so the chances of me destroying a load of colors would be slim. Not being able to get the machine working.. now that is another issue entirely!!

...to scrape me off the ceiling.

I have TMJ disorder and I know when I'm stressed because I wake myself up grinding my teeth. And the grinding usually leads to a migraine-like headache. And my hot flashes get more intense, but I started taking a pill for that, so hopefully it'll keep me cooler.

♥ Georgia, the un-stepmom ♥

"Good men don't just happen. They have to be created by us women." (from ROSEANNE)

I can so relate to what you are saying. I too grind my teeth so badly that I wake up with such a migraine. I have a retainer to help with this, but it is usually stuck to my leg in the morning...LOL, must spit it out not realizing.

My doctor finally gave me an anxiety medication and it helps somewhat...just depends on what is going on....but we have been to hell and back for the past 2 years and it doesnt seem to be getting any better.

I was told the other day by my family that I am snapping at everyone! Could be, I went in for a simple surgery (female problems) and it is very rare that this can happen....but guess what...I am the unlucky one. They puntured my uterus in the surgery...supposed to be off work a week, in total it should be apprx 2 mths before I can go back. I am in agony and I am the only one supporting the family and I have no sick benefits....just lovely! That old saying, when it rains it pours....well it has been pouring for wayyyyy toooo long now.

Corie

My stress shows up when I talk, I randomly say a word that makes no sense. Then if Hubby cracks a joke at a bad time, I cry. Not on purpose, but it happens. I also end up VERY forgetful.

I know it's a bit off subject, but most of my stress during the week comes from caring for my dad with a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). He acts about the same age as my 4 yr old for the most part. It's been almost 2 1/2 years and I can't do it anymore. My BS and dad are to the point of fighting ALL THE TIME!!

Then comes the busy weekends of which kids and where. We only get one "quiet" weekend every 4th weekend. SS (12) is EOW that requires decisions the week before about whether we're (I'm) driving 1 hour or 1/2 an hour for pickup. Then SD (9) is 2WE on/2WE off. She's in town, but trying to schedule around SS, Hubby's work, BS, Dad, snow..... plus there's always the fear that her mother will say "no more visitation".

I sit and read all these posts about the crazy BM's and I know I got a couple of crazy ones, but we now mostly only deal with them through e-mails 1)at the begining of the month 2)when there's something to add and 3)when we give the "proper" 48 hour notice of picking SS up from school. SS's BM never responds and SD's BM has been much easier to handle cuz there's less fighting thru emails.

It's a 2 kid (boys) weekend, but I've been going so crazy with MY dad this week that I called MIL and said that BS needs a break from being here. She's taking both boys overnight on Friday.
Sorry I got chatty.... Nette

When Wine sounds REAL good!!
Hey...that would be right about now!
lol

" This is not the life I ordered".

Wine is always good!

When I get stressed I usually flake out, have brain farts or become cranky. I hate that, so when it's that bad I either journal or meditate. Worry is a form of meditation, so it's more common that what you think. It's not some magic whatever, it's a break for an overworked brain. Just get in a quiet place (if you can) get comfy, close your eyes, & breathe slowly for 3 or so minutes. Concentrate on nothing but the sound of your breath. Do that about 2 or 3 times a week & you'll have less brain farts! Seriously though, you'll be amazed how it helps.

After I do this I usually hit the wine bottle. If that doesn't help, it at least makes things more fun!

Cajun Lady