Travel Tuesdays: Growing Family

I've been absent from the blogging world for a while. First, I blogged irregularly during our failed RV trip. Then, I stopped blogging altogether when I flew to San Francisco unexpectedly to help with a family medical emergency.Once I returned from San Francisco, I blogged a few times but then I went silent again. There's just been too much going on in my life. Something had to give and I'm afraid this blog was it.

So what's my excuse this week? Well...my nephew.

Photo taken by my sister

Last Tuesday, I flew back to San Francisco to welcome this handsome boy to the family and help my sister with the transition. I mean, really... who wants to blog when you can snuggle this guy?

Photo taken 30 September 2013

As this post goes live, I'll be on a plane back home. I hope to get back into a regular blogging schedule soon but I also need to evaluate what my schedule should be.

If you have thoughts about what you'd like to see here or how often you'd like me to post, please leave a comment or shoot me an email. michelle(at)michellecusolito(dot)com

Wordless Wednesday: Rose of Sharon

Photo taken 8 September 2013

Wordless Wednesday: Crab in the Surf

Not much photography has been happening with recent events in my life, but I did capture this shot of a crab with my cell phone when I went for a walk on Ocean Beach in San Francisco.

Travel Tuesdays: Self- Care During Difficult Times

I've been absent from blogging and Social Media lately. Thanks for sticking with me and coming back to read Polliwog.

I recently traveled to San Francisco unexpectedly due to a family emergency. I prefer not to share personal family medical details on the internet, so I'll just say that things are better-- the emergency has passed and now we're settling into life post-trauma. Thank you to those of you who sent me personal messages of support.

I feel like I need to learn certain life lessons over and over again. Does that happen to you? For example, I know that in times of stress, I need to take care of myself. I need to stop and breathe. I need to get physical activity. And I need to get out in nature, if possible.  Combining all three is especially helpful. If I can add a little writing time in there, all the better.

Yet, while I was away, I ignored my needs, to my detriment. A friend had even texted me and simply said, "Remember to breathe." Yet, I didn't do any of those things until I completely melted down.

Of course, I am so grateful that I was able to travel on short notice to support my sisters. I needed to be with them. I'm grateful my husband recognized and supported my need to go. I'm grateful my husband's work schedule allowed him to suddenly assume complete responsibility for our kids and home. I'm thankful for the many friends and relatives who stepped in to help care for our kids so my husband could work. And I'm thankful my family had the means to purchase an airline ticket.

But I'm no good to my sisters if I'm falling apart, and that's what happened five days into my trip. I had felt a desire to take a walk on the beach the night before, but ignored my needs to make myself available to my sister. By Friday afternoon, when I talked to my husband and kids on the phone, I was falling apart crying... On top of the stress and the Jet lag, I was missing my family.

Luckily, by brother-in-law was nearby. He came home and assumed responsibility for my niece so I could take a walk. From the moment my feet touched the sand at Ocean Beach, I felt better. Ten minutes into my walk things seemed less overwhelming. At the end of an hour, I was a new person.  Of course, I was. I practically smacked myself in the head and said, "Duh!"

I know I need to take care of myself before I can take care of others, so what the heck was I doing? Who knows. I do know that we all do it sometimes.

So today, a reminder to you...
Are you a teacher just back to school and feeling overwhelmed?
Are you feeling stressed in some other way?

Don't do what I did. Remember to take care of yourself. Stop and breathe deeply. Take a walk. Take a bath. Practice yoga. Write in your journal. Go for a run. Do whatever you need to do to take care of yourself today and always.

What is your favorite stress reliever? How do you take care of yourself in times of stress?

Related Posts:
Parents: Make Time for Yourself

No Posts for a While

I apologize for not posting this sooner.

I will not be blogging for at least a week while I'm traveling to support several family members through a difficult time. I will return as soon as I'm able.

Wordless Wednesday: Arachnophobia Anyone?

Photos taken 1 August and 4 August 2013

Travel Tuesdays: YOU Be the Helpful Local

That's Adam, just before he drove us to a hotel in his big rig.

These "Travel Tuesdays" posts are usually about being a traveler. Today I'd like you to think about being a friendly local to travelers who might be passing through your town or city.

In the past, I've written about locals who have helped us when we were traveling. Franco and Caroline helped us deal with medical issues when we were in Sicily. Our tow truck driver, Adam, showed exceptional kindness and also helped us get to a hotel after towing the RV we had rented. I have countless stories like these.

In each of our travels, we have met wonderful, caring people who helped us in one way or another. Today, I invite you to be the helpful local to some traveler.

I was reminded of this while at the beach with my kids last week. My daughter was playing with another girl which led me to chat with her mom. I learned that they were on vacation from Boston for a couple of weeks. While we didn't "help" them, per se, I'd like to think they came away from the experience feeling welcomed in our area.

If you're not sure how to start, read this old post called Meetin' the Locals to get some ideas. Then step out and make some new connections!

How have you helped travelers feel welcomed in your area? Do you have other suggestions for how to break the ice and meet new people?