[Week 17: May 24th– 30th]
* For those of you who are NEW to this blog, or NEW to ‘Doing Things Differently™’ you can find out HOW and WHY “DTD” 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’. She momentarily took a break to ‘Visit With An Old Friend’ but she continued ‘Doing Things Differently™’ even after things became slightly ‘Boring.’
But, after the ‘Next Four Weeks’, Meleah still felt like things were too ‘Mundane’. So, she started ‘Doing Things Differently™’ with a little more ‘Intensity’. And then she got ‘Injured’. As such, she was forced to take ‘Time Off’ from DTD.
Thankfully, Meleah was given ‘Medical Clearance’ and she was able to Proceed with ‘Doing Things Differently™’- So she started DTD all over ‘Again’ even though she was ‘Mad Crazy Busy’. She continued ‘DTD’ while BOTH of her Grandparents Fell Ill.
ONWARD!
—————————————
Monday, otherwise known as,‘Day Eighty-Two of ‘Doing Things Differently™’ or [D82/DTD] began at 9am. Meleah didn’t have ANY time to put on her ‘Outfit’ or go ‘Outside’, because she was too busy helping her ‘Mother’ take her father ‘Poppa Sye’ back to the ‘Emergency Room’.
After receiving terribly upsetting news, Meleah sat in her bedroom staring at the walls, trying not to cry. She really didn’t know WHAT to do. But she knew that sitting alone, in her room, and sulking, wasn’t doing any one, any good.
So, she put on her ‘Outfit’ and she went ‘Outside’. And she walked around the block SEVEN TIMES In A Row [otherwise known as ‘Two Miles’] for the first day, for the fourth week in a row. And when she came home, she smoked a lot of cigarettes rather than doing 100 ‘Stomach Crunches’ and 50 ‘Push Ups’ for the first day, for the fourth week in a row. And that’s exactly what she NEEDED to do.
After a quiet dinner with her family, Meleah spent the rest of the night reading and commenting on all of your blogs, because ya’ll make her laugh.
Tuesday, otherwise known as, ‘Day Eighty-Three of ‘Doing Things Differently™’ or [D83/DTD] also began at 9am. Meleah got herself ready and spent the morning helping her Mother take her father ‘Poppa Sye’ to yet another ‘Specialist’. They were desperately awaiting better news, or at best some kind of hope to hold on to. And they may have gotten just that. [But no one is getting too excited until we have some kind of confirmation.]
After what seemed like a ‘Grocery Shopping Marathon’, Meleah had to face her own dreaded ‘Doctors Appointment’. She was scheduled to visit with a ‘Vascular Surgeon’. However, she was too scared to go by herself, because as she’s mentioned before Meleah really doesn’t like to think about veins, or blood, or surgeons, or blood-clot-filled-veins that may require surgery. EVER. Those kinds of ‘Medical Terms’ tend to make her feel ‘Lightheaded’ and ‘Queasy’.
Thankfully, her Father [otherwise known as ‘Comic Relief’] went with her. But, rather than talk about that right now, she promises she will tell you more another day.
[And yes, Meleah is fully aware that she already owes you ‘Two Other Blogs Posts’ regarding her ‘Very First Official Golf Outing’ and her son ‘JCH’s School Play’ – she just hasn’t had ‘The Time’ to FINISH writing them yet! Stay Tuned. ]
After visiting ‘Two Specialists’ in ‘One Day’ [otherwise known as ‘Two Specialists – Too Many’] and after ‘Running Around’ dealing with ‘Errands’ and ‘Chores’ purely motivated by ‘Stress’, Meleah was simply too tired to put on her ‘Outfit’ or go ‘Outside.’
Instead, she climbed into bed with her beloved Macbook Pro to read/comment on all of your blogs again. Seriously, ya’ll are a wonderful source of inspiration, entertainment, strength, and laughter.
Wednesday, otherwise known as, ‘Day Eighty-Four of ‘Doing Things Differently™’ or [D84/DTD] began at 9am. But BEFORE Meleah did anything else, she put on her ‘Outfit’ and she went ‘Outside’. And she walked around the block SEVEN TIMES In A Row [otherwise known as ‘Two Miles’] for the second day, for the fourth week in a row. And when she came home, rather than smoking any cigarettes – she did 100 ‘Stomach Crunches’ and 50 ‘Push Ups’ for the second day, for the fourth week in a row.
That afternoon Meleah finally got an appointment to have her hair cut and colored. Now, because Meleah is ‘Doing Things Differently’ she decided to change things up a bit, she even ‘Lighten’ her ‘Locks’ by adding some blond-ishy highlights. And she absolutely LOVES her new look.
Thursday, otherwise known as, ‘Day Eighty-Five of ‘Doing Things Differently™’ or [D85/DTD] And Meleah was NEVER SO HAPPY to wish her Grandfather Poppa Sye a very Happy 90th Birthday! Seriously.
Much to Meleah’s surprise, her family received ‘Confirmation’ there is ‘Absolute Hope’ Poppa Sye’s condition WILL improve over time. Apparently he’s had that very tumor since 2006. And since it has NOT gotten any bigger, it cannot possibly be causing his symptoms. Thank You God. However, Poppa Sye will have to endure several more tests to determine exactly what is going on with him. But for now, the ‘Neurologist’ told us we can call it a ‘Mini Stoke’.
* The Complete Set Of Photos For ‘Poppa Sye’s 90th Birthday’ Can Be Found By Clicking HERE!
Friday, otherwise known as, ‘Day Eighty-Six of ‘Doing Things Differently™’ or [D86/DTD] began at 9am. Meleah immediately put on her ‘Outfit’ and she went ‘Outside’. And she walked around the block SEVEN TIMES In A Row [otherwise known as ‘Two Miles’] for the third day, for the fourth week in a row. And when she came home, rather than smoking any cigarettes – she did 100 ‘Stomach Crunches’ and 50 ‘Push Ups’ for the third day, for the fourth week in a row.
After a long hot shower, Meleah got dressed in ‘real clothes’ as opposed to ‘sweatpants’, packed up her computer and headed over to KHCC to spend the day with her BFF ATB. Meleah sat in her ‘Mobile Office’ while reading and commenting on all of your blogs.
Saturday, otherwise known as, ‘Day Eighty-Seven of ‘Doing Things Differently™’ or [D87/DTD] began at 11:30am. And Meleah was never so happy to sleep in. Meleah spent the whole day/night witnessing her ‘Very Dear Friend’ “Jenson” marry “Wilson” in a simply beautiful ceremony.
* The Complete Set Of Photos For ‘The Wedding’ Can Be Found By Clicking HERE!
Sunday, otherwise known as, ‘Day Eighty-Eight of ‘Doing Things Differently™’ or [D88/DTD] Meleah woke up to a perfectly glorious day. But rather than play golf, spent the day with her brother Abercrombie, and her son JCH hanging outside and ‘Soaking Up The Sunshine’. It was a very much-needed ‘Day Off.’
– I hope everyone enjoyed a ‘Safe’ and ‘Happy’, ‘Holiday Weekend’?
you are one busy woman! i hope to DTD this week with regard to exercise and stop eating myself into a diabetic coma.
i hope poppa sye's health will improve. it's good the tumor has not gotten any bigger.
love your hair color, btw. take care.
I like hearing good news. I hope you heard good news at YOUR doctor's appointment too.
I am so glad to hear about Poppa Sye. I am hoping that your doctors appointments went well too.
W2aBW (wow what a busy week!)
IWKPSIMP (PS is Poppa Sye)
You looked very pretty in the wedding photos!
Hope you had a good long weekend.
I'm anxious to hear the news about your Dr.'s appts.
Good news on Poppa Sye.
Helloooooooo my dear friend!
First, I'm soooooooooooo freakin' happy to read about Poppa Sye!!!! Yahoooooooooooo!
Second, I too smoke A LOT of cigarettes whenever I'm upset or worried about something, so I know what you mean. Oh, well…at we exercise to counter the smoking, right?
Third, I LOVE your new hair color! It's perfect – not too light, not too dark. Doesn't it felt great to change things up a bit, now and then? I do it all the time. You know us LIBRAS….we like change – HA!
Thank for sharing your week, Meleah!
Have a super Tuesday!
xoxoxo
OMG!!!!! So excited to get a little good news on Poppa Sye's condition. I will still keep him in my thoughts and prayers. I had to run (click) right over and view his birthday pics after hearing (reading) that news. Your hair looks wonderful and I'm glad it makes you happy. Keep on doing things differently, Meleah – you are an inspiration!!! Hugs!!!!
Wow, sounds like an emotional week! I'm glad you had good news on Poppa Sye and hope he gets better fast. I look forward to the birthday blog. And your hair looks fantastic! Great photos, Meleah, thanks for sharing them!
I'm so happy to hear about Poppa Sye! And I LOVE the new look! Absolutely fabulous!
Ah, Meleah. I sure hope you have your grandparents for a lot longer. I was blessed in that too and it was special to me. As for you Doing Things Differently… You've inspired me. I've decided I really DO want to outrun the bear that shows up in our backyard next time. I still have so much I want to do in life. So I am buying a walking stick and making sure I use the buddy system as I start a new exercise program. That walking stick will sure come in handy to trip my partner so that I can out run that bear. Yep. Exercise is just what I need… by the way… you want to go hiking this weekend with me?
Your hair looks gorgeous. I am so glad there is hope for Poppa Sye's condition. That is really good news. I have been worrying about him – he is very dear to me!
I am so glad there is hope.
I am most happy to hear the good news on Poppy Sye.
Your hair looks AWESOME. Love the highlights. Glad on the other days you did crunches instead of cigarettes… but sometimes I understand you just have to forget everything and do what you need to do for your own sanity. Great that after that one time you moved forward. Still praying for your grandparents, and as always, I'm always entertained by your great writing. Can't wait to hear about golf!
Hey Mel,
So happy to hear about Poppa Sye. What a stress relief.
I am also happy to hear about your lightened locks. YAY! Isn't it great? You'll have to send me a pic. You can see my new color at my place.
You're doing great with all that is going on. Well, as far as I can tell from what you say here. And I trust that you're telling us, your beloved fans, the truth. 😉 I do hope yo enjoyed your holiday weekend with the fam.
Hugs and smooches.
I love the new look too! Gaw-jus!!!
Valerie, I am exhausted. It's been a CRAZY month for me over here. I think I need a vacation soon!
Ill update everyone soon. But, thankfully, there is NO NEED for concern!
Thanks Anne.
🙂
Seriously, Im sofa king tired! Thanks for the lovely compliment Oscar!
I had a VERY busy long weekend, and Im pysched about the good news regarding Poppa Sye! Thank you so much. 🙂
Hello My Love Ronnie C!
You are the bestest ever. Thank you for dropping by, reading my posts and leaving me such awesome comments all the time. You always make my day!
Aw!!! Thanks Teeni. I feel so relieved by the good news about Poppa Sye, I'm just SO exhausted from all the emotional stress and having such a busy week put me over the edge. I am ready for a vacation!
Thanks Marty! You rock! 🙂
YAY! Thanks Nicky! I hope to pop over to your blog shortly. I've just been so busy and I am emotionally spent! As soon as I dig up enough energy to read / focus I'll be over to your blog to catch up with you! I miss you woman! xooxox
Lemon! I am SO EXCITED that YOU are going to start DTD! YAY!!! Seriously, it will change your life. But remember, Dream Big, but Start Small!
And I'd love to go hiking with you! Yanno, as long as we have portable air-conditioning to come with us – and some decent bear repellent!
I know YOU love Poppa Sye as much as I do! Thanks for all of your prayers during this time. I love you Selma. I love you like a sister. Thank you. xoxoxo
That makes two of us!
Me too! Me too! Thanks BK!
Katherine, I felt bad for smoking so much this week, but seriously, it was necessary! Im glad I can still entertain SOMEONE with my silly blog posts! Thank you!
🙂
I'm totally sending you a picture of the new hair via email or FB style. Heck, maybe I'll text you one this weekend. BTW: I love LOVE that we are texting now!
And of course I tell the truth on my blog, I'm nothing if I'm not honest! Sometimes I feel like I'm a little too honest here, and I think I should lighten things up – but then I remember the wise words of Marylin Monroe “If you can't handle me at my worst, then you don't deserve me at my best!”
xoxoxox
Thanks Lilu! I love your spelling! Ahahahahahahah
I've missed you too 🙂 Don't you worry, we'll be there when you have time to visit…with all you've had on your plate recently, I'm amazed at how much you've done!
I'm so glad you realized I was only kidding about tripping you with my walking stick. :o) But seriously, I need to do something so like you said, I'm starting small. I live on a dirt road and it is not very long till it turns on to another dirt road that goes down past the beaver pond, the stream and the state land. It's beautiful. My neighbor is going to be walking with me and she has a dog to warn us of any of the larger critters around here. We've never had anyone hurt in the 10 years we've been here although the deer eat all the shrubs, the moose like to wander across the road sloooooooowly when you are in a hurry and the wild turkeys get up earlier than chickens, I can tell you that! (and thankfully we learned the very first year we were here not to leave the grill out after barbecuing because the bear will knock it over and lick it. Guess they like my BBQ sauce?) The rest will have to come in baby steps.
Baby Steps is KEY!
And having a partner to inspire you [or drag you out of bed when you don't want to go] REALLY helps! Im sooo happy for you!
The path you have to walk on sounds REALLY beautiful! In fact, I wish I had something so peaceful and close to nature.
I just have a golf course and some chipmunks. But they sure are cute! I don't know what I would do if I ever saw a bear!!!
Im amazed I get out of bed these days!
Thanks for understanding Nicky!
xoxoxo
Dear meleah,
In some ways, this may be the most inspirational of all the weeks of DTD. That you would have a routine, that it would be disrupted naturally because of need, love, and care for others, but that you would pop right back on the road.
I am so glad that Poppa Sye has some alternatives. You are doing great and I pray he is too.
AnnT, you just brought tears to my eyes. My new routine is truly what helped me keep it together through all of this. I mean, in the midst of all the ciaos I needed stability more than ever! Thank you for your lovely comment. Now if I could just find the time to visit all of YOUR blogs! xoxoxo
I know! The texting is just grand isn't it?
There is no such thing as too honest! It's just how we approach it. And remembering the words of Marilyn Monroe is a wise thing to do my friend.
Muwahh
xoxo – I love you Melz 🙂 I'm so glad Poppa Sye may be looking at much better news
I love you too!
See, that's why I love you sofa king much!
The change in color always gives you a lift I think! You are such a busy woman, and I'm so glad that Poppa Sye forecast is not all doom and gloom! I may start DTD but not today. I think I'll go pour a cup of coffee, feed the feral cat, and smoke a cigarette! LOL!
Keep up the good work! Your doing great! I'm glad to hear that Poppa Syes' condition may improve.
I'm exhausted just reading all of that! Sounds like you've had a busy week. I like the hair color!!!!
Let's see, walking = good…coming home and smoking cigarettes = bad…
But, hey, you got the exercise thing going pretty well. Sorry about your grandfather, I know that's got to be weighing heavily on your mind. Rather than scold you about the cigarettes, let me offer you a web site to check out: http://vaportalk.com.
Coffee & Cigarettes! You're my kind of “Work-Out” partner!
You keep up the good work too AIR!
Im exhausted too! Thanks for the compliment! 🙂
Thanks Lee otherwise known as my iDaddy2.0! xoxoxo