In an effort to help me relax and find myself again during my time off from work I have decided to join my extended family in New York State for a week.

It’s funny, I’m going to be one of only two under-forty-somethings (my 20 year old cousin is coming) but I’m actually getting excited about it. I think getting away from the city and back to nature (we’re renting a massive cottage) will be good for my soul.

My family will almost all be there (except for some of my cousins who have to work, and my brother) and I’ll be able to hike swim and boat to my heart’s content. I’m hoping this experience will act as a soothing balm on my soul.

It’s strange, if I hadn’t had my meltdown and descent into depression, therefore getting leave from work; I wouldn’t have been able to go to this family retreat. Interesting how things work out.

Now I am looking forward to seeing my extended family again (yay emotion!) and having some wholesome fun. I have started planning all the stuff I am going to pack, including some homemade goodies to share with everyone.

I’ve started canning again this season; so far canning some blueberry-raspberry jam and some pickling with friends is on the agenda this week. It’s good to do something physical and nourishing like that.

I also treated myself to this awesome bathing suit from ModCloth:

I’m having it delivered to my aunt in NJ and she’s bringing it to me at the cottage. I hope it gets there in time because I can’t wait to wear it! I am soooo tempted to bring my pearls, white sunglasses and red lipstick to wear with this, but it might be just a touch impractical! LOL

As long as I don’t think too much about my cat and  job situations, I seem to be feeling better. I think I really DID need some time off from the world.

I am still looking for a new job, but no bites just yet. Summer is the worst time to look for something new :S

I also don’t feel so bad about getting rid of Sheba now. She’s a real bi-polar cat and has become increasingly aggressive to me these past few days (yet still demands snuggles at bedtime?!?!) and while I will miss her, I know that there is no way I could give her the care she needs. She is going to stay with my parents and my mom is going to find a new home for her.

I hope last week was my rock bottom. I really want to start on my way back up.