This holiday season seems busier than years past. I guess that happens each year that passes -- the time goes faster.
But it's been different this year, because despite the fastness of it all, it's better. I said to a friend the other night that for the first time in a really long time, I am really deep-down happy, and that makes all the hustle and bustle so much more ... fun!
For someone who's struggled with depression over the years, especially in the dark dreary winter months, it's odd to sit back, look around and think to yourself: "There is no place I'd rather be than right here, right now, where life is good."
That's a big part of what I was thankful for this Thanksgiving. And it's a bigger part of what I'm celebrating this Christmas.
I'm looking forward to the happiest of holidays yet. Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
I can see clearly now!
It's a coincidence that I had to go to the eye doctor (finally) right around the time of my 44th birthday. These old eyes just aren't what they used to be, much like the rest of me (harumph)!
Ever-so-gradually for about the last 18 months, my vision has been slipping. What once was sharp, fine-tuned, crisp at a distance is now fuzzy, color-blobbish, definitely in need of a tune up ... and what used to be clear as crystal up close has to be pushed out to arm's length just to be decipherable.
Reading glasses helped for a while. But there are only so many strengths you can "graduate" to before you finally say to yourself: "Self, go to the damn eye doctor, for goodness sakes!"
Turns out I am what the good doc calls "a great candidate for monovision contacts." One contact helps you see the distance clearly; the other focuses on the up-close stuff. They've been in my eyes almost two weeks now, and I have to sayI HAD NO IDEA WHAT I WAS MISSING WITH BLURRY VISION!
Wow, is the detail ever detailed! And I definitely should have had these peeper assistants BEFORE I painted the trim in my house. But that's another story.
There are a few adjustments to get used to when they're in. It's kind of like auto-focus on your camera lens when you switch from up-close work to distance viewing, and your eyes have to more or less train themselves to adjust and focus properly. At first, it was a little disorienting. Now, I hardly notice it.
The pros of my newly focused eyesight:
Ever-so-gradually for about the last 18 months, my vision has been slipping. What once was sharp, fine-tuned, crisp at a distance is now fuzzy, color-blobbish, definitely in need of a tune up ... and what used to be clear as crystal up close has to be pushed out to arm's length just to be decipherable.
Reading glasses helped for a while. But there are only so many strengths you can "graduate" to before you finally say to yourself: "Self, go to the damn eye doctor, for goodness sakes!"
Turns out I am what the good doc calls "a great candidate for monovision contacts." One contact helps you see the distance clearly; the other focuses on the up-close stuff. They've been in my eyes almost two weeks now, and I have to sayI HAD NO IDEA WHAT I WAS MISSING WITH BLURRY VISION!
Wow, is the detail ever detailed! And I definitely should have had these peeper assistants BEFORE I painted the trim in my house. But that's another story.
There are a few adjustments to get used to when they're in. It's kind of like auto-focus on your camera lens when you switch from up-close work to distance viewing, and your eyes have to more or less train themselves to adjust and focus properly. At first, it was a little disorienting. Now, I hardly notice it.
The pros of my newly focused eyesight:
- No more searching for a pair of misplaced (or forgotten) readers around the house, at work or at restaurants
- Fewer headaches from eyestrain
- And safer driving conditions for me and all those around me
I should have done this a LONG time ago...
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Dear blank, please blank.
Have you ever been to visit the funny folks at Dear Blank, Please Blank? Today's post made me laugh and spit. And possibly snort.
Go visit DBPB when you have a chance. Some of their posts are outrageous ... but still good for a nice, big laugh.
Dear Ex-Boyfriend,
Remember when I said, "It's not you, it's me"? I lied. It was
definitely you...
Sincerely,
You're a Jerk.
Go visit DBPB when you have a chance. Some of their posts are outrageous ... but still good for a nice, big laugh.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
First day of middle school
No jitters, just unabashed excitement about the upcoming adventures of sixth grade. Who would have figured that?
I was just amazed she could carry the messenger bag loaded with a half a year's worth of supplies. It weighed almost as much as she does.
After day one at the new school was over, the report was all good: Loves her home room teacher, loves math (with home room teacher), can't wait for social studies, and no problems whatsoever getting her locker open.
Happy back-to-school time!
I was just amazed she could carry the messenger bag loaded with a half a year's worth of supplies. It weighed almost as much as she does.
After day one at the new school was over, the report was all good: Loves her home room teacher, loves math (with home room teacher), can't wait for social studies, and no problems whatsoever getting her locker open.
Happy back-to-school time!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
I am enough.
A blogger I follow recently posted a link to the I Am Enough project as a way of reminding her readers that even when you think "you're the only one feeling this way," you are not alone.
Sometimes I feel like it shouldn't be so damned hard to be happy. Other times, I'm just happy. The ups and downs and ebbs and flows come and go as the months roll by. Frustrating? Yes. But thinking about "I Am Enough" has helped put it in perspective for me on this summer Thursday.
I am grateful for where I've been, what I've learned, how I've grown, what I do and who I have in my life. But I am frequently guilty of questioning whether "all that" is truly enough. Could I do more, give more, live more, love better, work harder, ask for less?
Yes, on all accounts. But then what? Keep doing even more, giving ever more, living more, loving better, working harder and asking for even less?
What I have is enough. Where I am is where I'm supposed to be right now.
I am creating my own story, not letting others create it for me.
That is enough.
Sometimes I feel like it shouldn't be so damned hard to be happy. Other times, I'm just happy. The ups and downs and ebbs and flows come and go as the months roll by. Frustrating? Yes. But thinking about "I Am Enough" has helped put it in perspective for me on this summer Thursday.
I am grateful for where I've been, what I've learned, how I've grown, what I do and who I have in my life. But I am frequently guilty of questioning whether "all that" is truly enough. Could I do more, give more, live more, love better, work harder, ask for less?
Yes, on all accounts. But then what? Keep doing even more, giving ever more, living more, loving better, working harder and asking for even less?
What I have is enough. Where I am is where I'm supposed to be right now.
I am creating my own story, not letting others create it for me.
That is enough.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
They're ugly and they don't work.
I hate those Shape Ups shoes. I especially hate the ones that Joe Namath pitches on lame television commercials.
And now comes this shocking news: Not only are they UGLY, but also they DON'T WORK!
Maybe that will finally stop people from making the mistake of buying (and wearing) these things.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
If you bite it, write it (a weight loss tool I cannot ignore any longer!)
On Dec. 2, 2009, I joined Weight Watchers for the third time in my life.
The first time was in 2000 after I had Zoe and was not successful at shedding all that baby weight. I lost 40 pounds and kept it off for about four years. Then I gained it all back, plus some.
The second time was in 2006 when, after stepping on the scales and realizing I'd topped my nine-months-pregnant-with-Zoe weight, I knew I had to do something drastic. I lost about 20 pounds, then gave up.
Third time is the charm, right? And so far it has been. Except this summer, I've hit a plateau after dropping a total of 35 pounds. The reasons are all too familiar.
Excuse #1: It's too hot / I don't have time to exercise.
Excuse #2: I don't have time to shop / cook / eat healthy.
Excuse #3: I don't really need to go to EVERY single weekly Weight Watchers meeting.
Excuse #4: Going a few points over my daily / weekly allotment is not going to hurt that much.
Excuse #5: It's such a pain in the butt to keep track of everything you eat, every day.
For me, it comes down to accountability. I have to exercise. I have to eat right every day. I have to go to meetings to weigh in on a public scale where the number is recorded in a little book. I have to keep track of what I eat to the nth degree. And I have to stick with this -- for me!
Today, I recommitted to the WW principles that helped me be successful so far. Every single bite of food that's gone in my mouth has been recorded so I can tally points and hold myself accountable at the end of the day. A friend nudged me to sign up for a Pilates class that we'll attend together. I'm going back to the public weigh ins at my at-work WW meeting tomorrow. And I plan to walk on the treadmill (inside where it's air conditioned to a cool 69 degrees!) as soon as I get home from work.
My goal is to drop another 9 pounds by my 44th birthday -- reaching a symbolic 44 pounds lost by my 44th -- giving me a little over two months to push through this plauteau. Wish me luck on this next phase of the journey! Every little bit of encouragement most certainly helps!
The first time was in 2000 after I had Zoe and was not successful at shedding all that baby weight. I lost 40 pounds and kept it off for about four years. Then I gained it all back, plus some.
The second time was in 2006 when, after stepping on the scales and realizing I'd topped my nine-months-pregnant-with-Zoe weight, I knew I had to do something drastic. I lost about 20 pounds, then gave up.
Third time is the charm, right? And so far it has been. Except this summer, I've hit a plateau after dropping a total of 35 pounds. The reasons are all too familiar.
Excuse #1: It's too hot / I don't have time to exercise.
Excuse #2: I don't have time to shop / cook / eat healthy.
Excuse #3: I don't really need to go to EVERY single weekly Weight Watchers meeting.
Excuse #4: Going a few points over my daily / weekly allotment is not going to hurt that much.
Excuse #5: It's such a pain in the butt to keep track of everything you eat, every day.
For me, it comes down to accountability. I have to exercise. I have to eat right every day. I have to go to meetings to weigh in on a public scale where the number is recorded in a little book. I have to keep track of what I eat to the nth degree. And I have to stick with this -- for me!
Today, I recommitted to the WW principles that helped me be successful so far. Every single bite of food that's gone in my mouth has been recorded so I can tally points and hold myself accountable at the end of the day. A friend nudged me to sign up for a Pilates class that we'll attend together. I'm going back to the public weigh ins at my at-work WW meeting tomorrow. And I plan to walk on the treadmill (inside where it's air conditioned to a cool 69 degrees!) as soon as I get home from work.
My goal is to drop another 9 pounds by my 44th birthday -- reaching a symbolic 44 pounds lost by my 44th -- giving me a little over two months to push through this plauteau. Wish me luck on this next phase of the journey! Every little bit of encouragement most certainly helps!
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