Winter in October

This was a complete slap in the face.  We are just coming off a two day blizzard and 17 inches of snow.  I know, it's the Northland, and we can always expect to have snow any time after Labor Day, but a blizzard?  That's just dirty!

So Friday was stressful for me.   Blaine has officially parked his scooter in my garage, which means that I'm his primary mode of transportation until next spring.  The city bus picks him up and gets him to Wal-Mart and I take him home.  I don't mind; it gives me one-on-one time with him.  It's never a dull moment with him.   But it's also stressful, especially when the buses aren't running due to storms, which was the case on Friday. 

I tried, I really did try - against the wishes of T.  He thought I was nuts when I walked out the door to go pick Blaine up and take him to work and then to my own work.   He wasn't pleased at all. But I knew it was coming from a place of concern...protection. 

I'm stubborn though and put on the boots and walked out the door, right in to a snow drift.   I trudged through it and headed to the garage.  Opening up the garage door was a shock...and so I closed it and went back to the house and sent a message to Terry that I couldn't get Blaine to work.  Then I told work that I wouldn't be in either.

I spent the day Friday walking from window to window to check the weather.  I watched Netflix, made homemade tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, did a bit of yoga, and tried to take a nap.  (That didn't happen).   Yesterday, more of the same.   I discovered that I'm not a fan of being idle; I have too much energy.  

Which leaves today, Sunday.   I took Blaine to work then hit the gym.  Man, did it feel good to work off some of that energy - to move.   I upped my weights on the chest press, did some intervals on the rower, and worked up a good sweat.  It felt good.  

Another Year

Yesterday was my 57th birthday.  I can't say that I feel any older though.  Really, what difference does a number make?  I still feel 45ish in mind...the body slightly older.

It was a quiet day for the most part.  My supervisor brought caramel rolls for my birthday, which was nice of her.  And I received the customary phone calls from siblings.  Several staff  made a trip to my corner to give me birthday greetings and hugs.

I could have taken the night off from the gym, but decided to stick to my recommitment of Health.  I'm glad I did, because it was a kick ass workout.

My Birthday wish was for a quiet night at home, which I received.  Sometimes it really IS about the simple things!

The Value of Time

Here we are, September 8th.  I can make the usual comment of "where did time go to?"  But I won't.  We all experience the passing of time at frightening speed.  I've never been one to wish away time...it's a precious commodity - just ask someone who is battling cancer or someone who has just lost a family member.    The older I get, the more I appreciate my time;  I guard with every fiber of my being.  Gosh, that sounds terribly anti-social or selfish, doesn't it.   

Allow me to explain. 

I'm entering the 2nd half of my life.  I'm closer to my death than my birth (fact and reality...and no, I'm not kicking the bucket any time soon - at least I hope not!)   In my youth, I was busy making a life for myself - making friends, having fun,  building a career, making money, accumulating material things.  Carefree and unworried about what my future held.  I didn't plan beyond the next day because the next day always came.

As I've aged, I've become aware that there is a very distinct possibility that the next day may very well not come.  Oh, I know that there is never a guarantee at any age that tomorrow will come...we're all living on borrowed time, right?   What I mean to say is that I value tomorrow more now than I used to.    And because I value tomorrow, I have learned to appreciate today. 

 Follow me?   Let me explain further.    

I stated earlier about guarding my time.  One of the biggest things I consciously do is to spend time with quality people; family and friends who value me as much a I value them.  I have many acquaintances but my circle of true-blue friends is tight.  I've learned to weed out the fakes or those that are using me for their personal gain.  I will not tolerate them and have zero time for them. Does that sound snobbish?  Perhaps...but I don't care.  My well being is paramount and if cutting toxic people out of my life helps to maintain my well being - then so be it.  

The world has become a toxic place.  As an empath, I feel the toxicity - the dark energy coming off people.  So my time at home is treasured; it is my sanctuary.  I recharge, regroup by cleaning, reading, writing, cooking, napping, listening to music, puttering doing projects, spending  time with hubster.   And when I leave my home, it is truly because I want to.  Am I a recluse? Not at all!  Merely a person who is selective.

And it goes without saying that the gift of health is more important now more than ever.  I've been on a journey the last 20 years to improve my health through diet and exercise.   Recently I've been more focused on well being.  Fitness is a small part of the wellness equation.  I'm taking more time to meditate on a regular basis, research and read more on the divine being and connecting with what makes my soul happy.   We can go through life on autopilot and never really figure out what makes up tics.  Perhaps because we really have to get uncomfortable and acknowledge the inadequacies ; the chink in our armor..... Be vulnerable.  It's tough to do, but necessary.   Why? Because in our vulnerability we find our courage.  And in our courage, we find our life.

~Sherry~

Just A Saturday Night

Hello blog stalkers!! Bet you thought I had fallen off the face of the earth. Huh?  Can't get rid of me that easily:)

Can't really say what has been going on with my lack of writing, other than to be truthful and say. "I haven't felt like it."  Pure and simple.

I was ill most of June with a nasty infection that took hospitalization and two rounds of antibiotics to clear up. That took the wind out of my sails.  Thank goodness I'm a relatively individual....I would hate to think of what it would have been otherwise.

Consequently I hadn't taught yoga for three weeks and, needless to say, I certainly wasn't out on my bike. I'm better though and went out for a bit on Wednesday night.  I need to build up my stamina before I tackle anything other than short 5 milers.

Yesterday was America's birthday, the 4th of July.  It was a great day spent with family friends out at Spiritwood Lake. and later in the evening with my sister and her boyfriend.   Came home to sit on my patio with a glass of wine, a roaring fire and fireworks...compliments of my neighbors. I must say, they did an outstanding job!.

I'm actually back out on my patio tonight...same scenario..minus the wine. Lol. My patio is where you'll most likely find me in the summer.  Summer is fleeting as it is, I can't see wasting beautiful nights by being indoors.  

Anything else to report??  I can't think of anything right now.  Will go for now and try to write more when I feel witty or inspired.   Get a few glasses of wine in me and you never know what'll come out of me. Lol

~Sherry-~

A Gypsy Soul , the Dreamer and the Realist.

So...what's going on in my life?  Hmmm, nothing.   That's both good and bad.  Good in that I don't necessarily want drama, strife or stress to grace my door .  Bad in that it feels like I'm going through the motions of living  or I'm in some sort of holding pattern.  That's a little concerning given the fact that I'm a live out loud typed of gal.  I've always lived by the creed that life is meant to be lived not watched.  

Maybe it's the weather??

All I know is that I need to shake it up a little bit...do something out of the ordinary. Something to get me out of this holding pattern.   But what, is the question.  Dye my hair pink?  Get a nose ring or another tattoo?  In truth, Spring always gives me a bit of wanderlust.  I get antsy; I want to go barefoot, throw open the sunroof and play the stereo loud, take a road trip or sleep out under the stars.  

Gypsy soul rears it's head and screams to be let out.   It's nothing new for me.  It's happened time and time again.  I'm usually able to talk to her and calm her down....I guess that is what I'm doing now.    

Dreamer in me walks hand and hand with the gypsy soul.  The dreamer teases her an says ' ahhh, but imagine if you were free to wander, couldn't you see yourself in Bora Bora teaching yoga on the beach? Or hiking in the Grand Tetons, or riding bike across the US.

Realist in me says "ahhhh, but who is going to pay the bills?  You have responsibilities and obligations....You're 56 - you're not supposed to have wanderlust.  Grow up child.'

Then I smile.  The Realist, the Gypsy and the Dreamer need each other in order to live life...my life. 

 Realist keeps the other two girls in check and speaks to their sensibilities, while the other two dare the realist to walk on the wild side from time to time.   

The three sisters, Gypsy, Dreamer and Realist....walking hand in hand with me as  ...I Live.

Monday - After Daylight Saving Time

Ok...here's the deal.  While I am ALL for more sunlight in the evenings, I am definitely not a fan of losing that hour of sleep.  Holy Smokes was it hard rolling out of bed at 5:00 am this morning.  (The snooze button may have been pushed a few times!)

It was actually a good day.  I absolutely loved the warmer weather.  I believe the weatherman said we had 63 days of sub-freezing temperatures (since January 7th).  So today's temperatures of 19 degrees was greatly appreciated.  I even ventured outside without wearing a neck scarf and gloves!  Talk about living on the wild side!  

The sun is gaining strength.  Even though Jamestown received 9 inches of fresh, heavy snow on Saturday, the sun is melting it off roadways and driveways.  It's  welcomed and needed as the weatherman is predicting the potential for another winter storm or, dare I say...Blizzard...to hit our region again on Wednesday and Thursday this week with the potential for another 4-8 inches of snow with heavy winds.   Wonderful. Mother Nature's last hoorah?  Hopefully.   The best part is that I'm on annual leave Thursday and Friday.   Boy, did I time that right?!   I'll get to finish my last winter project all while watching the blizzard from indoors!

Over the weekend I heard this beautiful song by Danny Gokey that I'd like to share with you all.  Enjoy, blogstalkers….and stay tuned for more blog posts to come.  

Phenomenal Woman

Today is the day we celebrate International Women's Day.   

I was honored to receive a Facebook post from a young lady whom I admire greatly.  In truth, she's as much an inspiration to me as she says I am to her.  It brought both tears to my eyes and a smile to my lips.  

It got me to thinking about what it means to be celebrated and to be a Phenomenal Woman - as the great Mya Angelo says we are.   

The definition of Phenomenal is: "Very remarkable; extraordinary" (Exceptional, outstanding, amazing).

Given the definition of Phenomenal, what does it mean to be a phenomenal woman?  Who is a phenomenal woman?

In my mind, she is the woman who.....

•  gets up at the crack of dawn and makes sure her family is ready to face the day (clothed, fed, organized) before she takes her clothes herself or even has a cup of coffee.
• is a  single mother who works three two jobs to make sure her child is fed while putting herself through school so she can make a better life for her child.
• has the courage to leave an abusive husband to protect herself and her child
• commands a shift 0f 26 in a prison
• goes to medical school and graduates with a double Ph.D.
• graduations with a Ph.D.in Chemistry then becomes a patent lawyer
• the young woman who leaves her home,  moves to a state on the opposite side of the country to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. 
• a widow who must suddenly face life alone
• is battling cancer or illness with remarkable poise and courage
• overcomes anxiety and depression to become a pro bodybuilder, and now expectant mother
• over comes addiction to become an inspirational speaker, helping others through their addiction
• shows up at the gym every day because she wants to be a healthier version of herself
• follows her own path and lifts weights, heavy weights, is trained in CrossFit and mentors others in their fitness goals
• has a special needs child and sees to his needs making sure he has everything he needs to have a happy, safe, productive life.
• runs for a political office
• runs her own business
• is caregiver to a loved one
• prays
• is wife, mother, aunt, sister, grandmother, friend
• loves life, 
• doesn't take no for answer, 
• puts her best foot forward every day
• dreams
• loves with her whole heart

I've had the privilege of knowing every one of these women ..and they Are...Phenomenal Women!

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Has it really been TWO Months

Holy smokes...it's been two months since my last post!  Again, no excuses other than the holidays grabbed me, then the frigid arctic air.  Quite honestly, I haven't feel like doing diddly at night other than hibernating and watching Netflix. 

Let's start with the holidays.  We did something this year that we have never done - we drove to Minneapolis to have Christmas with my sister (staying there while she was undergoing radiation) and her daughters' families.  We had a most wonderful time and I can for see this happening more in the future.  The girls were lovely hostesses.  Of course, the star of the show was little Iris Grace.  That little girl has wormed her way in to my heart.  I love ALL of my nieces and nephews unconditionally, as well as my great nieces and nephews...but lil Iris ...well....my heart strings tug every time I see a picture of her or a snapchat (her mother sends).

We came back and had Christmas Day festivities at our house with Tom's brother Wayne and his family.  Last year  Wayne was in the hospital, so this year was truly a great Christmas for him. 

New Years.....once more, Robert and his family came over and we boiled Maine lobsters flown in special for the event.  Every year I say I'm not going to stuff myself, but dang....it's a once a year treat!

Since New Years, it's pretty much been survival mode.  My moods have been all over the place this winter and I attribute it to the nasty weather.   The frigid temperatures and endless snow has taken it's  toll.  I go to work, go to the gym, teach classes, come home and jump in to my jammies and huddle underneath blankets.  Not much living going on when the air hurts my face when I go outside.  My moods have started to tank though, as they do this time of year every year.  So, I upped my doses of Vitamin D, and started getting some artificial sunlight at the tanning salon. I know...skin cancer....but  right now my well being is my priority.  If it helps me to keep from crying at the drop of the hat, or going turbo on some poor unsuspecting soul, then a few minutes once a week or bi-weekly is worth it.

One plus to the weather is that I've started going through my house - organizing things, and purging (donating or discarding) items that my hands haven't touched in 2.5 years (when we started moving in to town.....has it really been almost 3 years already?)   Today it was my office/yoga room.  We all have that one room that is a catchall....and this room is mine.  So much so that I couldn't lay down a yoga mat in there if I wanted to.  So, I tackled it.  And in the process, priceless memories came flooding to mind, causing tears to fall.  Hand written notes from my mother, pictures from the past. 

As I'm going through things of sentimental  value, I'm trying to determine what to do with them.  I have no children to leave these things to.  Blankets knitted by my mother, quilts made for me in the 60's by my Grandma Olga.  Do I  hold on to them and make those, tasked with clearing out my house upon my death, deal with them?  Do I ask my nieces/great nieces now if they want them?  Or do I quietly donate them to the local safe shelter?  There are only so many that I can use.  

Maybe I will hold on to them a while longer.   The Universe will whisper to me what  I should do. 

I'm planning for Spring and the goals that I want for myself.   I want the indoor projects to be done, so that when the weather is nice, i.d snow melted and it's warm enough to layer up and be outside, I actually BE outside!   I dream of the fire pit, sunshine, flowers, and sunlight on my face.  

Which leads me to tonight.  It's 8:23 wine glass poured and I'm sitting here writing and listening to Jann Arden.  It's a rather melancholy album, but it's a "go to" when I'm in a reflective state.

I hope this finds you, my blog stalkers, doing well this winter.   Stay strong, the days are getting longer and the sun is gaining power.  Spring WILL be here soon,.

Namaste'

~Sherry~