Shenanigans....

Well, I had my meeting with Human Resources to discuss why I did not get the job I wanted. It was reserved and professional. My union rep stated my case clearly. I made my points eloquently. Side stories, non-answers, and round-about responses were provided. Bottom line...it's political. I believe that my directness and laser-like responses make some upper level management wonks extremely uncomfortable. By not hiring me, they do not have to deal with me on too regular a basis.

I am fine with this...I just needed to make my point that the way they treat employees is unacceptable. I will resume my full time SLP position with my head held high, as well as with an excellent understanding of what kind of adminstrator I will NEVER be.

Fearless

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I was able to get together today with an old, dear friend that I had not seen for a while. Carole has been undergoing aggressive treatments for breast cancer, and although we have talked frequently, it has been difficult to get together. When we last saw each other, she was wearing a wig, and moving slowly...the treatments were brutal, and greatly taxed her strength, balance and quality of life. But seeing her today was so wonderful! Her hair has grown, she has more of a spring in her step, and seems more like her old self again. I think having cancer changes who you are forever. You look at the world with a different lens. She is much more focused on living, instead of just surviving. She wore her "Fearless" bracelet today. I gave it to her when she began her chemo and radiation treatments last year. She said she looked at during her treatments, and it helped her to stay strong. She is the most fearless person I know...this was just to remind her. She has given them as gifts to people she knows who are going through treatment as well. This makes me happy.

We talked about my surgery. I was fortunate; the cells removed during my biopsy two weeks ago were benign, and the only healing I needed was to recover from the surgery itself. I am very blessed. I am doubly blessed to have Carole in my life, as my friend. She is a remarkable example of grace under pressure, fearlessness, and a spirit that never quits!

Stickk It To Me...

With my job being so crazy last year, I had been losing my focus on creating My Healthiest Body Ever during the January through June period of 2013. Not enough exercise plus not enough food multiplied by not anywhere near enough sleep equals no significant body metamorphosis. I found an interesting site in June called Stickk which invites you to PUT A CONTRACT ON YOURSELF. I committed to losing three dress sizes by Christmas. I also put a monetary amount on this contract...if I do not make forward progress each week, Stickk will send the weekly amount to which I have committed to an ANTI- CHARITY. This motivates me immensely, because I would NEVER want to send my money to the group I selected. Since June, I have dropped one dress size...my facial features are more defined again, and my back and arms are stronger.

So, if you need an incentive to make a specific change in your life, you might want to take out a contract on yourself with Stickk!

Day Sixty-Six - Sleepyhead

Called Dearly Beloved this morning at 9:30 to see what time he would be arriving; he had planned to get up at 6:00 to fine-tune some grill work, and then arrive here in time to make breakfast! What an excellent man! Unfortunately, he was still sleeping when the phone rang, and wasn't sure where he was. Hmmm...guess he will be making breakfast tomorrow instead.

At that point, he figured he would wrap up projects at home, then come along. He arrived about 6 pm. I was really glad to see him; he is always the voice of reason, and I really needed to talk to him about the brother/s-i-l issues.

Brother seemed better today; he will take each day as it comes.

Day Fifty - Self-Care

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I am reading Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfillipo, another tool I've discovered on my grain-free, gluten-free journey. The author provides excellent rationales for why eating wheat and grain products are bad for our health. Having followed this lifestyle for four months now, I can honestly say, I have never felt better. I feel so much healthier. I have no more physical ailments or joint pain! I can never imagine eating any other way!

Day Forty-Nine - Scrumptious

Decided to make an easy, low-key dinner on this hot, humid evening. Nothing like a salad to accomplish that!

This one has arugula, baby lettuce, mint, cucumbers, watermelon, avocado slices and grilled scallops, topped with extra virgin olive oil and lime juice.

It was excellent!

Day Forty-Seven - Shiny

Did something totally superficial today...I got my teeth whitened. I had discount coupon that I had to use, so off I went. It was an excellent experience! The gel they put on your teeth was not all that offensive. Nothing hurt. I actually fell asleep during the procedure! As part of the special, I got a gel pen to touch up my teeth every couple of nights. I don't look like my mouth is full of Chicklets, and I am delighted with the results.

Day Thirty-Seven - Strong

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As I was packing for our trip tomorrow, I rounded the corner from my dressing room to my bedroom, stepped awkwardly on the threshold, ROLLED MY ANKLE and crashed to the floor. Seriously?!?!? The day before vacation?! I swore a lot, cried a little, and assessed the damage. It was my left ankle this time, which is my stronger one. I got an abrasion on my right knee, BUT...I was able to get up fairly easily, walk downstairs and put some ice on ankle and knee. I actually feel fine now. Being twenty pounds lighter, and doing daily leg and ankle strengthening exercises seems to be paying off! Vacation, here I come!

Day ThIrty-Five - Smile

Well, it is hard to believe, but here I am at the half-way point of my summer sojourn.  I have worked a lot, but it is different from school-year school - much more relaxed (although much more humid and steamy). I have been to the Cape for a week. Sunday, we leave for our trip to Florida. I am really looking forward to getting away with DB. We haven't gone on a vacation of any distance in three years. I am going to relax, walk, swim, and chill.

What are my goals for the final four weeks after vacation? Wrap up my week of summer school. PURGE my large collection of clothes and shoes. Paint my dressing room and get some shelving installed. Maintain my dedication to my grain/gluten/wheat-free lifestyle. Ramp up my dedication to strengthening my legs and feet through my physical therapy program (Can't be a runner with weak ankles). Rejoice in the fact that I am returning to my SLP position! Sleep, friends, meditation, gratefulness....

Day Thirty-Four - Strict

Had my second physical therapy appointment. The PT was not impressed that I had not done ALL my exercises EVERY day. He is right of course...can't get better unless you work it! I will do better!

Day Seventy - Richness

Seventy days. I have accomplished many things during this time, most of which I didn't plan. I have rested and relaxed. I feel that I have recovered my health, even while I discovered a minor health condition. I have taken time to reflect on what I want my life to be in the next few years - prosperous, doing the work that I love, being with the love of my life while we travel and enjoy ourselves together. I have written this blog every day; sometimes it was challenging, and sometimes I didn't have much to say, but I have loved doing it. I have worked, vacationed,exercised, and taken time for myself.

As I watch the white squirrels run back and forth across the top of my fence while they gather and prepare for the winter, I am gathering myself together in thought and in action. I am ready to get back into the busy flow of the rest of my year. I will work doing the job that I love in two or three different venues, but I will be more thoughtful about taking time for myself. I will continue to write in this blog weekly, and enjoy each day of the next forty-two weeks, until time rolls into The Seventy Days of next summer. A bientot!

Day Fifty-five- Reflecting

What a joyous day! The nefarious aunt called this morning and cancelled her visit. This is frequent behavior; my mother will have cleaned the house, prepared lunch, and waited patiently, then the cancellation call comes. Mum was more low-key this time, and did not go to great effort. Good thing!

I have thought long and hard about my reaction to this woman; some reflecting is in order to determine why I expend so much negative energy on this situation. Better to see people I do enjoy, and reflect on things I want to do, rather than focus on the long history of bad behavior that this woman brings to the party. Expending this amount of emotion on someone over whom I have no control does me no good. The only attitude I can change around here is mine!

Day Fifty-one - Rejuvenate

Finally, a week away with DB - off to the beach for a little R & R, to which we have been looking forward, and greatly need! He has been working extremely hard for weeks, and needs some time away (and some time with me!) So, we will crash at Mum's cottage, and just enjoy ourselves. Can't wait!

Day Forty-four - Reportedly

Reportedly, I had many things to do today. I had a list. I prioritized the items. I had great plans to clean my office, to mulch the garden, to call several friends. I did none of these things. I spent two hours on the phone trying to teach my mother how to read her email on her iPad. This challenged every break-down-the-direction-until-she-understands skill that I possess. I pretended she was one of my students, and kept repeating and restating until she got it. Why is it easy to be patient with my students, but such work with my mother? Eventually, she was able to see the attached photos that she wanted, so we were both happy. In the office upstairs, I was distracted by the numerous pairs of shoes I had planned to sell on eBay, so I decided that taking pictures and posting the ads was the way to go. One pair sold in the first hour after posting! Beyond that I read and napped. Not a bad way to spend your first official day of vacation!

Day Thirty-eight - Retreat

Away we go to a wonderful, decadent retreat!. Nothing like jumping in the car, hitting the road, and staying at a lovely, spacious hotel for the night. We had a great trip up, and we are now ensconced in our comfy room, with our giant bed, and all our techno-gadgets! Life is good!!

Day Twenty - Recover

My colleagues were surprised to see me today, but working is good; it takes my mind off things. I had fun with my middle summer-schoolers. They are funny kids, with interesting things to say, and I enjoy them. I had planned to work at my rehab facility this evening, but it was 100 degrees and I knew the building would be oppressive. I hadn't dealt with my post-funeral funk, so I knew staying home and taking a nap would be the way to go, and that's what I did. I will work tomorrow. Recovery tonight!