It’s the start of a new month! And in a few short weeks, a new (long-awaited!) season will be upon us. Those are reason enough to rejoice.
The things is, I haven’t been doing much rejoicing. I feel as though I’ve been hanging in mid-air, ready for a drop, ready for a button to be pushed or a command to be given. I’m suspended but there are no time-outs, however much I may need them.
In lieu of eloquence or much clarity, I thought I’d take a cue from Kelly over at A Lovely Life Indeed. She features monthly Ahora posts (ahora means now in Spanish), outlining what’s trending in her life in a variety of different areas. Thanks for the post inspiration, Kelly!
Here’s my first edition of The State of Things:
Weathering
It snowed a lot. I’ve never seen so much so snow in one month, or so many single-digit temperatures. The upside is, now I know that I can handle waking up to 6 degrees and taking the dog out for a walk. Triple layers? No problem! Now twenty or thirty degrees doesn’t feel so bad.
Fighting Cabin Fever
Andy and I visited two great attractions nearby: The Fields Sculpture Park at OMI International Arts Center in Ghent, and Mohonk Mountain House down in Ulster County. Taking advantage of the Hudson Valley’s abundant offerings, check!
Watching
We’ve been watching both The Walking Dead and Better Call Saul. I love Saul so far and can’t believe that a well-made Breaking Bad prequel is airing so soon after the original’s ending. Also, Jimmy Fallon never fails to make me smile, particularly when he sings:
Moving
The gym! We continued to go regularly, even on snowy mornings. I think it’s helped a lot when it comes to dealing with uncontrollable outside circumstances.
Drinking
We recently became huge fans of ImmuneShein, a great immune-boosting elixir produced right here in the Hudson Valley. My favorite variety has just four ingredients: ginger root, wildflower honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon (all organic).
Traveling
I dove into Seattle trip planning and reserved some city tours, hotel stays, and a Mount Rainier day tour. I leave next Tuesday and I’m so excited.
This past weekend, we took an impromptu trip down to my parents’ house on Long Island, and we got to see some more of this winter’s dramatic effects. Long Island Sound is the body of water in between LI and Connecticut, and since it branches off of the Atlantic, it is salt water, not fresh. I’ve never seen this much ice coating the water before– all that whiteness you see is normally water and rocky beach!
Mourning
Lastly, the reason we went down to LI is because my godmother Julia passed away last week. If you read my last two posts, you know that this has been a particularly heavy time. A friend of Andy’s passed away unexpectedly, I learned of an old friend’s suicide, and now my godmother. She was 96 and had been suffering from dementia for several years. I was closer to Julia than I was to either of my grandmothers, and at one point, than most people in my life. I’m still processing this, I admit. Up until last Wednesday, I’ve been able to say that I’ve never lost anyone close to me. And now, as I said earlier, I’m suspended. I’m missing and loving and at times on the brink of tears that never fully come.
That sums it up: Be kinder than necessary. That was Julia. That’s what I’m feeling lately.
What’s going on in your world?
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The snow and cold need to be gone!
The Walking Dead is the only show I watch! So great!
Yay for keeping at it with the gym! XOXO
And I’m sending all my love to you and you’re family :/ XOXOXOXOXOXO
Thank you Rebecca. Some days are easier than others when it comes to the gym, and some days, like yesterday, it’s the only thing I did all day. But it’s something!
Christy, my heart goes to you in this deep time of mourning. I’m so sorry to hear of another loss. And this one so special to you. May you work your way through the pain of their passing, the grief of their absence, and the ending of times spent together.
I always try to remember a friend of mine telling me that grief is on its own time table and that sometimes it comes and takes a seat beside me hanging out for as long as it pleases. Those words of wisdom help me remember it’ll pass and also that how i grieve is normal for me. so, i hope those words help you somehow as well 🙂
Thank you. I appreciate your words. And that last part is important to remember- there is no ‘normal’, only normal for me.
I’m so sorry for the loss you have experienced. That quote is so accurate. We are molded by our experience…polished by our hardships. We emerge as diamonds, shining bright for others to see. Our light may guide them on their way.
Thank you so much for the mention and link. 🙂 After spending the weekend away with my niece, I came home with a ridiculous cold. Hopefully, I will be working up my Ahora post this weekend. 🙂
Have a wonderful time in Seattle! It’s on my list, and I can’t wait to see your recaps.
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Thank you, Kelly. I hope you feel better soon! It seemed like you really enjoyed your weekend away with your niece. She’s lucky to have such a supportive aunt 🙂
This Winter has been brutal with lots of negative temps, cabin fever is totally setting in. Jimmy Fallon always has the best duets. I am so sorry for your loss, she sounds like she was a great person and very important to you. Big hugs!
I can’t take it anymore! I’m tired of even thinking about winter negatively. I just keep looking forward to the warmer temps and enjoying my cozy blankets. Thanks for your kind words, Kerry.
Even though the snow has been a bit…much, it sure does make for pretty pictures! I am sorry to hear about your loss. That’s a lovely quote you posted.
Yes, my husband makes the most of the snow and manages to capture it quite well!
I’m sorry for all of your losses, Christy. I hope your trip to Seattle helps a bit with the missing, at least for a little while. I’ve never been, but it’s definitely on my list of places to visit!
Thanks, Dana. I’m hoping Seattle helps, too! Locking in reservations & tours and things helps 🙂
🙁 sorry to hear. xoxo
Thank you, Kelsey.
We have been buried under much ice and snow here too. I went outside last week when the temp was in the 40s and I thought it was practically balmy!
I’m sorry to hear of your recent losses. I hope you will find the comfort you need to see you through.
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Yeah, we said the same thing when the temp was in the mid 30s! Ridiculous.
I am feeling a bit better. Every day is different, you know?
I’m so sorry about Julia – how tough.
And that LI beach looks unrecognizable!
I’m closing out the end of two horrible weeks. I think they can only get better from here. Life has felt so heavy and so much harder. I’m sick of being cold and sick of being afraid of being sick and sick of the ice.
The beach was certainly unrecognizable to me– and everyone else, I think! It was on the news down there; all the bodies of water around the island have been pretty clogged with ice. So weird and fascinating at the same time.
I hope this coming week is better for us both!
So sorry to hear about your grandma! I can understand why things were/are tough for you lately. Hope the next few days will be better though!
That iced body of water is amazing. Can’t imagine standing right there! Wow.
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Thanks Rea! Yes, things have been better. Even better tomorrow, when I start my Seattle vacation!
This seems like a great way to kind of stay grounded — a post like this. Kind of a way to reflect on recent things going on in your world. Sorry for your loss, too. It’s never easy, but I hope you take the fond memories and they soon make you smile.
Thanks for this, PJ, I appreciate it. Thinking of Julia will always make me smile 🙂