09/16/2022
By Kate Stone Lombardi
“Dishonesty in writing is the one unforgivable sin.”
I just read that sentence in an essay on writing advice. I was trying to clear my email box before sitting down to blog something pithy.
But if I’m being honest, I feel anything but clever or concise. Here’s the truth:
I’m exhausted. I can’t seem to sleep anymore. I toss and turn, my mind churning. In bed, my body is like a cooking rotisserie chicken. I go around and around, trying to stay in place so I don’t wake up my husband. (Please, no sleep advice. I get exercise, spend time outside, limit caffeine, never watch TV, and watch my so-called “sleep hygiene.” I. Just. Can’t. Sleep.)
Unless, of course, I medicate. Let me clear. I said “medicate” not “meditate.” Though of course, I’ve tried that too. Today I broke down and went to a CBD store and got gummies, sans THC. I’m not hopeful.
Anyway, I could write about the refreshing fall weather and that new-school-year-fresh-start feeling. But that would be lying.
This week septic tank at our Adirondack cabin failed. Meanwhile, the hot water tank at our home exploded while we were away, causing massive damage in the basement. Enjoy the photo on the above left of the dumpster in our driveway, which holds just part of what was ruined in the flooding. The worst was losing family photos and letters, most from my husband’s family.
The crazy thing is that this isn’t even what’s keeping me up. At least it’s not what I’m thinking about as I try to relax. Most of the damage is fixable and what’s lost is lost. This seems a more existential agitation.
Anyway, here’s another quote, this from my beloved therapist: “First World problems are still problems.” Yup. That’s no lie.</