Hello, you guys! I'm finally back from my blog break. Here it is, September 1st already.
How did that happen so quickly? Those painting projects I said I was going to do - painting
furniture and my front door? Nope. Didn't happen. Instead, my month was filled with fun ~
some day trips, my birthday celebration, family and friend get-togethers, yoga classes~ and
lots of obligatory not-so-fun dates with the physical therapist.
One thing I did take the time to do was to really take stock of my time. I've been sitting
at my desk with journals and my calendar and making goals for myself. One thing I want
and need to focus on is exercise. My physical therapy is finally over but I need to keep up
with the shoulder and arm strengthening so that I don't lose it. I checked out a local gym
last week and wasn't impressed, but tomorrow I am checking out another. If I do join a gym,
I must be 99.9% committed to going at least twice/week. Otherwise, what is the point in
joining? I'm also starting back to a regular yoga class next week instead of staying "stuck"
in the gentle class. The gentle class served its purpose for when I had pain and not much
range of motion in my shoulder, but it's (thankfully) time to move on.
with the shoulder and arm strengthening so that I don't lose it. I checked out a local gym
last week and wasn't impressed, but tomorrow I am checking out another. If I do join a gym,
I must be 99.9% committed to going at least twice/week. Otherwise, what is the point in
joining? I'm also starting back to a regular yoga class next week instead of staying "stuck"
in the gentle class. The gentle class served its purpose for when I had pain and not much
range of motion in my shoulder, but it's (thankfully) time to move on.
Maybe because it's not just the start of a new season, but a new school year too, that
makes me stop and take stock of my life and what direction it's going. I find this time of
year to be more in line with thinking about these things instead of January 1st.
My lovely friend, Jen - from The Cottage Nest says, "I'm entering a new season, not just of
the year, but of my life. It is one that requires peace and as few obligations as possible,
an empty calendar. Time to think. One that I hope is filled with creativity and beauty, small
moments, spontaneity and life. I have things I want to do and learn this year. I have given
myself homework." I'm working on that stuff, too. I'm an introvert, so I need a lot of alone
time. When I look at my September calendar, it is already filled with appointments and
outings and get-togethers. I don't think I'll ever have an empty calendar. But I'm working on
making time for the things I truly want to be doing and learning new things.
As much as I hate to see summer leave, here's to the start of a new season.
Melanie,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post very much. I have been trying to catch up with everyone because I, too, went a couple of months over the summer when I didn't do much posting or visiting the blogs of others. The pain in my hands has made it difficult to do much keyboarding. I finally broke down and went to see my doctor who advised I have arthritis in both hands, with the left hand having almost no cartilage between the thumb and index finger. He prescribed supplements instead of strong NSAIDS because I have some issues with my kidneys and bladder.
What has been going on with your shoulder? I do hope you will have a complete healing and recovery very soon!
I'm so sorry to hear about the arthritis in your hands. Good to hear you are taking supplements instead of NSAIDs with all the GI and cardiovascular issues they can cause. I have a partial tear in my rotator cuff. I'm just thankful I didn't need surgery!
DeleteI've got to learn to take a break one of these days. I'm online from about 9-9. Doesn't leave room for much else but sleep.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
You might want to do what me and Jen did, with sitting down and making some plans and goals on how you want to spend your time. It really does help to refocus.
DeleteI am a fly by the seat kind of girl. I have scheduled appointments that I must keep, but other than that, I just do what I want and when I want. Brenda's always teasing me because I'll say "I'll worry about that tomorrow". My sisters call me Scarlett! But, that's ok, that's just the way I am. I really don't want a time when I have nothing on my calendar to do. I truly wish I didn't have so many doctor's appointments, but I guess that just comes from age. The busier I am, the happier I am.
ReplyDeleteJudy
Ever since I left my job (almost 2 years ago), I've been very much a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants person. (Except for those yucky dr appointments that you mention. Mine has been physical therapy and dentist appointments.) However, I'm also finding that with being that way, I also don't much done. It's very easy to blow important things off - such as exercise - if I don't purposely fit them into my day. So, for me, there are definitely some things that need to be scheduled.
DeleteI always feel that this is the end of summer and a beginning of a new year, too. I've wanted to join a gym to keep up my physical activity during the winter months, but I know I wouldn't feel like going after work. Most of the yoga classes around here start at 5 pm, so those are out, too. It's very hard to commit to any class with my long work hours, so I'm planning to at least continue walking every day, no matter what the weather. We'll see if I can stick to it. I'm glad you enjoyed your break and that your shoulder is finally feeling better, Melanie.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't want to go to a gym after work either, Vickie! Nor would I want to get up any earlier to work out. My husband is so dedicated to working out before work that he gets up at 4:15 a.m. every day! I have a girlfriend that gets up at 3:30 a.m. to run before work. Super dedicated! When I was working outside the home, I walked on my morning break and lunch break.
DeleteIt's so nice to see you blogging again, Melanie. I missed your updates but I understand the need for a break. It sounds like you have lots of new things going on. I wish you all the best with them. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Jennifer.
DeleteSeptember has got to be one of my very favorite times of the year. I love the sunny days and the cool nights that come with this time of the year. Late summer and early autumn, perfection:)
ReplyDeleteI'm a summer person, so September makes me sad. It's the descent to winter - my worst season of all. Also, my firstborn son, Philip passed away in September, so that makes me dislike this month even more.
DeleteGlad to have you back! You were missed.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jenny.
DeleteI'm glad that you had a great summer and are looking forward to what the rest of the year brings. Lovely to see you back again. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Amy.
DeleteTaking a break is a good thing, I did for a long time but not by choice! I'm in my 60's and and really don't have any goals but to enjoy life, hang with good people and do the things I enjoy! The things I don't want is no drama, and don't' waste time with anyone or anything who doesn't bring you joy! Have a great day, oh and always start the day thanking God!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you on all points, Cathy!
DeleteI am glad to see you back, writing is something you are very good at and brings you joy. You have a very full life, and a schedule that is usually packed, take care of yourself...keep on writing! Love, Penny
ReplyDeleteThanks, Penny - it's good to be back.
DeleteHi Melanie;
ReplyDeleteI am so glad your back!! It was great to see your blog come up on my email!! We all missed you a lot. I'm glad you had fun things to do and your physical therapy is over. Keep that shoulder movin lol. But don't overdue. I hope your September calendar doesn't get too full, take some time for solitary pursuits. I call this "puttering" and it is so restful! Have a great week and welcome back!! Love and Hugs, Nana
Thank you so much, Nana - you always have such nice things to say to me and I really appreciate it. :-)
DeleteSounds like you had a wonderful break! I think time away refreshes us and helps us keep things in perspective!
ReplyDeleteIt did - thanks, Linda!
DeleteWOO HOO! I am so happy that you came back. I missed you.
ReplyDeleteDebbi
Aww, thanks, Debbi! I look forward to catching up with you.
DeleteWelcome back to the bloggerhood, Melanie; I've missed your delicious dishes, treasure hunts, and family outings! I can remember a lovely post of yours in which you and your hubby happened upon a secondhand bookstore, had a scrumptious lunch nearby, and browsed the local shops...all things that I miss living here in the Med. So, looking forward to your wanderings, 'wonderings', and whipping things up in that cozy kitchen of yours!
ReplyDeletePoppy
Thanks so much for the warm welcome back, Poppy! So, things like secondhand bookstores and local shops are not the type of shops they have in Crete?
DeleteYes, it always seems that we'll get so much done over the summer, so why does it never happen? Life gets in the way, and that's okay too!
ReplyDeleteI guess so...though I really wanted to get that furniture painted!
DeleteGlad that you enjoyed your break and glad to see you back, as well :)
ReplyDelete