No...Really.

Okay, I know the plan was not to neglect this blog and all, but this has been a busy month for lots of reasons. One reason was that my niece was visiting from Japan, and we wanted to spend as much time as possible with her. This was a priority. On top of that, I've been trying to help get things together for my new job at The Living Christmas Company. I know I mentioned that a few times. I've never actually worked out of my house before so it's an adjustment.
Now for the good news. I went to the gym this past Tuesday!! I'm so proud of myself! After (I'm embarrassed to say) two years, I went in and got set up with their new system. I'm a member at 24-Hour Fitness and they just switched locations across the parking lot to a bigger and better facility which includes (drum roll please) a POOL!! Yay! I love swimming. I am pathetically out of shape of course, but I know it's something I can get into. So yesterday, I went over and took the plunge. After about 4 laps I thought "okay, that's enough for today!", so I stopped. Just kidding. Well, actually I did think that, but I pushed myself for 16 more laps: 20 in all. I went back on Wednesday but they were having a water aerobics class, and I never made it back. (Sad face.) Thursday I did another 20 laps, and today I slipped in before the aerobics class for another 20!  After a while I'm sure it will become routine No, really this time. Hey, you have to give me credit for trying, right? Three days so far this week! I totally rock, if I do say so myself, haha. See you at the pool!

Now if these guys were on the other side of the pool...

Caren E. Salas










photo: ynaija.com

Crazy week!!

What a week! Monday I have to admit was a great day. I visited with some friends during the day. They live in Santa Monica and you can see the ocean from their balcony. I'm so jealous, but as long as I can visit once in a while, I'm good, haha.  I left a little later than I expected, but instead of suffering through the LA traffic during rush hour, my husband suggested we go out to dinner in Manhattan Beach. He works close to LAX (the ultimate traffic nightmare) and Manhattan Beach is close by. I got off the freeway, picked him up and we had a lovely dinner at a Mediterranean restaurant.  By the time we were done, we just zipped home.
Tuesday got a little crazier, I ventured into the Black Hole, and managed to pull out five bagfuls of toys to give away to the local thrift store. I still have a ridiculous amount of stuff to go through, but I feel like I made a dent. As the week went on, I've been working on learning the ropes of my new job with The Living Christmas Company. I met with my boss (my nephew Scott) yesterday and went over some more information. So much to figure out, but I'm getting it little by little. Luckily the season won't really get into swing until September, although there is correspondence to take care of before then.

My garage...haha (the black hole)

I've been sticking to a fairly healthy diet, and between the climbing (over stuff mostly) and lifting and moving things around in the garage, I've at least been getting some exercise. I'm hoping to get most of the garage done by the end of next week. That would be awesome.
Although I've been busy, I actually feel pretty good. (Shocker) I even wrote a poem which is nice because I've been a little dry in that area. So here's hoping that this coming week I'll get more done and feel even better. One can dream, right?

Caren E.Salas



Photo: en.wikipedia.org

I just hate when it's...sticky

Okay, this is one of those days when I'm happy I don't live somewhere that humidity is the norm. Blah! We've been having this weird summer-storm-but-really-just-gloomy weather. The sky spits out a raindrop or two every few hours, and then just holds all the rest of it in the air for us to swim in.  I really don't do well in this type of weather, however I'm still trying to just keep plugging along. I've been sticking to a better diet, trying to get out and at least walk, and working on keeping a positive attitude.  I feel a little like the humidity has gone to my head and I'm even thinking cloudy.  I've been staring at the computer screen thinking that the words are just going to come and...not much.
I was supposed to meet with my new "boss" yesterday, but he got held up, so I will meet with him today. Hopefully I'll have much more to report the next time.

Caren E. Salas

I know, I know

Okay, I realize I said I would be more active on this blog and then disappeared once again, but this time I mean it. After the last time, I went on a much needed vacation, where I had a limited amount of online time. That was okay actually, because I think we all need a break from technology once in a while. When we got back I thought about jumping right on and getting back to business, but I decided that I needed to get myself better on track first. So, starting Monday of this week, I went back to a healthier diet (hard after being spoiled during vacation...) and even started walking again. My goal for this week is to go to the gym at least once.
I do feel like I'm at least somewhat refreshed and it helps in some ways that the kids are out of school. There is a lot less driving around which takes up a large percentage of my time during the school year. I'm trying to get the house in some form of order, and then tackle, yes, the Black Hole. We'll see how that works. Also I've been trying to prepare for my new "job" with Living Christmas Company. I'm excited about that, and have been trying to read up on as much information ahead of time as I can. As soon as I get going on that, I'll let you know all about it. Meanwhile I'm working on myself, my house, keeping track of my kids, and possibly venturing into the Black Hole. Wish me luck, I'm going to need it.

Our vacation house. I didn't want to leave!!

Caren E. Salas

Neglected

I am so sorry to have neglected this blog for so long. Things have been hectic with end of the school year activities and my son graduating from high school. I'm feeling more optimistic however, with new opportunities coming my way and my health being on an upswing. Yes, after so long, I think the doctors and dentists and various care-givers have finally figured out what my jaw pain was/is caused by. Two different things contributed: one of which is on its way to being taken care of, the other hopefully will be soon.  All I can say is...Yay.
That being said, I suppose I should get back to my quest for health. As the summer begins to unfold, I'm really looking forward to spending time outside as much as possible. I will be bathed in sunscreen of course, but I really intend on taking advantage of any chance to enjoy the sun.  Every year I promise myself that I'll go to the beach more, go body boarding, go on walks in the sand. This year, dang it, I'm going to make that happen.  The kids are all old enough to either stay home or come with me without the need for constant supervision in the water. 
Also, I will be increasingly involved in "The Living Christmas Company" which I'll explain more about later I'm sure. I'm still trying to do my homework and learn everything I can about it.
I hope to stay active here, and I hope I haven't lost my few loyal followers. Wish me luck, keep an eye out for my posts. Thanks for still being out there for me.


Caren. E. Salas

Check it out:  http://livingchristmas.com/

Roller Coaster

Wow. I must apologize for my disappearance of late. This time of year is always tough with end of the school year events, and spring cleaning, and planning for the summer... Those last few marbles rolling around in my head are taxed beyond their capacity. Add to that a lovely letter from the IRS, my son getting ready to graduate from high school, and a yet un-diagnosed health issue (remember I talked about having a TMJ disorder earlier? - Turns out, that's not what it is. Great, I now know another thing it's not). It's amazing I can even function. All of this on my mind has also curbed any inkling of creativity. The only thing I've written lately is a poem about not being able to write anything. I feel like I'm riding some insane roller-coaster in space, flying off the rails aimlessly through the universe, with no control or direction. I'm afraid my air could run out at any time, and the second star to the right doesn't seem as bright as it used to. I'm not happy with the way I look, the way I feel physically, and I fight against the effects of depression every day.
Here's the encouraging part (in case you were getting worried that there wouldn't be one) I am here now. I'm writing...something, which is better than nothing. On the wild roller-coaster in space which is my life, I am back on the rails, having plummeted straight down and circling around a bit I'm heading back up. The ride is far from over of course. The clicking of the track reminds me that what goes up, usually comes back down. In the back of my mind I'm waiting for the next drop, but for now I can relax a little. I don't know if tomorrow will be a better day, but I will tell myself that it will be. That gets me through each day.
Whatever works, huh?

Caren E. Salas


Photo: "Roller Coaster At Night" by Fionnrua
writing.com

"Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming.."

Those of you out there with kids, probably know where that quote comes from. Dorrie from "Finding Nemo" and I have things in common. Just ask my kids.  My short term memory is about as - wait, what was I talking about?
Dorrie does have the endearing quality of encouragement. She keeps urging on Marlin, even when he feels all hope is lost, and even when Marlin tries to push her away in frustration. I think I'm a little more like Marlin in that respect. Part of me feels like "What's the point? I'm not going to achieve my goals! Why keep trying?" I mentioned before, that I need cheerleaders. Self-encouragement is hard! Still, even on my darker days, a kind word or even just a small confirmation that someone has faith in me, brightens my day. What's great is when someone calls me, or messages me from out of the blue; someone I haven't talked to in a while. That's enough to get me going, when I find myself dragging along, or feeling defeated. I appreciate those little surprises more than I can express. That in mind, I hope that maybe I can encourage other people now and then, with a "hello" on the phone or text, or maybe a crazy blog post.  Who knows? It might be just what is needed at that very moment. Hope so.
Just keep swimming, friends...


Caren E. Salas



photo:  pixar-planet.fr