Even though November and Thanksgiving Day are in the rear-view mirror, this is the season that I count the blessings in my life. I think that this practice has at least some rudimentary roots in pagan traditions.
1. Romeyn and my beautiful stepsons.
2. Romeyn and my beautiful stepsons. This needs stating twice. I fully realize what a lucky you-know-what I am to have My Men! We also have a pretty good relationship with the other coparents in the boys' lives. Believe it or not, it's like having more "in-laws."
3. My blend, my in-laws, my nuclear family, my extended family, and my extended-nuclear family. I'm not always the best at keeping in touch, but know that you are all in my thoughts!
4. My friends. My understanding, patient, forgiving, creative, delightfully geeky friends!!!!!
5. The Potsdam Lions Club. Lions Clubs in general!
6. The ability to dance and run. Given the events of the past year and my dubious medical history, this is a biggie.
7. Science Fiction---particularly books (e.g., The Martian), but also visual media (Star Wars, Star Trek, Stargate...great examples...remember they are totally different things, with the possible exception of when Stargate SG-1 steals from Star Wars plot elements).
8. Mysteries! Oh, and all other books. :)
9. The Arts! All of them!
10. Crafting.
11. Numbers!! Always, always numbers.
12. Last, but never ever least, my colleagues and coworkers with Potsdam College! We will overcome the challenges together. After all, we're Potsdam Strong and Potsdam Proud!
This certainly is not an exhaustive list. However, the work day is starting, and that is a blessing as well! Be well, fellow Introverts.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Monday, November 16, 2015
Unexpectedly Social
Although not completely unexpected, some of the social elements of my new work life are mildly adventurous. So far, I've done a visual survey of a college store, and I'm scheduled to check out some athletic events at our campus this week (three of them). None of this is *required* per se, but it does help tremendously with some of the smaller details included in budget survey assignments. Also, it does get me out and about. (It is nice to shake things up from desk to field trip every now and then!)
For Those of You on Campus: If you see a short middle-aged lady in business casual dress with notebook or clipboard in tow, peering around a bit more than the people surrounding her...you've probably found me "on assignment." Tap me on the shoulder and say hi!
Cheers,
Your Sociable Introvert
For Those of You on Campus: If you see a short middle-aged lady in business casual dress with notebook or clipboard in tow, peering around a bit more than the people surrounding her...you've probably found me "on assignment." Tap me on the shoulder and say hi!
Cheers,
Your Sociable Introvert
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Now For Something Completely Different
Several months ago, I was given priceless advice by a friend and colleague regarding the Best Fit for My Personality. This advice allowed me the peace and tranquility to seek promotion in a new line of work. The job is perfect for me, and I seem to be perfect for it. I am being paid more to do a job that suits my particular character (and particularly my modes of communication).
The transition to a new position was smooth, but as with all changes it caused a bit of Introvert-related pain. My meticulous routine underwent an overhaul. Of course, this was only one factor among several that impacted the Great Routine:
* Transition To New Job
* Renovation/Repair to Home
* A Few Personal Challenges I Won't List Here
In order to compensate, I found time to go to the gym early in the morning prior to the start of my new work-day. I initially kept to the same lunch schedule because it was familiar (although unnecessary). I kept two journals simultaneously--one for Depressing Stuff and one for Aspirations. I chewed a lot (and I do mean a LOT) of sugar-free gum, which aids digestion as well as thought processes. (Please reference my Think and Chew post from last month.)
Now that the dust has settled a bit, I am focusing on how grateful I am to be here doing something that I love. My home looks beautiful and comfortable, and I continue to journal about things that were, as well as things to come.
Be well, fellow Introverts.
The transition to a new position was smooth, but as with all changes it caused a bit of Introvert-related pain. My meticulous routine underwent an overhaul. Of course, this was only one factor among several that impacted the Great Routine:
* Transition To New Job
* Renovation/Repair to Home
* A Few Personal Challenges I Won't List Here
In order to compensate, I found time to go to the gym early in the morning prior to the start of my new work-day. I initially kept to the same lunch schedule because it was familiar (although unnecessary). I kept two journals simultaneously--one for Depressing Stuff and one for Aspirations. I chewed a lot (and I do mean a LOT) of sugar-free gum, which aids digestion as well as thought processes. (Please reference my Think and Chew post from last month.)
Now that the dust has settled a bit, I am focusing on how grateful I am to be here doing something that I love. My home looks beautiful and comfortable, and I continue to journal about things that were, as well as things to come.
Be well, fellow Introverts.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Think and Chew
"Cogitate and ruminate." - Piers Anthony
Piers Anthony was one of my favorite authors when I was in my early teens. The stories are incredibly intelligent, a bit bawdy, and wonderfully well-written. The quote that sticks with me to this day is "Cogitate and ruminate." (Think and chew!)
One of my favorite pastimes is to wander through streets and/or forests, checking things out, thinking and chewing (gum). It is the most restorative form of Introvert Time for me. I've been known to walk miles...close to ten miles at a stretch in some cases. It allows the self-absorption of ruminating on everything in my life at one particular moment. The steady pace is similar to meditation. Tangents and cotangents are as welcome as is thinking about nothing at all.
My mother was the one who got me started with this pastime. It feeds curiosity, creativity, and of course, the need for movement and exercise. Be well, fellow Introverts.
Piers Anthony was one of my favorite authors when I was in my early teens. The stories are incredibly intelligent, a bit bawdy, and wonderfully well-written. The quote that sticks with me to this day is "Cogitate and ruminate." (Think and chew!)
One of my favorite pastimes is to wander through streets and/or forests, checking things out, thinking and chewing (gum). It is the most restorative form of Introvert Time for me. I've been known to walk miles...close to ten miles at a stretch in some cases. It allows the self-absorption of ruminating on everything in my life at one particular moment. The steady pace is similar to meditation. Tangents and cotangents are as welcome as is thinking about nothing at all.
My mother was the one who got me started with this pastime. It feeds curiosity, creativity, and of course, the need for movement and exercise. Be well, fellow Introverts.
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Bacchanalia
It is a source of continual seeming unreality to me that the word "party" is still societally synonymous with drinking. I'll be honest here--I'm a lightweight. It doesn't take much for me to become pleasantly inebriated.
One of my best friends and I discussed a week of monastic abstention. I proceeded in typical gung-ho fashion. I was offered no less than five drinks during that window of time. When one contemplates the social ramifications of this pattern, it's a bit worrisome.
I'm not advocating for a lack of alcohol, but I'm questioning the volume of intake that is socially accepted within my generation. I realize that this topic is contentious at best. Please understand that I mean no offense.
Be well, fellow Introverts.
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Home-Body
Our house is undergoing some much-needed rehabilitation. Fellow Introverts, those who revel in book/cat/knitting time...you *know* how painful this can be! The body of our home is currently in a great amount of disarray as a result. The long term results of this will be fan-freaking-tastic. It's already starting to look pretty spiffy. However, my oven is in my dining room (pending the kitchen's paint job after tons of plaster-work).
"My oven is in my dining room" pretty much sums up how I feel about this whole process. The house is not in order, and neither I nor my kitties are remotely amused.
"My oven is in my dining room" pretty much sums up how I feel about this whole process. The house is not in order, and neither I nor my kitties are remotely amused.
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Patience and Kindness for the Win
I received a revised bill from my care provider after resubmittal of the health care insurance claim. The patience and kindness of my letter paid off in rather large dividends. So far, the professionally-toned request to re-submit the claim to the proper arm of my insurance has saved me almost $150. It is not the only claim that was billed, but it is a start! I am one happy customer.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Sometimes, You Have to Giggle
I've had some interesting moments this week in my quest to play a little bit better with others (a familiar journey for The Introvert). Mostly, these moments have had to do with health care and having to share information about my health history.
Scenario #1: The Erstwhile Non-Matriculate
I've made no secret of the fact that I'm planning to take a non-matriculated refresher course in the Spanish Language. I'm excited about it because it's been ten years since I used the language with any frequency, and it's been almost twenty years since my last Spanish Language class. In order to take the class and be a Non-Matriculated Student, several online forms are required regarding health history (presumably, just in case I have to visit Student Health Services). One of the forms got into detail regarding conditions and surgeries. There weren't enough lines or fields available for me to give the complete answers to the questions. This sent me into somewhat of a funk. No one likes to think of themselves as having a difficult medical history. Most of the time, I don't think about it at all! It certainly was no one's fault that the lines/fields in this form were too small.
The Answer to Scenario #1: I took a break, and went back to it after cooling down.
Scenario #2: The Flummoxed Fee-Payer
Health care billing is not my favorite thing. Indeed, this Introvert used to work with Telephonic Case Management for health insurance claimants out in Seattle. I'm very, very good at deciphering medical bills and determining if the claim needs to be re-submitted. Recently, I was sent a rather hefty bill for normal (and medically necessary) services rendered. When I first looked at the amount, I blanched. However, the claim and where it was sent was handled in a way that was not technically correct. Rather than calling the billing department at the care provider's establishment and pointing fingers, I opted to type out how the claim should have been submitted (per my understanding of the ins and outs of our insurance plan), and to send my response to the bill at hand directly back to the billing department in the hopes that the paper trail and the pleasant tone of the paper sent would facilitate a quick and timely resubmittal for full payment.
The Answer to Scenario #2: I played to my strengths and experience, rather than giving in to the feeling that I should call someone and demand action right this minute.
Scenario #3: The Mania of the Move
My older stepson is moving to his graduate school tomorrow. Due to this fact, our house is understandably in a state of flux. However, the constant movement and clutter of things and people is detrimental to my serenity. It's a temporary state, but the difficulties inherent in this state of being are not helped by the overall sense of mixed sadness and extreme pride about the move. Brady is an amazing stepson and a very accomplished young man. I'll miss him terribly. In the meantime, I've set up "base camp" in the living room, carving out a space where I can chill out with my kitties and be available to Brady for whatever he needs while he prepares for this next chapter of his life.
The Answer to Scenario #3: I'm available to my boys, while preserving a calm space during a time of transition.
Scenario #1: The Erstwhile Non-Matriculate
I've made no secret of the fact that I'm planning to take a non-matriculated refresher course in the Spanish Language. I'm excited about it because it's been ten years since I used the language with any frequency, and it's been almost twenty years since my last Spanish Language class. In order to take the class and be a Non-Matriculated Student, several online forms are required regarding health history (presumably, just in case I have to visit Student Health Services). One of the forms got into detail regarding conditions and surgeries. There weren't enough lines or fields available for me to give the complete answers to the questions. This sent me into somewhat of a funk. No one likes to think of themselves as having a difficult medical history. Most of the time, I don't think about it at all! It certainly was no one's fault that the lines/fields in this form were too small.
The Answer to Scenario #1: I took a break, and went back to it after cooling down.
Scenario #2: The Flummoxed Fee-Payer
Health care billing is not my favorite thing. Indeed, this Introvert used to work with Telephonic Case Management for health insurance claimants out in Seattle. I'm very, very good at deciphering medical bills and determining if the claim needs to be re-submitted. Recently, I was sent a rather hefty bill for normal (and medically necessary) services rendered. When I first looked at the amount, I blanched. However, the claim and where it was sent was handled in a way that was not technically correct. Rather than calling the billing department at the care provider's establishment and pointing fingers, I opted to type out how the claim should have been submitted (per my understanding of the ins and outs of our insurance plan), and to send my response to the bill at hand directly back to the billing department in the hopes that the paper trail and the pleasant tone of the paper sent would facilitate a quick and timely resubmittal for full payment.
The Answer to Scenario #2: I played to my strengths and experience, rather than giving in to the feeling that I should call someone and demand action right this minute.
Scenario #3: The Mania of the Move
My older stepson is moving to his graduate school tomorrow. Due to this fact, our house is understandably in a state of flux. However, the constant movement and clutter of things and people is detrimental to my serenity. It's a temporary state, but the difficulties inherent in this state of being are not helped by the overall sense of mixed sadness and extreme pride about the move. Brady is an amazing stepson and a very accomplished young man. I'll miss him terribly. In the meantime, I've set up "base camp" in the living room, carving out a space where I can chill out with my kitties and be available to Brady for whatever he needs while he prepares for this next chapter of his life.
The Answer to Scenario #3: I'm available to my boys, while preserving a calm space during a time of transition.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Anatomy of a Night
10:00PM: Gone to Bed.
10:15PM: Cats Decide to Nuzzle.
10:30PM: Covers/Sheets Have Somehow Become Tangled.
10:45PM: Husband to Bed.
11:00PM: Husband is Fast Asleep.
11:15PM: Shut Off Super-Bright Kitchen Lights
11:30PM: Shut Off Super-Bright Kitchen Lights, Kick Out Cats, and SHUT DOOR.
11:45PM: Cats Start Breaking Down Door.
12:00AM: Finally Drop to Sleep.
3:15AM: Cat #2 Decides to Battle Himself--Reflection in Sliding Door.
3:30AM: Attempt to Get Back to Sleep After Deterring Cat from Battle.
4:15AM: Give Up and Go to Couch.
4:30AM: Cat #1 Sets Off Alarm on iHome Dock Left Out by Hubby; FULL BLAST.
4:45AM: Cat #2 Jumps on Stomach (20lb Cat).
5:00AM: Human Decides to Get Up and Face the Day On Little Sleep --- For the Second Night in a Row.
10:15PM: Cats Decide to Nuzzle.
10:30PM: Covers/Sheets Have Somehow Become Tangled.
10:45PM: Husband to Bed.
11:00PM: Husband is Fast Asleep.
11:15PM: Shut Off Super-Bright Kitchen Lights
11:30PM: Shut Off Super-Bright Kitchen Lights, Kick Out Cats, and SHUT DOOR.
11:45PM: Cats Start Breaking Down Door.
12:00AM: Finally Drop to Sleep.
3:15AM: Cat #2 Decides to Battle Himself--Reflection in Sliding Door.
3:30AM: Attempt to Get Back to Sleep After Deterring Cat from Battle.
4:15AM: Give Up and Go to Couch.
4:30AM: Cat #1 Sets Off Alarm on iHome Dock Left Out by Hubby; FULL BLAST.
4:45AM: Cat #2 Jumps on Stomach (20lb Cat).
5:00AM: Human Decides to Get Up and Face the Day On Little Sleep --- For the Second Night in a Row.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Rumination
It's been an interesting and very social month, fellow Introverts. I'm fairly exhausted. Romeyn has been wonderful--hanging out, giving me space, taking care of a bit of housekeeping (thank you!!!) and generally being awesome.
That is all for now.
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Lake House
There is a unique bend to the air at camp. We only just arrived here yesterday afternoon. We'll need to go back home in a few short hours. I serenaded the lake with my travel guitar while Romeyn assembled the family's dock. Glorious feelings of both love and solitude are in ample supply.
Happy late spring, Lake Champlain.
Love,
Your Sociable Introvert
Friday, June 5, 2015
Everybody Hurts, Sometimes
Everyone has hurt someone in their lives, somewhere down the line. It's one of the few absolutes that can be said both with confidence in its verity and with empathy for the many who have experienced its implications.
The proclivity to get lost in the past is a not-uncommon fault in my personal makeup. My mother tells me that I am a peace-maker. This seems about right. I'm not saying I don't have a temper. You may rest assured that the German-Irish in me is feisty and ready to rumble at a moment's notice. (Usually, however, that energy gets channeled into exercise and board games. Ruthlessness is not a bad quality in one's Scrabble opponent.) I like to think things through, sometimes to exhaustion. It is unlikely that I cannot eventually see another person's point of view, given enough input and time to ruminate upon it.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but as we age it is only natural that one looks back on the history of their lives and judges themselves--whether harshly or gently, the judgment is there. I spent a great deal of my youth engaged in relationship after relationship, on a (let's be candid here--it was fairly) ruthless quest for The One. I used to agonize in each case--"Is this it? If not, should I waste any more of my time and/or my partner's time?" In 1999, one family friend commented that I had too many "rules" (things that I would not stand for in a mate). In 2006, my relatives started to get antsy about me ever settling down.
When I was 19, I visited a palm reader in Manchester (England). He told me at the time that I would meet my husband to be at a very young age, and then marry him when I was much, much older. I met Romeyn not too long after that. However, I didn't make the connection. Romeyn was my friend, and (more to the point) married to his first wife at the time. Palmistry has resulted in some interesting coincidences, if not outright revelations in my personal experience.
I am 18 years older than that ridiculously young nineteen year old, trembling in front of a palm reader in that little hole-in-the-wall across the sea. In those years, I have hurt others, been hurt, run away from home, come back to New York, and re-met the man who become my husband in June of 2009. As Karma goes, mine is not the cleanest. My soul, however, is at peace. Regardless of the errors of the past, the beauty of the present more than makes up for the Karmic debt. I felt that this would be the case when Romeyn and I decided to get married. This is why one of our songs in the wedding was "Something Good" from "The Sound of Music."
"Somewhere in my youth and childhood, I must have done something good!"
The proclivity to get lost in the past is a not-uncommon fault in my personal makeup. My mother tells me that I am a peace-maker. This seems about right. I'm not saying I don't have a temper. You may rest assured that the German-Irish in me is feisty and ready to rumble at a moment's notice. (Usually, however, that energy gets channeled into exercise and board games. Ruthlessness is not a bad quality in one's Scrabble opponent.) I like to think things through, sometimes to exhaustion. It is unlikely that I cannot eventually see another person's point of view, given enough input and time to ruminate upon it.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but as we age it is only natural that one looks back on the history of their lives and judges themselves--whether harshly or gently, the judgment is there. I spent a great deal of my youth engaged in relationship after relationship, on a (let's be candid here--it was fairly) ruthless quest for The One. I used to agonize in each case--"Is this it? If not, should I waste any more of my time and/or my partner's time?" In 1999, one family friend commented that I had too many "rules" (things that I would not stand for in a mate). In 2006, my relatives started to get antsy about me ever settling down.
When I was 19, I visited a palm reader in Manchester (England). He told me at the time that I would meet my husband to be at a very young age, and then marry him when I was much, much older. I met Romeyn not too long after that. However, I didn't make the connection. Romeyn was my friend, and (more to the point) married to his first wife at the time. Palmistry has resulted in some interesting coincidences, if not outright revelations in my personal experience.
I am 18 years older than that ridiculously young nineteen year old, trembling in front of a palm reader in that little hole-in-the-wall across the sea. In those years, I have hurt others, been hurt, run away from home, come back to New York, and re-met the man who become my husband in June of 2009. As Karma goes, mine is not the cleanest. My soul, however, is at peace. Regardless of the errors of the past, the beauty of the present more than makes up for the Karmic debt. I felt that this would be the case when Romeyn and I decided to get married. This is why one of our songs in the wedding was "Something Good" from "The Sound of Music."
"Somewhere in my youth and childhood, I must have done something good!"
Monday, June 1, 2015
Projects, Projects, Projects
There's always something brewing in the Prescott household. Right now, it's a small undertaking--new cushion covers for a few chairs at camp. This week will be somewhat insanely busy, but in a very good way. So I have my projects in order to avoid the ever-present threat of social over-stimulation.
Knitting, sewing, reading, fundraising, exercise, and cooking are just a few examples of the project-fun. Fellow Introverts, I heartily suggest using at least the Reading to help stave off social malaise!
Knitting, sewing, reading, fundraising, exercise, and cooking are just a few examples of the project-fun. Fellow Introverts, I heartily suggest using at least the Reading to help stave off social malaise!
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
The Restorative Powers of Silence
Introversion is a wonderful thing, and it's certainly not a "license to offend." (Sometimes, I am met with incredulous and even offended responses to the revelation that I am Introverted---really, truly, almost completely 100% Introverted.) With me, you can truly rest assured that "it's not you, it's me." It's not antipathy towards other human beings. It's the need for calm, quiet times of introspection and rest. Sometimes, these periods of rest and quiet lead to whole hours of no talking--to the point of being surprised by my own voice when I finally break the precious silence.
Books and art are a staple of this existence. I'm a little excited because during the wonderful trip with my Wedding Girls (Sara, Rita, and Alexis), I found a very very flat rock upon which to paint things. Rita started recommending a few books (we have some similar tastes so I'm always open to her reading selections!). Sara unlocked and spurred on the canoeing activities (water, introspection, yippee!). Alexis got knitty with it (hee hee). So--this Introvert had a lot of fun with like-minded peeps. Who'd'a'thunk-it? Well, everyone who knows how special my Friends are knows that they are super-Introvert-friendly and fun to be with...but that's besides the point.
This week has already been very crazy. The return to work was nice, but then I was called in for an extended jury selection process. Yikes! The fun continues...good thing I've got my book.
Books and art are a staple of this existence. I'm a little excited because during the wonderful trip with my Wedding Girls (Sara, Rita, and Alexis), I found a very very flat rock upon which to paint things. Rita started recommending a few books (we have some similar tastes so I'm always open to her reading selections!). Sara unlocked and spurred on the canoeing activities (water, introspection, yippee!). Alexis got knitty with it (hee hee). So--this Introvert had a lot of fun with like-minded peeps. Who'd'a'thunk-it? Well, everyone who knows how special my Friends are knows that they are super-Introvert-friendly and fun to be with...but that's besides the point.
This week has already been very crazy. The return to work was nice, but then I was called in for an extended jury selection process. Yikes! The fun continues...good thing I've got my book.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Commencing Countdown...Engines On!
On Sunday, I tearfully watched my oldest stepson enter the world of Being a College Graduate. It has been a wonderful experience to be a stepmother to such accomplished and motivated boys! It will continue to be awesome (and also, an exercise in letting go, watching them thrive).
It's been incredibly busy over the past few days. Some highlights, in no particular order: Having the Whole Blend over for cupcakes to celebrate my incredibly talented and frightfully intelligent older stepson; Lion Donna and King Lion Gene arranging for a rendition of "Happy Birthday To You" at our meeting last night; running around like a crazy-person for the Radio Days fundraiser (see the pen/door story below); swimming in my final Deep Water Exercise class for at least a while (my back's doing much better!); and tons and tons of reading.
Side Note (Pen/Door Story): I managed to hit myself in the face with the glass part of the car door yesterday. This was not my finest hour! I'm endlessly amused at how ridiculous the whole scenario sounds: A pen exploded all over my hands and the steering wheel, and then I managed to hit myself with the darn door (in the eye, and I'm lucky I didn't do more than give myself a shiner).
Right now, I'm sitting with my kitties and enjoying the quiet of mid-morning. Introvert Time each morning has been keeping me relatively normal and healthy (I'm hardly an NT personality, so "normal" is definitely relative). In a few days' time, I will see my girls (Alexis, Sara, and Rita--friends from my very very un-NT youth!), who have graciously agreed that I should have use of lodging arrangements that both preserve the health of my back as well as the general health of their dear friend, The Sociable Introvert.
Be well, fellow Introverts!
It's been incredibly busy over the past few days. Some highlights, in no particular order: Having the Whole Blend over for cupcakes to celebrate my incredibly talented and frightfully intelligent older stepson; Lion Donna and King Lion Gene arranging for a rendition of "Happy Birthday To You" at our meeting last night; running around like a crazy-person for the Radio Days fundraiser (see the pen/door story below); swimming in my final Deep Water Exercise class for at least a while (my back's doing much better!); and tons and tons of reading.
Side Note (Pen/Door Story): I managed to hit myself in the face with the glass part of the car door yesterday. This was not my finest hour! I'm endlessly amused at how ridiculous the whole scenario sounds: A pen exploded all over my hands and the steering wheel, and then I managed to hit myself with the darn door (in the eye, and I'm lucky I didn't do more than give myself a shiner).
Right now, I'm sitting with my kitties and enjoying the quiet of mid-morning. Introvert Time each morning has been keeping me relatively normal and healthy (I'm hardly an NT personality, so "normal" is definitely relative). In a few days' time, I will see my girls (Alexis, Sara, and Rita--friends from my very very un-NT youth!), who have graciously agreed that I should have use of lodging arrangements that both preserve the health of my back as well as the general health of their dear friend, The Sociable Introvert.
Be well, fellow Introverts!
Monday, May 11, 2015
Social Pressures and Your Introvert
This is actually one of my favorite times of the year. Even when it's raining out, it's still lush and green, and fairly temperate. No need for jackets (or umbrellas, if you've spent as much time in the Pacific NW rainforests as I have). Graduations and major holidays are spread out on the calendar over the next few weeks and months. Students are excited about the changes, and parents are tearfully blessing their children as they take the next step out into the world on their own.
I'm incredibly proud of my stepsons for being so ambitious with college. Brady is graduating with honors, as well as a medal from the SUNY Chancellor's Award ceremonies. Kyle is still doing dual enrollment, finishing High School over the next year while earning college credits. I will be crying a lot this coming weekend because Brady is graduating, and both of our boys are basically grown ups. I've been luckier than most Janie-Come-Lately stepmothers. I've gotten extra time with Brady (yay!!!), and I might (yay!!!) get extra time with Kyle as well. The boys who were ten and fifteen when I started seeing their father are now grown young men of seventeen and twenty-two.
This time of year brings with it the promise of social pressures as well. Graduation is a wonderful event, and so dear to a stepmother's heart. It is also a mass gathering of thousands (and I do mean thousands) of people. I'll be bringing my little survival kit with me, complete with gum, water, tissues, band-aids, and sunscreen. Mother's Day was yesterday, and Father's Day is next month. My sister and I both have some issues surrounding these holidays, although we are so grateful to Mom and Dad for providing such a culturally-enriched and unique childhood in the NYC-commuter area. Finally, the transition between the end of the Spring 2015 semester and the start of the Summer 2015 semester provides a veritable cornucopia of social experiences--ranging from the highly rewarding ones to the highly frustrating.
This is part of why I have been reading so voraciously over the past few weeks. It is an outlet for me wherein I can be Introverted no matter where I am...the book contains everything necessary to "disappear" and decompress. Be well, fellow Introverts...
I'm incredibly proud of my stepsons for being so ambitious with college. Brady is graduating with honors, as well as a medal from the SUNY Chancellor's Award ceremonies. Kyle is still doing dual enrollment, finishing High School over the next year while earning college credits. I will be crying a lot this coming weekend because Brady is graduating, and both of our boys are basically grown ups. I've been luckier than most Janie-Come-Lately stepmothers. I've gotten extra time with Brady (yay!!!), and I might (yay!!!) get extra time with Kyle as well. The boys who were ten and fifteen when I started seeing their father are now grown young men of seventeen and twenty-two.
This time of year brings with it the promise of social pressures as well. Graduation is a wonderful event, and so dear to a stepmother's heart. It is also a mass gathering of thousands (and I do mean thousands) of people. I'll be bringing my little survival kit with me, complete with gum, water, tissues, band-aids, and sunscreen. Mother's Day was yesterday, and Father's Day is next month. My sister and I both have some issues surrounding these holidays, although we are so grateful to Mom and Dad for providing such a culturally-enriched and unique childhood in the NYC-commuter area. Finally, the transition between the end of the Spring 2015 semester and the start of the Summer 2015 semester provides a veritable cornucopia of social experiences--ranging from the highly rewarding ones to the highly frustrating.
This is part of why I have been reading so voraciously over the past few weeks. It is an outlet for me wherein I can be Introverted no matter where I am...the book contains everything necessary to "disappear" and decompress. Be well, fellow Introverts...
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
No News = Good News!
My physical therapist discharged me from her care early (at 3.5 weeks instead of 5-6 weeks)! I'm so excited. The exercises are mind numbingly boring, but they seem to be working. I am to continue soldiering on with the exercises and a home TENS unit. Go me.
We're getting super excited about Brady's upcoming graduation! Do I even need to say more? Not really!!! I am one proud step-ma.
I'm heading to Rochester to see my mother for Mother's Day weekend, and what a weekend it will be! The Lilac Festival will be going on, and we've also got some nifty gift certificates from last year.
That's about it! Sorry to be boring, fellow Introverts! I'm struggling to get Me Time in, but it's happening...
We're getting super excited about Brady's upcoming graduation! Do I even need to say more? Not really!!! I am one proud step-ma.
I'm heading to Rochester to see my mother for Mother's Day weekend, and what a weekend it will be! The Lilac Festival will be going on, and we've also got some nifty gift certificates from last year.
That's about it! Sorry to be boring, fellow Introverts! I'm struggling to get Me Time in, but it's happening...
Friday, April 24, 2015
You Have Time, I Have Space---Let's Make a Continuum
This week has been a time of mostly good news. In the past several weeks, I've had severe ups and downs, but this week has been mostly stable. I'm extremely grateful for the return of equilibrium and calm.
Today we welcome the President of SUNY Potsdam in a very official, celebratory way. Nancy Zimpher will perform what is more or less a coronation. Pomp, circumstance, and a great deal of social time awaits our entire group later today.
As a method of recovering from the soiree and counseling time thereafter, tonight is an "in" night with my wonderfully understanding family. They give me all the space that I ever need...with very little (if any) comment on the need. I am potentially the luckiest wife and stepmother that ever there was in the world.
Today we welcome the President of SUNY Potsdam in a very official, celebratory way. Nancy Zimpher will perform what is more or less a coronation. Pomp, circumstance, and a great deal of social time awaits our entire group later today.
As a method of recovering from the soiree and counseling time thereafter, tonight is an "in" night with my wonderfully understanding family. They give me all the space that I ever need...with very little (if any) comment on the need. I am potentially the luckiest wife and stepmother that ever there was in the world.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
"But You Don't Look Like You're In Pain!"
Dear Readers,
Lots of well-meaning people in my life have asked me perfectly innocuous questions like "How did you break your back?" "Isn't Zumba super-low-impact?" "You look just fine! Did they give you any limitations?"
Yes, yes, my doctors have given me a ton of limitations. Yes, you can hurt yourself doing Zumba Fitness (or anything else, if you have my particular back issues and if you overdo it). The general rule of thumb with back limitations is to "Let discomfort be your guide." However, my limitations have become markedly more concrete, at least in the short term.
1. I can walk...but apparently not "for miles."
This one hurts. I'm not going to lie about it. I was scolded by my physical therapist yesterday for participating in Relay for Life. I thought it was okay because I was previously told that I could walk around. She clarified..."Walking is great, as long as you're not walking miles!" (**Expletive deleted!!**)
2. I can't dance. (*Cry*)
3. I can't run, jump, or otherwise jar the area (for at least a month, probably longer).
4. I can swim...sort of. (Limited/no arm movements or anything that would provide torque for the area that needs to heal.)
5. I can lift heavy objects, within reason. (No hyper-extension of the area. Nothing heavier than a full basket of laundry. Nothing above my head.)
And no, I don't look like I'm in pain. But even with the fantastic topical pain-cream they gave me, I'm in constant pain. Isn't it fabulous that I can look this good while feeling this horrible? Go me!
Yours in sarcasm and "dealing with the ups and downs of an interesting life,"
-The Sociable Introvert
Lots of well-meaning people in my life have asked me perfectly innocuous questions like "How did you break your back?" "Isn't Zumba super-low-impact?" "You look just fine! Did they give you any limitations?"
Yes, yes, my doctors have given me a ton of limitations. Yes, you can hurt yourself doing Zumba Fitness (or anything else, if you have my particular back issues and if you overdo it). The general rule of thumb with back limitations is to "Let discomfort be your guide." However, my limitations have become markedly more concrete, at least in the short term.
1. I can walk...but apparently not "for miles."
This one hurts. I'm not going to lie about it. I was scolded by my physical therapist yesterday for participating in Relay for Life. I thought it was okay because I was previously told that I could walk around. She clarified..."Walking is great, as long as you're not walking miles!" (**Expletive deleted!!**)
2. I can't dance. (*Cry*)
3. I can't run, jump, or otherwise jar the area (for at least a month, probably longer).
4. I can swim...sort of. (Limited/no arm movements or anything that would provide torque for the area that needs to heal.)
5. I can lift heavy objects, within reason. (No hyper-extension of the area. Nothing heavier than a full basket of laundry. Nothing above my head.)
And no, I don't look like I'm in pain. But even with the fantastic topical pain-cream they gave me, I'm in constant pain. Isn't it fabulous that I can look this good while feeling this horrible? Go me!
Yours in sarcasm and "dealing with the ups and downs of an interesting life,"
-The Sociable Introvert
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Fractured Fairytale
About a month and a half ago, I injured myself while practicing for Zumba Fitness instruction. At the time, Urgent Care informed me that I had overuse injuries and should follow up with a primary care provider. I was unable to get a primary care appointment until yesterday. I had specialist appointments which did help, but the diagnosis and plan for care resultant from my injury did not take place until yesterday.
I've got a minor fracture of the lower spine. Thankfully, I didn't mess up my existing hardware (I was already part metal--"We can rebuild her. We can make her stronger, faster..."). The current plan is a regimen of Physical Therapy and medicine. I joked to my younger stepson that now "all of his parents have back issues." His response: "But you already had back issues!" Very true...
A few people that I've told about this have questioned how this happened, and expressed some level of disbelief that it was due to my instruction activities. The people who don't question that it is related to my exuberant over-practice and instruction are my doctors.
The fun part of all of this is that I continue to "look and act normal." Yes, one can have a fractured lower spine and still walk around normally. I have a grimace of pain on my face sometimes, but that's about it. A good example of how this can get awkward: Last night, a fellow Lion and I requested more back-friendly chairs prior to the start of our meeting. When the chairs arrived, several people questioned why a younger Lion (me) would need such a chair. Privacy versus social awkwardness...the eternal struggle. So here we are. I am going public with my Fractured Fairytale. It isn't as bad as it sounds, but it is definitely worse than it looks.
Be well, fellow Introverts...
I've got a minor fracture of the lower spine. Thankfully, I didn't mess up my existing hardware (I was already part metal--"We can rebuild her. We can make her stronger, faster..."). The current plan is a regimen of Physical Therapy and medicine. I joked to my younger stepson that now "all of his parents have back issues." His response: "But you already had back issues!" Very true...
A few people that I've told about this have questioned how this happened, and expressed some level of disbelief that it was due to my instruction activities. The people who don't question that it is related to my exuberant over-practice and instruction are my doctors.
The fun part of all of this is that I continue to "look and act normal." Yes, one can have a fractured lower spine and still walk around normally. I have a grimace of pain on my face sometimes, but that's about it. A good example of how this can get awkward: Last night, a fellow Lion and I requested more back-friendly chairs prior to the start of our meeting. When the chairs arrived, several people questioned why a younger Lion (me) would need such a chair. Privacy versus social awkwardness...the eternal struggle. So here we are. I am going public with my Fractured Fairytale. It isn't as bad as it sounds, but it is definitely worse than it looks.
Be well, fellow Introverts...
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Bursting With Pride
My stepsons and my husband are my heart and soul. Like any human being, I've made missteps here and there along the way. However, the fact remains that getting to be a part of this family has made the mistakes of the past--the challenges of the journey--Worth It for me. I feel that I was always destined to be theirs--stepmother to two wonderful boys and wife to the most wonderful husband on the planet.
We are here in Albany to see my oldest stepson get a SUNY-wide-level award. I could not be prouder. Brady is an incredibly mature, intelligent, thoughtful, insightful young man. He made the most out of these past four years and will be moving on to graduate school in just a few months. The extra time that we have had with him as a result of his choice to do Undergraduate work in his home town has been precious, and this preciousness is real--stolen from the rest of the world and the rest of his life that he will be leaving (imminently) to fulfill.
Kyle has been contemplating doing his Undergraduate work in our town as well, which we must credit (at least in part) to the amazing example set by Brady. I am cautiously optimistic about the chances of stealing away more precious time with my younger stepson as well.
Last, but certainly not least--marriage with Romeyn is romantic, thoughtful, funny, lovely, wonderful, and although it is work sometimes (it all is work sometimes, because what is worth having is not easily won)--it is the best thing that ever happened to me. Can one person be this lucky? Is it bad luck to question any good fortune of this type?
This brief sojourn in Albany has been difficult for an Introvert, because the Social aspects of the trip are the entire reason for the trip. However, the reason for the Social aspects of trip makes me burst with pride!
We are here in Albany to see my oldest stepson get a SUNY-wide-level award. I could not be prouder. Brady is an incredibly mature, intelligent, thoughtful, insightful young man. He made the most out of these past four years and will be moving on to graduate school in just a few months. The extra time that we have had with him as a result of his choice to do Undergraduate work in his home town has been precious, and this preciousness is real--stolen from the rest of the world and the rest of his life that he will be leaving (imminently) to fulfill.
Kyle has been contemplating doing his Undergraduate work in our town as well, which we must credit (at least in part) to the amazing example set by Brady. I am cautiously optimistic about the chances of stealing away more precious time with my younger stepson as well.
Last, but certainly not least--marriage with Romeyn is romantic, thoughtful, funny, lovely, wonderful, and although it is work sometimes (it all is work sometimes, because what is worth having is not easily won)--it is the best thing that ever happened to me. Can one person be this lucky? Is it bad luck to question any good fortune of this type?
This brief sojourn in Albany has been difficult for an Introvert, because the Social aspects of the trip are the entire reason for the trip. However, the reason for the Social aspects of trip makes me burst with pride!
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Nothing
One of my favorite movie quotes is from "Office Space." "I did nothing, and it was everything I thought it could be." Today is a day open to any activity I so choose--including a healthy dose of Nothing. Nothing is a fabulous way to spend one's vacation day--especially when your career is based upon numeric calculations and ethical puzzles.
I'm tempted to be completely frivolous and go get a permanent, a manicure, and a mindless magazine. On the other hand, there are movies and books to enjoy at home. My cats are over the moon that I'm here with an ample lap to sit upon while I read, do the Watertown Daily Times crossword (and jumble), and sip slowly upon a giant coffee.
As an Introvert, I planned this week according to a deep need for Nothing. I had several days of social time (Friday evening, Saturday, Sunday, Monday). Tuesday is my day of Introversion. Wednesday into Thursday will be travel to and from Albany. Friday (during the day) will be preparation time for this weekend's Easter activities.
Happy Nothing, Everyone!
I'm tempted to be completely frivolous and go get a permanent, a manicure, and a mindless magazine. On the other hand, there are movies and books to enjoy at home. My cats are over the moon that I'm here with an ample lap to sit upon while I read, do the Watertown Daily Times crossword (and jumble), and sip slowly upon a giant coffee.
As an Introvert, I planned this week according to a deep need for Nothing. I had several days of social time (Friday evening, Saturday, Sunday, Monday). Tuesday is my day of Introversion. Wednesday into Thursday will be travel to and from Albany. Friday (during the day) will be preparation time for this weekend's Easter activities.
Happy Nothing, Everyone!
Monday, March 16, 2015
Baa Baa Black Sheep (or, "The Third Funeral Quandary")
If you're reading my blog, you're probably already aware that my grandmother (my mother's mother) passed away in December of 2014. I was devastated. We moved mountains to get to both the Rochester (New York) funeral and the Chillicothe (Ohio) funeral. We cried buckets. We saw a great deal of our extended family at the latter funeral. It was briefly proposed that we do a family portrait, but a conscientious family member pointed out that not everyone was there for the Chillicothe event, and that might make them feel left out.
Time out, folks! There are a number of family portraits in which I do not exist. Some of them are due to my schedule, obligations, and life story. Others are due to not having been invited because it was a last-minute event.
There's a third funeral in the works for July of 2015, where my beautiful grandmother's remains will be interred and closure will be gained, this time presumably by the whole family. I loved my grandmother deeply. I want to honor her and be there for her final resting. A deeply insecure part of me (the part of me that is deeply aware of my status as a family Black Sheep) wonders what will happen if I am unable to make it for any reason. I'm guessing there would be another family portrait, and that even if someone spoke up protectively about my absence, the portrait would take place and there would be another beautiful framed photo documenting an event to which I was not in attendance.
Don't get me wrong. This isn't in the least "about me." It is an event that will allow grief and closure for all who loved and knew my beautiful, intelligent grandmother. As someone who has long felt a bit out of place, however, and as an Introvert---there is no good plan when it comes to a third funeral for the same beloved person. Regardless of other considerations, it will still generate pain, loss, exhaustion, and insecurity.
Time out, folks! There are a number of family portraits in which I do not exist. Some of them are due to my schedule, obligations, and life story. Others are due to not having been invited because it was a last-minute event.
There's a third funeral in the works for July of 2015, where my beautiful grandmother's remains will be interred and closure will be gained, this time presumably by the whole family. I loved my grandmother deeply. I want to honor her and be there for her final resting. A deeply insecure part of me (the part of me that is deeply aware of my status as a family Black Sheep) wonders what will happen if I am unable to make it for any reason. I'm guessing there would be another family portrait, and that even if someone spoke up protectively about my absence, the portrait would take place and there would be another beautiful framed photo documenting an event to which I was not in attendance.
Don't get me wrong. This isn't in the least "about me." It is an event that will allow grief and closure for all who loved and knew my beautiful, intelligent grandmother. As someone who has long felt a bit out of place, however, and as an Introvert---there is no good plan when it comes to a third funeral for the same beloved person. Regardless of other considerations, it will still generate pain, loss, exhaustion, and insecurity.
Monday, March 9, 2015
Don't Judge a Book
As some of you may already be aware, I love to read. I tend to love science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and paranormal romance. Books of any kind provide a needed respite from the social world while stimulating creativity. Yes, I'm including the "trashy" stuff in this assessment.
Books and libraries in general are a fabulous way for your Introvert to recharge.
Libraries are a wonderful sanctuary for the Introvert. Not only are there many tomes with which to ply your Introvert, but there are usually areas specifically designed for both reading and privacy. O frabjous day!
Please support your local library. It will help provide a safe space for your friendly neighborhood Introverts!
Books and libraries in general are a fabulous way for your Introvert to recharge.
Libraries are a wonderful sanctuary for the Introvert. Not only are there many tomes with which to ply your Introvert, but there are usually areas specifically designed for both reading and privacy. O frabjous day!
Please support your local library. It will help provide a safe space for your friendly neighborhood Introverts!
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Breathe
I had to make an incredibly difficult decision today---whether or not to continue instructing Zumba this semester after getting a repeated "You need to take it easy, NOW" from the staff at Urgent Care last night. The actual over-use injuries are not that bad, but the facts of my medical history and my family's medical history make doctors really nervous. I'm one symptom away (I won't get into it, it's pretty gross) from needing to go back in to Urgent Care to talk about potential Neuropathy. The doc kept saying, if this happens...go to the ER immediately. Oy. On a completely separate note (but not unrelated to the nervousness), it's been almost exactly 25 years since my bone-fusion surgery (complete with hardware) in middle school. When I mentioned this, everyone around me got quiet, frowned, got nervous, and started to question me about my back symptoms in greater detail. The upshot is that they got me to admit that this back pain is worse than any back pain I've had since I was sixteen (and fell down the stairs while practicing ballet...don't ask!).
Great galloping gobs of gopher guano! Holy heck. I really have to take a deep breath and step away from this situation for a moment. I can't just hate my body because it is prone to the ever dreaded be-careful-watch-and-wait medical stuff, complete with fun/stupid tests. It needs love.
In the spirit of Body Love, and in the spirit of self-care...the Zumba Fitness class is canceled for Spring 2015. *Sob.*
Great galloping gobs of gopher guano! Holy heck. I really have to take a deep breath and step away from this situation for a moment. I can't just hate my body because it is prone to the ever dreaded be-careful-watch-and-wait medical stuff, complete with fun/stupid tests. It needs love.
In the spirit of Body Love, and in the spirit of self-care...the Zumba Fitness class is canceled for Spring 2015. *Sob.*
Monday, March 2, 2015
I've Got to Tune Myself Up, Not Stress My Strings!
I've played guitar since the ninth grade, and I've played hammered dulcimer since October of 2014. When you tune an instrument with a wanton disregard for the octave, you're going to over-tighten and stress out your strings. Eventually, if you do this enough, the strings will break outright. As an Introvert, my strings are too tight, and I need to relax them to tune them to where they need to be.
There are inherent social obligations that a person can't avoid, regardless of whether they are Extroverted or Introverted. These inherent obligations are sometimes as difficult as "going out on a limb" to do the extraordinarily social stuff. As a result of this eternal struggle, it is likely that your Introvert takes any social advice or social manual literally--sometimes too literally. It is not unusual to have a situation where your Introvert takes the advice, goes just as far as the advice mandates, and then stops cold because implied or "common sense" expectations of follow-up activities are neither inferred nor intuited by your Introvert.
Trust me when I say that this sort of social oversight is not an intentional snub. It is a result of going with the directions in the first communication, and then assuming that all is well unless specifically communicated to your Introvert. This is a golden opportunity to communicate your needs as directly as possible.
A great (and positive) example of this is a recent communication. I received positive communications about having bent over backwards to meet some relationship/visitation needs over the last two months of 2014. Based upon this, I relaxed my stance of "When should we visit again?" and rested at home as needed for the busy months of January and February. This left the continuing need to connect unmet. A family member reached out to me, and instead of saying "It hurts when you don't visit" (which would have been a reasonable communication with someone who simply ignored the social cue to proactively visit), this very understanding family member reached out with a proactive invitation to visit, and an expression of the fact that they missed my presence.
I am intensely grateful that I have such forgiving and understanding family members, who are more than willing to reach out and connect with me when it is clear that I have missed the boat. :)
There are inherent social obligations that a person can't avoid, regardless of whether they are Extroverted or Introverted. These inherent obligations are sometimes as difficult as "going out on a limb" to do the extraordinarily social stuff. As a result of this eternal struggle, it is likely that your Introvert takes any social advice or social manual literally--sometimes too literally. It is not unusual to have a situation where your Introvert takes the advice, goes just as far as the advice mandates, and then stops cold because implied or "common sense" expectations of follow-up activities are neither inferred nor intuited by your Introvert.
Trust me when I say that this sort of social oversight is not an intentional snub. It is a result of going with the directions in the first communication, and then assuming that all is well unless specifically communicated to your Introvert. This is a golden opportunity to communicate your needs as directly as possible.
A great (and positive) example of this is a recent communication. I received positive communications about having bent over backwards to meet some relationship/visitation needs over the last two months of 2014. Based upon this, I relaxed my stance of "When should we visit again?" and rested at home as needed for the busy months of January and February. This left the continuing need to connect unmet. A family member reached out to me, and instead of saying "It hurts when you don't visit" (which would have been a reasonable communication with someone who simply ignored the social cue to proactively visit), this very understanding family member reached out with a proactive invitation to visit, and an expression of the fact that they missed my presence.
I am intensely grateful that I have such forgiving and understanding family members, who are more than willing to reach out and connect with me when it is clear that I have missed the boat. :)
Friday, February 27, 2015
Ice and Elevate
I managed to limp to/from my Lions Club meeting, and in and out of many other meetings this week after getting a (common, and a bit embarrassing) foot injury while practicing my routines. "Ice and elevate, see a doctor if it doesn't improve in a few days." I do believe that this is the first time I've ever read advice on the WebMD website that didn't make me want to run screaming to the nearest ER.
Teaching exercise makes me feel amazing. That said, along with teaching exercise, it's important to model good self-care.
With this in mind, I have temporarily stopped practicing my routines. I've limited my mobility for a few days and I'm currently using my periods of morning solitude as extra ice/elevate time. My inner Introvert is absolutely ecstatic! This is an extra reason to rest up and read my books...
Keep on Introverting!
Teaching exercise makes me feel amazing. That said, along with teaching exercise, it's important to model good self-care.
With this in mind, I have temporarily stopped practicing my routines. I've limited my mobility for a few days and I'm currently using my periods of morning solitude as extra ice/elevate time. My inner Introvert is absolutely ecstatic! This is an extra reason to rest up and read my books...
Keep on Introverting!
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Returning toThe Church
For the first time in over a year, I sat down with a member of the Church and made my confessions, read the Act of Contrition, and followed through with an act of Penance.
Church is an uneasy topic because religious ideologies (or lack thereof) are as dear to our personal makeup as is DNA. There is something to be said for celebrating whatever you believe in the world. There is so much negativity surrounding this topic that I feel an infusion of positivity might be warranted.
For those of you who are curious, this is what the Church means to me:
* Comfort
* Fellowship
* Art
As Stephen Sondheim once famously wrote for the stage, "Mama they're good, just as you said from the start, children and art." I am a renewed Catholic. I am not proud nor am I ashamed. I'm simply happy to be among friends and family in a forum where I can be alone with my God while being a part of something greater than myself.
Church is an uneasy topic because religious ideologies (or lack thereof) are as dear to our personal makeup as is DNA. There is something to be said for celebrating whatever you believe in the world. There is so much negativity surrounding this topic that I feel an infusion of positivity might be warranted.
For those of you who are curious, this is what the Church means to me:
* Comfort
* Fellowship
* Art
As Stephen Sondheim once famously wrote for the stage, "Mama they're good, just as you said from the start, children and art." I am a renewed Catholic. I am not proud nor am I ashamed. I'm simply happy to be among friends and family in a forum where I can be alone with my God while being a part of something greater than myself.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Knitting, Radio Spots, Relay, Radio Spots, Work, Reading, Radio Spots
The Potsdam Lions Club is in the midst of selling spots for B99.3's Radio Days...this is a very generous activity that allows our club to raise funds for things like vision scanners for our community. You may speak with any Potsdam Lions Club member and fill out a form, and for a relatively small donation, get a small spot on the radio in mid-March. This is taking up some of my time this month. But, wait, there's more!
Relay for Life is coming up in early April. The Potsdam Lions Club is participating in the SUNY Potsdam Relay for Life event (Disney theme) as "The Lion Kings." For every $30 my team raises, I knit and donate a bright (Lion yellow) scarf to a local organization. Last year, I donated my (Wicked Witch green) scarves to the on-campus food/supply bank. This year, the receiving organization has yet to be determined. Between knitting and fundraising, I'm definitely keeping busy!
Non-charity activities are on the docket during Winter and early Spring as well...we're gearing up for new aid year activities at SUNY Potsdam. It's never boring, I'll tell you that much. In addition, I have my weekly Zumba Fitness class via CLEAR on Sunday afternoons. My students are doing very, very well.
Some of you may have noticed that I'm on a Stephen King kick lately. I've been alternating between his books and Elizabeth George's books. Mystery, mayhem, murder...huzzah! I read an article recently that indicated that a woman's energy levels are positively impacted by aerobic exercise, caffeine, and murder mysteries. Good thing, because I will need it this month!
Keep Introverting...
(Yes, I'm still having Me Time in the Morning...I don't want to completely burn out.)
Relay for Life is coming up in early April. The Potsdam Lions Club is participating in the SUNY Potsdam Relay for Life event (Disney theme) as "The Lion Kings." For every $30 my team raises, I knit and donate a bright (Lion yellow) scarf to a local organization. Last year, I donated my (Wicked Witch green) scarves to the on-campus food/supply bank. This year, the receiving organization has yet to be determined. Between knitting and fundraising, I'm definitely keeping busy!
Non-charity activities are on the docket during Winter and early Spring as well...we're gearing up for new aid year activities at SUNY Potsdam. It's never boring, I'll tell you that much. In addition, I have my weekly Zumba Fitness class via CLEAR on Sunday afternoons. My students are doing very, very well.
Some of you may have noticed that I'm on a Stephen King kick lately. I've been alternating between his books and Elizabeth George's books. Mystery, mayhem, murder...huzzah! I read an article recently that indicated that a woman's energy levels are positively impacted by aerobic exercise, caffeine, and murder mysteries. Good thing, because I will need it this month!
Keep Introverting...
(Yes, I'm still having Me Time in the Morning...I don't want to completely burn out.)
Friday, January 30, 2015
"Is It An Evil Petting Zoo?"
It is no longer an oddity to have some sort of minor glitch in one's familial relationships with parents and/or siblings. To be frank, I'm grateful that society has dropped the pretense that we all get along famously all the time (thank you, 1950s television families).
Last night, my dreams mined my subconscious for little nuggets of family arguments from as far back as 1996, but mostly items from 2005 or so. Being an Introvert in a family of very gregarious, boisterous, outgoing and creative individuals was a daunting proposition. Having moved to Seattle, Washington in 2001 (shortly after the towers fell, and yes the move was related), I was in the process of finding myself in the Great Pacific Northwest. Having been somewhat of an odd bean (to put it mildly), it was an interesting challenge to navigate all of the new social interactions of The Big Move in 2001, and then Graduate School from 2003-2006. It took a long time for me to figure out that numbers were my passion. When that finally occurred, my highly creative friends and family members understandably cried foul. It was really a way to show that they were worried, that they cared!
Discovering a love of numbers was a fascinating turn of events, especially given that I had not expected to be so moved by exploration and understanding of concrete fact rather than by creative fantasy. Even my grandmother asked me if my choice of study would really make me happy (remember, odd bean!). You'd be surprised at how often well-meaning friends, acquaintances, colleagues, and family members still question my choice.
I woke up this morning, grinning like a fool. Of all the family moments in time to remember, questions about my career path and course of study were fairly harmless. It still tickles me to think of all the things we hope for when we consider our families and our children. You just never know what you're going to get...an analyst or a musician, philosopher or comedian.
Last night, my dreams mined my subconscious for little nuggets of family arguments from as far back as 1996, but mostly items from 2005 or so. Being an Introvert in a family of very gregarious, boisterous, outgoing and creative individuals was a daunting proposition. Having moved to Seattle, Washington in 2001 (shortly after the towers fell, and yes the move was related), I was in the process of finding myself in the Great Pacific Northwest. Having been somewhat of an odd bean (to put it mildly), it was an interesting challenge to navigate all of the new social interactions of The Big Move in 2001, and then Graduate School from 2003-2006. It took a long time for me to figure out that numbers were my passion. When that finally occurred, my highly creative friends and family members understandably cried foul. It was really a way to show that they were worried, that they cared!
Discovering a love of numbers was a fascinating turn of events, especially given that I had not expected to be so moved by exploration and understanding of concrete fact rather than by creative fantasy. Even my grandmother asked me if my choice of study would really make me happy (remember, odd bean!). You'd be surprised at how often well-meaning friends, acquaintances, colleagues, and family members still question my choice.
I woke up this morning, grinning like a fool. Of all the family moments in time to remember, questions about my career path and course of study were fairly harmless. It still tickles me to think of all the things we hope for when we consider our families and our children. You just never know what you're going to get...an analyst or a musician, philosopher or comedian.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Practice, Practice, Practice
This week has been all about continuing to practice my booty off! I hurt all over, but my day of rest is tomorrow, so I can definitely lump it until then. Here's the schedule I've been keeping lately:
~5AM-6:30: Reading
~6:30-7:30: Getting Ready for Work
~7:30-8AM: Getting to Work (Including a Potential Stop for Coffee, Car Warmup Time, etc)
8AM-4PM or 4:30PM: Working
4:30PM-5 or 5:30PM: Making Dinner, Practicing Zumba Fitness
5:30PM-6:30PM: Dining
6:30PM-7 or 7:30PM: Practicing Zumba Fitness, Cleaning Up
7:30PM-Bedtime: Social Networking, Volunteering, Reading, Making Art, Watching Shows
The new Zumba Fitness routine that I've been memorizing has a lot (and I mean a LOT) of my favorite Merengue moves. It is extremely hips-thighs-and-butt intensive, without a lot of jumping. The good news is that it's very easy on the knees, but it does mean that practice of that one song exclusively can cause some discomfort sitting down. Ha, ha!
~5AM-6:30: Reading
~6:30-7:30: Getting Ready for Work
~7:30-8AM: Getting to Work (Including a Potential Stop for Coffee, Car Warmup Time, etc)
8AM-4PM or 4:30PM: Working
4:30PM-5 or 5:30PM: Making Dinner, Practicing Zumba Fitness
5:30PM-6:30PM: Dining
6:30PM-7 or 7:30PM: Practicing Zumba Fitness, Cleaning Up
7:30PM-Bedtime: Social Networking, Volunteering, Reading, Making Art, Watching Shows
The new Zumba Fitness routine that I've been memorizing has a lot (and I mean a LOT) of my favorite Merengue moves. It is extremely hips-thighs-and-butt intensive, without a lot of jumping. The good news is that it's very easy on the knees, but it does mean that practice of that one song exclusively can cause some discomfort sitting down. Ha, ha!
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Glowy
Despite incredibly busy and challenging (sometimes upsetting) moments this week, I feel aglow. Reading and kitty-time have been the staples of my mornings, and exercise/knitting/cooking have been the activities of my nights. This morning is no exception. I spent a good, solid two hours next to the fake fire (yes, yes, my neck is red) reading Stephen King and petting my two rambunctious kitty-cats. All of this is very, very good for your fellow Introvert.
Any time that stress is most definitely on the horizon, particularly Social-stress, fostering rituals like those listed above help keep an Introvert sane and healthy.
I LOVE my job, particularly when I'm helping people. There are times, however, when the crowding inherent in our "busy" seasons (mostly August and January) can get to an Introvert. Therefore, my morning-ritual preparation for today's help-fest over at SUNY Canton will only help me help others. See? One can be both incredibly selfish (I admit it) and selfless (volunteering for these events, as an Introvert, is definitely that) at the same time.
One only has to laugh at one's self from time to time...the little eccentricities and idiosyncratic quirks of personality type are both predictable and acceptable as long as they do not prevent an Introvert from doing good works. ;-)
Any time that stress is most definitely on the horizon, particularly Social-stress, fostering rituals like those listed above help keep an Introvert sane and healthy.
I LOVE my job, particularly when I'm helping people. There are times, however, when the crowding inherent in our "busy" seasons (mostly August and January) can get to an Introvert. Therefore, my morning-ritual preparation for today's help-fest over at SUNY Canton will only help me help others. See? One can be both incredibly selfish (I admit it) and selfless (volunteering for these events, as an Introvert, is definitely that) at the same time.
One only has to laugh at one's self from time to time...the little eccentricities and idiosyncratic quirks of personality type are both predictable and acceptable as long as they do not prevent an Introvert from doing good works. ;-)
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Rip-Roarin' Awaaaay...
I kept myself insanely busy this week, even with the holiday. Between what I like to think of as my "homework" (reading, knitting, cooking) and the activities at work (calculating, reviewing, etc.), this week has been one of the most productive ones in recent memory. It's great! Even though the conventional wisdom suggests that keeping busy has the potential to stint imagination, the effect has been to spur creativity to new heights.
Adding to the homework, I am planning to do a diptych (dual set of paintings) showing the molecular structures of estrogen and progesterone. The background will be a pastel wash, and the structures themselves will be featured as almost three-dimensional (an impact that can be imbued while painting using the right combination of washed out grays and almost fluorescent brights). Since these hormones have such an amazing impact on my life and the lives of all women, the tribute will not be untoward.
This new project or rather, these new projects--will take some time and energy, but painting is a perfect Introverted activity. So while expending energy is an ineluctable part of this process, it will be self-sustaining. Green! Ha, ha.
Adding to the homework, I am planning to do a diptych (dual set of paintings) showing the molecular structures of estrogen and progesterone. The background will be a pastel wash, and the structures themselves will be featured as almost three-dimensional (an impact that can be imbued while painting using the right combination of washed out grays and almost fluorescent brights). Since these hormones have such an amazing impact on my life and the lives of all women, the tribute will not be untoward.
This new project or rather, these new projects--will take some time and energy, but painting is a perfect Introverted activity. So while expending energy is an ineluctable part of this process, it will be self-sustaining. Green! Ha, ha.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Zumbalicious
I have a new Zumba section starting this upcoming Sunday at 3PM at the Merritt Hall Gym on the first floor. I'm so excited! Introverts like their social time to be super productive (thus justifying the expenditure of energy). This is super super super productive! Come join me at my first class this Sunday at 3PM! If you like it, sign up for the class on clear.potsdam.edu. I've already got ten people signed up for the first section of ten weeks. Hooray!
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Creative Outlet
Although my favorite degree to date is my Master's of Public Administration, many of you already know that my undergraduate degree was in Art Studio. I LOVE ART, but not as much as I love budgety things. This makes me somewhat of a pariah (or at least an enigma) among my parents' circles. Why math?
Math is actually a wonderfully creative outlet. It provides a set of rules (or, if you are bending the rules, a set of newly created assumptions), the safety of knowing that your formula will provide an answer that is beyond reproach, and the wildness of being able to justify alternative outcomes if you choose to change a single variable, assumption, integer, etc. Some of you know of my love of challenges and debate. The challenge (and many times, the debate) inherent in math is to *justify* your assumptions (and therefore, your outcome). That's so freaking hot.
Math is my third love (after my family and my kitties), and my first calling. Even though I still play the color game (that thing that all artists do when they try to decide what colors they would use to paint/draw something they see in life), I'm also thinking about quantity of paint, relative thinness of the medium, and the desired dimensions of a potential piece. In other words, even in art, I'm still obsessed with math.
Financial math is simultaneously a safe haven and a dangerous adventure. You have to stay abreast of changes in Federal regulations all the time (they change quickly, and noncompliance is against the law...). It is a challenge and a passion. Math is life, and one of the happiest callings that a little Introvert could hope to have.
Math is actually a wonderfully creative outlet. It provides a set of rules (or, if you are bending the rules, a set of newly created assumptions), the safety of knowing that your formula will provide an answer that is beyond reproach, and the wildness of being able to justify alternative outcomes if you choose to change a single variable, assumption, integer, etc. Some of you know of my love of challenges and debate. The challenge (and many times, the debate) inherent in math is to *justify* your assumptions (and therefore, your outcome). That's so freaking hot.
Math is my third love (after my family and my kitties), and my first calling. Even though I still play the color game (that thing that all artists do when they try to decide what colors they would use to paint/draw something they see in life), I'm also thinking about quantity of paint, relative thinness of the medium, and the desired dimensions of a potential piece. In other words, even in art, I'm still obsessed with math.
Financial math is simultaneously a safe haven and a dangerous adventure. You have to stay abreast of changes in Federal regulations all the time (they change quickly, and noncompliance is against the law...). It is a challenge and a passion. Math is life, and one of the happiest callings that a little Introvert could hope to have.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Waiting to Work
It is merely a fluke that I brought my laptop to work today. Due to the severe wind chill warning this morning, my plan was to use my laptop for fun and games during my lunch hour. Little did I know that I would be using it to work this morning because my own computer and two monitors are unavailable due to needed maintenance.
Having anyone in my office for reasons not directly related to my job is a little uncomfortable due to the size of my office. It is a perfect little office with a view for my purposes. Think back to Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" ("In my own little corner!"). It is cozy and a perfect haven for intellectual/mathematical activity. The wonderful size of the office has an impact on my ability to work (even on a laptop) when someone else is completing unrelated activities in the same space. Enter maintenance.
It's very different when a student is in my office because the social aspect of the meeting is clearly and immediately productive for both parties. The issue here is that I don't want to alienate anyone--especially when they're here to help me in the long run. The difficulty inherent in this personal Introverted challenge is that I really cannot do much right now from my laptop other than a detailed review of work that has already been done. This is only the case due to the nature of the seasonal project/s in question.
Unexpected social contact that is not necessarily productive for all parties involved creates a source of tension for your Introvert. It isn't insurmountable, but you can definitely see your Introvert twitch a little when it happens.
I made sure that the super-nice Help Desk staffer knew that it wasn't a problem to be in the space. After all, I need my computer, monitors, and printing to work before I can fully assist my students. However, it was clear to her that I was uncomfortable and distracted.
Breathe, little Introvert, breathe!
Ah well...onwards and upwards. Time to review some cases to make sure that my work this morning would hold up to a second round of scrutiny.
Having anyone in my office for reasons not directly related to my job is a little uncomfortable due to the size of my office. It is a perfect little office with a view for my purposes. Think back to Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" ("In my own little corner!"). It is cozy and a perfect haven for intellectual/mathematical activity. The wonderful size of the office has an impact on my ability to work (even on a laptop) when someone else is completing unrelated activities in the same space. Enter maintenance.
It's very different when a student is in my office because the social aspect of the meeting is clearly and immediately productive for both parties. The issue here is that I don't want to alienate anyone--especially when they're here to help me in the long run. The difficulty inherent in this personal Introverted challenge is that I really cannot do much right now from my laptop other than a detailed review of work that has already been done. This is only the case due to the nature of the seasonal project/s in question.
Unexpected social contact that is not necessarily productive for all parties involved creates a source of tension for your Introvert. It isn't insurmountable, but you can definitely see your Introvert twitch a little when it happens.
I made sure that the super-nice Help Desk staffer knew that it wasn't a problem to be in the space. After all, I need my computer, monitors, and printing to work before I can fully assist my students. However, it was clear to her that I was uncomfortable and distracted.
Breathe, little Introvert, breathe!
Ah well...onwards and upwards. Time to review some cases to make sure that my work this morning would hold up to a second round of scrutiny.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Wide Awake at Inappropriate Times
Everyone here is fast asleep. My husband is asleep, the kitties are asleep. Why not me...?
I have a questionable tendency to bring home my daily trials and tribulations. I love what I do...which is why I'm totally obsessed with it. Most people I've met who work with academia are obsessed with it!
Breathe, little Introvert, breathe!
This is the time of year when every last one of us is involved in set-up for the new year in some capacity or another. Deadlines conflict and supersede one another at the most inconvenient times. You learn to roll with it after awhile...find out the priority and divide and conquer.
It does mean that a lot of mini-meetings take place during the day---consultations and debriefings that cannot be avoided. They are good, productive social interactions in short bursts.
Work is not the only reason for my temporary unrest. I was having amazing Introvert Time with kitties, books, and knitting...but my choice of reading material was unfortunate for the timing. One should never read Stephen King directly prior to bedtime!
Now that it is three in the morning, I am using two Introvert Techniques to drop off to sleep:
1. This micro-blog is a good way to blow off a teensy bit of steam. Writing is such an awesome method of decompressing from socially based stressors.
2. I am allowing myself a little smidgeon of extra Introvert time with my books (this time, a more pleasant selection).
ZZzzzzz...
I have a questionable tendency to bring home my daily trials and tribulations. I love what I do...which is why I'm totally obsessed with it. Most people I've met who work with academia are obsessed with it!
Breathe, little Introvert, breathe!
This is the time of year when every last one of us is involved in set-up for the new year in some capacity or another. Deadlines conflict and supersede one another at the most inconvenient times. You learn to roll with it after awhile...find out the priority and divide and conquer.
It does mean that a lot of mini-meetings take place during the day---consultations and debriefings that cannot be avoided. They are good, productive social interactions in short bursts.
Work is not the only reason for my temporary unrest. I was having amazing Introvert Time with kitties, books, and knitting...but my choice of reading material was unfortunate for the timing. One should never read Stephen King directly prior to bedtime!
Now that it is three in the morning, I am using two Introvert Techniques to drop off to sleep:
1. This micro-blog is a good way to blow off a teensy bit of steam. Writing is such an awesome method of decompressing from socially based stressors.
2. I am allowing myself a little smidgeon of extra Introvert time with my books (this time, a more pleasant selection).
ZZzzzzz...
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