A Holiday Break in the Action in Everyday Ramblings

Somehow this photo just seemed the perfect representation of the intersection between the winter holidays, the pumpkin and the wreath and the broken down bare brachness of it all.

We are having a gorgeous Thanksgiving morning here in Portland. It is just a tad over freezing and although there are wispy clouds and a very cold front is moving in this weekend the sun is out and it is amazingly dry.

I walked down to the substitute gym, which is now going the way of my “real gym”. Although this morning they did have clean fluffy hand towels they haven’t lately. And the elliptical that was squeaking didn’t this morning so I had a lovely workout. I still have a little ways to go to get in my full days activity requirement but once I knock that out I am becoming Sloth Girl.

All the overtime and crazy work behavior takes its toll during these dark months.

The thing that is so frustrating is that I have so much stuff jammed in my head that I need to access for various and sundry eventualities that then when I get tired then it all takes takes more energy and then my ability to think things through and respond quickly and coherently gets, um, compromised.

The family wants Christmas gift ideas. I need ideas for them. Although I need to work tomorrow and one of the weekend days I am hoping that through strategic rest, meditation and just plain letting go that I can get to a point when I can have brilliant useful ideas for this all.

Did I mention that they did hire a replacement for Pacifica? He starts on Monday. A guy! I have not met him. I was not involved in the interview process at all. Things are getting a little both top heavy and top down where I work. Apparently he is young, big, and has a degree in finance and came with a long list of references and will be completely new to the dysfunctional institution. My new boss is definitely more comfortable with guys.

So fingers crossed that he works out and that I can start cutting back on the overtime progressively as he gets trained up.

I do get paid for the overtime. This is not charity work. I got a very handsome check last week. Nice to have this time of year. And it covers the first months studio rental and insurance and deposit for the classes I’ll be teaching starting in January.

Now what I need are some cute little yoga outfits that are the right size. My weight is stable and I am determined to keep it off. Still going to Weight Watchers meetings. I walked the three miles over to mine last night. Kes is so close to goal and we are all looking forward to celebrating her achievement when she gets there maybe sometime early next year. She also has been stable all fall and not gaining at all. Between us we have lost almost 85 lbs. It is so nice to have the support and to be able to give the support.

There is much to be thankful for here this year. My health! Having found the melanoma early and had it addressed right away. The fact that my family has stayed remarkably healthy in spite of minor mishaps and complaints is something I am incredibly grateful for. While my oldest sister’s eyesight is diminishing and problematic, she was still able to go to the ballet a few weeks ago and sitting up in the balcony see well enough to “get” the performance and have opinions about it.

I appreciate the gift of a good (if oh so challenging) job, Sammy’s determination to hang in there even though he is now a fussy demanding old fellow. My poetry friends and my Women’s Circle and the First Unitarian Community.

And that I can every now and then check in with you all.

I value and savor the rich fact of my yoga practice and teaching.

But most of all today I am thankful for the simple basics that so so many of do not share, potable water, hot water, safe food, safe transportation, comfortable living circumstances with heat and sanitation and functional cooking facilities.

Oh and flashlights and warm scarves and Netflix and Christmas Cookies from Trader Joes. :)

Happy Holiday to those here who celebrate! Personally I think having this holiday during the spring makes way more sense but there is stark beauty too in the cold transition of the dying year. Enjoy.