Yesterday, Southern California was hit by its first tropical storm in 84 years. Here in Pasadena, we received about 5 inches of rain in 24 hours and a little wind, but the storm was less severe than ones we saw last winter. Still, we heeded all the warnings and “battened the hatches.” On Saturday, Nathan and I moved our pool toys and lighter patio furniture into the garage. Nathan bought extra flashlights and candles, and I got us a cute little generator that can be recharged with solar panels. Did we need any of these provisions? No. But are they good to have in case of any disaster? Absolutely. We do live in earthquake country, and shit happens.

Today is Monday, and school is cancelled. I could get outraged and indignant and rage against the injustice of the universe – I wanted to go to hot yoga! and work on my novel revisions! – but this is life. Shit happens. Again and again and again. Part of being an adult means living gracefully with the unexpected.

A little levity is also very helpful.

Since the kids are home, it’s hard to revise my novel. Too many interruptions and noise (for example, right now, the kids are howling at Mario Kart). Instead, I’m going to knock out as much housework as I can while listening to podcasts. That way, I can do more writing when they return to school tomorrow.

I also can’t go to hot yoga, but I have a weighted hula hoop. I can use that for 20-30 minutes to get in a workout.

It’s easier for me to have a good attitude today because I’ve been rebuilding my buffer, simplifying my life, and healing from burnout. Since I quit the PTA and AYSO, I have more free time, so the loss of one day of school does not feel tragedy. But this time last year? Or a few months ago? I would have been ranting and raving, full of despair and Woe Is Me! Today is a reminder of why I need a buffer: because shit happens, including historic tropical storms.

Right now, I’m taking a deep breath and thanking myself for slowing down and healing from burnout. For not overloading my schedule with more volunteer work than I can handle. For having the energy and bandwidth to handle Southern California’s first tropical storm in 84 years.

Or maybe I’m just delighted to have an excuse to pad around the house in my pajamas on a Monday.