[Week 8: March 22nd – 28th]
* 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 two paragraphs 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 by taking things to the ‘Next Level‘. Meleah momentarily took a break to ‘Visit With An Old Friend’ but she continued ‘Doing Things Differently™’.
[Oh, please be forewarned, this is possibly ‘The Most Boring’ and ‘Uneventful’ Blog Post – Ever Written. Seriously people. Nothing happened last week. And by nothing, I really mean NOTHING. Many Apologies.]
Onward.
Monday, also known as ‘Day Forty’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ or [D40/DTD] began at 9am. Now, normally, Monday’s are Meleah’s ‘Get $h*t Done Day’. And by getting shit done she really means: she cleans her room, she does the laundry, she answers emails, she returns phone calls, she schedules doctors appointments, she cooks dinner for her family, and she generally ‘Takes Care of Business.’
However, since Meleah played golf last Sunday she was incredibly sore beyond belief. And that made getting out of bed ‘Practically Impossible.’ And by ‘Practically Impossible’, she means really means ‘Absolutely Unachievable’. So, Meleah opted to ‘Do Nothing’ on that day. Which was very much ‘Doing Things Differently’ for a Monday. Considering it was pouring rain outside, that kind of weather only made staying in pajamas and reading her favorite blogs – all the more fantastic.
Unfortunately, that evening Meleah STILL didn’t get to sleep until well after 3am. AGAIN. And, quite frankly? She is really getting sick of having Insomnia. No matter how many times she tossed and turned she could not shut off her brain, or stop the ‘Racing Thoughts’ from galloping through her head.
Tuesday, otherwise known as ‘Day Forty-One’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ or [D41/DTD] began at 11:35am. Meleah woke up just in the ‘Knick Of Time’, for that day to ‘Qualify’ as ‘Doing Things Differently’ because as we’ve discussed many times before, as long as Meleah gets UP and out of bed prior to noon, its still indeed a ‘Victory’.
And, even though it was raining outside, and even though Meleah still felt extreme soreness, she put on her ‘Outfit’ and she went ‘Outside’. And, she walked around the block, five times in a row, for the first day, for the eighth 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 fourth week in a row.
Later that afternoon, Meleah ‘Got Busy’ dealing with all of her ‘Responsibilities’. The very responsibilities she ignored the day before. She felt a genuine sense of accomplishment every time she finished a task on her ‘To Do List’ especially since she didn’t really WANT to do any of them.
Of course, that evening, once again, Meleah found herself WIDE AWAKE, at an unreasonable hour. She has been desperately trying [for seven consecutive weeks] to convert from a ‘Night Person’ into a ‘Day Person’ and sadly, she has been rather unsuccessful.
So this time, instead of arguing with her body and fighting to force-sleep, Meleah remembered that she is ‘Doing Things Differently’ when she decided to listen to her ‘Internal Clock’. Meleah figured out just how to put her bout with Insomnia to ‘Good Use’. And then something almost ‘Magical’ happened.
MELEAH STARTED WRITING AGAIN
And by writing again, she really means she took out that ‘Book Project’ she started working on what seems like forever ago, and dusted off the cobwebs.
While she did NOT make very much ‘Headway’ that particular evening, she DID re-read through her entire rough draft, and hated almost every word of it. However, in doing so, Meleah finally rediscovered her ‘Motivation’ and ‘Inspiration.’ She is ready to make ‘The Commitment’ to devote most of her focus back to that very project. Because that’s exactly where her focus belongs.
When Meleah got into bed some time after 3am, she was able to close her eyes, for the first time, without hearing ‘All That Noise’ in her head. And she fell into a deep and peaceful slumber.
‘Day Forty-Two’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ or [D42/DTD] otherwise known as Wednesday, was off to a brilliant start at 1130am. The sun was shining and the skies were blue again. Meleah jumped out of bed with an extra little ‘Skip In Her Step’. She brushed her teeth, and had a cup of coffee before she put on her ‘Outfit’ and she went ‘Outside’. Meleah, and her mom, walked around the block, five times in a row, for the second day in a row, for the eighth week in a row. And when she came home, rather than smoking a cigarette, Meleah did 50 ‘Stomach Crunches’ and 10 ‘Push-Ups’ for the second day in a row, for the fourth week in a row. And she felt terrific.
Meleah spent the ‘Rest Of The Day’ running errands and driving all over the land. Unfortunately, nothing really ‘Blog Worthy’ occurred during any of her travels.
In a ‘Shocking Turn Of Events’ Meleah found herself ‘Unusually’ and ‘Extremely’ tired at the normal hour of 11pm. So, she climbed into bed, turned on her favorite ‘Late Night Talk Show’ otherwise known as ‘Chelsea Lately’ and FELL ASLEEP before the ending credits!
Thursday, otherwise known as ‘Day Forty-Three’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ or [D43/DTD] began sharply at 9am. Meleah never felt so refreshed, so alive, and so happy to start her day. Meleah dutifully put on her ‘Outfit’ and she went ‘Outside’. And she walked around the block, five times in a row, for the third day in a row, for the eighth week in a row. In good news, it seems as if her lungs are finally adjusting to ‘Multi-Tasking’. And by ‘Multi-Tasking’ Meleah really means ‘Walking’ and ‘Breathing’ and ‘At The Same Time.’ Because that was ‘The First Day’ over the course of the last 43 Days, that Meleah did NOT get winded during her walk. At least, not until the ‘Last Lap’.
An ever so enthusiastic Meleah came home, and, rather than smoking a cigarette, Meleah did 50 ‘Stomach Crunches’ and 10 ‘Push-Ups’ for the third day in a row, for the fourth week in a row.
Now, the author Mitch Albom chose to spend his Tuesdays With Maurie, and Meleah is following in his footsteps by spending her ‘Thursdays With Amy.’ And by Amy, Meleah really means ATB. So Meleah spent the ‘Rest Of The Day’ hanging out with her friends at ‘KHCC’. Yet once again, nothing very ‘Eventful’ or remotely ‘Blog Worthy’ occurred. Well, nothing other than a multitude of ‘Inside Jokes.’
Friday, otherwise known as ‘Day Forty-Four’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ or [D44/DTD] began at 10am. It was cloudy and rainy and crappy outside. Again. Nonetheless, Meleah put on her ‘Outfit’ and she went ‘Outside’. And she walked around the block, five times in a row, for the fourth day in a row, for the eighth week in a row. And when she came home, rather than smoking a cigarette, Meleah did 50 ‘Stomach Crunches’ and 10 ‘Push-Ups’ for the fourth day in a row, for the fourth week in a row.
And then Meleah attended to some ‘Personal Business’ she prefers not to share with The Internet. At least, not just yet.
Saturday, Meleah spent her day with her brother Abercrombie and her nephew MDW. And that was not really ‘Doing Things Differently’. So, let’s just say she ‘Took The Day Off.’
On Sunday, Meleah ‘Got Back In The Saddle Again’ and kicked off ‘Day Forty-Five’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ or [D45/DTD] at 11:30am. Ordinarily, Meleah likes to enjoy a ‘Lazy Sunday’ but rather than lounging around, reading books, or writing blog posts, Meleah agreed to Play Golf AGAIN, and in the bitter-freezing-highly-windy-weather-conditions [not to mention the intermittent RAIN].
And a lot of things happened that day which ARE ‘Blog Worthy’ except that Meleah is probably going to save that ‘Material’ for another day.
And that’s a wrap.
Stay tuned later this week for a blog post written in The First Person!
Wow, you do all your stuff on Mondays? I normally hide out and hope Monday forgets about me, which is hardly the case. I think you've read about my Monday horror stories so many times before.
With that said and done, happy Monday to you 😀
Only you could call exercising, renewing a commitment to your book project, handling all of your responsibilities, spending QT time with friends and family and golfing a boring week! And let's not forget (as if we could) that you also shared an amazing and educational blog post this week. I still giggle when I think about it…silly girl 🙂
Even on your “Most Boring blog ever”, you can still find adventure & humor.
It is good that you are able to keep up with the DTD for so long. You've done it long enough that it is almost a habit. Just keep taking one day at a time, one step down the road.
And you'd never think that hitting a little white ball around in the grass for a couple of hours is much of a work out. Different set of muscles to work on. It's been a while but after I have played a round of golf, sometimes my back & shoulders are sore and stiff from swinging that club for hours. I cannot wait to hear about Round 2 of Meleah's golf outing. Something about losing one's balls, perhaps?
Does it still feel different?? I only ask because I'm on week two of the diet/excercise thing and it feels so olddddddddddd already lol. Your kickin it momma, keep it up!
Glad that you were making good use of the sleepless night to work on your Book Project. So perhaps there is a reason for the sleeplessness. 🙂
Hey Mel, Great job on another week! I hate that insomnia shit! It really puts a damper on things to put it mildly. It's great that you picked up the pen again. Keep the momentum going. I do a morning pages to get me going. I set myself a ten minute timer and write and write and write without stopping. If there's nothing in my brain for second, I just write the word nothing over and over again. But I keep my fingers moving no matter what and eventually something comes out. No punctuation, nothing. Just write whatever pops in my head. Not that you asked, but it helps get my brain flowing.
Anywho, there's an award for you over at my place. It was actually a fun one to do.
I am usually The Most Productive on Monday's!
🙂
That's true! I did have a fulfilling week, but I just didn't have anythingI could really USE for a blog post kind of week!
Agg
Aw. Thank you. And, OMG. I was wondering WHY I am so sore after golf. But you already answered me!
I'll try to work out a little something something for you later this week!
Yes. It DOES still feel different! And no, it does not feel like my normal 'routine' just yet. Maybe I will feel like I am doing things the same after 90 days?
Let's hope so!
Aw. Gina! I love you woman. You're awesomeness! xoxo
Monday, Monday, Sometimes it just turns out that waaaaay !
Viva Mama Cass RIP
I *heart* Mama Cass
You know me and the insomnia thing, so I really feel for you. Talked to the nurse today and she told me to stop the newest meds and I'm hoping that will clear up this latest bout of sleep problems for me–I'm so happy for you that you're straightened out!
Mondays–even though I LOATHE them–are usually my day for making those pesky phone calls that I realize, during the weekend, that I need to make. That, combined with Monday being garbage day, makes it a very productive, but hateful, day.
Sent your PSA story to my Oldest and she spewed forth whatever she was drinking onto her computer screen, too. She is a BIG fan of bathroom stories and I KNEW she would find it rather amusing. 😉
And I STILL plan on doing DTD in a big way, but you know me: can't get ANYTHING done until hockey season is over. And both of my teams are headed for playoffs, so… 😀
Love you, sweetie! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Hey Meleah, something very big did indeed happen, you started back to working on your book project. That's huge! I hope the inspiration continues!
Christine:
I love you too! I'm thrilled to hear your daughter liked my story! And I cant wait to hear about how YOU are going to be DTD!
xoxoxox
Thanks Marty! That kind of IS a Big Deal.
🙂
Thanks Mel. 😉 Love you back.
I had to lay down after the 50 crunches..just thinking about it made me tired..:)
🙂
Hey listen, anytime you're up at 2-3am and can't sleep, email me because I'm ALWAYS up writing something or working on my web designs. I get the most creative while the rest of the world is asleep….Zzzzzzzzz
I 'm sooo excited to hear about your Book Project!! Do let us know when you're published because I'll be more than willing to go on your book tour with ya. You can tell everyone I'm your personal hair and makeup man!
And what it is about the Mondays here in the northeast?….rain, rain, rain.
Great to hear you're still doing things differently and enjoying it.
WOW…almost two months!!
Ronnie!
Yes!! YOU MUST come WITH me, if I ever go on a Book Tour!
And I just might take you up on that email offer!
Hey, what is it about the middle of the night that makes our Libra creativity kick in to overdrive?
And, I am so done with this rain already!
YAY. You're tackling your book again. That's great news. It really takes a long time to go from a night person to a day person. I've had to do it too and it is so hard. I'm absolutely exhausted but at 3AM I am wide awake. So not cool.
I love that you are playing golf, but you're right, all that swinging of the clubs catches up with you the next day. The last time I played my shoulders were sore for a week. Awesome post!
Thanks Selma! You have always been such a huge supporter of mine when it comes to writing my book.
What is it about 3am? That's when my second wind kicks in!
And yeah, GOLF = Extreme Soreness!
xoxo
I think it's because us Libra's are vampires.
We come alive after dark.
X
very true! HA!
xoxoxo
Ronnie!
Yes!! YOU MUST come WITH me, if I ever go on a Book Tour!
And I just might take you up on that email offer!
Hey, what is it about the middle of the night that makes our Libra
creativity kick in to overdrive?
And, I am so done with this rain already!
Well that's exciting news about your book project! Glad you dusted it off. Sometimes on those days when I'm feeling so unproductive and unmotivated, I force myself to do something. Write, practice music, whatever. And more often than not, after about 30 minutes, I'm completely absorbed in whatever I'm doing.
It's very similar to exercising. Not many people actually love it, but once they get over that initial hump it feels damn good.
And I love that you're staying strong and still “Doing things Differently!”
Thank you SO much for your support! It really means a lot to me!
🙂
Inspiration is such a wonderful thing, and you got to sleep.
I feel so sorry for you, having to struggle with insomnia. I had just a couple of days of it and it nearly made me lose my mind! I'm glad you found a way to be productive and finally fall asleep peacefully.
Miracles Happen
Thanks Terri!
Being sleep deprived is The Worst. Because when you have insomnia, you are
never really asleep and you are never really awake. You're just a perpetual
mess! And that's part of the reason This Blog Post SUCKED!
🙂
Hi Mel,
I would like to feature your banner in my side bar for the month of April. Can you send me an image and link code for it. Thanks 🙂
I would LOVE to. But I have NO IDEA what that means!
Well I am glad to hear you are re-motivated to work on your book. I have been struggling with editing a children's novel that I have been working on forever myself. And my last blog post was boring if I do say so myself… it was all about my computer graphic card frying which is not blog worthy or news worthy in the least… but I just wanted to get out there and I didn't want to have to really work at a real post. :0)
BTW- why does golf tear you up so much?
Oh Michelle. Working on a BOOK is sooooo much work! I feel your pain!
I had NO IDEA what I was getting myself into when I started this, but now I just can't stop!
Sorry this post was so boring. I've been really distracted and of course not having any sleep makes for some pretty bad writing! Maybe next weeks DTD post will be more lively!
I think Golf tears you up so much because you have to put yourself in such unnatural positions your bound to be sore the next day!
“Stay tuned later this week for a blog post written in The First Person!”
I'm looking forward to that! LOL!
As a fellow night person with insomnia, I feel your pain. And I know I should start to do things differently, but I have zero energy or motivation right now. *Sigh*
Oh Jay! I know you hate my 3rd person blog posts!
I will only be blogging ike this till I reach the 9o Day mark.
Insomnia is awful.
🙂
I love crossing things off of my to-do lists. it is such a sense of accomplishment 🙂
Agreed!
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