Random Randomness

I miss blogging. Half the time I forget that I have a blog, and the other half of the time I go to write a new post and I can think of nothing to write. Or maybe I'm just afraid I've said it all in the ten years I've been blogging.

But one feature I've always liked is my Random Randomness posts where I basically write whatever comes to mind.

So, here we go:

1) Why does the time fly faster the older you get? April is nearly over with, and I'm not ready for May. At all. May is going to be a very busy month for me - birthdays, graduations, lots of work activities, deadlines to meet...

2) I had an amazing two weeks of good health. It was GLORIOUS. I took a walk through the park nearly every single day, enjoying the burst of spring, the colors, the scents. Heavenly! I also got a lot done in the house, was able to spend time with family, and of course, get some writing done.

3) I now have a new rule: No Social Media After 5 p.m. I've stuck to it for two weeks now and let me tell you something: I actually look forward to 5 p.m. I no longer have the feeling that I MUST CHECK FACEBOOK AND TWITTER NOW. Instead, I trained my brain to realize that there is nothing of earth-shattering importance that cannot wait until the next morning. Instead of wasting time on social media, I've been using that time to take walks, work in my flowerbeds, spend time with my daughter and my husband, and write. It's been life-changing.

4) I've determined something. Life is too short to worry about how you look. Seriously. Ever since I went through menopause last year following surgery, I've put on about 15-20 pounds. And it's been really hard to take off. I've had far too many days of being severely depressed because of this. Why did I want to lose the weight? Well, to look better, of course. Vanity! All is vanity! When you step on the scale every night to weigh yourself and your mood is impacted by the number on the scale, enough is enough. I want permission to eat what I want to eat, when I want to eat it, without crucifying myself for it. I want permission to skip a walk or a work-out session because I don't feel good due to my rheumatoid arthritis without feeling guilty for it. I want permission to focus on my family and my writing and my hobbies instead of constantly worrying about my weight. Once I made that decision, it's like a huge burden was lifted from me. 

But it only lasted two weeks. The guilt came back a few days ago and I've got to combat the demon again. Why do we always compare ourselves to other people? Why do we always think that if we lose 20 pounds we'll be happier? In my case, I just want to be healthy and be able to move. I do a lot of walking and I really, really enjoy it. But I also love chocolate and I want to eat it without feeling like I am putting poison in my mouth. The diet industry and the monumental focus on how we look has had its hooks in me long enough. Time to cut it lose.

5) I love studying World War II history. This is not new, of course, but sometimes I get absolutely giddy when I'm in the midst of reading a book on a certain part of the war, or I get into discussions with fellow historians, or I find a new resource that is integral to what I'm working on. Giddiness, my friends, is a wonderful feeling. We all need to feel it more. So, follow your passion - even if it's only for a few hours a day or a week. Do it. Find something you are passionate about and spend time immersing yourself in it. You don't have to do it for a full-time job, but even those few hours will give you the energy and happiness you need to sustain you. 

6) I'm headed to England in the fall. I will be seeing Benedict Cumberbatch in Hamlet and if I'm very lucky, I will also catch a glimpse of Daniel Craig at the London premiere of the new James Bond movie, SPECTRE. But beyond seeing enormously talented and gorgeous British movie stars, I'm also going to Bletchley Park and the Imperial War Museum and the Churchill War Rooms and...and...the list never stops! To say I'm excited is a dramatic understatement.

Hmm. Well, looking over my list, it appears I did have a lot to say after all. That's what happens when you just start typing and not thinking about what to say - you just say it. Ah, writing. 

And that concludes this post of Random Randomness. I'll leave you with this: