Monday, November 24, 2014

Recently & a Holdfast Giveaway

--Drawing Over--
Thank you this week to Jane, Jody, Jamie and Liz. You make it possible.

Dave's brother and sister in law arrive from Oakland. She brings me artesian salt in a little tin. It's pink, and I want to keep it by my bedside as a good luck charm. They also bring us a bottle of California wine as a housewarming gift. David pours it into jelly jars because we are not at the wine glass stage of life yet. He studies the fine pale salt and smiles and says thank you, but he does understand the significance; he doesn't read the blog very often. That seems to sit well with us both.
We have no wine glasses or living room table. Dave says he likes to 'wait for things to arrive' rather than go out and buy them. Since he was born with a lucky star on his forehead, this has always proved an effective strategy. He also has the gift of not wanting and not needing very much. Unlike me! Last Friday, I walked into The Frugal Backpacker and there was a whole wall of sample pieces, which are much cheaper than normal price outdoor stuff yet still remarkably expensive. Everything was my size and looked beautiful and would have given me the life of my dreams, if I could have bought all of it. I had to exit the building. I had to call my mother, then go home and lie down for a little while.

I know that you understand this feeling, that the addition of one more thing could really make the difference. Could really hit the spot. Could really tip the scales. They say that it can always feel just out of reach, and that's the trap, but for me it often feels really really out of reach. Like, maybe a football field away and moving fast. 
My chemistry teacher is beginning to lose his patience. Just a little. I hear it in his voice, slightly strained, the way he hesitates for a moment before taking my question. He is a very nice man and I don't blame him. 

I ask a lot of questions and they always begin with "wait, back up-". Who ever wants to back up? No one. I'm the only one who asks questions. I guess everyone else is mute. Before the class begins we sit and stare at the board, or down at the phones we've hidden in our laps, and when it's over we shuffle out silently. I've never heard them talk. Yet they must be geniuses. I marvel at how efficiently they appear to understand the concepts of enthalpy and the gas postulates, never asking a question, or sighing, or whimpering, or making an expression of any kind with their faces.  

The class, however, is shrinking. It's been a slow drain throughout the semester, gradual and barely noticeable until now. Half the class was quietly flunking and have quietly withdrawn. At least I'm still in the Octagon, even if it makes me frustrated and furious. Anatomy and Physiology is great. It's a steaming hot bath compared to chemistry. I get perfect scores on the tests and I credit that to not having children and not having to work much.

Of course, the dilemma remains of when to have the children and where to find the work.

And I will absolutely figure that out tomorrow. 
I'm not complaining about the lack of wineglasses, in fact I've broken enough of those at my parents' house to last until I'm middle aged. I'm really not complaining at all, because we're at a good part in the plot. David may not want much or need much but he wants me and he needs me. We're always walking around thanking each other for everything. We're really polite. At dinner he'll say, 'thank you for making a nice dinner' and I'll say 'thanks for getting all this food at the farmer's market' and he'll say 'well thank you for telling me about the farmers market' and we'll just go on and on. It's got to be awful to be around. Intolerable. I love it.

The semester is almost over, its on its death roll for sure and tougher than ever. But I'll get through it, I'm certain, because I have this fancy salt which is, obviously, more than fancy salt. It's a reminder that sometimes it's better to wait and things will arrive in their own fashion. Damn lucky, tricky star.

Now for a give-away:
Holli wearing the bicycle tank
I have been eyeing- hard- everything from Holdfast Outfitters. Holdfast is a company based here in Asheville, created and run by a hard working, talented and very strong climber named Courtney. Holdfast is everything we love here on The Coast- a local gal with gusto, making things by hand that we really want to wear and use. 

Holdfast blends functional and comfortable outdoorsy with that minimalist design that's very hot right now. Courtney designs and prints all of her clothes, candles, mugs and more at her home studio. 
This Monday's prize is no Mystery- it's a 50$ gift certificate to Holdfast Outfitters. Wow! That splits neatly into 25$ for yourself and 25$ for someone you're fond of. Thank you Courtney!

The clothes, blankets, prints and hardware that you'll find while browsing Holdfast are completely affordable, and the pieces change with the weather. Courtney dreams, designs and creates new things all the time. Here is my pick of the season: 

This week's prompt is inspired by a brilliant woman I met through the process of writing this blog. Her name is Anna Lola. I recently saw this stunner on her Instagram, @anna_lola:
That's Anna, before her morning commute. She's committed to biking to school and work despite the freezing Rhode Island temperatures. I am really proud of her for that and it got me thinking. Today's prompt is to leave a comment about something you've done lately that made you proud. Of yourself. THAT'S RIGHT! Something that you did that you are happy about. 

I'll start. I can't win the giveaway but I still want to play:

I almost cried at the chemistry tutor the other day. I'm not a crier but I was so frustrated and tired. But I took a minute to think about it, and I decided not to. It would have been a really great way to show the tutor just how upset I was, but ultimately, it wouldn't have been very productive. I'm proud of myself for that one miserable moment. 

Alright- what's yours? It can be tiny or enormous. It can be whatever you want. 

I will randomly choose the winner of the 50$ gift certificate and announce it at the end of the week. I can't wait to read them- I'm already proud of you. 
Follow me on Instagram @melinadream for mountains, dogs and giveaways 


85 comments:

Amanda said...

I love this one! I am proud of myself for staying calm when my three-year-old had a complete public meltdown at Target this weekend. I had to pause and actually choose my reaction. We ended up leaving on the spot and driving around for half an hour just to calm down, then went right back. I did my errands and nobody got hurt. Not very exciting but still a big step for me.

Bekah said...

Oh man, I'm first? First never wins. BUT ANYWAY, yeah, that picture of Anna is gorg. So something that I'm proud of, this might take a while. My son broke his femur 10 weeks ago. It was awful. Just awful. And I was pretty sure that it would stay awful. He was put into a spica cast (that's the one that covers foot to ribs...yeah) and I just didn't see how I could effectively parent a four year old (and his two year old brother) during this period. I was so focused on what he would miss, I was afraid I couldn't bring joy into his life. But I did. We did. All of us. I learned that my limits were self-imposed. I learned how many people wanted to love on us through this. No lie - I didn't cook a meal for three weeks, that's how amazing our friends/family are. He got his cast off a week and a half ago (yay!) and started walking four days later (which is WAY sooner than anyone thought he could) and I'm proud of him, I'm proud of the fact that we made it through and we actually had a lot of fun.

This was a long freakin' comment. Phew.

katrkatekate said...

I'm proud of myself for making myself (mostly) healthy lunches to take for work for the past six months or so. Saving myself money and from eating fast food. I just got a promotion- my first! Which is exciting, but also meant leaving my coffeeshop job and bring responsible for more lunch days, have to up my game!

Jessica said...

oooooh, tough one for me. I'm going to say I'm proud of myself for getting through this past week. Yeah.

And I love those candles!

Sarah Stubblefield said...

I'm proud of myself for taking care of myself when I've been sick these past two weeks. I just recently moved out of the house. Even though being sick made me exhausted, I still got up and did the things I needed to do to get better, instead of sticking to my crazy busy schedule. I got 8-10 hours of sleep every night, drank >1 liter of tea a day for a while, did some research as to what foods I should be eating, and went to the store to get things I needed because I was sick.

laweed said...

I'm proud of one major physical and mental accomplisment. After running no more than 3 hrs since having twins 16 months ago. I ran for 20 hours and covered 62 miles from mt. Pisgah to mt. Mitchell on the MST. It was the most humbling experience and taught me so much about my strength as a woman and now mom.

Liz Stout said...

I am proud of myself for choosing to take 6 steps backward with my endurance mare to try to get us both to a better place, even though I had to put aside my pride to do it. I'm also proud of myself for doing yoga multiple days in a row to work toward my goal; getting started is the hardest part for me. But I started. I'm on my way.

Unknown said...

Who wants to back-up?

Well, some of the women who may have frequented dancing establishments around the rapper Juvenile were certainly willing.

I'm proud of myself for that really terrible joke!

ashevillemom said...

I'm proud of myself for taking an Adult Ballet class and sticking with it even though I'm not very good. The class is hard but the kind of hard where you feel exhausted and happy all at once. I need to do something for myself outside of taking care of my family.

Casey Toby said...

I'm super proud of myself for snuffing out an anxiety attack while 70ft underwater. Everything was going wrong and the bottom was a big graded slope which made me super uncomfortable. A few big breaths and I got my shit together.

ahotsouthernmess said...

I took a compliment...may sound minor but, for me, that is BIG!

Unknown said...

I am proud of myself for making the decision to make it work in Colorado. Deciding the next steps in my future has been on my mind. After much soul searching I think I have the first steps figured out. That feels good.

Momma Bee said...

Ugh that dog. I need a dog so badly in my life! Unfortunately I fell in love with and married a man who is not a dog person. He likes dogs, but doesn't want one. No worries, we have 3 kids now who are excellent at batting their eyelashes ;-)

Anyways...I am proud of the decent person I am. It was pointed out to me the other day when, in 20 degree weather, I organized the shopping carts that were stuffed haphazardly in the cart-return. I didn't mind, and I would have felt bad to have just shoved mine half in but still sticking out into the parking lot. I knew an employee would have to come collect the carts, and wanted to make their job a little easier. As I was rearranging them, a man called out, "I see you being conscientious! I'm witnessing your kindness!" It was a cool moment, to be recognized like that, and it gave me a moment to acknowledge that I am in fact a decent person, and can be proud of that!

Unknown said...

I'm proud of myself for still being in school even though I complain about it every day.

Alice said...

Nice giveaway! Something that I've done lately I'm proud of... I guess it's that's I've almost survived my first semester of NP school and with all A's. On top of that I have 4 sick pets and a husband that I don't always life so keeping it together is something in and of itself.

Ebeth said...

Most people may not think what I'm about to say is something to be proud of. But I am proud of it.

Today I quit my job with no notice (TOTALLY not in character with me). I have not been happy since I came home because of this job, this job that I have loved for three+ years and slaved over has changed (management) and I've never been this chronically depressed and furious at the same time.

So I decided that while I don't have a job lined up (searching desperately) and yeah maybe I have less then $500 in the savings account. It is time to leave. Mental health is more important then a job I used to love.

So here's to me for being brave, doing something totally new (and technically stupid) in order to keep my heart alive. Dear wold, you are good. I know you are. Catch me.

(sorry this is so long but I'm happy and hopeful for the first time in two months and the world needs to know that!!)

adventurekate said...

That particular brand of appreciative love is completely tolerable to be around when you know it's genuine. The moment it seems fake, then it's saccharine and horrible ;)

Last week at work, I was stewing over a project that had seemingly been sitting on a shelf for months. No one was dealing with it and it was a pile of misnamed documents, loose ends and unresolved problems with no strategy or direction. I was overwhelmed and frustrated that nobody was DOING anything about it, then realized that I could be the one to overhaul the whole thing. Yeah, it's going to be a lot of work, but I am proud of myself for taking the initiative! (We'll see if I'm still proud of myself when I'm neck deep in it...)

adventurekate said...

I admire your bravery! Best of luck!

Mackenzie said...

I am proud of myself for learning how to change my own oil filter today (which I serendipitously did right before reading this blog post!), and for gaining the confidence to take that greater ownership over something that has generally tended to scare me (my car, that is). It feels awesome.

And, I am proud of YOU for keeping your head above water with the nursing school path. Keep swimming!

xo Mackenzie

Mandy Weston said...

I am proud of myself for finally hiking all the way up Cowles Mountain for the first time since I ruptured my Achilles' tendon. Pre-Iceland-backpacking I was hike-jogging it three times a week while wearing a 40-pound pack. It's only about 1,000 feet elevation change and 3 miles round-trip, and I wanted to die when I was trudging up to the top this past Sunday. I was red-faced, breathing hard, sweating, and I wasn't even wearing a pack. I was really embarrassed. But I made it to the top with only minimal physical pain, so I'm calling it a success!

Emily said...

I'm pretty proud of myself for *almost* graduating from nurse-midwifery school (in less than 1 month!). It's been a long haul with a lot of tears and happy moments (to remind me why I am on this road), and I'm so happy and ready to be out in the world serving women!

Deb B. said...

I'm proud of myself for spending four days alone with my five week old son while my husband traveled for work. Might not sound like much, but our closest family is twelve hours drive away and while we have some friends here, they aren't the call in the middle of the night because of a crying baby type of friends. It was a long four days with a fussy baby, but I did it!

Sarah said...

lina...I'm proud of you for going back to nursing school! I don't even remember most of the four years I was there....could've been the UNH college scene, but I like to think I blocked it out for self preservation! ;)

I'm proud of me for signing up for and completing my first 10k on Sunday! Stayed on pace and finished with my best friend (who always swore she wasn't a runner) by my side! Next up....a half marathon maybe!?! :) It's so good to have a friendship that pushes each other like that!

Emily said...

I'm pretty proud of myself for *almost* graduating nurse-midwifery school (18 days!). It's been a long journey, with a lot of tears and a lot of happy moments (to remind me why I'm on this road). I'm so ready and happy to be out in the world serving women!

Yonton said...

Today I'm proud of myself for FINALLY giving my old roommate a hamper full of stuff she left at my house when she moved out. For months I assumed the hamper was full of stuff she greatly missed every day. Although after further inspection (by said former roommate who shall remain unnamed) the hamper (which turned out to belong to her boyfriend) included: toilet paper and cleaning supplies that she bought for me as a gift but never told me about. A bag of old clothes she intended to give away that looks like it had been barfed on by one of our pets. One sock that did not belong to her, two socks that were her boyfriend's, and a very large ladle. Also, two trumpets belonging to boyfriend's cousin. Good times. So proud of myself. Give me the Court-tron gift certificate!

Mary E. said...

I love the Raised by Wolves onesie! I'd love to get that as a gift for a coworker who recently had a baby.

So, what am I proud of myself for? I finished writing my first novel recently and am in the trenches of editing it right now, all 321 pages. Some chapters feel brilliant. Others ... not so much. Some days, I'm pretty sure it's going to be the death of me. But I'm proud of myself for not quitting on it, for believing in myself enough to keep at it until it was done.

Now I need to find the courage to send it out there into the world and see if an agent will represent it and me. That feels very scary, but I intend to try.

Hang in there, Melina, and you keep trying, too. Keep asking questions, and savor that pink salt. Life's made for such tiny pleasures.

Nicole said...

Ha, I did all of that chemistry, and it sucked so bad. It was like 15 years ago, but I remember the pain so clearly (and thank you, by the way, for helping me re-live those lovely experiences... I really needed to be dragged through the horrible guilt and self-doubt of studying for undergrad chem exams again... it's fun). So, on that note, I'm proud of my education. I went on from that hellish undergrad to do a MSc and then a PhD. It somehow got harder and more enjoyable as I went. The bonus of grad school is that there were no exams (at least in the same sense as the undergrad ones). The downside: years of absolute relentless guilt and self-doubt, as well as more than a decade of student budget living. But, I made it, and I have a great job and some people, sometimes, call me "Dr.", which I still sort of squirm about. I actually teach some of the courses that I, not so long ago, sat struggling to understand. You'll get there. Push on. And, when it feels like it's sucking the life out of you, think about how goddamn lucky you are to be there. I'm not really a fan of "it could be worse" therapy, but in this case, there are just so many girls and women in the world that would literally die for that opportunity. Onwards.

Jill said...

I love this prompt... it really made me stop and think. Today, I'm proud of myself for talking nicely to myself. There are a few times today I could have internally berated myself but I decided to be nice to me instead. It's hard to do, don't you think? I'm way better at being self-critical. So today, I'm proud that I took a deep breath and smiled and loved myself a little even when I messed up.

Jessica said...

I'm proud of myself for taking the bus everywhere. I mean, EVERYWHERE, with two kids in tow. We go to the grocery store with one strapped to my front and one holding my hand and somehow I manage to carry groceries on my shoulders. We take an 85 minute ride to doctors appointments. It's hard not having a car but we're making it work. I'm a tough Mama and I'm proud of that.

Love seeing Anna Lola here. :)

Theresa said...

First I want to say DON'T BE DISCOURAGED! Despite your professors grumbles, he actually gets paid to teach you by you. You are paying him for knowledge and it is absolutely your right to make sure you get what you paid for. Also, I am totally that student. At the end of this semester I will have 40 credits under my belt (not nearly as much as many people, but enough that I feel like a professional student) and I have found that showing up, doing the homework and asking questions (as many as necessary) is really all you need to get an A. I am hanging onto the 4.0 for dear life and that is my formula. Be there. Turn in assignments. Ask lots of questions. Speaking of deserving answers for all kinds of questions...

As for what I'm proud of... It's a little thing that will hopefully add up to a big thing. Today my youngest daughter asked me if alien's exist. My knee jerk reaction was to alleviate her fear of "monsters" and tell her of course not. But then I remembered a podcast I recently heard with a bunch of very renowned physicists who elaborated on how very probable extraterrestrial life really is and what we are doing to try and find it. And I thought, "She deserves a real answer." So we talked about that (and what that kind of life might look like - aka: nothing like scary monsters)which somehow led to my oldest daughter asking if we could live on another planet which was another question I answered thoroughly - we discussed how we are always looking for another planet where people might live one day and why recycling and taking care of THIS earth is so important and all the ways we hurt the earth. "What else can we do to help the earth?" my oldest asked. We talked about limited fossil fuels and greenhouse gas. "Can't we MAKE something else to make the cars go and the lights turn on?" she asked me. So we discussed solar power and the exciting possibility of nuclear fusion. My 5-year-old and 7-year-old were discussing NUCLEAR FUSION with me today! So today I am proud for answering them the way they deserved to be answered: thoughtfully and thoroughly. I hope that I never snub out their curiosity for the world - the universe! - that surrounds them. Maybe one day they will be great innovators. Maybe not. But they will always know their questions were worth my time and attention. So yeah. Today I'm pretty fucking proud.

By the way, I love your blog. I savor it. The words you choose and the way you string your sentences. I appreciate it all so very much. Thank you.

Ashley Perry said...

Love the post! I'm proud of taking a risk and changing jobs even though it was absolutely terrifying at the time.

annika said...

I am proud of both of us for holding out for truly great guys. I'm also proud of, and slightly in awe of my powerful body and mind that birthed a beautiful baby girl last week.

Ann said...

I'm proud for making it through my first 3 months of medical school. Its a difficult transition.

ici said...

I did 80 push-ups at my workout today. When I started in March, I could only do 2. Now I can bang out 10-20 (boy style) per set, and before you know it, 80! I'm proud I decided to get in shape and I'm proud to be strong!

Liz said...

I am proud of myself for not turning into a shrieking harpy when, in response to my saying that I am not dating anyone, my coworker responded, without even taking a breath, "Maybe you're being too picky." There is also this: I set up a dinner with some friends from college tonight, because we were all going to be in the same town, not where I live, and I have such great memories of these people. Three couples and me--one couple has three beautiful children and one couple is pregnant. We were having a lovely dinner and so many laughs, and I caught myself starting to slide down the familiar pity path of, poor me, single as usual, all these people have partners and thus perfect lives...and I stopped, and forced myself to recognize how great the moment was with these lovely people and how much fun we were having. It was much better than the pity party.

Bethany Davidson-Widby said...

Today was my doozy! I am proud that I didn't let my panic disorder win. Two hours prior to getting on a plane to fly home from Missoula I was so anxious I was throwing up and wondering how I was going to make it. I felt bad for a will because there was NOTHINGvhe could do to fix it. Right up until we started boarding I was having my "what if" thoughts and coming up with plans B, C, and D. But I went with Plan A, scared as shit, and out one foot in front if the other and walked on the plane. Kept my shit together and was thankful for the gorgeous snow-covered mountains that got me through another doozy of a day.

Beth said...

I told my son something very important about how I was feeling, because well, I thought somebody should know.
So glad you are writing here again! You have been missed xo

Lindsey Martins said...

I'm proud of myself for scoring Level 3 on not one but three ATI tests last week after I had worked a 12 hour night shift. I'm also proud of myself for finishing up nursing school with a 4.0. So ready to be done!

QueenTage said...

I recently made pals with this chef and I heard myself saying to him "I'd invite you over to have dinner with us but that would be embarrassing". So right then I decided I never want to have to say that to anyone again...time to learn how to actually cook. My goal: one new, intricate meat dish and dessert per week (with the caveat that I don't rush nor judge myself and that it doesn't even have to end up edible as long as I learn something). This past week I made a mediocre chili rubbed pork tenderloin and an absolute disaster of a buche de noel. And I had a blast. I learned new cooking techniques and also what to do - and not do - in the future. I was exhausted and hungry and very proud of myself. It was the most fun I've ever had cooking. I can't wait to do it again.

Mia said...

I am proud of myself for tahing on a new job (working one day a week at a methadone clinic). I feel like I'm helping people who really, really need me and it makes me happy.

Karen said...

I am proud of myself for NOT apologizing for my messy home when a new friend came to visit with her two children last week. I'm not sorry that I don't spend all day cleaning, I'm not sorry that my kids' toys and crafts and discarded odd socks cover most surfaces in my home. I'm not sorry, so why should I say so?
Xox Karen

Dymbrulee said...

I'm proud of me for finishing cancer treatments last Friday. Everyone keeps telling me what an inspiration I am and how strong I am and blah blah blah. But when I rang that fucking bell three times, a tiny piece of me believed it.

Tage said...

Hi! Congratulations!!!

Danae said...

I'm proud that I survived my first time flying with my 3 young kids! Which included a 4 a.m. Wake up and an awful 3 hour delay, but we made it home in one piece.

Molly said...

I'm proud of myself for being over a month ahead of schedule for moving out of my old apartment. I've been there for three years, but I moved three times in the year before I moved in. Each of those times it was a disorganized last minute rush. This time all the heavy stuff and most of the other stuff is already done, and with hardly any smashed fingers or toes.

marinj said...

I'm proud of myself for purchasing my first home! I just moved so it's all new and exciting to me. :)

Keli said...

I learned how to paint my finger nails. I know, I know...it sounds really silly. I have never been a girly-girl and have always felt like having it together fashion & makeup-wise just wasn't me. Last week I decided I really wanted to paint my nails but didn't want to spend money on a manicure. So, I read a bunch of tutorials on Pinterest and gave it a shot. I let go of worrying about it looking perfect or what other people would think and just went for it. I love how it looks, I feel more confident and am happy I tried something new. Little things make a difference!

KeelyO said...

I'm proud of myself for trying to read Harry Potter in French!

Megan Marie said...

I am proud of myself for keeping an A grade in my college math class all semester. I've always had problems with math and I had very very low hopes for this class but as I'm nearing the end of the semester that grade is staying the same!!

Seeing Each Day said...

My coordinator was unfairly demoted by the powers that be. We had a, albeit bittersweet , farewell for him. It was my role to deliver a speech for him, which for someone who absolutely dreads public speaking was a daunting task. But I needed to speak and I rehearsed and rehearsed and delivered the speech without breaking down in tears. Afterwards, and for the next few days people kept coming up to me saying what an amazing heartfelt but honest (under the circumstances) speech it was. I was proud to be able to give my coordinator the tribute he deserved.

Unknown said...

I attempted a post yesterday...phone ate it. So I'll try again. First, I am very excited you are back blogging more often. I found your happy little blog a few years (?) ago, and have been hooked since. I had a rough class that year, and some of what you were saying, I swear was being said for people like me to hear.

For my proud, well, does it count if it started (and may finish) from a selfish need? I have this thing with security, continuity etc. My job has been that for 8 years. My husband took a risk and switched careers, and then lost his position in a nasty buisness deal. Lots of anger, lots of hate, yes hate is the right word, had boiled up for the situation. Last week he learned of a potential position, in a similar industry, in a different state. This is where my proud moment lies, we've decided if the job is right, we go. We start over, in a new state. I start over as a new teacher (!!!!!) at the bottom of a pay scale. I agreed and feel fine in giving up my secure job because this will make things better for our family. And I'm most proud that I'm not panicking, no Xanax has been taken, and I'm excited for this potential opportunity, I'm not my usual pesimistic basketcase self. :-) So see, a proud out of a selfish? Oh well. I'm proud of it, even a year ago, heck, 6 months ago I would have been a puddle on the floor over this.

Oh, and keep going at that Chemistry stuff, you can do it!

Sadie said...

This one hits home for me right now. I recently quit a very "easy" job to take a very "hard" one. This new job will push me to grow in ways that I'm not entirely sure I'm ready for...but I took the plunge and there is no going back now. I hope to arise on the other side smarter, stronger and better for the challenges. And for that, I am proud.

Unknown said...

Hey thanks queentage for suggesting this! Cool idea!

Im proud of the fact that this week I was able to lay down my pride and tell someone important to me "Im sorry..." even though it was uncomfortable and really hard for me to do!

Jes said...

I'm thankful that there are couples who sit around thanking each other back and forth for the little things. Gives me some hope!

In the same-ish vein, I'm proud of myself for saying "no, I don't want to go on that second date" instead of just doing it and wondering why I was wasting my time with someone that I don't have a spark with or anything in common with. I tend to just go with the flow and let things happen to me--actively trying to change that!

Cait said...

I went to the gym this morning and ran for an hour.
I love my boyfriend very much but something feels off between us and it's scaring the ever loving shit out of me. Like, where I start hyperventilating and the sex feels weird and I almost explode into shards of blood-tipped anxiety.
So, instead of doing that, I went to the gym today. I ran. I ran and listened to a podcast and then I showered and now I'm cuddling with the dog and I'm going to self-care my way out of this pothole of a problem that I have turned into a canyon in my mind.

Michelle said...

I am proud of myself for honoring my body as I grow this creature inside. It has forced me to take a step back from my adrenaline-fueled lifestyle, and get a "real" job sitting at a desk. It has been a challenge to take a step back from my other life but I know it is not gone.

I am also proud of you Lina... you are inspiring in so many ways.

Stacy Monaghan said...

The reason no one else is asking questions is because they are afraid to, not because they know it. That is my motto and I truly believe it.

I am proud of myself for cutting out sugar on my cereal in the morning. Small steps to healthier living!

Danielle said...

I'm inspired by your school story. I've been so scared to start school again, at the age of 30. Thank you for reminding me that I will be just fine!

I'm proud of myself for recognizing that that toxic people don't need to have a place in my life. This week, instead of being the nice girl, I finally stated how I feel and how emotionally drained I feel by someone. I'm proud of myself for acknowledging that it's OK to let go of "friendships" that are toxic to my own well-being.

meg@ourwaytoeat.com said...

I am proud of myself that in this sad dark month since I suddenly lost my father-in-law, I have been doing things that I have been wanting to do for a long time. This is everything from taking an entire day to be all by myself, going to so foreign films, going to listen to an author talk about her book, starting to paint a picture, organizing the inside of a very messy cupboard and ordering a book so that I can start reading more, even though its a very easy book. As hard as this month has been I've made better use of my precious free time. Meghanssj

Aimee said...

Love that your posting again.
I'm proud of myself for accepting I'm human and I have limitations. Not staying up till 2am seeing, cleaning or gardening. (Yeah I've been known to be out there torch in hand) Enjoying the slightly crazy moments rather than letting the send me into a spin.

Anonymous said...

Tiffany W. - - I am proud of myself for being strong and not giving up on my goals!! I finished college this year and locked on a decent job. Well a few months after, my husband decided he no longer wanted to be married and left myself and our 2 year old - booked a one-way ticket out of our lives. I've managed to stay strong and focused through it to be positive so it doesn't affect my son. It's stressful being a single parent but positive vibes, positive life right?! :) I am so proud of myself for not giving up while I was finishing school because we'd be up You-Know-What Creek without a paddle if I had. I hope my son, when he's old enough to understand, will be just as proud of me! *Furthermore, I'm proud of myself for not caving under all the stress and shaving my head like Britney Spears circa 2007.

Rachel said...

Melina, I am so glad that you're writing more and more! I've said it already, but man, you are tremendously talented. Dave's sister-in-law killed it with the salt. Good to have people like that in your life, yes?

I flew home for the holiday last night. At the airport, I saw a single mother struggling to hold carseats and luggage while juggling her two small girls. So I stepped in, grabbed everything and carried it for her. I'm proud of that, I think. Though maybe "pride" isn't quite the right word. It's a character trait that I like about myself -- that I'm open and helpful. (It's so much easier to be hard on ourselves for what we don't like, or what parts of our person need work. Good prompt to make us recognize the good in ourselves. Thanks!)

Haleigh said...

What a fun giveaway! I am proud of myself for not cursing anyone out on the interstate during this thanksgiving holiday :)

Melina said...

You are an incredible. Everyone who reads this is proud of you. Well done. Keep it up!!

Melina said...

Wow!! I read that out loud to Dave and he said, "what?? That's crazy!!" Incredible. I'm in awe.

Wendy said...

I quit smoking. It's been over a month and I honestly don't need it! I can do this!

Lynn said...

I am proud of myself for keeping a cool, calm and together composure when my significant other was in the middle of having a stroke. Ordinarily I am not the one you want around in an emergency, but somehow I went into a different place when I realized the situation was rather dire....I called 911, described what was going on in a more than cool voice, and handled the emergency and myself like a pro! I'm so proud, and so very relieved and grateful that he is okay!

QueenTage said...

💜

Destiny said...

I'm proud of myself for immediately recognizing that I was being crazy after I lost my crap and yelled...over a freaking roller blind in the babies room. Saying sorry and moving on really does feel pretty great. And I will be forever proud of myself for giving birth to my second girl with no pain mess. I knew I could do it...and I did, now if u could just translate that confidence to the rest of my life!
Cheers!!

AlaskanAlison said...

I'm a nurse and one of my primary responsibilities is counseling teenagers about reproductive health. I have one girl I've been meeting with every month and she will NOT talk to me. Like, nothing. For months. Today I met with her again and switched tactics. Long story short, she finally talked me.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much! As tough as it is, I got an amazing child out of it that I wouldn't trade the world for. I wake up each day being grateful for what I have rather than dwelling on what I don't. Love will come again. In the mean time, I have a toddler to celebrate as he's conquering potty training like a champ!! Haha! Now I can start saving that diaper money for a much needed mom/son vacation to the Smokies! (I couldn't figure out how to post with my name, so it posted Anonymous and I typed it into the post!) -Tiffany W.

Brenna said...

I made the decision to stop wasting mental energy on a stressful work issue that was out of my hands. I realized that by struggling against it, I was choosing to be unhappy. No one likes their job all the time, and I'm concentrating on recognizing and acknowledging all the moments when I DO enjoy my work, and not just the times when I don't.

Melina said...

Need. To hear more about this. I would love to do that as a nurse

Beth said...

i am proud that i am getting rid of the unnecessary in my life... things, people, long-list goals. i am focusing on the people and short-list goals i have and it feels great!

Erin Marie said...

Great prompt, Melina.
I'm proud of sitting with the fire of my feelings (anxiety, stress, anger, frustration) a good while before speaking or acting. All to often the static I perceive between myself and someone else (boyfriend, family, friend, coworker) is actually a reflection back of some of my own emotional turmoil.
...now if I could only get back into my rhythm of running and yoga to help quiet the static altogether.
One thing at a time.

jennlin said...

I am proud of myself for getting back to the gym. I went way too long avoiding it and making excuses. I was starting to feel bad about myself and my body. So, this past week, I made myself go after work. I was reminded how good it makes me feel and I could remember how great I felt about myself when I stuck to it last time. I have a renewed sense of commitment and that makes me proud.

Sarah said...

A woman posted that a man said something along the lines of "i see you being kind!" I am committing to doing a better job recognizing other peoples kindness when I see it. Two) I am proud that I am not too proud these days. That I have been stripped down to the very bones of my humanness. Which albeit it painful, is actually a beautifully broken place to be. Building back up from this place has shown me a layer of resilience and courage I never knew I had. Thank you for asking us, Melina. So many proud things may have gone untold without a platform. If no one asks to hear the stories of our lives, the beauty goes unnoticed. Grateful for you. xo

Nicole said...

I'm proud of myself for speaking my truth and setting boundaries today!

Heather B. said...

I am damn proud of myself for:
1) applying for a job while working an insane schedule and being 9 months pregnant
2) kicking ass during my 2 day interview while toting around my 2 week old son (who could really use a "Raised by Wolves" onesie), including pulling myself together enough to give a terrific 45 minute talk
3) getting the job- one that I have been working very hard to get for the last 4 years- a job that uses my degree, I am good at, and is one that I love!
Yay me!

PV said...

I'm proud that I finally made it to the climbing gym. This is something I've always wanted to do but never had the chance. I went with my family and some scouts. We learned how to belay and I made it up the wall several times. Not bad for 47! I was proud to show my boys (12 & 14) that even Mom can do it. I wish this place was closer so I could do it much more often. I will have to say that I thought of this blog many times while I was there! Thanks Melina for inspiring!

heather said...

I'm proud I'm gonna be a mama! (Need that raised by wolves onesie :)

colleen said...

I farted in front of Daniel, since you know me you know this is a HUGE MOMENT. There you go, my proud moment. Love,
smalleen

Anonymous said...

I'm proud of finishing another semester ofworking a part time job, settling into a new house and still finding time for my husband and sweet dog. Being in school as an adult is a tough. Finding balance to care for yourself, your family and friends is even harder! Here's to respecting yourself with self care during the holiday break and into the next semester!

Melody said...

I proud that I have been cancer free for 18 years. My kids were 3, 6 and 9 and it was one of the hardest times in my life.

Ariel said...

Proud is hard. It's hard to pull something out of daily life, when my life doesn't contain anything particularly noble or remarkable - just another life doing lifey things.

I guess for me, it was being more patient than usual with my inlaws who were here for Thanksgiving. They're the world's most wonderful, most aggravating people. We have so much fun with them, but they drive me entirely batty.

Like your situation with the chem professor, it's been a deliberate choice - a flip of the switch - "I can choose to be patient here or I can choose to react in a way that shows off my irritation." More often than not this long weekend, I've tried to choose the former. We only see one another a few times a year, and I can suck it up for a weekend!!