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.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
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...
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