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Sunday, March 17, 2013

Almost Spring

The weather here in Portland has started to turn and we've had a week or so at about 60 degrees. It's felt miraculous, and the effect on my mood has been significant. The winter this year was colder than any I remember and I let it get to me. For the last few winters, I was excited about running through the cold months and I'd get new gear to stay warm . . . this year it felt miserable to even go from my car to my office. I don't know. Spring is coming and I couldn't be happier about it.

I'm still meeting with a personal trainer at the gym. I've done about 5 sessions and I have about 10 more left and then I'll let that go. I think it's been helpful in getting my head in the right place, and I do like my guy, but I really hate exercising indoors. I started running again fairly regularly about 3 weeks ago, and although my progress has been sooooo slowwwww, it feels really good to be back out. On sunny days, I feel that old craving to get a run in. That's huge after the dry spell and weight gain I've had. I've made it 3+ miles once or twice, but I seem to be kind of stuck at two right now. Irritating, but I'm just trying to accept it and be consistent with what I can do. If I get out 3 or so times a week and run two good miles, I'm proud of myself. 

I'm enjoying my condo. It's cozy. I'm looking forward to when the weather is nicer so I can sit on my little balcony at night and read like I used to when I lived at my apartment. I spend a fair amount of time in my sewing room (I'll post a few sewing projects I've done lately when I get a chance), and it just feels like home here. I'm very, very grateful for it. 

Work news: after a year and a half of anticipation, my department at work did shutdown. That happened about two weeks ago, and I found another position with the company at the same office (which is about two blocks from my house) just in time. I've been at the new position for a week now and so far, so good. After 19 1/2 years in banking, I don't get too, too freaked out about new assignments. I haven't met my new team (of employees) yet; I've just been training. I hope it continues to go well. It's an interesting role and I have to really use my brain, which I like :) 

I have a big birthday coming up this week. I don't know exactly why it feels big. The number is 42 (gasp) and I think the issue is that it's no longer the cute 39 or the big 4-oh - something about 42 says nothing but: I'm firmly in middle-age. I'm not completely depressed over it - I'm more encouraged lately than I have been in a while. But aging is rough. What the hell happened to my knees? I'm trying to stay on focus with my weight loss and exercise and other personal goals because that's ultimately the most satisfying thing to me in terms of aging - if I can keep my health as long as possible, then I don't have much to complain about, do I?

My brother & nephews visited last weekend.
How cute is this little guy? :)
I've been wanting to plan a getaway - something sunny to look forward to - but I've lost some creativity or something because whereas I used to think of Indonesia or Costa Rica for an adventure, now I don't think much past Hawaii. It's just so perfect and so easy. And close. But the problem is that I'm not in surfing shape right now and it would be such a shame to go to HI and not surf. I'm not sure I can even do that. I don't know, maybe I make it a quick trip just for some sun and R&R, and then plan something more for another time, maybe next year? A surfing trip to Mexico or Nicaragua or something? 

I've also been wondering about getting a kitty. It probably sounds like a simple decision, but I'm not convinced it's a good idea. I work all day and am gone a bit on the weekends (although I don't travel like I used to). And I would only want one cat because, you know, OCD. I've thought of getting an older cat who needs a quiet, mellow home. Because that's what I have. To be honest, it's been about 9 months since my kitty died, but it's still really upsetting to look online at pictures of available cats (at the HS) or to think about having another one. I don't know. I'm still thinking.

I've been going to a ton of Blazer basketball games. I think I'm only missing one this calendar year. I won't bore you with all the deets, but I will say that I get so much *joy* out of the Trail Blazers. It's been a tiny little miracle in my life this year after a few really tough years. I'm hoping I can afford a half-season ticket for next year to just keep it going. I have no idea what I'll do in the off-season. Seriously - in a couple of months, I'm going to be going through some serious withdrawals.

Blazer smiles - these are my boys.
(Photo from the official Trail Blazers Twitter feed)
Ok, you can wake up now. This post has been kind of a snoozer, but I wanted to record where I'm at. Time flies whether you're having fun or not, that's what I think. But I've been having some fun. 

4 comments:

  1. Yay for the Blazers, I love reading your tweets about the games. I'm glad your job is exciting, even if that lady was a bit crazy in the beginning with the I work 24/7 and you should too!

    It's been three years since Buddy and I really want another dog but I still wonder. I don't know, I'm just so indecisive about many things.

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  2. That made my heart sing :)
    Very happy for your happy

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  3. I think you'd give a new cat a wonderful home. Especially an older cat, who aren't the first to be adopted but make wonderful pets! :)

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  4. Glad you are enjoying your new home and most importantly it feels like home:)

    Take your time on deciding to get a new cat. It sounds like your heart needs a little more time to heel and when it's heeled you will find the perfect cat that you can't pass up.

    I'm only a few years younger than you and I feel like I'm falling apart already:) I don't look forward to bdays any more but regardless hope you have a great one:)

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