[Week Six: March 6th – 12th]
* For those of you who are NEW to ‘Doing Things Differently™’ or NEW to reading this blog, may I suggest you click on, and read, the links provided in the first paragraph of this post? I think that might clear up any confusion!*
Once Upon A Time, A Girl Named Meleah wanted to improve the ‘Quality Of Her Life’ so, she started ‘Doing Things Differently™’. And then she noticed the ‘Little Changes’ she made every day, had a huge impact on her life. And even though Meleah had a few ‘Setbacks’, she kept on forging ‘Ahead’. After completing the first four weeks of ‘Doing Things Differently™’ Meleah stepped up her game and took ‘Doing Things Differently™’ to the ‘Next Level.’
Onward.
As Meleah previously mentioned, her girlfriend Sarah Sunshine came to visit Meleah in New Jersey all the way from California. As such, Meleah must admit that she did not exactly ‘Maintain’ her ‘New Morning Routine.’ Meleah was starting to feel badly about ‘Skipping’ a few days of ‘Doing Things Differently’, but then a ‘Fellow Blogger’ pointed out to Meleah:
“Since you are seeing your friend, whom you haven’t seen in 19 years and are thus screaming like 15 year old girls, you are of course ‘Doing Things Differently’ even though they aren’t the same DTD that you were doing before she arrived, they are DTD from before she arrived – and from before you started DTD.”
Exactly Jen. Exactly.
And that’s when Meleah realized she was in fact STILL ‘Doing Things Differently’ she was just ‘Doing Things Differently’, differently. And here’s how that worked out…
Sarah and her son Mason arrived in New Jersey Friday evening and from the moment she stepped off the plane Meleah and Sarah commenced: screaming with joy, crying tears of happiness, and non-stop talking to each other a hundred miles a minute. It was as if they had never been apart, and they picked up right where they left off.
Of course, the first place Meleah decided to bring Sarah was the ever-so-famous KHCC. Because you just can’t come to New Jersey to visit Meleah without meeting ‘Amy The Bartender.’ They ordered a Pizza, and laughter ensued.
Now, Meleah’s house is already a little on the ‘crowded side’ considering she lives with ‘The Parents’, her son JCH and her grandfather Poppa Sye. So figuring out how to make room for ‘Two More People’ could have been challenging. However, since Meleah is ‘Doing Things Differently’ she offered up HER OWN bedroom. And anyone who knows Meleah knows what a huge ordeal that really was. Because honestly, if they had been ANY OTHER ‘House Guest?’ Meleah can assure you, she would have made them sleep on the sofa.
Saturday morning Meleah awoke to a ‘Pleasant Surprise’. The SUN was actually shining, the skies were blue, and the temperatures were above freezing. And that’s when Meleah thanked her ‘Sarah Sunshine’ for delivering the ‘Promises’ of ‘Excellent Weather Conditions’.
Meleah and Sarah spent the day together catching up, gossiping, and laughing. They tried several times to get their children to leave the house, all to no avail. Even after attempting to lure them outside with offers of fancy ‘Country Club Lunches’ and ‘Movie Suggestions’, their kids simply refused to leave Justin’s Room. Meleah and Sarah were more than happy to enjoy ‘Grown Up Time Alone’ while Justin basked in the responsibility that is baby-sitting. [Even if it was the easiest job he’s ever had.] Saturday night we all enjoyed a ‘Family Dinner’ together cooked lovingly by Tony Bennett. [Not shown here.]
On Sunday Sarah and Meleah awoke to a rather UNPLEASANT surprise. The sun was still shining and the weather conditions were more than favorable, however, The ABC Network had been pulled from Meleah’s Cable Provider. And, Meleah really wouldn’t have minded all that much, had it NOT been on the day of the ‘Academy Awards’.
Yeah. Um.
Not only were the ‘Oscars’ being hosted by Meleah’s ‘Imaginary Husband’, but Sarah had flown in from California specifically to watch this ‘Glorious Event’ with Meleah. And now they couldn’t view anything on ABC whatsoever.
Meleah and Sarah had no other choice but to try and be resourceful. After three different trips to three different stores, and five different phone calls they managed to locate a ‘Radio Shack’ that still had ‘Digital Antenna’s’ for sale. So Meleah and Sarah traveled across ‘The State Of New Jersey’ which was very much ‘Doing Things Differently’ since Meleah normally does NOT drive outside the ‘Four Square Miles That Surround Her House Otherwise Known As Her Comfort Zone’ UNLESS it’s an ‘Emergency.’ And not being able to watch the ‘Oscars’ definitely ‘Qualified’ as an ‘Absolute Emergency.’
Meleah had to purchase a ‘Digital Antenna’ AND an Analog To Digital Converter Box – because for whatever reasons filled with technical jargon Meleah doesn’t understand – apparently, a ‘Digital Antenna’ will NOT work WITHOUT an ‘Analog To Digital Converter’. And of course that makes ‘Perfect Sense’ considering the ‘Antenna’ only cost around 20 dollars, but the ‘Converter’ costs well over 80 dollars. And that’s when Meleah temporarily missed the days of being able to use ‘Rabbit Ears’ to receive any and all ‘Network Television’ Channels for free.
When they arrived home, Meleah assumed the role of ‘Electrician’ as she carefully followed all of the instructions and desperately tried to receive a television signal. Sadly, after two hours, a lot of cursing, and series of anxiety attacks, it was obvious there was no way in hell they would be able to watch the ‘Oscars’.
Feeling defeated, Meleah and Sarah drove back to the store to return the ‘Useless And Expensive Items’ when it occurred to them to at least TRY and find a way to watch the ‘Monologue’ of the ‘Oscars’ even if that meant they had to beg the ‘Management’ at ‘KHCC’ to stay open past 8:30 on a Sunday merely because KHCC has the DISH Satellite as opposed to Cable TV. [And that concludes ‘The Longest Sentence Ever’.]
After another glorious Family Dinner, Meleah and Sarah hightailed it to the ‘Country Club’ and proceeded to bribe the ‘Nick The Bartender’ into putting on ABC and turning the volume on the television all the way up. Meleah and Sarah settled in at the bar happily seated next to ‘Nightingale’. Meleah and Sarah were fully prepared to spend money they didn’t have – just to keep the bar open as long as possible.
Fortunately for them, about twenty minutes later an actual ‘Miracle’ happened. ‘The Powers That Be’ at both ‘The ABC Network’ and ‘Cablevision’ finally reached some sort of an agreement. And Meleah found out that out – when she heard ‘Jovial Shouting’ coming from Sarah – who was all the way across the building, and in the ladies room, with the sound proof metal door closed. Sarah may or may nor have lost her voice while announcing to the world, “OMG OMG OMG – Channel Seven IS BACK ON REGULAR TV!”
Needless to say, Meleah and Sarah paid the bill, ran out the door at the next commercial, and raced home like there was no tomorrow. Meleah fishtailed into the parking lot and, ‘Ace Ventura-ed’ herself into a space. Like A Glove.
Meleah and Sarah spent the ‘Rest Of The Night’ curled up on the couch watching the ‘Academy Awards’, critiquing the celebrity wardrobes, and crying over speeches, with ‘The Parents’. Just like they wanted to.
Monday, also known as ‘The Last Full Day Of Sarah’s Visit’ Meleah decided to take them on a ‘Tour’ of New Jersey. And by ‘Tour’ she really means they picked up JCH from school, went to ‘Barnes and Nobel’ bookstore, stopped at ‘Dunkin Donuts’ and went ‘Grocery Shopping’. And it was at that point in time when Meleah realized just how boring her ‘Regular Life’ actually is.
Later that evening Meleah made her famous ‘Pork Chops’ and ‘Mashed Potatoes’ for dinner. Because Sarah and Mason just couldn’t leave the state without eating at least one of Meleah’s home-cooked meals. Besides, Meleah wanted to show her appreciation for ‘The Best House Guests’ anyone could ever ask for.
Tuesday, Meleah and Sarah did not get up as early as planned. Unfortunately they didn’t have enough time to do anything other than grab a quick bite for lunch before heading back to the Airport. Meleah and Sarah survived the drive on the dreaded New Jersey Turnpike while they FINALLY listened to ‘Unacceptable Music’ together – for the first time in 24 years. And then regrettably, they had to say their goodbye’s curbside.
Meleah felt a ‘little sad’ after taking her girlfriend Sarah back to the airport. And by a ‘little sad’, she really means she cried the whole way home. It’s funny how you can form such an unbreakable bond with certain people and no amount of time, or distance, can ever alter that relationship.
Surprisingly, Meleah woke up at 8am the next day, and that’s precisely when Wednesday ‘Technically And Officially’ became ‘Day Thirty’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ or [D30/DTD]. Meleah put on her ‘Outfit’ and went ‘Outside’ and walked around the block, five times in a row, for the first day, for the sixth week in a row. And when she came home, rather than smoking a cigarette, she did 50 ‘Stomach Crunches’ and 10 ‘Push Ups’ for the first day, for the second week in a row.
And she felt fantastic. Meleah didn’t realize just how much she had become accustomed to her ‘New Morning Routine’ and she welcomed the rest of the day filled with ‘Gusto’.
Thursday otherwise known as ‘Day Thirty-One’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ or [D31/DTD] began at 10 am. Apparently, Meleah was really tired after sleeping on the sofa for four days in a row. Meleah put on her ‘Outfit’ and went ‘Outside’ and walked around the block, five times in a row, for the second day in a row, for the sixth week in a row. And this time her mother joined her. It wasn’t as sunny as it had been during Sarah’s visit, but at least the temperatures were still on the warmer side. And when she came home, rather than smoking a cigarette, she did 50 ‘Stomach Crunches’ and 10 ‘Push Ups’ for the second day in a row, for the second week in a row.
‘Day Thirty-Two’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ or [D32/DTD] otherwise known as Friday, started at 1030am. And as long as Meleah gets out of bed prior to noon, it’s still considered a ‘Triumph.’ Meleah put on her ‘Outfit’ and went ‘Outside’ and walked around the block, five times in a row, for the third day in a row, for the sixth week in a row. And holy crap it was cold, windy, rainy and raw outside. Meleah wondered why Sarah ‘Took Back’ all of that ‘Nice Weather’ when she left New Jersey.
When Meleah came home, after she thawed out, she did 50 ‘Stomach Crunches’ and 10 ‘Push Ups’ for the third day in a row, for the second week in a row. And then she went to KHCC to celebrate the completion of Week Six with ATB.
And then the power went out in her neighborhood.
And all hell broke loose.
For THREE CONSECUTIVE DAYS.
But that’s another blog post you’ll get to read on Wednesday!
Awww….there's a special bond between girlfriends that spans the years and is like nothing else…believe me, I know. 😉 ~xoxo
Amen to that!
I recently reconnected with childhood friends too and it has been awesome! You're right, strong bonds last forever.
I hope you get your power back soon!
Thanks Bee. Im staying at a friends house right now so I will have Internet Access for the next hour or so, but after I leave here? I'm screwed. Looks like I will be spending my day on Monday in search of electricity!
I LIKE your tour… dunkin donuts means dunkin donuts iced coffee for me… booya!
Of all the things here, the stomach crunches and push ups impress me most!!
For someone without eletricity, you can certainly say a lot. I hope that you have the lights back on soon.
It sounds like your visit with your girlfriend was a long lost reunion. It is good to hear that, in spite of the years that have passed, you are still able to pick up the conversation like it was yesterday. Friendships like that are hard to come by and I am glad that you had the time to spend it with Sarah and her son.
I'm also glad you've been able to stick with your program (DTD). Change is hard. Keeping with it is even harder. You rock chica. Keep pushing yourself and you'll be amazed with the results. We're pulling for you every step of the way.
Booyah may very well be one of my favorite words ever!!
Thanks! They are difficult!!
They get easier. Takes time.
Thanks to KHCC I was able to spend the day writing this blog and able
to connect to the Internet to post it! Tomorrow I have to hunt for
electricity since they will be closed. And hey at least I can reply to
comments via my iPhone!
Tuesday just can't get here fast enough!
I sure hope so!!
It will. You'll go from 10 to 12 to 16 to 20.
— Sent from my Palm Pre
Here's hoping!
I am CRYING after reading this both laughing and literally CRYING. OMG it feels like this was at least a month ago even though it was less than 1 week.
Ill comment more tomorrow. Its too hard right now. I love you SOOO much. What a life we have lived. It all started with (as ATB would say it) serving time together… LOL
I miss you SOFA KING much I cant hardly WAIT for JULY when WE get to come to YOU!
My best friend is still someone I 'met' when we moved next door to her family the summer before fourth grade. We drifted apart in high school–boys got in the way, amongst other things–and reconnected after we both dropped out of college and had nothing to do but drink coffee and smoke cigarettes around my mother's kitchen table. We introduced her to my husband's best friend in the Navy, they married, had three kids, and now we are spending as much time together as empty-nesters. The four of us know all of each other's secrets, sorrows, and joys. Old friends are THE best! YAY! to old friends!!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxo
How are ya'll staying warm with no 'lectcity?
To keep the iPhone charged try using a car charger. We had to resort to that for 10+ days after Hurricane Ike.
I cannot wait to hear your “Living without power” stories.
Now I want donuts. What “boring” life? My houseguests would have enjoyed hours of watching me complete my homework while swearing profusely, followed by a tour of the grocery store, the drug store, the outside of the videostore where the little return slot is, the mailbox and lastly, the dry cleaners. You gave yours donuts!! Can I come over?
girlfriend. i like your doing things differently posts. i need to follow in your foot steps. i just watched yes man over the weekend and i pondered a life of me saying yes instead of get the **** away from me and we'll see. guess i could start off small right.
sounds like you and girlfriend had a nice time. i wish i knew someone in CA, that's one place i would love to go. NJ is soooo, uh, New Jersey. It's still home though, right?
got power?
OMG. Christine, that is so AWESOME.
Well, my car charger wont work since the outlet in my car for a charger has
been broken since 2006! But, we did use the fireplace to stay warm!
Living without power story will up later this week, and it includes special
video footage that I am currently editing !
🙂
You can come over ANY TIME!
🙂
Wow that was quite a departure from your usual DTD. But Agreeing with Jen, It was DTD2.
I never looked at the Oscars, but understand Fios didnt have any issues. Thats what I have.
Its great you had your guests! Looks like the week was a DTD2WF. (with friends)
Pour that in a glass with some vodka and we got sumptin here.
The Power is FINALLY BACK!
I suppose having a close friend in CA has its perks.
Like going out there to visit her and OFTEN!
Im glad you like my DTD posts!~
I've been busting my ass over here!
xoxoxo
I love the Oscars SO VERY MUCH.
And, it was awesome to see them with my girlfriend
I'm so excited for you and your friend getting reunited after that long! That sucks about the Oscar's. I was sitting at home with the t.v. off crocheting like and old maid when my aunt happened to call to tell me “one quick thing” before the Oscar's started. Thank goodness she called and happened to accidentally remind me that they were on or I would have missed them…and not even for a good reason. lol
Ahahhahaha. Im glad your Aunt reminded you!
I'm really glad you had a good time with your friend, seeing old friends is awesome!
Thanks Nik! xoxo
When I saw Alec, I imediately thought of you Meleah. I laughed and said, “Hey, Meleah's Facebook Husband is on with Steve Martin” ! ha ha haaaa 😉
AHAHAHHA. I love that you think of ME when you see HIM.
I really really REALLY really really LOVE Alec Baldwin. Not enough to stake out 30 Rockafeller Plaza in hopes of meeting him. But my god, I've been in love with him since 1988. I doont care how sweaty and bloated he may be. He will FOREVER be my 'imaginary husband'! 🙂
I'm glad you had a great time with your friend and it sounds like things were going great till the power outtage. I didn't know the power went out in Jersey! I can't wait to read your blog about it, I'm sure you will turn disaster into laughter as you always do!
Oh I'll do my best to write a humorous version of our power outage! I did have a little help from my FATHER. And you'll know exactly what I am talking about when I post the video!
Ok, what is it about us folks on the eastcoast losing our electricity last week?!?
I know mine was because of the fire in my building, but some of the people I work with (from Jersey) said the same as you.
OMG, I just about died when you said you went out of your way to get the technical equipment to fix the cable and then it didn't work. Sounds like something that would happen to me – HA! But, I'm so happy you were finally able to watch the Oscars.
And I know exactly what you mean (being a Libra) about giving your bed up for company. I'm the same way, but will do it for those who I REALLY, REALLY love.
Sounds like you and Sarah had a wonderful time catching up. I actually felt sad too, when I read the part about saying goodbye at the airport. That's I am when one of my dear friends comes to visit me from Florida. *sniff* *sniff*
I'm so impressed that your still doing things differently and that you can do 50 stomach crunches!
You GO, girl!
As you found out, it's never good to shop when you actually NEED something. That's when they can pretty much charge whatever they please, especially Radio Shack. I'm glad it worked out in the end!
Your friendship sounds pretty awesome!
Ronnie C:
You my friend? 'Rock The Casba!' Not having any power was almost tragic indeed. And I was MISERABLE! But I certainly did things differently. IN THE DARK. The whole digital antenna drama was SO annoying! Thankfully I was able to watch The Oscars! Being a Libra makes it IMPOSSIBLE to give up my space. But like you said it was only because I REALLY REALLY love her! 🙂
Hopefully THAT will never happen again! And thank you. I am blessed to have such wonderful friends for so many years.
I really wish your 'doing things differently' involved NOT TALKING IN THIRD PERSON because it drives. moooooog35. BATSHIT.
Which is pretty much the same as it's always done so, you know, DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY FAIL.
I'm so glad you had such a great time and that you got to watch the Oscars. DTD seems to be working very nicely for you. I wonder, now that you are making a habit of doing things differently, do you find yourself able to roll with the punches (the ABC channel going missing) more easily?
I know dood. I know. But later this week, I will have a blog post IN THE
FIRST PERSON. So…chillax.
Well, not exactly. I still need a LITTKE help in the 'coping skills
department' because I can be fast to fly off the handle. It doesn't happen
that often, but when I do lose my cool, I have been known for having a short
fuse and a sharp tongue.
I have been all hormonal and emotional and have been bursting into tears at the drop of a pin (no, I'm NOT pregnant…thank you very much…no, REALLY, thank you very much!) and when I read about you crying after you took Sarah to the airport, I got all choked up! Relationships like that are so special and so amazing and I'm really glad you have that in your life.
Aw. Momo! I love you! xoxo
Glad that you had such a great time with Sarah! I am also glad that ABC came back. It was messing with my Tivo.
Thanks! I would have been VERY upset if I missed the Oscars!
I love that your doing things differently! I've been slooowly doing the same. I'm glad to hear that you had such a good time with your friend. I thought of you during the Oscars. Saw your husband, and I think I tried to Tweet you. 😉
Im sorry I wasn't online or on twitter! You know I was too busy drooling at the screen. I *heart* Alec Baldwin!
Sorry to hear about your power. I am so glad you got the chance to reconnect with Sarah. I am not surprised you have stayed in touch all those years because well, you are awesome. Sounds like a wonderful visit all round.
Aw. Selma. Thank you. I guess I am a little awesome.
xoxoxo