[Week 10: April 5th – 11th]
* For those of you who are NEW to ‘Doing Things Differently™’ you can find out HOW and WHY ‘Doing Things Different’ all began simply by clicking HERE. *
‘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 by taking things to the ‘Next Level’. Meleah momentarily took a break to ‘Visit With An Old Friend’ but she continued ‘Doing Things Differently™’ even after things became slightly ‘Boring’ and ‘Mundane’.
Onward.
Monday, otherwise known as ‘Day Fifty-Three’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ or [D53/DTD] began at 930am. Meleah had her morning coffee while editing and uploading hundreds of photos to all of her multiple accounts. And before she knew it, it was 12:30pm.
In a panic, Meleah quickly put on her ‘Outfit’ and she went ‘Outside’. Only this time, she walked around the block SIX TIMES in a row, for the first day, for the tenth week in a row. And when she came home, rather than smoking a cigarette, she did 100 ‘Stomach Crunches’ and 50 ‘Push-Ups’ for the first day, for the sixth week in a row.
For. Real.
And here’s why.
All of the nice weather we’ve been having reminded Meleah that Summer is right around the corner and if she wants to be in ‘Bathing Suit Shape’ she’s just going to have to work much harder. Especially since she is not willing to give up her ‘Love Affair’ with Brownies, or Bacon, or Cheeseburgers, or Ice Cream!
Meleah spent the rest of the day totally sore from all that ‘Extra Exercise’. But that didn’t stop her from making her ‘Daily Internet Rounds’ reading and commenting on ‘Other People’s Blogs’ and catching up with friends on Facebook.
Tuesday, otherwise known as ‘Day Fifty-Four’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ or [D54/DTD] began at 6:30am. And that’s ONLY because it was her son’s first day ‘Back To School’ post ‘Spring Break’ and she didn’t trust him to get UP and OUT of bed on time. Luckily, her ever-so-responsible child was already showered and dressed by 6:30 so Meleah went back to sleep until 9am.
When she woke up, she momentarily forgot what decade she was in because ‘The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air’ was on Television. And while she loves her some Will Smith, she is fairly certain that show hasn’t been on television since sometime in the 90’s.
After ‘Two Cups Of Coffee’ and ‘Three Loads Of Laundry’ Meleah put on her ‘Outfit’ and went ‘Outside.’ And for the first time all year, this particular ‘Outfit’ consisted of SHORTS and a TANK TOP rather than her usual ‘Sweatpants’ and ‘Hoodie’.
Once again, Meleah walked around the block SIX TIMES in a row, for the second day in a row, for the tenth week in a row. But somewhere around ‘The Third Lap’ Meleah felt a sudden sharp cramp on the ‘Right Side’ of her ‘Rib Cage’ and it was like nothing she’d ever felt before. She had to stop for a few moments to catch her breath before she continued her stride. While Meleah never did figure out ‘The Cause’ of such ‘Intense Pain’ she was just glad it subsided almost as quickly as it came.
When she came home, rather than smoking a cigarette, she did 100 ‘Stomach Crunches’ and 50 ‘Push-Ups’ for the second day in a row, for the sixth week in a row. And then she finished ‘Twelve More Loads Of Laundry’.
Later that afternoon, Meleah begged her parents to “PLEASE PUT ON THE AIRCONDITIONING” because while ‘Record-Breaking-Warm-Weather’ is Meleah’s ‘Favorite Kind’ of ‘Unexpected Weather’, she is NOT A FAN when the thermostat in the house reaches well over 80 degrees. Because that means her upstairs bedroom is at least two degrees HOTTER than the actual SUN.
You see, Meleah’s bedroom receives excessive, direct, powerful, sunlight for 99% of the day and the only shades she has hanging in her room are a ‘Sheer Suggestion’ of what ‘Real Blinds’ are supposed to be. Therefore, there is absolutely nothing preventing ‘The Beaming Hot Rays’ from painting her room with sunshine. Thus she is faced with ‘Extremely Uncomfortable Temperatures’. Thankfully, her parents were merciful and the ‘Air Conditioning’ blasted ‘Icy Coolness’ throughout the house.
Wednesday, otherwise known as ‘Day Fifty-Five’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ or [D55/DTD] began at exactly 930am. And OMFG it was already HOT outside. Like, ‘Africa Hot’. Meleah had some ‘Very Important Errands’ to take care of that simply couldn’t wait another day. And by ‘Very Important Errands’ Meleah really means she put on her ‘Bathing Suit’ and went to her backyard to ‘Get Her Tan On’ while soaking up as much ‘Vitamin D’ as possible.
That afternoon, Meleah took her son to his ‘Very First Guitar Lesson’ EVER. And it was awesome. Mind you, Meleah ONLY agreed to pay for these ‘Uber Expensive Guitar Lessons’ since her son has been diligently teaching himself via YouTube videos [every single day] for practically a year now. And because her son took the ‘Initiative’ and has remained ‘Persistent’ Meleah truly believes her son deserves to be ‘Rewarded’ for his ‘Efforts’.
After said ‘Guitar Lessons’, Meleah and her son went ‘Grocery Shopping’. And because she is ‘Doing Things Differently’ she opted to try a ‘New Store’ as opposed to going to her usual ‘FoodTown’. Meleah was ‘Immediately Thrilled’ when she was able to find a ‘Parking Space’ RIGHT IN FRONT of the store! And, she was ‘Pleasantly Surprised’ with the ‘Wide Aisles’ and ‘Splendid Selection’ of ‘Interesting’ and ‘Gormet Items’ that were very ‘Reasonably Priced.’ And that’s exactly when Meleah ‘Became A Fan’ of ‘Top Tomato’.
That evening Meleah decided to ‘Cook Dinner’ for her family. And that does not mean she ordered a Pizza. In fact, Meleah went all out and baked her famous ‘Pork Chops’ with a side of ‘Mashed Potatoes’ and ‘Fresh Steamed Sweet Peas’. And even though that’s more of a Fall/Winter kind of dish, it’s really the only meal Meleah can cook very well!
Meleah knows that cooking ‘The Same Meal’ all the time is not exactly ‘Doing Things Differently’ and during the ‘Dinner Preparations’ Meleah realized she never put on her ‘Outfit’. And that’s when it dawned on her. She could do BOTH at the same time, and that WOULD very much be ‘Doing Things Differently’.
Meleah ‘Marinated’ and ‘Seasoned’ the said ‘Pork Chops’ full well knowing that it takes exactly 20 minutes on ‘Each Side’ of ‘The Meat’ to cook properly. And she was going to use that time wisely.
Meleah slid dinner into the oven, put on her ‘Outfit’ and raced ‘Outside’. And, she walked around the block ‘Three Times’ in a row, for the third day in a row, for the tenth week in a row, AS FAST AS SHE POSSIBLY COULD. After all, she only had 20 minutes.
Meleah made it back home just in ‘The Knick Of Time’ to hear the timer buzzing. Meleah quickly ‘Flipped The Chops’, stirred the Mashed Potatoes’, and took a deep breath. Then she reset the timer before sprinting back ‘Outside’.
And, she walked around the block ‘Three Times’ in a row, for the third day in a row, for the tenth week in a row – as fast as she possibly could – AGAIN.
And when she came home she thought she was going to collapse. But instead, she finished cooking dinner. [Which just happened to come out perfectly!]
Meleah spent the ‘Rest Of The Night’ making her ‘Daily Internet Rounds’ reading and commenting on ‘Other People’s Blogs’ and catching up with friends on Facebook.
Thursday, otherwise known as ‘Day Fifty-Six’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ or [D56/DTD] started at 9am. And it was yet another BEAUTIFUL day. [YAY!] Meleah put on her ‘Outfit’ and went ‘Outside’. And she walked around the block SIX TIMES in a row, for the fourth day in a row, for the tenth week in a row. And when she came home, rather than smoking a cigarette, she did 100 ‘Stomach Crunches’ and 50 ‘Push-Ups’ for the third day, for the sixth week in a row.
And then she rewarded herself by getting her hair done!
Meleah considering adding some ‘Summery Highlights’ but she’s never really been able to pull off ‘Blondness’. However, she really wanted to try something new. So she traded in her raggedy-long-mop of hair for a shorter-cleaner look. And she’s very happy with the results. Maybe next month she’ll be willing to reconsider the idea of ‘Summery Highlights’.
Later that afternoon/evening Meleah spent the rest of her Thursday with Amy The Bartender, much like the author Mitch Albom spent Tuesdays With Maurie.
Friday, otherwise known as ‘Day Fifty-Seven’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ or [D57/DTD] started at 10am. And then Meleah wondered what happened to all that nice weather? It was rainy and cold which always makes Meleah feel a little ‘Melancholy’.
Nevertheless, Meleah put on her ‘Outfit’ and went ‘Outside’. And she walked around the block SIX TIMES in a row, for the fifth day in a row, for the tenth week in a row. And when she came home, rather than smoking a cigarette, she did 100 ‘Stomach Crunches’ and 50 ‘Push-Ups’ for the fourth day, for the sixth week in a row.
And then she congratulated herself for a job well done, by going on an all out CSV ‘Shopping Extravaganza’ wherein she spent an absurd amount of ‘Coin’ on all of the ‘Luxurious Supplies’ her heart desired. And by ‘Luxurious Supplies’ she really means the ‘Basic Essentials’ such as toilet paper, fabreeze, swiffer, shampoo, toothpaste, baby wipes and a carton of Newport 100 cigarettes.
That afternoon, Meleah went to KHCC for a late lunch and made her ‘Daily Internet Rounds’ by reading and commenting on ‘Other People’s Blogs’ while catching up with friends on Facebook.
But by Friday night, Meleah stared feeling ‘Under The Weather’.
And by Saturday morning? She felt like she was at ‘Deaths Door’.
Meleah spent The WHOLE DAY Saturday & Sunday IN BED. Sleeping.
In fact, she’s still not feeling very well.
I'm glad you are still DTD Melz 🙂 xoxo
So sorry about the allergies. It seems they are getting the best of everyone this year! My mom is sick as a dog with them. Me….nope, not afflicted with the allergy mess so I consider myself lucky. Anyway, I wanted to comment a couple of times about the crunches and pushups your doing…are you seeing a difference?? You must be by now…its been weeks and weeks! So, once again, your inspiring me. I am going to start adding crunches into my workout. And my workout is only a walk to the beach and back…not a true workout mind you but the best I got ;). Keep it up Meleah!! Your doing fabu and keep me inspired! <3
Thanks Leslie. Me too. Although with my allergies acting up so badly, I am not too sure I will be doing things differently this week! I cannot go outside without my whole face filling up with fluid, followed by excessive sneezing, coughing, and itching that just makes me wanna rip my face off! UGH!!!!!!
Thanks Queen! My allergies are sofa king brutal they are really getting in the way of DTD! I am even having a hard time concentrating. UGH. But, I'm glad to hear that I am keeping you inspired! And yes, I definitely see a difference in the way my clothes fit and the way my body feels with all of those crunches!
I hope you're well on your way to feeling better by now. Six times around the block and 100 crunches/50 push-ups, you're embarassing my lazy @$$. You should be in the shape you want in no time, if only the weather will cooperate.
WOW… crunches instead of cigarettes.. YOU GO GIRL! So proud.
Ahhh yes, bathing suit time. We were at mom's beach house over Easter and I put on the top from my suit along with shorts. I became VERY depressed… and am being VERY VERY good now. Did my workout at lunch… but will that cancel out the Easter candy I ate this weekend? 😉
I was really hoping to keep on kick ass this week [because I felt awesome last week]! But, so far I've been IN BED for THREE DAYS now. I don't know if these are some kind of new Hybrid Allergies that make living life or simply BREATHING impossible! But I feel fucking awful.
Im trying my best over here! And yes, I think your working out on your lunch hour WILL cancel out all that yummy candy!
OMG, this is the second post I've read today about how awful allergy season has effected someone. I use to get it BAD when I lived in Florida. The pollen was so heavy, that it actually left a thick yellow film on my car. There were certain days when I literally could not stop sneezing – I felt like death.
Can I just tell ya how impressed I am with your 100 ‘Stomach Crunches’ and 50 ‘Push-Ups’???? You ROCK, girl!
Ooooo….and do we get to see a picture of your new shorter haircut? Being an ex-stylist, I'm dying to see. I'm sure it looks fabu!
Thanks for sharing your week in review. I so enjoy reading these.
P.S. and what would life be like without FABREEZE? LOVE that stuff!
Honestly, I feel like I have been run over by a truck! These are the worst allergies EVER!
I will have to post new pictures of me with my new haircut, as soon as the puffiness under my eyes is under control.
I cant imagine Life without Fabreeze!
wow. what a great idea.
cool post!! (and best of luck with everything!!)
What totally impresses me about all of this is the push ups and crunches. I mean you are going crazy with all of this and I love it.
I think it's great your son is taking guitar lessons but can imagine they don't come cheap.
OK, that's it. You mentioned the B(athing suit) word. You've just made me realize that it is RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER! 6 times around the block, huh? Ok, I can do that. 100 crunches and 50 pushups. Ummmmm…
Poor you! Is there anything you can take for your allergies? I hope you feel better soon.
the crunches are a killer!
they are but they hurt so good.
Im overdosing on Benadryl and Dimetapp. I tried Clartion and all the other OTC meds, but NOTHING is helping! Seeing my dr on Wednesday! Maybe he will have a magical cure?
Thanks
True dat!
You GO GIRL! Far more commitment than I can scare up, believe me. I think I could do 2 stomach crunches and 3 push ups. On a good day. I'm sure it makes you feel great though.
Wow Meleah, 53 days? I would have given up on day 3 … LOL! Good for you girl!
Thank you! Its hard work but it does feel good!
Thanks Nick!
What a crappy way to wind up a good week. Sorry to hear Mel was under the weather. I hope, by now, that she on her feet again and back to her DTD routine. Every day is a new adventure. Every step takes you closer to your goal. Step away from the brownie/bacon/cheeseburger and take another lap.
See? The more you keep at it, the easier it becomes. The pain was only temporary. Just a stitch in your side – just reminding you that you're alive. Keep on pushing yourself. “Pain heals. Chicks dig scars. Glory… lasts forever.” (Shane Falco)
Thanks Agg.
I am very upset my week ended so crappy and that I am STILL sick.
I can't stand sitting here idle.
Especially since I was just starting to feel so great.
So. Very. Annoying.
And now I'm craving a brownie, bacon, cheeseburger [topped with Ice Cream]!
Love that quote!
Hope that you are doing much better today. There are a few things which I really like this week.
First there is the tank top and shorts as I believe Meleah looks great in them!
Secondly, I am amazed and totally impressed at how Meleah had cooked dinner and at the same time did her rounds around the block.
Well done Meleah!
First of all I love the Flikr picks you have up!
Second of all, I'm glad you decided to get your son some guitar lessons, especially since the took so much initiative on his own.
And last of all, I'm sorry you're not feeling well. Hopefully you'll be up and running soon. Take care of yourself.
Remember summer is coming soon!
ps. It was 90 degrees here a week ago. It's 35 now!
Your week made me tired (lol) but kinda of inspiring at the same time, like I should get up and walk around my block NOW!!!
I hope you are feeling better and can't wait to hear how this week went for you!!!
Now I'm tired! All that outside time and cooking! YIKES!
I hope you feel better soon.
I hope you feel better soon! At least being sick is doing things differently. Hopefully, you will be able to do things differently in a healthy way soon.
Thanks BK!
Walking and Cooking dinner at the same time was indeed a challenge!
🙂
OFTG:
First, thank you. I love taking pictures of my family & friends!
Second, my son absolutely deserves these Lessons.
Third, I hope I feel better soon too!
🙂
PS: This weather is CRAZY and I suspect it has something to do with why I
feel so crappy!
Thank you Lucy!
My week made me tired too!
Thank you very much.
I think I was outside too much breathing in pollen and now Im suffering for
it! UGH!!!!
Thanks Ann,
Im am definitely DTD by doing NOTHING!
But I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.
I cant wait to hurry up and feel better so I can go walking again!
I think you totally deserved a weekend in bed, you were very productive during the week.
Thanks SIlver! But I'm sick of being sick! And, I am DYING to get out and exercise again. All this laying around is getting depressing already.
WOW!!! Fifty push-ups, your arms must be ripped!!! You should get some Sketcher Shapeup sneakers, they work all the little stabilizing muscles in the legs…Amazing shoe for walking in! 🙂
I totally want those sneakers!
My arms aren't ripped YET, but I forgot how freakishly string my upper body
is!
Forrest Gump was right about everything … sometimes you want to run and other times you dont. A good mix is nice I think. For me personally, I seem to be in GO mood all day, or not. Sundays I usually golf and loaf around 🙂
I would do more ab work, but I dont want to get too buff and shame everyone else ………. ha ha haaaaaaa!
ahahhahahahahahaah
I love playing Golf on Sundays. It's the perfect way to end or start my week!
You are such a trooper. Walking around the block while cooking – That's dedication. I guess your son gets it from you then 😉
Well, when I am set on reaching a goal there is very little that will stand
in my way! I sure hope my son gets his perseverance from me.
It was going so well until the end. I hope you feel better. Nothing is worse than a spring cold when the weather is just begging you to be outside in it.
Im SO pissed! PISSED!
just checking to make sure you haven't gone bat shit crazy..:)
I hope not at me.
No!! Never at you!
Im so pissed because I was REALLY on a roll, and I was really feeling so GREAT. And then SLAM. I got sick. And I haven't been able to go Outside, let alone put on my Outfit, or take a walk. I am THIS close to running up and down the stairs in my house just to feel like I did SOMETHING physically active!
Im certainly on the VERGE!