There have been lots of ups and downs the past 30 days of my life and not just associated with the self-inflicted lack of purchasing power. What the roller coaster of emotions has taught me is that in my core I am much weaker than the previous experiences of my life would lead me to believe.

Seeing me around the city driving, you’d never know that behind my big-frame sunglasses, I am weeping on a daily basis.

The happy news is that while this morning there was someone telling me I was illegal in some eyes, this evening I find that I am officially documented.

Note to my weary soul: the ups and downs in a day are best dealt with when leveled.

What are your coping strategies? How you deal with stress if not retail therapy, actual therapy, or an endorphin boost from exercise?

This too, as they say in the Bible, shall pass. But not without a lot of elbow grease.