Let’s Try Something Mom Would Never Do

Today was an interesting lesson on going against one’s initial instinct or response.

Mom was complaining that the only time Dad is willing to go out for meals is when my sister or I happened to visit. “Who would want to eat elsewhere when Helen’s kitchen is the best in the whole world?” says Dad.

“But even a chef needs a break. One gets tired of one’s own cooking.”

I totally get it.

A Beautiful Autumn Day and a Taste of Being a Grand Aunt

Dear Gentle Reader: My dearest friend’s niece was in town with her baby, who is just a little over two years old. We spent a good part of the morning at the Chicago Botanic Garden and enjoyed the esplanade, sensory garden, rose garden, bonsai, mini waterfalls, ducks, walking around the bridge paths, but most importantly, the Model Train Exhibit (which I hadn’t been to in a LONG while). Although my friend and her niece were the primary attendants to the Prince, I was a back-up bag and stroller carrier, jester, photographer, and baby conversationalist. There was an amusing moment where it took the three of us to put him in the stroller. He was a very happy and chill baby, and we managed to keep him out of the water.

Goodness, what a workout—not only doing the Botanic Garden walk, but carrying the stroller up steps (not to worry—it was a very light stroller; my mom’s designer purses are heavier), squatting down to talk with the Prince, doing some funny ad hoc dance moves and making funny sounds so he would look at the camera.

Battling My Inner Adolescent

Dear Gentle Reader: Even though I don’t have to deal with the adolescent energy from my offspring anymore, I still have to deal with the adolescent energy within, which I refer to as my Inner Adolescent. It’s not uncommon for me to struggle with my Inner Adolescent as I face the mountains of tasks that need to get done—“No.” “You can’t make me.” “I hate you.” “You suck.” “Shut up.” “Leave me alone.”

It’s strange but sometimes I get better results from asking with the expectation of a “no” answer from my Inner Adolescent, or phrase it so that it’s such a small thing that it would be petty to say “no.”

Cleanse Post Mortem—What’s After the Cleanse?

Dear Gentle Reader: Calloo, callay—what a glorious day! The Orenda 10-Day Detox is over. I lost a little over 6 lbs. in 10 days. I’m now lighter than what I weighed before I got married 21 years ago—go me!

So what do I eat first? What do I miss the most? A juicy bacon deluxe hamburger and Culver’s cement mixer? A freshly-made, warm almond or chocolate croissant from the bakery? Bread pudding a la mode? Molten chocolate cake? Chicken pot pie? Potstickers? But then I remind myself not to go too crazy. This is what got me into trouble in the first place.

What I liked most about the cleanse was the quick results in a relatively short amount of time.

How to Make Your Next Trip to Costco Like Going to the Gym or Working with a Personal Trainer

Dear Gentle Reader: The other day I was thinking about how much I missed the exercise classes, teachers, and some of the friends I made at the health club. Like many people, I stopped my membership during the lockdown. I’ve been debating with myself about whether or not I should join a gym while knowing that COVID numbers are rising again. I don’t want to pay the enrollment fee or have to pay for a pricey membership when I really only go for the classes and not use the machines or facilities (showers, towels, etc.) I also miss working with a personal trainer, but don’t want to go back to the hassles of finding someone/someplace new.

Then I realized Costco can be my gym. I already have a membership and go there fairly regularly, though not as much as when the Princess was home. (But things can change…especially if I go along with the workout-while-shopping idea—and maybe bring a friend if I miss the group experience.)

Here are some exercise equivalents/moves:

Mission Health

Dear Gentle Reader: These past two years have been a challenge on the health front. I had to be hospitalized for surgery twice. First to remove my ovaries and uterus due to a pelvic mass the size of a baby watermelon (19 cm). Ten months later, I had to get the tail-end of my pancreas, spleen, and gall bladder removed because of a benign but aggressively growing pancreatic cyst.

For the longest time, I took my doctor’s warning about high cholesterol and blood sugar, elevated blood pressure, in stride. It was not until the cysts which gave me a rude wakeup call.

Why Is Writing So Dang Hard? (Why Do I Even Bother?)

Dear Gentle Reader: I am trying to work on several posts simultaneously to different levels of completion, so I can meet my goal of having a daily post for Blogadays. I have my journal open; my computer with hundreds of tabs open, plus the Google doc with my blog topics (82 pages), my blog site; not to mention piles of books, notebooks, many pens, markers, post-its, and papers around me. I have my teas—both iced and once-hot-now-lukewarm—to the side of me. (Can’t decide if I want something hot or cold but will have both ready just in case.) Amidst all this chaos, somehow I should be able to write something, right?

The Secret to Aging Gracefully—According to Grandma “Helen” Lee

Dear Gentle Reader: I like to tease my mom about not acting her age. She’s a shadow’s throw from 80, but can pass for her sixties.

“What’s your secret, Mom?”

“Walk one hour every day. Eat mostly at home. Only healthy and high-quality, organic food—vegetables, fruit, fish, little bit of meat. Have only good conversation.”

The Day After—Writing Hangover

Dear Gentle Reader: My brain is sore from writing and thinking about writing yesterday. I am so out of practice. I feel spent. Sleep deprivation can do that to you. I did my exercise of brainstorming and listing all the possible things I want to write about, but nothing seemed to scream “pick me.” Maybe I need to let it rest; let me rest. But I did promise to try to write a post or thought each day for Blogadays, so I will massage my aching head and try again tomorrow.

Thought for the day: Permission to rest. Sometimes one needs it.

Back to School—Huzzah!

Welcome Back, New School Year! (Let me give you a hug)
Dear Gentle Reader: It’s been over a year since I last posted. Lots have happened—from dealing with health issues not uncommon with aging and/or poor lifestyle choices, to researching on ways to heal myself, as well as getting caught up with the day-to-day wheel-whirling or plate-spinning known as Life. All the while, the yearning to write and express myself creatively has been put on the backburner. Now with my daughter back in college, it’s time to refocus on me—yippy skippy!

(Now, don’t get me wrong. I do miss you, Princess—you AND your sweet treats! Cue in “Oatmeal Cookie” song.)