[Week Three: February 15 – 20]
*Yes people. I have tallied the votes from last weeks D.T.D. post, and the results are in. The ‘Doing Things Differently™’ blog posts will be written in the ‘Third Person’. Thanks to everyone for participating, and, sorry to those who are NOT a fan of the Third Person. Since I was sick for most of last week this is going to be a very SHORT re-cap. You’re Welcome Moog.
Onward…
Monday Morning, which should have been ‘Day Fifteen’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ didn’t exactly start off very well. In fact, it didn’t start at all. Meleah was utterly exhausted and still quite sick to her stomach. So, Meleah gave herself ‘One Day’ of ‘Doing Nothing’. And Meleah thinks it’s totally OKAY to have ‘One Day’ of ‘Doing Nothing’ even when you are ‘Doing Things Differently.’
Tuesday, which should have been ‘Day Sixteen’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’, also didn’t work out as planned. Instead, her day was completely ‘Hijacked’ by multiple doctor appointments. Which was certainly NOT ‘Doing Things Differently’ because with all of her ‘Annoying Medical Conditions’, Meleah spends most of her life inside ‘Doctors Offices’.
Later that evening, Meleah was hit with some ‘Private, Pressing, Personal, Drama’ and she was hit with the kind of ‘ Private, Pressing, Personal, Drama’ that she would rather NOT share with ‘The Internet’. And that IS absolutely ‘Doing Things Differently’ because Meleah usually tells ‘The Internet’ EVERYTHING.
Wednesday, which should have been ‘Day Seventeen’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ started at 8am. But, Meleah still didn’t feel at the ‘Top Of Her Game’ and she certainly wasn’t ready to start exercising again. Plus, she hadn’t been able to eat, or properly digest a meal in several days. However, she definitely noticed just how crappy she felt having missed two days of ‘Doing Things Differently’ in a row.
Apparently, Meleah is a creature of habit, and very much requires structure, and a stable routine, for her to feel at her best.
What should have been ‘Day Eighteen’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ began precisely at 9am. When Meleah heard her alarm bells ring, her first instinct was to hit the snooze button. But then she remembered how terrible she felt the last three days of NOT ‘Doing Things Differently.’
And that’s exactly when Thursday technically became ‘Day Fifteen’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ [otherwise known as D18/15 of DTD]. And because she is ‘Doing Things Differently’ she realized she can always START ‘Doing Things Differently’ whenever she feels like it, and she doesn’t have to beat herself up – just because she missed a few days.
Meleah put on her ‘Outfit’ and went ‘Outside’. Meleah and her mother walked around the block, FIVE times in a row [which is two MORE times then she usually does], for the first day, for the third week in a row.
And had it not been for Meleah’s mom? She would have never made it around the block that Fifth Time. In fact, Meleah had to lean on the words of LL Cool J and blasted the tune ‘Momma Said Knock You Out’ into her eardrums. Because that song? Seemed very ‘fitting’ for that particular moment.
Meleah spent the ‘Rest Of The Day’ making all of her ‘Internet Rounds’ and dealing with mountains of laundry [which, by the way, was MUCH BETTER than shoveling mountains of snow].
Meleah isn’t too sure if it’s because she had exercised that day, or, if it was because her stomach was starting to feel slightly better, or if it was because she was literally starving to death after NOT being able to eat for many, many, many, days in a row, but she was suddenly suffering from a ‘Ravenous Appetite’. And she couldn’t stop craving ‘Chinese Food’. Sadly, by the time she figured out what she wanted to order? The only restaurant that would deliver to her house had already closed.
Friday, should have been ‘Day Nineteen’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ but it was technically only ‘Day Sixteen’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ [otherwise known as D19/16 of DTD]. Oddly enough, Meleah sprung out of bed at 745am without the use of her alarm clock. Meleah thinks her body might be adjusting to living her life ‘In The Daytime’.
Meleah put on her ‘Outfit’ and went ‘Outside’. Meleah and her mother walked around the block, FIVE times in a row [again] for the second day in a row, for the third week in a row.
Something must have snapped inside Meleah’s brain during her walk that morning. Either that, or, ‘Being ‘Awake’ ‘In The Daytime’ may have clouded her judgement. Or, she had simply gone one too many days In A Row without ‘Proper Nutrition’. Because later that afternoon? Meleah HAPPILY agreed to help her 13-year-old-son and some of his friends get into a Rated ‘R’ Movie.
Yeah. Um….
Meleah ended up playing the role of ‘Chaperone’ to TEN Teenagers dying to see the film ‘Shutter Island’. And by ‘Chaperone’ she means she sat as far away from them as possible. And by ‘Shutter Island’ she means the creepiest movie of the year. Seriously. Oh, and, she took all Ten Teenagers to the movies, on OPENING NIGHT.
And that was REALLY ‘Doing Things Differently’ because Meleah HATES ‘Opening Night Crowds’ ‘All Things Creepy or Scary’ AND ‘Teenagers’!
Thankfully, AND much to Meleah’s surprise, all ‘Ten Teenagers’ were VERY WELL BEHAVED. So much so, that Meleah would definitely be wiling to ‘Chaperone’ anytime they need an ‘Adult’ to ‘Accompany’ them to an ‘R’ Rated Movie.
Saturday, also known as what should have been ‘Day Twenty’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ but was technically only ‘Day Seventeen’ of ‘Doing Things Differently’ [otherwise known as D20/17 of DTD] started at 930am, which by the way, was the latest Meleah ‘Slept In’ for the entire week.
Her morning began with another special visit from her brother ‘Abercrombie’ and her nephew ‘M-Dee-Dub-Yah’. Unfortunately, Meleah had forgotten to charge BOTH of her camera batteries and was unable to take any new photos. Which just so happened to be ‘Doing Things Differently’ because normally Meleah is ALWAYS armed with her camera and incessantly annoys any and all family members with her flashing ‘Fo-Tog’ ways. However, NOT taking photos, will NOT become a ‘Standard Practice’ because Meleah truly believes all ‘Precious Moments’ should be documented, captured on film, and preserved forever. After all, she is the self-proclaimed ‘Family Historian.’
That afternoon, Meleah wanted to do something new. Something exciting. Something she had never done before. Her mother suggested they try ‘Snow Shoeing’ on the Golf Course. Now while this was NOT A ‘Monumental Moment’ for Meleah’s Mom [as she is a seasoned ‘Skier’ and ‘Snow Shoe-er’] it was definitely ‘Doing Things Differently’ for Meleah.
Meleah learned a ‘Valuable Lesson’ while ‘Snow Shoeing’ with her mom. Never, EVER, Ever, try to take ‘Two Steps’ ‘Backwards’ in ‘Snow Pants’ that are too big, with ‘Crazy Shoes’ you’ve never worn before.
Why?
Because you will end up like this.
* Meleah’s fears her tailbone may never fully recover.
After a hot shower, Meleah’s evening came to a peaceful end after she finally ordered the very ‘Chinese Food’ she had been craving since Thursday.
And that my friends, is a wrap.
Side Bar:
Meleah has been receiving comments, and emails, both on this blog, and on her Facebook account from readers, and friends, who also want to start ‘Doing Things Differently’. It was even suggested Meleah should create a ‘Doing Things Differently Group’ on Facebook. So…that’s exactly what she did.
And you can join The ‘Doing Things Differently Group’ on Facebook – just by clicking HERE.
However, Meleah has NO IDEA exactly how to set that page up in order for everyone who wants to participate, to be able to post to the page how THEY are ‘Doing Things Differently’? Meleah also has NO IDEA how to ‘Start A Discussion’ or, ‘Add Events’ or what ‘Events’ she even could add?
So…anyone with any ideas please feel free to ‘Speak Up’! Because Meleah would really LOVE to start ‘Doing Things Differently’ – with all of you. And this way ‘No One’ will be ‘Doing Things Differently’ ALONE! Oh, and Meleah is also considering taking suggestions and/or accepting challenges from all of her beloved readers! But more on that later.
PS:
If you are NEW to this blog, or NEW to ‘Doing Things Differently’ you may find Part One HERE and Part Two HERE.
You can call me, you know, since I like TEACH this internet stuff for my JOB. 😉 lolz
AHAHHAHAHHA.
Hell yes. I will definitely call you tonight.
[I just know how busy you are these days!]
xoxoxo
I have yet to figure out exactly what Shutter Island is about, but knowing how you feel about creepy movies, I won't ask you to relive it for me.
“…Meleah truly believes all ‘Precious Moments’ should be documented, captured on film, and preserved forever.” – I absolutely agree. You can NEVER have too many pictures and I am sticking to that theory no matter who tries to convince me of otherwise.
WHY…..oh why would one wish to traverse in reverse….. in shoe shoes. Perhaps it was getting on towards brillig and the slithy toves were gyring . Please inform your dear correspondent as promptly as is convenient.
I am excited about the DTD group on FB!!!… I think the entire WORLD could benefit from this concept, don't you? 🙂
Exactly! And that is just why YOU are going to be such an AWESOME photographer when you're all done with school!
xoxox
I had to take 2 steps back to take a picture of my mom Snow Shoeing, and I completely wiped out! I fell IN SLOW MOTION and landed right on my arse.
Yes! I do!
xoxoxo
I have some ideas about DTD in reference to small children that a father might have, but be separated from.
1.) Wake up every morning and DTD, admit that a small part of you is dying b/c you cannot see your children every morning like you used to.
2.) Join the Franklin Institute and the Phila. Zoo and the Museum of Nat History and the Free Library. Take your kids there so often (Since we are DTD) that when they grow up they will actually get jobs there when going to college. DO NOT bring straws to the Zoo !
3.) Struggle to have a decent relationship with their mother and never (Since we are DTD) tear one another down in front of them.
4.) Have then over every weekend (if you can) and kick out the g/f if she is a poor role model to your children. They come first b/4 getting laid. (Since we are DTD) Start a family ritual and stick to it (Like the Thanksgiving Day parade)
5.) Read, read, read to your children. Don't use a monotone (Since we are DTD) if you can help it !
6.) No matter how hard it is (Since we are DTD) tell your children you love them at every chance you get. They may say “OOOh Daaad” but they HEAR YOU.
7.) When they are going thru the teen/early twenty stage and they think you are UNCOOL (Since we are DTD) STILL, STILL tell them you love them and never let them stray to far. Keep them always in your prayers.
8.) Actually tell them, both in words and in a letter (not E-Mail) that NO Matter what they do, they can always come to you and be loved, like their Father in Heaven loves them.
9.) And pay off their college loans…………(DTD, not really ;>)
So wait. Are you saying that doing all of those things for your kids IS a NEW thing?
Because 'Doing Things Differently' means 'Doing Things You DON'T Normally Do'.
Otherwise, its NOT – DTD. It's 'Doing Things The SAME.'
PS: Number 3 is a VERY important.
I guess I was applying DTD to another generation of Fathers in reference to OLGA TTB's comment. The concept has wings IMHO. These are things I did, but think that many young fathers dont know to do and need to DTD.
Right.
I agree, DTD is an awesome idea & do'able by EVERYONE…and sometimes the craziest idea can really change a persons life…believe me, I know! 🙂
I know EXACTLY what YOU mean Olga.
And sometimes I think the LITTLE changes make the BIGGEST difference.
[BECAUSE its easier to stick with!]
Dream Big. But Start Small!
Dream Big. Start Small! that's a great tagline….
and thus, the DTD tagline was BORN!
Wow, you're braver than I am taking 10 teenagers to that movie! And I don't mean to laugh at your pain, but that photo is hilarious! It sounds like you're doing better and I'm glad you finally got your Chinese food!
Aw. Marty! You rule! Thanks so MUCH for all of your support!
Well Done!!!!!!!!!!!! Way to bounce back girl! I'm very happy for you. =) And I so want to see Shutter Island!! and that other Crazy People movie lol. You should come with!!!!! lol
I love that you took ten teenagers to a scary movie. You are the coolest Mum ever. You have inspired me to do things differently too. I am doing yoga again, drinking vegetable juice and all sorts of healthy things. Thanks for the motivation. I needed it!
“You should come with!!!”
If I could, I TOTALLY would!
Oh Selma! That makes me SO Happy you have No Idea!
Hey, doing things differently doesn't mean killing yourself, so by all means, if you need a sick day, (or two or three) take them! The important thing is that you picked up again when you were feeling better AND you made that awesome facebook page to encourage others to join you! That's amazing!
Aw! Thanks Terri! And I think we just simultaneously commented on each others Blogs!
xoxoxoxo
First, I am so glad to hear you're feeling better!
YAAAAAAAAAAAAY!
Second, I am so glad to hear that you're going to continue to do these posts in third person!
YAAAAAAAAAAAAY!
And good for you for giving yourself a day of “Doing Nothing” because it's so important. That's something I always have to remind myself. The photos of you on Flickr were wonderful! You all looked like you had a blast!
Hey, I think that's an awesome idea about starting a DTD on Facebook! I bet you'll get a lot of people interested. And who knows…this may even lead you into publishing a BOOK!
“Doing Things Differently” by Meleah!
Great post, my friend. I always reading these. Hope you had a FABU weekend!
Thanks Ron!!
“And who knows…this may even lead you into publishing a BOOK”
Hmm.. I like the way you think! And, if not a book? I'd love to end up on a talk show, like OPRAH. But Im sure thats just a delusion of grandeur!!!
I hope YOU had a FABU weekend too!
🙂
I was trying to figure out how busting your butt in the snow was part of DTD.
Here's a late lesson, don't walk backwards in snowshoes (or on skiis for that matter). Also, don't eat yellow snow. (Sometimes I can be a regular compendium of useless knowledge).
You are one brave (or crazy) woman to take 10 teenagers to a movie. That was probably as much fun as herding cats.
Hope you are able keep mushing on with your program.
“I was trying to figure out how busting your butt in the snow was part of DTD.”
Well, I never would have agreed to go snow shoeing with my mom if I WASN'T DTD! And I never would have fallen!
Im doing MUCH better and back on schedule with my new program!
🙂
Thanks Agg!!
I think it's brilliant that you are doing things so differently. I wish I had the where-with-all to do it. I may give it a go. Going to bed just before most people are getting up is not good.
Just start with ONE small thing! And before you know it you will be DTD too!
xoxoxo
Yep, heard that flick ruled. I can't ski myself and would wind up like you in that picture the whole time there. My doctors visit left my bankrupt. Hope you feel better. Hey at least I got on nurse Jackie right? LOL!
I am sofa king excited to see you on 'Nurse Jackie' when the show returns March 22nd! I am literally counting down the days!
🙂
I heard about that movie and it scares me. I don't know how leonardo can scare anyone but there it is I guess. I'm glad Maleah had such a good time doing things differently. I will do my own thing differently but must prepare myself to speak in the third person. While it can be fun for a little while I am not sure I can do it for a whole post. Yes, I do realize that would be doing things differently as Amy so helpfully pointed out on FB.
If Maleah really wants to do things differently she needs to get a little Favicon on her tab. She can email me and I'll tell her how to do it.
Shit! I spelled Meleah's name wrong twice. This is very much like me and I do apologize. I will be sure to get it right next time.
Yes, I know I am doing it again.
I am so happy you are feeling better! And, I am a proud member of your Facebook group as well. I am definitely doing things differently and will be moving soon!
ATB has been named the Chief Of Police in the DTD page, as she is great at pointing things out!
The movie Shutter Island is crazy, and the ending? AMAZING.
Oh, and I am SO EXCITED to have you as part of the DTD team!
xxoxoxoxo
Sweet! I will! But, I dont even know what Favoicon is?
🙂
Ahahahhahahahahahahahaha. Its okay!!
Im sooo happy to have you involved in DTD. And Im even happier to see you ACTIVE online again!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxxoxooxoxoxoxox
And I use to talk to the stars on there like you would talk to people at the office. Do you know how cool it is that Edie Falco says hi to you as you get a drink by the water cooler?
It's so hot here these days that I wish we had snow so I could step back two steps and land on my ass too … LOL!
I joined the group on Facebook which is something I normally wouldn't do. I'm assuming that counts. That's as far as I'm willing to go right now.
You are definitely taking doing things different to a whole other level. Doing things different shouldn't not be physically painful!
Please send the SUN over here!
WOW!! yes, THAT totally counts! And, Thank you!
🙂
Agreed!
I cant EVEN imagine. I LOVE me some Edie Falco!!!
Im so proud of you Ricardo. TRULY.
I want to see Shutter Island too, maybe this weekend. Speedcat is trying to do things differently and quit being such a tight wad. Speedy usually waits for the DVD. Speedy is also becoming neat and tidy, even though it goes against my grain. Turns out my carpet is light brown.
Meleah is a HUGE FAN of Speedy becoming more neat and tidy!