I had a crazy week emotionally and energy wise. I am in the midst of some very big life transitions and although I am excited and positive at the same time I am nervous and hesitant. I don't know if that makes sense to you, but it does to me since I'm the one going through it. I honestly believe this is why I have been hesitant finishing my resume and passing it out. The resume to me is a final break with my old work life and opens me up to a new work life. Perhaps the younger generation is used to doing this, but I am not. I am a person that for many years lived to work and everything else was on the side. I am flattered and excited that people have reached out to me asking for my resume and I keep promising I will get it to them, but so far have not followed through (procrastinating! hmmmm). It's not that I have not started it and actually have a draft ready to go, but it's the actual finalizing and sending it to someone who will then use it to make some judgement about me that I think scares me (fear another hmmmm). What do you procrastinate about? What are you fearful about? Can I help you move forward in some way?
On the other hand my emotions and energy are going haywire as my mom is in the hospital again. She is fighting another infection, but is on the road to recovery. My dad, of course, is at his wits end as he wants to be her caretaker and sometimes he just can't be. My poor sister is running herself ragged and all I keep saying is I'll be there soon to give her a break. I can be a sounding board for my sister, but hopefully when I'm there she will be able to get a better break. My parents are both becoming a little slower and a little more needy so as I have said previously, my retirement is coming at a good time so I can be there more often. I have been doing lots of research of caregivers, facilities (if needed), financial and legal issues that arise at this time and balance their wishes to be as independent as possible for as long as possible. In some ways being an HR officer for so long as prepared me for some of this, but it is definitely not easy when it's your own family. Now to work on an internet connection for my parents house so I can stay connected while there.
I did have a new experience the other night with some friends as we went to the Hot Spot Sauna in Herndon (http://hotspotsauna.com/about/). It's an infra-red individualized sauna studio. It is a very simple and clean studio with minimal decor. Some people use it to detox, weight loss, stress relief, etc. The temperature can go up to 150 degrees. After my fainting the week before I decided to keep it a little cooler, so I started at 146 and by the time it was done I was down to 130, but believe me I sweated all over. I popped the glass door open a couple of times to get a cool breeze. They have wonderful soft music playing and lights that change color as they do different things for the body. The attendant was extremely nice and knowledgeable and never provided any pressure to purchase a membership although I know they have them. She mentioned it and then never brought it up again. I find that extremely refreshing. Although I thoroughly enjoyed it, I am not sure I would do it more than a couple of times per year. I also realized that there was too much going on in my mind so for this first time I was not even meditating very well. Now that I have completed it once I know that I would definitely get my mind in the right place for meditation. My friends enjoyed it as well and I must say my skin felt fabulous when it was over. Have you ever tried something like this? What was your experience?
My other business is a bit busy this time of year as I end contracts with some clients and take on a few new clients. Some days are busier than others as I have preparation work to do on both sides of the equation. I did finally start the process for online banking with this business so I can handle some items while away from the area - more changes (LOL).
I am reading three books at this moment, but have not finished any of them. Two are inspirational, but sometimes those take me a little longer to read as I have to absorb a little at a time. What are you reading?
I had two great workouts with the trainer this past week. He continues to challenge me each and every time. He even had me doing a little running on the treadmill (just a little) as he builds my endurance. I told him I would be gone for a month and his jaw hit his chest. He is going to give me some ideas for at least maintaining while I'm gone. He and the other trainers are all so encouraging and tease me about being a gym rat. I had a woman stop me the other evening when she said, "you come here a lot." I said yes I try to come every week day and see the trainer twice per week. She works out with her husband who is training her. We had the nicest conversation and she could not believe that I have only been there since January and how I enjoy working out now. Are you taking care of you with exercise? Have you come up with a plan or a goal?
I am going to leave it here for today. I hope you have a great week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy." - Anne Frank
"Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them." - Marcus Aurelius
"You were given life; it is your duty (and also your entitlement as ahuman being) to find something beautiful within life, no matter howslight." - Elizabeth Gilbert