I’m coming to you a little later in the day than usual, not because I’ve forgotten about you or don’t care, but because life has been hectic in more ways than one these past few weeks. I forewarned you that this might be the case once school started. September was a full month and I can hardly believe it’s October already. I’ve had numerous follow-up doctor’s appointments that have all provided promising news that my body is healing from the pulmonary embolism that wracked my body in May.
In that same span of time, we learned that our son broke his wrist while I was in the hospital back in May. It was a hairline fracture on his growth plate during a lacrosse tournament. It didn’t behave like a typical broken bone and didn’t even show a break on the X-rays. But the sports medicine doctor diagnosed his pain so he’s in a wrist brace for a few more weeks.
We’ve fought off colds and adjusted to the marching band and soccer schedules. I’ve been fully back to work, which for me, means no more than 4 days a week in the schools. I’ve discovered that I need a day just for me, when no one else is home, to do things like write and read and just be still. I do other things like housework and cooking, too, but mostly I try to make those days off about things that fill me and give me life so that I can return to the work and needs of others.
Today is one such day. No medical appointments. No lunches or coffee dates (although I do enjoy those). No need for extra rest because I’m sick.
It’s been a while since we’ve talked about my list, here, so I wanted to recap for those of you who might have joined us recently.
10 Things I Made Myself Do
For reasons of personal growth after coming closer to death than I would have liked, I made myself a list of 10 things I feel I need to do in the next year(ish).
Here’s where we’ve been so far:
I wore a two-piece swimsuit in public. This is the only item that has been checked-off, so to speak, of the list. Everything else is in progress. But I did tell you about a second item on my list that will take time to complete.
I will finish my novel. I am planning to write “The End” by next summer, and I’ve been sharing some excerpts in the meantime.
What’s next?
This list is not like other lists, which makes it hard for me to figure out how to share about it. Some of the list items require planning. Some take place at a certain date and time. Some require money above and beyond what I have right now. (Your subscriptions help support this work!)
But I want to share with you the in-progress parts, too. So, let’s talk about the third thing on my list.
Only if being chased by bears or following a taco truck
I walked 3 miles today for the first time in a long time. Before the pulmonary embolism, I was re-starting a running program to try to get back into condition for 5Ks and beyond. Let’s be clear: I am not a hard-core runner. I used to be one of those people who swore they would only run if being chased by bears or trying to catch a taco truck.
It’s a long story that maybe I’ll tell another day, but running was a key component to saving our marriage 15 years ago, and I’ve since discovered that it’s great for combating my anxiety. I’ve never been “good” at it, and I don’t have a lot to show for my running “career” but it’s still something I enjoy.
There’s something about race day that reminds me of the best parts of humanity. I’ve missed that. I think the last in-person race I participated in was November 2021. Whew, that sounds like a long time, and I’m not even sure I’ve done any virtual races since then.
That changes this year and next.
Scranton! What? The Electric City!
One of my other obsessions is The Office, a now-classic TV show that I’ve seen four or five times. We’re one episode away from finishing the series with the kids, who saw it for the first time this year. It feels like it’s taken forever, but we started in January, so maybe averaging one season a month isn’t so bad.
We also live only a few hours from Scranton, Pa., where the show is set. And we’ve never been there. After the fact this year, I learned that there’s an Office-themed 5K every May and participants dress up as characters and the route features places from the show.
It sounds like fun, and I’ve never really run a race for fun. I’ve never really worn a costume. (Does glitter and a tutu count for Girls on the Run? Maybe, I have then!) So I’m determined that in May 2024, at least I will participate in The Office 5K in Scranton. I’m still deciding who I will dress as. (Share your opinions! I’ll take them into consideration.)
But first ….
Before that happens, I need to work up to it. Even if I don’t run the whole thing, which I probably won’t, I need to condition my body to be prepared for a 5K. Thus, the 3-mile walk.
But I also signed up for a virtual run in November that is any distance I want. (I did it for the swag: It’s 1990s themed, and if you want to join in, check it out here. If you use my link to sign up, I get a discount on the run, but that’s not uber-important to me.)
My goal for that run is 1 mile. That is both challenging and achievable for where I’m at right now.
So, on my way to the Scranton Office 5K in May, I’m walking 3 miles, working up to a 1-mile run on November 18, and figuring out my costume while I continue to condition my body through the winter.
Now that we’re through September, I hope to have a few more list updates for you in the coming weeks. Next week, I’ve got a book review, and some behind-the-scenes feelings about these kinds of epic change-your-life memoirs that are so popular.
Don’t want to miss it?
And I’d be grateful if you shared with a friend!