[Week Four: February 21-27]
*If you are NEW to this blog, or NEW to ‘Doing Things Differently™‘please check out ‘The Way DTD Began’ by clicking and reading the links below.
– Part One
– Part Two
– Part Three
* I would like to apologize for last weeks ‘ever-so-lacking’ blog post. I will be sure to make it up to you with this week’s installment! Enjoy. Oh, and, don’t forget YOU can start ‘Doing Things Differently’ at any time. Please join us HERE!
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Welcome to ‘Week Four’ of ‘Doing Things Differently™’
Meleah inadvertently started ‘Doing Things Differently™’ on a Sunday. Which will now be referred to as ‘Day Eighteen’ of ‘Doing Things Differently™’ [D18/DTD]. And Meleah inadvertently started ‘Doing Things Differently™’ on a Sunday…
Totally. Accidentally.
Meleah realized she was ‘Doing Things Differently™’ when she traveled to her local ‘Country Club’ often referred to as ‘KHCC’, for ‘Several Reasons’.
1.) Meleah never goes to KHCC on a Sunday. [Unless it’s for the Super Bowl. But since that’s an ‘Annual Tradition’ it was still ‘Doing Things Differently™’ because Meleah went to KHCC on a “NON” ‘Super-Bowl-Sunday.’]
2.) Meleah arrived at KHCC and chose to sit at the OPPOSITE corner of the bar area, from where she usually sits. And anyone who knows Meleah knows what a ‘Big Deal’ that REALLY is.
3.) Meleah ordered a ‘Bacon, Cheddar, Cheeseburger’ [with a side of ‘Chipotle Mayo’ and on a ‘Garlic Roll’]. And, THAT would NOT have been ‘Doing Things Differently™’ – EXCEPT that Meleah was only able to eat HALF of the said ‘Bacon, Cheddar, Cheeseburger’. And, anyone who knows Meleah? Knows that she is more than ‘Capable’ of eating TWO WHOLE Bacon, Cheddar, Cheeseburger’s. At least – on a ‘Good Day’.
4.) Meleah started having one of her ‘Random Outbursts of Laughter’ because ‘Amy The Bartender’ sent Meleah a text message ‘Pointing Out’ that Meleah MAY BE taking ‘Doing Things Differently™’ a little ‘Too Far’ by sitting at the ‘Opposite End’ of the KHCC bar. And it was the kind of ‘Random Outbursts of Laughter’ that usually leads ‘Other People’ to think Meleah is in fact ‘Crazy’ and probably in need of ‘Prescription Medication’.
Meleah enjoyed several ‘Unsweetened Iced-Teas’, ordered some dinner for her son JCH, and went home to read/comment on her favorite blogs.
Meleah ended her evening after watching a ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashian’s Marathon’. And by watching a ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashian’s Marathon’- Meleah really means she fell asleep watching the movie ‘Forrest Gump’ and found herself in deep slumber by 9pm.
Monday, also known as ‘Day Nineteen’ of ‘Doing Things Differently™’ or [D19/DTD] began exactly at 9am. Meleah put on her ‘Outfit’ and got ready to go ‘Outside’ when she discovered her mother was still ‘In Bed’. Sadly, her mother had a terrible headache, so Meleah was going to have to exercise ‘On Her Own’.
Meleah laced up her ratty sneakers, put on her ‘Outfit’ and went ‘Outside’ and she walked around the block five times in a row, for the first day, for the forth week in a row. And even though Meleah didn’t really want to make that ‘Last Lap’ around the block, she pushed herself anyway.
After cleaning her room, doing the laundry, and making her ‘Internet Rounds,’ Meleah opted to watch ‘The 5 O’Clock News’. And that was very much ‘Doing Things Differently™’ because Meleah usually only gets her information from another ‘Reliable Source’. And by ‘Reliable Source’ Meleah really means the E! Channel and/or TMZ.
‘Day Twenty’ of ‘Doing Things Differently™’ or, [D20/DTD] otherwise known as Tuesday, began precisely at 9am. Meleah went downstairs to make her coffee greeted her mother good morning.
Meleah’s mother suggested they ‘March In Place’ rather than go for a walk that day because of the ‘Inclement Weather’. Meleah quickly dismissed and denied her mother’s request, because Meleah walked in the ‘Blizzard Of All Blizzards’, so she thought could certainly walk in the rain. And then Meleah wondered exactly when she took the ‘United States Post Office Oath’.
Meleah put on her ‘Outfit’ and went ‘Outside’ without her mother, again. Meleah walked around the block, five times in a row, for the second day in a row, for the fourth week in a row, and, in a ‘Torrential Downpour’.
Much to Meleah’s surprise ‘The Rain’ was not as problematic as ‘The Wind’. Meleah spent most of her time not so much power-walking, but wrestling with her oversized umbrella. Which by the way, is now totally destroyed.
A waterlogged Meleah came home ‘Drenched To The Bone’ only to find her mother seated comfortably in front of the fireplace [and still in her pajamas]. And it was precisely at that moment when Meleah’s mother offered up a ‘Water-Proof’ coat.
[*Gee. Thanks Mom. But that offer would have been nice BEFORE I went walking in a ‘Monsoon.’]
Later that afternoon, one of Meleah’s closest girlfriends from Cascade High School, who lives all the way in California, confirmed and booked her trip to New Jersey! Meleah spent the rest of the day doing the ‘Happy Dance’. And will be counting down the days till her ‘Sarah Sunshine’ arrives!
Wednesday, otherwise known as ‘Day Twenty-One’ of ‘Doing Things Differently™’ or [D21/DTD] started at 815am. And once again Meleah’s mother was unable to accompany her. So, Meleah got dressed in her ‘Outfit’ and went ‘Outside’ all by herself. Meleah thinks if she’s going to keep this up, she’s probably going to need to invest in some more ‘Outfits’, because doing laundry every other day isn’t DTD, it’s really just annoying.
Meleah walked around the block, five times in a row, for the third day in a row, for the fourth week in a row, and she walked around the block FASTER than she’s ever walked before. And she did that for two reasons.
1.) Meleah had ‘Limited Time’ as she agreed to drive her mother to the ‘Train Station’ that morning.
2.) A neighbor’s dog was chasing Meleah. And not just any dog. It was a very large and muscular dog. Also known as a Rottweiler. Has Meleah ever mentioned her fear of really big dogs, especially ones that are barking at her and running after her?
While Meleah is pretty sure the dog thought they were innocently playing, Meleah sprinted as if she was running to ‘Save Her Life’. Meleah is happy to report she made it home safe and sound and without being mauled, but not before the ‘Moving Men’ across the street witnessed her ‘Sheer Terror’ and had a ‘Lovely Laugh’ at her expense. As Meleah slowly recovered from ‘Heart Palpitations’, she began contemplating changing her route.
And then, the rest of Meleah’s day pretty much went ‘Down Hill.’
After having a ‘Typical Family Dinner’, Meleah retired to her bedroom ever-so-looking-forward to making her ‘Internet Rounds’. She pour a fresh cup of coffee, lit a ‘Newport 100’, opened up her MacBookPro, and gingerly clicked on the ‘Firefox’ icon.
And that’s exactly when she discovered her ‘Internet’ was ‘Out Of Service’. And let’s just say that Meleah spent ‘Countless Hours’ – ‘Damning Her Cable Company’ – ‘Pacing The Floors’ and ‘Cursing At Everyone’ that crossed her path.
In the interest of keeping this blog post on the ‘Shorter Side’ [too late?] She will only provide the ‘Highlights’ that occurred over the next two days. Because Meleah can very easily ‘Summarize’ Thursday, otherwise known as ‘Day Twenty-Two’ of ‘Doing Things Differently™’ or [D22/DTD], AND, Friday, otherwise known as ‘Day Twenty-Three’ of ‘Doing Things Differently™’ or [D23/DTD] with this photo.
Yeah.
Um.
Meleah is so ‘OVER’, ‘The Winter’.
Meleah feels the need to share few things that happened on Friday, otherwise known as ‘Day Twenty-Three’ of ‘Doing Things Differently™’ or [D23/DTD].
Meleah knew there was no possible way she would be able to take her ‘Daily Morning Walk’. Not even with the use of ‘Snow Shoes.’ Especially considering there was approximately 85 feet of snow on the ground [give or take]. Meleah is fairly certain she shouldn’t start ‘Doing Things Dangerously’ just because she is ‘Doing Things Differently™.’
However, Meleah is determined to remain ‘Physically Active’. So, she decided to ‘Surprise’ her still sleeping father, by shoveling ALL of the snow, from ALL of the walkways, and ALL of the cars, with only the help of her 13-year-old-son. And even though she may have sustained a ‘Severe Injury’ she never felt better mentally.
Meleah spent the ‘Rest Of The Day/Night’ surrounded by loved ones, and welcoming her very best friend ‘Amy The Bartender’ [otherwise knows as ‘ATB’] back to work at KHCC. She laughed a lot, heard mind-blowing gossip, and she never felt happier.
On Saturday, otherwise known as ‘Day Twenty-Four’ of ‘Doing Things Differently™’ or [D24/DTD], Meleah woke up much later than expected and started DTD at exactly 9am. And by 9am, she really means 10:30.
She put on her ‘Outfit’ and went ‘Outside’, and she walked around the block, five times in a row, for the fifth day, for the fourth week in a row. And then, something ‘Magical’ happened during that particular walk.
Some people might call this a ‘Moment Of Clarity’ and some people might even call this an ‘Epiphany’. But, Meleah is simply calling it ‘About Time.’
You see…
Meleah realized she hadn’t spoken to the ‘On’ again ‘Off’ again ‘Relationship’ in over Three Days. And by ‘Relationship’ she really means an ‘Unhealthy Entanglement.’ And for the FIRST TIME in Six Months, she did NOT feel ‘Sad’. And she did NOT feel ‘Guilty’. She no longer had that knot of anxiety in the pit of her stomach. The ONLY thing she felt? Was ‘Relieved’.
Meleah finally recognized the ‘Noticeable Difference’ between ‘Standing by Your Man’ and just ‘Being Used As An Emotional Punching Bag.’ And that’s exactly when Meleah was ready, willing, and able, to change her ‘Relationship Status’ on Facebook from ‘It’s Complicated’ back to ‘SINGLE’.
And then she discovered two powerful and effective ‘Tools’ when she received several unwanted ‘Text Messages’. ‘Delete’ and ‘Ignore’. Meleah will no longer ‘Engage’ – because honestly? There is nothing left to say. Meleah is ready to ‘Let Go’ and ‘Move On’ with her life.
That very evening, Meleah’s brother Abercrombie came down for his own version of ‘Doing Things Differently™’. Now that Abercrombie is NO LONGER a ‘Hostage’ suffering from ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ he is in the process of ‘Reclaiming His Own Life’ and Meleah is totally-super-ecstatic!
Meleah and Abercrombie traveled up to KHCC to spend time together and share laughs with Amy The Bartender. And they had yet another fun-filled evening.
And that folks, brings us to the conclusion of ‘Week Four’.
Stay tuned later this week for a blog post written in the First Person!
ZOMG UPDATE!!
** A fellow blogger who we will refer to as the ‘Redhead Ranting‘ [because I’m not sure if I am allowed to use her real name or not?] also decided to start ‘Doing Things Differently™’, and here is HER POST! Please drop by her blog and give her some support!**
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PS:
First, I would sincerely like to Thank Everyone who have already joined ‘The Doing Things Differently™ Facebook Group Page’. I am very excited about it. I love all the support everyone has been getting and giving. I am looking forward to welcoming New Members.
I would also like to take this time to encourage everyone to post to the wall just how THEY are DTD in their lives. This way everyone can share ideas.
AND, I would also REALLY like to encourage people to comment on each other’s posts. [Even if you are not ‘Facebook Friends] I am hoping the interaction between members will serve as inspiration!
Please don’t forget to ‘follow the rules’ and by ‘Rules’ I mean all Two Of Them.
1.) You MUST post on the ‘Doing Things Differently™ Group Wall’ as if you are speaking in the 3rd person.
** [However that rule DOES NOT APPLY when COMMENTING on other people’s wall posts!] ***
2.) You should try to incorporate the use of the initials D.T.D. when sharing/posting on the ‘Doing Things Differently™ Group Wall’.
*Oh. And by the way, ‘ATB’ [also known as ‘Amy The Bartender’] will be fulfilling the role of ‘Chief Of Police’ with respects to ‘Doing Things Differently™’. I think that makes her new initials: ATB.COP.DTD. After all, she is the one who invented Rule #1 and Rule #2.
And remember: Dream Big, But Start Small!
Thank you so much everyone.
And most importantly, HAVE FUN ‘Doing Things Differently™‘.
🙂 You crack me up, Melz
I love you Leslie!
xoxoxo
I dont know why you have such a problem with winter. Its fabulous if you ask me. DOH!! lol
Way to go on week 4. Your coming up to that 30 day mark. Was it decided if that was the point where doing DTD was a habit and no longer DTD??
And its my kid coming home for Easter btw. =)
“I dont know why you have such a problem with winter. Its fabulous if you ask me.”
Yeah…said the girl currently working ON HER TAN!!!
I dont know if 30 days 'officially' makes it a habit, but Im sure glad I am still going strong!
Oh! Im so excited for your upcoming Easter!
Just hilarious. I am so glad you discovered those delete and ignore buttons. Yay. And boy, am I impressed you shovelled all that snow. You are the Queen of DTD!
Thank Selma. I am seriously sick of the snow. But, I am getting one heck of a work out shoveling all of it!
xoxo
OMG, I just noticed the little widget on the upper left-hand corner that welcomes each one of your readers. That is SOOOO cool! I need to find out how did that.
Anyway, I love these posts! It's so wonderful to read how your week went doing things differently, and when I have the time I want to stop over at your FB page and take a peek – it sound like fun!
I just about DIED when I saw the photo of winter! That's what people who live Florida call a Snow BIRD. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
And I'm so happy to hear about your “Epiphany.” Doesn't it feel good to finally let go and move on? I know that feeling. You GO, girl!
Ron,
Oh yeah, I forgot about that widget! HA!
I am very happy to hear you like reading these posts. The are fun to write and FUN to do!
And, I hope you come over to the DTD FB page!
It does feel MUCH better to feel a sense of relief. And, I REALLY like being able to BE MYSELF [again] without feeling l like I am constantly walking/talking on eggshells. NOR am I constantly filled with that overwhelming anxiety. All.The.Time. But, there is another part of me that is SORT of wishes things could have been different. Oh well. Such is life. Right?
Thanks for reading and for your friendship!
🙂
I took the weekend off from “DTD” for the most part because…well, it was the weekend. I will be back to DTD tomorrow though!
At what point does DTD become DTTS? I'm just curious. I just post my DTD post. I am not happy about it, and that is not DTD. But I will persevere. If you can put on your 'outfit' and go 'outside' each day I can certainly do this.
I'm already crabby.
That would be post-ed. Because even though I can DTD, I cannot stop correcting myself.
Hooray for that epiphany!
Momo RAN her dog instead of WALKING her dog today. Then, Momo's lungs burned and she felt like she was breathing fire.
Yeah, I always take off Sundays. I mean even GOD rested on The Seventh Day!
xoxoxoxo
OK, I apologize before saying this. I would have loved to see you run from the dog. <snort> OK, I'm sorry. I take it back. I didn't mean it. I am SORRY the dog chased you. Glad he didn't get you.. THAT would have been bad.
I dont think “we” ever came to a 'Final Decision' on when DTD becomes 'Doing Things The Same' [DTS.] There were too many conflicting comments. Some people said 21 days, some people said 30 days, some people said 'Three Months'. I don't know. I am going with SIX MONTHS!
You can TOAD-ILY do this. And, I will be cheering you on ALL WEEK.
Heading over to your blog Right Now!!
Ahahhahaha. And that's exactly what I dig about you!
Oh I know that feeling! Meleah's lungs aren't used to 'Multitasking'. And by 'multitasking' she means walking and breathing at the same time! Meleah ALWAYS feels like she's breathing Broken Glass!
You can use Jennifer's real name. Though sometimes she thinks she ought to change it because there are far too many Jens in the blogosphere.
I love reading these DTD posts, but today, I am mostly THRILLED to read that you are finally feeling free and happy again!
***Hugs***
Oh Im sure it was VERY funny to watch me HAUL ASS from the dog. The moving men defintitely found it to be very entertaining! Feel FREE to *snort* !
🙂
Meleah agrees, there are a lot of Jens in the blogosphere! but there's only ONE Redhead Ranting!
Aw. Terri! Thank you love.
xoxoxo
Hmm. . .not sure I understand this post yet?? LOL! But I do love that snow sculpture – too funny!!
Thanks! Oh, if you are having a hard time understanding this blog post, or what DTD is all about may I suggest you read Part One?
Sounds like a great week and I hear you about winter, I can't wait for spring. And glad to hear that you're moving on with your life. To 2010! May it be a great year for all of us!
Amen to THAT Marty!
Yipeeee!!! Sarah Sunshine loves all this. Sarah is practicing speaking in 3rd person. Sarah is SO happy that she made day 20 of DTD even better for Meleah and is pretty much packing while typing. Sarah LOVES the epiphany that finally happened and knew it would one day and funny enough- Sarah was going to change her status back to “Its complicated” except “Silver Mist” called and was angry at the world for the 3rd day in a row and Sarah got sick and tired of the negativity and hung up but is playing that it was an AT&T error. (Thanks for sucking ass AT&T)
Sarah is saying again that the epiphany is the best part of this DTD week. Oh, and the fact that Sarah was mentioned in it cause she is just besides herself getting ready to DTD with Meleah for 5 days.
Hats off to you and your ignore/delete features!
XXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Meleah CAN NOT WAIT for Sarah to HURRY UP and get here!
And just think, you'll be ALL OVER next weeks blog post update, because you will be with me! YAY
Hi! By the look on “Amy the Bartender's” face, she could stare down a rowdy group of Hell Angels with one short burst!
An action packed post. I can relate to the “being used as an emotional punching bag” part.
“More, more, more” as Billy Idol sings…
Im exhausted! And i just don't have the strength to go One More Round. I've tapped out!
🙂
Amy's good like that.
As a first time visitor, Nicky thinks you are awesome! Nicky actually referred to herself in the third person in one of her recent blog posts and attributed it to losing her mind. She had no idea she was DTD! She is now very relieved. She will definitely visit again!
Mleah thinks Nicky is awesome too!
Whew! I need a drink after reading about your week. Between shoveling snow, falling on your assets and getting chased by a ravenous dog, I am surprised you have time to write at all. Looks like you have a good handle on things, even it is a snow shovel handle. And sitting by yourself laughing maniacally will get people talking about you.
I am elated/relieved that you are free again. Life's way too short to keep a spitfire like you down for long and I am glad you are feeling better about it.
So sick of the snow also, thank you! I hate shoveling snow but salute you for doing so. The episode of White Collar on USA that I'm on will be shown tonight. Blink and you'll miss me.
DTD is one of the freshest ideas, ever. I'm glad you are DTD. And I'm happy that it has you on a new blogging routine.
Writing this in third person was a hoot to read. Laughed out loud at the picture of gving winter the finger!
DTD is one of the freshest ideas, ever. I'm glad you are DTD. And I'm happy that it has you on a new blogging routine.
Im psyched to feel better too! Thanks Agg.
OMG! Im so excited to see you ON TV!
Thank you! I do my best!
🙂
Its fun to write in the 3rd person! Im glad you enjoyed this post!
thanks! now all i can think about is having a Bacon, Cheddar, Cheeseburger!
You're Welcome!
What a fantastic week four of DTD for Meleah! However, most importantly, it was the reborn of the Meleah into singlehood and moving on with her life. I couldn't be more happy for her. 🙂
Hope I'm not cut out and this may be a cliffhanger since it's the last show of the season.
I seriously hope you are NOT cut out either!
Aw!!! Thank you so much for saying that. That made my night. xoxoxo
For Top Sites Tuesday this week we are posting two thoughts (to post on) for our favorite blog and you’re it for me. If you decide to play, read my post here: http://territerri.wordpress.com/2010/03/02/tagg…
Then, post your own two thoughts and tag your favorite blog. Go to the Top Sites Tuesday Blog: http://www.blogdumps.com/bdblog/top-sites-tuesd… to get the details and paste a comment so everyone knows you’re in. You can get the Make Me #1 button there, too. The Meme stays open until Sunday.