[Week Five: March 1st – 5th]
* 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!
Onward.
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’.
Meleah realized that March 1st also landed on a Monday. And that not only meant it was a brand new week, but it was also a brand new month. And Meleah thinks anything is possible when you have a ‘Clean Slate’ like that. And therefore, she was going to use that opportunity to add something ‘New’ to her ‘Daily Morning Routine’.
So, Meleah woke up at 8am and she began ‘Day Twenty-Five’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ [D25/DTD]. Meleah put on her ‘Outfit’ and went ‘Outside’ with her mother. And they walked around the block, five times in a row, for the first day, for the fifth week in a row. As noted by the following ‘Video Footage.’
Yeah, um, did anyone happen to notice how Meleah ‘Tripped’ and then tried to act like that didn’t happen? Meleah’s best friend, Amy The Bartender thinks Meleah was merely ‘Off Balance’ because of her ‘Lack Of Cigarette.’
[Side Bar: With all of this ‘Cigarette Talk’ Meleah feels the need to mention to everyone that she is absolutely NOT trying to ‘Quit Smoking.’ She is not ready to begin ‘Doing Things Drastically’ even though she is ‘Doing Things Differently.’ [At least, not YET.] And, in all seriousness, if Meleah ever does decide to start ‘Doing Things Drastically’ she’s pretty sure she would rather wear ‘Lipstick’ and possibly even ‘High Heels’ before she considers giving up her Cool-Mentholated-Newport100-Moments.]
By the time Meleah came home from her morning walk, her self-generated-endorphins had kicked in. And she put that energy to ‘Good Use’ by doing 50 ‘Stomach Crunches’. And then she took things to ‘The Next Level’ by attempting to do 50 ‘Push-Ups’. And by Fifty ‘Push-Ups’ she really means NINE.
[Hey, a girl has to start somewhere.]
Later that evening, Meleah watched the ‘Season Finale’ of The ‘Bachelor’ and she can summarize that WHOLE experience with ONE statement posted by her friend Kat:
“ABC needs to rename this season: The Bachelor – On the (Fairy) Wings of Love [Not That There’s Anything Wrong With That]”
Which probably explains why Jake chose Vienna. After all, she does look like a man.
Tuesday, otherwise known as ‘Day Twenty-Six’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ [D26/DTD] sharply began at 9am. Meleah put on her ‘Outfit’ and went ‘Outside’ and she walked around the block, five times in a row, for the second day in a row, for the fifth week in a row.
And, when she came home, rather than smoking a cigarette, she did another 50 ‘Stomach Crunches’ and she did another 50 ‘Push-Ups’. And by Fifty ‘Push-Ups’ she really means TEN, for the second day in a row, for the first week in a row.
Meleah spent the ‘Rest Of The Day’ responsibly taking care of all her chores: cleaning, cooking, balancing the checkbook, paying the rent, doing the laundry, and making her daily ‘Internet Rounds’ all the while in her pajamas and watching a ‘Law & Order Marathon’ because Meleah firmly believes in being ‘Comfortable’ when being ‘Responsible.’
‘Day Twenty-Seven’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ [D27/DTD] otherwise known as Wednesday, once again began at 9am. Meleah put on her ‘Outfit’ and went ‘Outside’ and she walked around the block, five times in a row, for the third day in a row, for the fifth week in a row. And it was friggen freezing. Thankfully, it was not snowing, and thankfully it was not raining, but Meleah is pretty sure she may have lost some of her eyelashes when she had to remove the icicles hanging off of them.
And, when she came home, rather than smoking a cigarette, she did another 50 ‘Stomach Crunches’ and she did another 50 ‘Push-Ups’. And by Fifty ‘Push-Ups’ she really means TEN, for the third day in a row, for the first week in a row.
Meleah decided to ‘Pamper Herself’ that afternoon, by giving herself a ‘Home Waxing and Home Facial’. She is happy to report this time, absolutely nothing went wrong. And that is nothing short of a miracle.
Later that evening, Meleah enjoyed some ‘Much Needed’ ‘Girl Time’ with two of her craziest and dearest friends of all. Nightingale and Fanny. Meleah and Tiffany played ‘dress up’ with hairpieces, while Nightingale waited for the color and the keratin treatment to soak in. Nightingale and Fanny amused Meleah while singing for the camera.
When she came home, Meleah thought about her friends, and fell asleep laughing.
Thursday, otherwise known as ‘Day Twenty-Eight’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ [D28/DTD] began sharply at 7am. Mostly because her son missed the bus and she had to drive him to school.
Meleah realized she was suffering from a ‘Severe Case’ of ‘Intolerable PMS’. And all she wanted to do when she got home was stay in bed, in her pajamas, watching sappy love stories, and sobbing until her tear ducts burst, while stuffing her face with ‘All Things Chocolate’.
But…
Because she is ‘Doing Things Differently’?
She didn’t.
Instead?
Meleah put on her ‘Outfit’ and went ‘Outside’ with her mom, and they walked around the block, five times in a row, for the fourth day in a row, for the fifth week in a row.
And when she came home, rather than smoking a cigarette, she did another 50 ‘Stomach Crunches’ and she did another 50 ‘Push-Ups’. And by Fifty ‘Push-Ups’ she really means Ten, for the fourth day in a row, for the first week in a row.
That afternoon Meleah and got dressed in her ‘Big Girl Clothes’ and went to have lunch with her mother at KHCC to spend time with ATB. And, they reconnected with a long lost friend.
Friday, otherwise known as ‘Day Twenty-Nine’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ or, [D29/DTD] didn’t get off to a very good start. In fact, Meleah was suffering from ‘The Worst Cramps EVER’ and she couldn’t even move. But for the fact that Meleah’s friend from ‘High School’ was flying in from California, Meleah probably would have never gotten out of bed at all.
Meleah spent the day anxiously awaiting ‘The Calls’ from her friend ‘Sarah Sunshine’ providing all of Sarah’s ‘Travel Details’. And after thirteen-different-gate-changes, and a five-hour-lay-over in Somewhere Arizona, Sarah was finally on her way to New Jersey.
Meleah is glad she is ‘Doing Things Differently’ because otherwise she would have never been brave enough to get on that ‘Whore Of A Highway’ and ‘In The Dark’ to drive all the way up to the ‘Newark Airport’ all by herself.
Meleah gave herself enough time full well knowing there would be a very good chance she would wind up driving aimlessly and terribly lost within the confines of the ever-so-confusing Newark Airport. Because that’s exactly what happened.
And after circling the airport a mere twenty-five-times, Meleah and Sarah were ‘Reunited’ after being separated for ‘Nineteen Years’.
[- insert two chicks screaming like 15 year olds. -]
And then Meleah decided to ‘Take A Break’ from ‘Doing Things Differently’ to simply enjoy her time catching up with her girlfriend.
And it’s been was WONFDERFUL.
Except for the day they almost couldn’t watch the ‘Academy Awards’ because ABC was yanked from our Cable provider. But THAT is a whole other story.
Meleah’s girlfriend Sarah will be returning to California on Wednesday, and that’s when Meleah will return to the Internet, and resume ‘Doing Things Differently’.
And that’s a wrap!
haaaa-HA!…Shawn hates lipstick & high heels too! Shawn ?'s Meleah! ~xo
Meleah LOVES Shawn!
More crunches, less cigarettes. Nice pattern! Take your time! Look at you – getting in shape and feeling good!
Note to self. Calculate date of PMS and mark on calendar.
Keep going my friend! See you soon!
Yeah, make sure you take NOTE of that! So we can schedule lunch around
that!~
I'm with Oscar, more crunchin', less puffin'. Keep it up. Enjoy the rest of your reunion week. BTW, that was just a little extra 'bounce' in your step…
That's ten more push ups then I can do!
I can't see the video, it must be YouTube and YouTube is blocked here at work, I'll check it out later tonight. That sounds like one hell of a week and the pushup tallies cracked me up! Have fun with your friend and keep us updated as to what you two are up to!
God I SUCK!! I'm trying to quit smogging and started last Thursday. I've quit 3 times already. arrrrrrrrrrrgh.
I'm going to try a running program this week. Maybe if my lungs protest enough I'll be able to stop. The program is called Couch to 5K. We'll see.
Your doing so well girl. Keep it up. I'm a little jealous and want to be you all 5 weeks into it.
Yeah. I didn't really *trip* ahahahahahahaha
and boy do they HURT!
Thanks Marty!
xoxoxo
Five weeks IN feels really good.
I wish you the best on your Couch to 5K program! That sounds like it could be intense!
As far as quitting smoking? You're a brave woman to try that. I am so NOT ready!
Way to go Mel! Great job keeping up the routine/pace. Even with the freezing cold and nasty weather, you are sticking to your plan. Just keep pushing the envelope (1 more crunch, 1 more push up) and eventually you'll kick Jillian Michaels butt.
Keep up the pace and remember, no pain, no gain.
Thanks Agg. I kind of need some EXTRA support this week, as I've been
feeling VERY overwhelmed emotionally these last few days. Thanks for
cheering me on!
Lol I love the video!
YAY! Thanks. Its always a good time to * trip * while on camera and then
post it for everyone to see!
Whew!…when I first started reading this post I thought “OMG, she going to tell us that she stopped smoking cigarettes and now I'll be the ONLY ONE left on this planet that does.”
What a relief!
I am so impressed that you can do 50 crunches and 50 push ups. Way to go, girl because I can't. In fact, I had to walk up and down 21 floors twice this past weekend because the electricity went out in my apartment building for 9 hours, and I my calves were killing me the next day – oy vey!
So glad to hear you and your friend are having a wonderful time. I bet meeting her at the airport was like an “Oprah Moment.”
Enjoy the rest of your week!
Don't worry Ron! I am not a 'quitter'!
Ahahahahhaha.
I can only do TEN push ups! But that's TEN more than I thought I could do!
And I prolly would have DIED if I had to walk up 21 flights of stairs!!
And yes, meeting at the Airport really WAS an Oprah Moment!
🙂
You know me–going on eleven years since I quit. And this is after (OMG) 30 years of smoking. But, you are right–you cannot quit until YOU ARE READY! That's why it took me so long. All in good time, my dear, all in good time. XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
You're my HERO for quitting smoking like that. Seriously. I am hoping all the exercise will make me WANT to quit. One day.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
I'm with oscar too; More crunches, less cigarettes. 🙂
Ahahahah. Im getting there!!
🙂
I've said it before, but I'll say it again, Meleah, you are awesome! Adding crunches and pushups! Man, my last pushup was the bra I put on yesterday. You're setting the bar high for the rest of us, girl! Good for you 🙂
Last week: Fantastic boob picture of you with wine.
This week: You in a giant snow parka.
Doing things differently, INDEED.
Sad.
Gosh, 50 stomach scrunches? You put me to shame Meleah. I haven't even raised my little finger in ages …
PUSH UP BRA!
ahahahahhahahaha
AHAHHAAHHAHAHhhahhahahahhahahahahahhahahhhhahha
Im dedicated like that!
More power to ya' for NOT quitting smoking. Damnit, I like it when people smoke! (It makes me feel better about my own vices) There's this whole idea going around these days that you should feel guilty about your bad habits, even if those habits are what makes life worth living.
Thank You Ned! And since I truly DO enjoy smoking I am NOT giving it up!
I love this!!! The video is awesome, and really illustrates your hardship!! Good GOD, the wind was blowing hard!!! You're a stronger woman than I!! I get upset just walking the dog if it's under 50 degrees, but then again, I'm a Florida girl, with no warm woolies.
I love your inserts, and you are adorable and funny. I hope you had a fabulous time with Sarah Sunshine…
Such a great post. I have to fully rely on FB for your post updates, because for some reason, bloglines doesn't update me when you have a new post. Stupid bloglines.
Stoopit Bloglines!! Facebook is GOOD LIKE THAT!
It literally makes my day to hear when someone likes reading my blog posts! So thank you for making my day!
Sarah & I have been having a lot of fun. She leaves today.
NORMALLY, I would NOT have gone walking in the wind, AND the freezing cold. But, hey I am DTD so I am doing it NO MATTER what!
Your stomach must be like steel by now.
ALMOST!! By Summertime I hope to be in good shape!
Of course we have already discussed this but since you are seeing your friend from the sunshine state, 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.
Ugh. I just started an insane exercise program with B… I feel ya, girlie!
EXACTLY!
Total nightmare!
You've inspired me. I do a little running. I do some ab exercises almost daily. But I don't do push ups because I have spaghetti arms that are lazy and weak. But if you can do 50 push ups, then I can do 50 push ups! And when I say 50, I really mean I'll be lucky to accomplish 5. Gotta start somewhere! 😉
Hey, just getting out there in the freekin freezing weather every day is a good step in the right direction. Way better than sitting on your butt and watching bad tv. Keep up the pace. It will get easier (TRUST ME…. :).
Ahahhahahah.
Yep.
DREAM BIG, but START SMALL!
xoxoxo
I totally believe you! But I do love me some bad TV sometimes!
🙂
Wow, you are doing great with your workout. I am very impressed. I agree with being comfortable while being responsible which explains why I am still in my jammies.
I love Pajama Days!
I loved the video! I did notice the trip, but I wasn't going to say anything……
I love your energy!! You got spunk girl!
Congrats on keeping this going. For yourself, and for the interest of your blogging and web friends. 🙂
Have a great day.
Aw. Thank you!
🙂
your exercise routine is very motivating. after stuffing my face for the month of february, i have to pick it up a notch and get rid of the fat.
i can't do one push up. not one. not the manly kind anyway.
Im glad to hear I can motivate someone!
I ate like a savage for the whole month of January, thus my inspiration to start DTD in February. Well, THAT and a really devastating break-up.
🙂
And yes, Push Ups are BRUTAL!
Can I reply by hitting reply?
Yes!