Doreen's New Way of Life (comments are welcome)

[DoeWDW]

Thank you all for your wonderful ideas!! You've got me thinking about what has been truly special about this trip and what it has meant to me. I did break down and buy a crystal to hang in my kitchen window - I'm hoping the sun will catch it and make rainbows all over the room and rainbows always fascinate me and make me smile. It was less than $10 but I'll enjoy it.

Last night we were back in the Magic Kingdom for another E-ride night. I just love being in the MK with so few people, watching the castle change color and seeing Main Street all lit up, strolling with DH.

This morning we were slow in getting up. I spent an hour at the pool while waiting for the laundry to cycle through. The girls are finally waking up and getting ready. We're heading to MGM (pic with Mickey and a t-shirt for DS), Typhoon Lagoon (DD wants a picture frame) and Downtown Disney (DD saw something in the crystal shop she wants and DH wants to see a movie). Tonight I will probably take one more stroll around the World Showcase at Epcot. I'd like to find a bench and enjoy one last margarita while thinking about all the wonderful times we've had on this trip.

We'll also be packing the van for the trip home. We'll be leaving early tomorrow morning to avoid Orlando rush hour traffic. We're going to play the drive by ear - we could make it in one day but if any of us are getting too tired of the car, we'll stop and finish the drive on Saturday.

 

[sharoncity]

Hi Doe! I just caught up with the last few pages of your journal. I had to laugh to see you thought of me and the evil stepper!!!
Your vacation sounds absolutely divine!! How wonderful that you had 2 whole weeks of relaxation. That's the problem with Americans, we don't take enough time to relax and unwind!! I am so happy you had this opportunity. We have a few camping trips this sumer for 8 or 9 days, and I know that those extra few days make ALL the difference!!
Have a safe trip home! Just sit back and relive all your beautiful memories!
TTFN-
Sharon

 

[toystoryduo]

Good morning Doe,
I know that you are probably on your way home now, but I want to WISH you a safe trip home. Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us! It sounds like a wonderful and relaxing time was had by all. Sending prayers your way for a safe trip home, an easy transition back to home life post-vacation, and for lots of to hit that crystal you bought so that you can look at it and remember this wonderful trip.


Tracy

 

[DoeWDW]

I'm home!!

We left the Beach Club Villas at 5:40 AM yesterday and were home by 9:20 PM last night. The drive went well but we didn't stop much. My puppy was happy to see me when we picked her up at the kennel, but she got a bath promptly when we got home!

This morning we called DS in Australia to see how he's doing. He has been suffering from depression and he's doing his best to have a good time. He said he hasn't made any special friends in his traveling group so he's feeling down about that. He likes the food and most of the activities have been fun. DH and I were a bit down after talking to him. I guess we were both hoping to hear him talk about what a great time he's having and it's hard to hear that twinge of sadness in his voice. However, we both agree that the schedule is crazy so he's probably tired and we're hoping that he'll look back on the trip as a good one. We asked if we should call him again next Saturday and he said yes.

Being a parent is tough. DH and I think that DS is spending too much time just aimlessly sitting around so when he gets back we'll help him pass his driver's test and get the job he so badly wants. It will give him a sense of purpose and responsibility. We also talked about encouraging him to go back to martial arts which he really enjoyed. If these things don't help, then we agreed that counseling is the next step.

I woke up this morning and felt all the old "shoulds" coming back to me. I have resolved to not get back into that old trap. During vacation, I woke up feeling light and sunny and hopeful every day. I think I deserve to feel that way every day (or MOST days) out of the year! I'll be working on taming my "should" monster and enjoying every moment of my day, even those moments when I'm tackling chores and taking care of those "shoulds".

I weighed in and took measurements - it was a mixed bag. My weight is a staggering 139 - only 3 pounds less than when I started WISH last August and 2 pounds more than when I left on vacation. However, some of my measurements have gone down and most of the others have stayed the same. I'm not going to change my signature - I'm going to give it a week or at least until July 1st.

I could ponder on but I'm hungry - haven't eaten breakfast yet! I want to get to journals but will be concentrating on getting my disaster area.....ummm.....house back in order. I've already decluttered the kitchen and DH says he'll clean it. I'm going to unpack bags and declutter and clean today and tomorrow so I can start the week with a decent looking house!

 

[wilderness01]

I'm glad you had such a nice trip. I usually get the post-trip blues so maybe that is why you are having some trouble with the "shoulds" today. Give it a few days and hopefully the "shoulds" will be gone. I'm sorry that your son is feeling sad. It is hard to be away from home.

 

[Castillo Mom]

Doe, I just finished catching up with your joural. When you PM'd me the other day, I didn't realize you were still journaling. What a wonderful way to chronicle your trip and share your thoughts and experiences with us. After reading, I'm even more excited about our trip in about 6 weeks! Thanks again Doe and welcome back!

 

[LAinSEA]

Doe:

On fighting the "shoulds" - I'm having difficulties dealing with the "shoulds" too. I should be pulling weeks and cleaning house, I should spend more time on my classwork, I should be more thorough at work, I should be exercising more, I should be eating more on plan, I should be spending more time with family, I should, I should, I should! It seems the more "Shoulds" the more stress and the "shoulds" multiply until I'm losing what little sleep because I'm getting worrying about more "shoulds".

If you have found a way to deal with the "Shoulds" please, please share.

Again welcome home - I really enjoyed your trip posts. It was almost like being there.

-Laurie

 

[nancyj_pa]

Hi Doreen,
Welcome home. I'm glad you had a safe and happy trip. You must have been so exhausted from that long ride home. I know when we drive home from South Carolina it seems like forever!

I'm sure your son will get more used to things and make some friends this week. Some kids take a little longer to socialize. Your idea of helping him get his license and a job sound really good. We have a lot of young people working at my supermarket, and they seem to enjoy themselves, like the extra money, and are developing a sense of responsibility. They mostly work about 12 to 16 hours per week and that seems enough for most of them.

Have a great Sunday. I'm going to visit DS and his wife this afternoon. I've been spending so much time at DD's that I'm going to enjoy this visit a lot. I won't be painting and hanging wallpaper!

Talk to you soon, Nancy J

 

[DoeWDW]

I've been sharing my feelings of being overwhelmed with "shoulds" with my DH. He and I are both working hard to stay sane, knowing that our work will be very stressful over the next few months. We talked yesterday about how much housework is enough for one day, setting our daily goals for that day and then letting the rest go, guilt-free. Knowing that we are both struggling with "shoulds" and that we are setting reasonable daily goals together is helping.

Today my goals are going to Sunday School & church, which I enjoyed, getting to the store for groceries and walking the puppy as part of my half-marathon training. I do not have to feel bad about all the rest of the shoulds - they'll get tackled on other days. I know that DH will not be feeling resentful if the bathroom is not spotless or the weeds aren't pulled, since he agreed on these goals with me. By the way, DH thought about lots of goals for his day, but says he just doesn't feel motivated. We both agreed that he should take the day off, without feeling guilty about it.

I haven't been to the store yet, so my food choices are pretty limited. I didn't get a chance to eat before going to church and I had a PBJ and a handful of chips for lunch. I've been drinking my water and took my meds. I am down to 137 - my pre-vacation weight and my measurements are heading down as well. I think yesterday's stats were due to vacation bloat! I'll be feeling much better in a few days.

I'm feeling lighter and happier. I am dreading work tomorrow but I am going to try to do the same kind of goal-setting that I'm doing at home. Accomplishing 2 small goals is better than wallowing in all my shoulds and getting nothing done! I'm going to try to hang onto this relaxed feeling!

Work will be crazy and I'm limiting my computer time at home, so I'm not sure when I'll get all caught up on journals. Please know that I'm thinking warm thoughts and sending good vibes to all of you!

 

[Auntmeme]

WELCOME HOME

I also enjoyed your vaca posts, need to catch up on the lastones. I guess the time flew by

Sorry to hear about all the stress but your plan with dh sounds just perfect. Hope Sunday was very enjoyable and today is a better day for you

 

[DoeWDW]

I finished all my goals on Sunday! I went to church, got groceries at the store and walked the puppy for 45 minutes!

I'm at work. I just got through all my emails and have to revisit some to follow up. So far, so good! I've got a smile on my face despite the sick feeling in my stomach (stress-induced). I keep giving myself positive self-talk and breathing deeply and consciously relaxing my muscles. I'm going to take baby steps through my day.

My goals for today - get through my work day, walk the puppy, and make a decent dinner of chicken parmigiana (with low-carb sauce & low-carb pasta). The rest will take care of itself in time.

I'm keeping my sunny attitude!

 

[lulu202]

Good morning, dear WISH-sis! Sorry I didn't have this post waiting for you when you got to work. I decided to sleep in. For the first time in months!

It sounds to me like you've got things under way. . .you're taking those baby steps and you're inching back into the work world. The first day back is always so brutal, but you seem to be taking it all in stride. Put yourself on cruise control, honey.

Did you take your meds and vitamins? Very necessary, Doreen. Don't forget. Also, include some mugs of water in your plan. You can do it, and it will help with the stress. Hey, if DD isn't home, I have to mother someone!

for you on this busy Monday!

Erin

 

[toystoryduo]

Good morning Doe,
WISHing you a bright and day at work today. Just remember that baby steps are the key to getting through your first day back.

I like how you and your DH are working together to come up with your daily goals. That is such a great idea! I think my DH and I are going to try and follow your example. My husband and I have a tendency to set goals and then not follow through with them. However, with a "goal partner", there will be more accountability for each of us and we can focus together on what is important and what can wait. This is a great idea Doe!! Thanks!

I hope you have a wonderful day today! Take good care of you!

Tracy

 

[septbride2002]

It is easy to become overwhelmed after a vacation. We have put off real life for so long that it all backs up on us. I think you and Todd are doing a great thing by agreeing to daily goals and then forgetting the rest. Concentrate on the NOW and not the shoulds.

I'm glad to hear the vacation bloat is gone. And that you are going to be on the back on track boat with Erin and myself. The three of us need to get back into walking the walk! I know we can do it! I know I feel stronger knowing my fellow are with me!

~Amanda

 

[vald1977]

Hi Doe,
I hope your morning is going well for you. Baby steps are a good thing . Just keep moving forward a little at a time and before you know it, it will be time to head home and unwind . Wishing you a great day !

 

[DoeWDW]

Thanks, all!! Your posts are making me smile! It's great to have all my buddies around me - I can feel the good vibes!

Erin, I did take my vitamin but left my meds at home - I'll take them when I get home this afternoon. I'm drinking tons of water! I'm glad you're here to mother me!

Tracy, setting goals with DH has been a real blessing this weekend. I'm only setting 3 per day - I have to remember that I'm not Superwoman!

Amanda, it looks like you and Erin and I will be the 3 Mouseketeers with our recommitment to healthy living. I'm going to walk the walk today!!

Val, those baby steps are so important to me! Thinking in terms of baby steps helps me to avoid feeling overwhelmed! Whenever I start to feel anxious, I know I'm thinking too much and I take a deep breath and focus on the one baby step I need to take next.

Ladies, I'm going to do it!! I'm going to have a day on plan with my eating! I've had an apple w/ PB for breakfast and a string cheese for snack. Lunch will be tuna salad. Afternoon snack will be an Atkins raspberry yogurt. Dinner tonight will be chicken parmigiana with a small amount of low-carb pasta & sauce. I'll also be strolling at lunchtime and walking the puppy tonight so I'll get my exercise in, even though today is a rest day on my training schedule.

Today is the first day of the rest of my low-carb healthy living life!
Hopefully I can resist the retirement cake at work today!!

 

[CheapMom]

Thanks for sharing your vacation with us through your journal- I am glad the scale swung back down for you. There will be a lot of catch-up at work I am sure and just like the housework- remember it can't be conquered all at once. You are not superwoman- but I think you are pretty darned close
Have fun getting back into the swing of things-
sending good thoughts your way for your DS.
Mary

 

[lulu202]

Oooh, YUK! Did you say "retirement cake?" I've heard that's just the absolute worst dessert in the world! Stay away from that--the stuff is gross. What's the lousiest thing about it is that it looks kinda pretty and everyone who has it says it's really good and that you should try it, but don't fall for it, Doreen. They just want you sharing in their misery. Promise yourself a lowcarb treat after work, but whatever you do, WISH-sis: STAY CLEAR OF THAT NASTY CAKE!!!!!

Hey, isn't it cheesecake-for-breakfast-season? I think it's time we started having it again. What do you say: ya wanna make one this weekend? You, too, Amanda. The more the merrier!

Erin

 

[DoeWDW]

Erin, you are so right about that cake!! Your post made me think of the Beverly drink at Ice Station Cool in Epcot! YUCK!! The cake is gone and I did not have any of it!

Cheesecake......yum!!! I think you may be right - time to make some low-carb cheesecake this weekend!!

I've stayed true to my plan - had my tuna salad for lunch and then walked a mile outside! Nothing is going to ruin my healthy living day today!!

 

[septbride2002]

Can somone send me a cheesecake Sounds yummy!

Doe you are doing awesome today! And I know when you go home tonight you are going to be feeling so great about yourself that your evening will be a breeze and you will wake up tomorrow feeling sensational!

~Amanda