Shifting Gears....

I hit the weekend at a dead run!  My "to do" list was a couple of miles long, so I got an early start on Friday afternoon and just didn't slow down....

After getting up early to do my errands and shopping on Saturday morning, I progressed to house cleaning....and lots of it!  In between trips out to move the sprinkler in the front yard (yes, it was on my list!) I vacuumed, dusted, changed sheets, picked up, put away, moved loads of laundry from the washer to the dryer....I'm exhausted just remembering. 

Then, I unloaded the bins of Fall decor, which I had drug out of the storage shed earlier.  Into the evening I worked, placing this pumpkin here, that garland there.  And I finally moved on to the front porch.....

It did not get the royal treatment that it did last year, sorry to say.  There is a much simpler, more selective "look" going on out there.  But, the results were fine....and I was just too pooped to take out the camera and begin to record it all. 

Yesterday morning, I resumed my tackling of the list.  Car washed, vacuumed, polished....all done.  Continue on the laundry.  Can someone please explain to me how two people generate so much laundry?!?!? 

I was making great headway on the list of projects when I just ran out of steam.  My body started aching, the right side of my face was throbbing.  A sinus headache got the better of me, so I switched gears and curled up on the bed with a book.....only to doze off after a few pages. 

After that little siesta, I just couldn't get my ooooomph back.  My body just wouldn't cooperate.  It was trying to tell me something.....screaming at me, "SLOW DOWN!!!" 

This morning, I awoke feeling less than stellar.  I took the dogs out in the early morning darkness, then crawled back between those soft, clean sheets and drifted in and out of sleep.  While Eddie readied himself for work, I dozed.  The dogs returned to their spot beside the bed after he left for work and dozed with me. 

Sometimes, I wonder why I push myself so hard.  I have always had a real struggle with just being still and giving my body, and mind, some much needed rest.  Down time?  It's vastly underrated!  And, it's a necessity.  And, so today is down time for me......

The list will still be there tomorrow. 

Resting up....

Jane

Reflecting on Summer, 2010...

What a Summer it has been!  As the days get a little shorter and the sun takes on a different slant, I have to pause and reflect on what's been going on in the last three months...

My blogging has been sporadic at best this season.  I mean, c'mon, I think I posted three blogs in three months!  That's downright pitiful in the blog world.  But, my attention has been focused elsewhere and that was a very good thing for me. 

First off, I committed to making a turn-around in my life from a physical standpoint.  I joined a wonderful health club and totally immersed myself in a routine of exercise and healthy eating!  And it is paying off - in more ways than one!  Not only did I meet my goal for weight-loss for the 12-week period, I developed some really great habits that will continue to make a difference for me as I grow stronger. 

Now my day doesn't seem complete without a brisk walk in the morning and plenty of phsyical exercise.  I've sweated my way through weightlifting and tai chi/yoga/pilates classes and gained both lean muscle and flexibility beyond what I imagined possible.  The benefits are immeasurable - both physically and mentally!

The time spent working out has helped me to focus on me and my goals.  It has become a time to nourish my own body and soul - and this is something that was sorely lacking in my life before. 

Secondly, I started studying for a totally new career.  And realize that I said "career" and not "job"!  I am nearing the end of a 7-class educational program to qualify to take the state exam to get my real estate license.  And now that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, I am even more excited about the possibilities!  Everything about this just feels right for me at this time in my life. 

Finally, I have been able to really spend time with family since we now all live in the same town.  Whether it's "junkin" with Mom, helping my boys prepare for getting their own "first place" or playing in the pool with my grandkids - it's all become a part of the daily threads weaving my life together. 

And let me just take this oppurtunity to say that this season of growth would never have been possible without the tremendous support of Eddie.  He has put up with working around my exercise classes, eating healthier and what some would consider my "self absorption" without complaint! 

As Summer winds down, I'm excited about what has been accomplished - even though blogging was sorely neglected.  Everyone needs some time when they focus on getting their lives back on track once in a while.  A time when they nurture themselves so they can nurture others, in turn.  This was one of those times for me.  And one of the most valuable lessons I have learned is that it is important to make time for self in order to be the best person you can be for your loved ones!!!

So, tell me....what have you been doing this Summer?  How has this season impacted your life?  I would love to hear what you've been up to!

Jane

Seeking Balance in Blogging

I can't believe it's been nearly two weeks since I've had time to create a post for my blog! 

It's just been so crazy around here ~ overwhelmingly crazy ~ and I've been beating myself up for not keeping up with my posting.  I was kinda on a roll for a few weeks there, getting into a blog groove...and then, WHAM!!!  It all blew up on me....well, sorta.  Let me explain.

I had to go back to work.  No, wait...let me rephrase that:  I got to go back to work.  Because I was fortunate enough to find a job within a couple of weeks after I started searching.  And, believe me, this was a blessing because the money has been going out-out-out, with none coming in-in-in.  And our resources are definitely finite!

When I started blogging about six months ago, I was working part-time.  Then, at the end of January, I became unemployed when we relocated to Abilene.  My full-time job became rehab-ing this house with Eddie.  (And trust me, that is more than 40 hours a week of work, no matter how you slice it!)

Last week, knowing that I would be starting the new job this week, Mom and I worked frantically together every day, mostly in the kitchen/dining area, trying to get as much work done as possible.  And we accomplished alot!

Did we get finished?   NO...a big, resounding NO.  And I was terribly disappointed to head out to the new job on Monday morning, knowing that work was left undone.  In fact, even with Eddie working in there on his days off this week, we are not where I had hoped to be at the end of last week. 

And since I am afflicted with a form of "perfection disorder", I have in no way felt the desire to grab my camera and document the shortcomings of our efforts.  When I go out there, browsing around BlogWorld, it seems that everyone else is documenting "perfection" in their world.  I see lots of great photos of beautiful homes, completed projects, all nice and tidily wrapped up.  Normally, they inspire me....but, in my current circumstances, they make me acutely aware of my "shortcomings". 

Combine this feeling of failure on the "home front" with the exhausting effect of returning to work in a fast-paced new job, well, you start to get the picture....blogging has been the last thing on my mind. 

But, this evening I had an "Ah-Hah Moment"! 

It doesn't matter if I have finished one or many projects around the house....

or that I haven't documented our progress (or lack thereof) in photos....

or that I don't have a perfect blog post ready every other day....

That's just not what it's all about.  At least, not for me.

Blogging is about sharing my thoughts in written form.  It's a way of communicating my feelings about what I value in Life.  That's what it is about. 

What it is not about is trying to look like or emulate other blogs....or keeping up with other blogger's styles and posting abilities....or competing to gain followers. 

So, there you have it.  I am posting this without any photos.  (But, now that I've re-thought the whole purpose of blogging, maybe I won't be so hesitant to pick up my camera and document an unifinished project.)  I'm still finding "my blog voice", making lots of missteps and corrections along the way. 

Above all, I'm learning more about myself through this adventure in blogging.  That is the rewarding part...and the reason I don't want to give it up, even though I feel stretched pretty thin some days. 

So, bear with me....and hang with me....as I strive find the perfect balance here on The Porch!

Jane