Day 31 – March SOLSC

Hooray! I have made it to the finish line.  31 straight days of writing!  So why is today the day where I’ve typed and deleted my post over and over?  I’ve sat here staring at my screen, starting to type and then quickly starting over.  Today’s the day I get writer’s block?!?  I think it’s because I was trying not to just write a reflection post.  But, maybe that’s exactly what I need to do –  reflect on the past month of writing.

This was my second year doing the Slice of Life Story Challenge.  I remember being so excited in the days leading up to March 1st.  I created a list of possible writing ideas in my notebook.  I went onto Pinterest to pin various ideas as well.  I just started to listen and look at the world around me differently.  It was like my writing warm up.  Of course, I had the typical self-doubts….March is so busy.  What am I thinking adding something else to my plate?  I have to do report cards too!  But I shook them off, and jumped in.

Once the challenge began, I just got into my groove.  During the week, I set a goal to write the night before so I could post in the morning.  This routine helped me to be successful.  On the weekends, I wrote and then posted the same day.  I found myself looking for slices in every part of my day.  I even dug deep back into my memories and wrote about some things from a long time ago.

Last year, I was more overwhelmed with getting the posts done and I only really read 3 other slices (the minimum).  This year, I found myself reading more and returning to the same people’s blogs – commenting and being inspired.  I followed many more blogs and made sure to read the slices of the people who commented on my posts.  I looked forward to reading the comments and found myself taking suggestions and trying different things.  Such an amazing, supportive community.

I enjoy writing so much now because of participating in this challenge for the past two years.  The goal of writing every day was a routine that helped me.  Last year, when the challenge was over, I sporadically posted for the Tuesday slice challenge.  But, it never became a part of my routine.  I really want to keep my writing going.  So, I’ve put calendar appointments in my phone for daily writing and a reminder to publish and post on Tuesdays.  I’ve also joined the Facebook group “TeachWrite: A Tribe for Teachers of Writers & Teachers Who Write.”  Hopefully, both of these new plans will help me keep up with my writing.  It really does bring me Joy!

Thank you to all of the Slicers who read my posts and made comments.  You’ve helped me become a better writer!

I’m participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge!  Thank you to the team of writers at Two Writing Teachers for this wonderful writing community.  A place for us to grow together as writers. 

 

Day 30 – March SOLSC

Poetry Friday with a poem that comes directly from a memory that’s etched in my heart.

The Dance

What a wonderful world

Starts playing

He looks at me

And tilts his head towards the dance floor

Not too long ago I would’ve said

“No way” and ran off

But I grew up – no longer embarrassed

I slowly rise from my seat

And take his hand

Moving to the rhythm of the song

He begins to sway to the left and to the right

“I don’t know how to do your dances” I say.

“Don’t worry. Just follow my lead”

Back and forth, back and forth

Swaying to the music,

Covering the dance floor,

Feeling the music take over – 

All while he sings in my ear

“And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.”

 

When I return from this memory,

I keep my eyes closed a little longer,

savoring this memory.

I swear I can still hear my dad’s voice singing in my ear,

Feel his hand in mine,

And my head resting on his shoulder

While we sway to the music,

following his lead. 

I’m participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge!  Thank you to the team of writers at Two Writing Teachers for this wonderful writing community.  A place for us to grow together as writers. 

Day 29 – March SOLSC

Today is my last day of “Solo” Spring Break.  Tomorrow my daughter will be off from school and we’ll have a great “girl” day.  Since it’s my last day of just me, I thought I’d take some time and think about what I’m thankful for this week.  Having this time to myself is great for reflecting!

I’m thankful for…

• Being able to go to the gym every day this week.
• Having an amazing personal trainer who is giving me the “push” that I need to get myself healthy and in physical shape.
• Having the time to do things I normally wouldn’t do: go out to lunch alone, sit in Starbucks writing and reading, doing laundry every day (although that one isn’t as fun as the others).
• Being able to drive my daughter to school every morning (even in pajamas one day!).
• Meeting a friend for lunch without having to coordinate childcare.
• Less stressful mornings.  It’s amazing how much more pleasant my daughter is when I don’t have to rush her in the morning.  She’s just not a morning person.  It’s been so nice not fighting to get out the door.  Has she been completely on time?!?  Ummm, nope.  Mommy’s on vacation!
• Less stressful evenings.  Of course, there’s still a routine and bed time, but I’ve just been more relaxed and we’ve been enjoying each other much more.
• Being able to pick my daughter up from her after school program a little earlier.
• Having the time to play catch with my daughter and begin to teach her to pitch.  During the work week, there never seems to be enough time to do these things with her after school.
• Having the energy to do all of the above things.  During the work week, I definitely am more tired and stressed.

I’m so thankful for having these 4 days to just be me.  I’ve been able to exercise, relax, and in many ways rejuvenate.  I have to admit….even though I have had these 4 days to myself, I’m going to be so jealous of Brad and Emma when they’re home together next week.  I hope they come have lunch with me at least one day!

I’m participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge!  Thank you to the team of writers at Two Writing Teachers for this wonderful writing community.  A place for us to grow together as writers. 

Day 28 – March SOLSC

An expected problem while on Spring Break – a clogged tub drain.  For the past week or so, we’ve noticed the water draining a little slower than usual.  While showering, the water tends to pool over the feet.  I kept telling the hubby about it (because obviously I can’t handle a slow drain myself) and he kept saying “yeah I’m going to flush it out soon.”

Well “soon” happened sooner than we had both thought.  Yesterday, Emma took a shower when she got home from school.  Still a slow drain, but nonetheless, the water went down.  When Brad got home from work to shower, that’s when it happened – no draining.  The water rose and stayed.  It wouldn’t budge.  He took the drain out and tried to work his magic – but nada.  It was late, so we had to wait until today to deal with the clog.

I guess it’s a good thing I’m on vacation this week because I could be home to let in our Super and the “Drain Guy.” The “Drain Guy” brought in his machine – the snake!  I showed them to the tub, and backed away!

The two guys were chatting away about other jobs they had for the day.  I could hear the machine getting set up.  Suddenly, the snake came to life.  The motor whined, and whined, and whined as the snake crawled deeper and deeper into the pipe.  I thought to myself “how far is that thing going?”

Right as I was thinking that, I heard our Super say “Wow, you going all the way down to the river?”

The Drain Guy responded without skipping a beat, “I think I just pulled up something from the river.  Hair today, gone tomorrow!”

I sat on the couch and held in my laughs as I heard him say that.  Not only was the Drain Guy amazing, he was also hilarious.  However, his next question had me doing the opposite of laughing.  “Does she want to see what we pulled out?”  (Gag! Ummm no!)

The Super quickly said “nah, let’s just through it out.”

“Ok.  You know a lot of people want to see what I pull out of the drain,” the Drain Guy replied.

Well, buddy, I’m not one of those people!  I don’t need to see anything but the water flowing down that drain!  I thanked them and off they went to save another drain from the Hair Monster.

I’m participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge!  Thank you to the team of writers at Two Writing Teachers for this wonderful writing community.  A place for us to grow together as writers. 

 

Day 27 – March SOLSC

This year, my Spring Break has been a little different than past years.  No, we aren’t away on any exotic vacation or anything like that.  I actually have the week off and my daughter still has school.  Now, I’ve only been on vacation for the past 2 days, but I’ve already noticed myself having some firsts.

• I’ve driven Emma to school 2 times.  This never happens.  She’s usually at my mom’s house by 7:30am and I’m on my way to work.
• I was able to go to Emma’s class party without having to take a half day or day off of work.
• I’ve been to the gym twice before 4:30pm – on a week day! (unheard of)
• On Monday, I went to have lunch.  By – My – Self.  I actually went to my favorite Japanese restaurant, sat in a corner table, and read a book while eating my sushi.  I’ve never, ever, gone to lunch alone.
• I went to Starbucks with just my laptop and wrote and read blogs without having to coordinate what to do with Emma so I could have “alone time.”
• I’ve gotten to pick Emma up from school before 6:00pm 🙂
• We both went to my niece’s first softball game.  If I was working, I would’ve never been able to get Emma and make it to the game.

Those are just some of the things I’ve been able to do being on vacation the opposite week of Emma.  Notice I didn’t write clean the house or do all of the laundry!  I’m not going to waste my precious alone time on those chores.  Another thing I haven’t done is have Emma do her homework.  Usually, her homework gets done at her after school program.  Since I’ve been picking her up early, the homework has gotten forgotten.  I’m not stressing over it.  (Maybe I’ll write my feelings about homework in a blog post soon – ha!)

I have two more days of my own Spring Break – What else will I do with my gift of time?

I’m participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge!  Thank you to the team of writers at Two Writing Teachers for this wonderful writing community.  A place for us to grow together as writers. 

 

 

Day 26 – March SOLSC

Today is a day to celebrate!

It’s my “little” bro’s birthday.

Although, he doesn’t really enjoy his birthday all that much.

They just aren’t the same without our biggest celebrator –

Our dad.

But…

lucky for Bubba, he has a niece who adores him,

and thinks he’s the best ever.

He is the sunshine in her world.

Filling the roll of both uncle and grandpa

He’s just so much like our dad

that when I watch him with Emma

I imagine my dad acting the same way,

doing the same things,

if he had the chance to meet her.

Today also happens to be her half birthday,

and she already has a plan to make cupcakes

to celebrate her Bubba.

So he’ll have to enjoy his birthday a little.

Who can pass up a cupcake or 2 anyway?!?

I’m participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge!  Thank you to the team of writers at Two Writing Teachers for this wonderful writing community.  A place for us to grow together as writers. 

 

Day 25 – March SOLSC

It’s getting late.  Didn’t think I’d make it tonight.  Every time I sat down to write, something pulled me away.  I remembered that I took this picture tonight, so here’s a little poem.  It’s in complete draft form.  I foresee some revisions in the future, but for tonight it’s all I have!

Sunset Over the Hudson

As I washed

the dishes,

I glanced up,

looked out the window

and

saw

this sky.

Outside I went

to embrace this

beauty.

Orange, pink, purple, and blue.

So peaceful

So serene

Home.

I’m participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge!  Thank you to the team of writers at Two Writing Teachers for this wonderful writing community.  A place for us to grow together as writers. 

Day 24 – March SOLSC

I’ve always battled with anxiety since I was a young girl.  Always a worrier.  Always an over thinker.  Always nervous.  As I got older, I guess I learned coping strategies and while I would worry or get nervous in different situations, I was able to work through them.  I was able to keep going.  It never really held me back or disrupted my life.  I did well in school and went away to college – sure I was homesick and had moments of anxiousness, but I “plowed” through.

Then in 2006, my dad passed away suddenly and unexpectedly 4 months before my wedding.  This caused my anxiety to ramp up to a new level.  My worries became magnified.  I worried about something happening to my mom, or my brother, or my then fiancé, or anyone I cared about.  I was afraid to be alone because I just worried and worried.  Seeing a therapist helped and I was able to get my anxiety under “control.”

I now know, it was probably never under real control.  I just learned how to push things aside and either block out feelings or suppress them.  I’m not even really sure how I was able to keep myself going.

This January, I had my first ever panic/anxiety attack.  My heart was racing and I couldn’t calm down.  The more I noticed that my heart was racing out of nowhere, the more I panicked.  I was convinced that something was wrong with my heart (my dad died from a massive heart attack).  I spent the day in the emergency room hooked up to heart monitors and getting blood work done.  All tests came back normal – nothing wrong with my heart.  Just my anxiety.

This was my wake up call.  Time to start taking care of myself instead of just everyone else.  Time to start making myself a priority and to stop saying “I just don’t have time,” or “it’s just too expensive.” After the panic attack, I followed up with a new doctor who has me on the right track.  I’ve joined the gym and got myself hooked up with an amazing trainer.   She’s teaching me (aka torturing me) about muscle groups, strength training, and endurance.  She’s simply amazing!  I now work out 4-5 times a week (and my husband does too)!  We finally started to prioritize and realize that both of us should be taking better care of ourselves.

I wish I didn’t have to have a panic/anxiety attack in order to make self-care a priority, but maybe it’s the push I needed.  I’ve learned that it’s ok to be selfish sometimes.  I feel better than I’ve ever felt before.  I’m happier – have more energy.  I’m probably a better mom, wife, and teacher too.  We even signed up for The Bronx Zoo 5K run next month.  A lot of good has come out of a bad, scary event in my life.  It’s never too late to start taking care of yourself!

I’m participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge!  Thank you to the team of writers at Two Writing Teachers for this wonderful writing community.  A place for us to grow together as writers. 

Day 23 – March SOLSC

Ode to Coffee

Oh coffee,

you make my mornings just so lovely,

so complete.

Your aroma fills my apartment with happiness

and I just can’t wait until you’re done brewing.

Oh coffee,

that first sip just makes my heart skip a beat.

You’re so warm and delicious.

With each sip you send joy throughout my entire body.

Oh coffee,

you just make me smile –

Every. single. day.

I’d be lost without you!

I’m participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge!  Thank you to the team of writers at Two Writing Teachers for this wonderful writing community.  A place for us to grow together as writers. 

 

Day 22 – March SOLSC

Currently….

Watching:   FoodNetwork – Pioneer Woman, Guy’s Grocery games.  HGTV’s Fixer Upper.  The Zoo (I’m obsessed with the Bronx Zoo), NCIS (can’t get enough of reruns), and whatever might be on Disney when it’s Emma’s turn.

Listening:  Emma telling stories with her dolls and stuffed animals.  Her creativity and ability to entertain herself is just amazing.  She’s content with being with herself.

Appreciating:   My husband for supporting me on my journey to better my mind, body, and soul.  He is encouraging me to do the things that will make me feel good and not make excuses that I don’t have enough time.  I wouldn’t be able to take care of myself if he wasn’t helping.  I more than appreciate him.

Loving:   My girl and all our snuggle time, my husband, my first graders, my new determined self!

Drinking:  Water – lots and lots of water!  Coffee (of course!) and whiskey!

Wishing:   For the World to be more Awesome (Thank you Kid President!)  Kindness, Empathy, and Peace.

Planning:  My next reading and writing units.  My workout schedule – road to a healthier me and training for The Bronx Zoo 5K next month.

Reading:  Blogs of my fellow slicers, Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate, and Messy – The Power of Disorder to Transform our Lives by Tim Harford.

I’m participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge!  Thank you to the team of writers at Two Writing Teachers for this wonderful writing community.  A place for us to grow together as writers.