Lately, I’ve been trying really hard to keep the drama in our household to a minimum. I know I can have a very histrionic, dramatic side, as do both my daughters. This is very hard on my husband, who is generally pretty laid back (although, don’t let him fool you, he can be  a pretty big drama queen at moments, too). Let’s just say I’m trying to be an adult, and get past my flair for the dramatic.

I’ve been doing pretty good, and my new mantra is “It is, what it is”. I’ve decided not to get stressed out about things that I cannot change. Overall, this works quite well. I experience much less stress and therefore, am more laid back.

I have also tried be less sarcastic and vivid when expressing myself. This has also been going well. I am not nearly as sarcastic as I used to be and I try to keep my opinions and emotions in check. Well, I really pulled a bad one yesterday.

We took my husband’s granny out for lunch and to run some errands. I let her sit in the front seat because it is easier for her to get in and out (she’s almost 93). We were getting out at a greenhouse, and I put my hand outside the SUV to hoist myself out of the back seat, when my husband slammed the driver’s door.

It took about two seconds for me to realize that the immense pain that I felt was coming from the two fingers that hubby had just slammed in the door. It was so painful, all I could see was a blinding white light. I knew there were a lot of people around and even in that pain, I was trying very hard to maintain my composure. I tried to pull my fingers out, but quickly realized that that was only going to cause more pain.

Now I still haven’t made a single sound – not a moan, groan, peep – nothing. I see my hubby walking toward the back of the truck to get granny’s walker, and I tried to tell him that my fingers were stuck in the door. What I tried to say was “Could you please open the door so I can get my hand out”? What came roaring out of my mouth was “MY FINGERSSSSSSSSSS”!

I was mortified at myself! Everyone turned and looked at me. I was trying to remain dignified and have some sense of decorum, and my brain overrode any thought of politeness and manners. I writhed silently in pain for about a minute and a half and tried really hard not to have a big hissy fit. At least I didn’t swear. I’m very proud that not one single curse word spilled from my lips.

So, I am getting better at keeping the drama out of my life. It’s a good thing I can put it into my writing.