A New Year, A New Start

I’ve not been writing much as of late. I’ve had much to say but no desire to write it down. Maybe that’s for the better. I sometimes feel like that’s all I do is write about my shitty problems. On the other hand, that’s part of why I started this blog. I wanted an outlet to write about the things I love, the things I despise, and things that make me laugh. Writing, or keeping a journal helps a lot of folks, not just me. It’s been therapeutic. It’s been a positive in my life so I’m not about to quit! I must, however, get back to it!

So, here I sit. So many things that have plagued my life over the last few months now seem less bothersome. Except for one thing: My pain issues. I have over the years tried many things to alleviate the pain, from OTC meds, creams, lotions, and patches to natural herbs and essential oils. I have purchased several items for exercise that I have either not been able to use or they just didn’t help. Last year, I purchased a recumbent bike because I was at the beginning of a weight loss journey that resulted in a 60 lb. loss, but even after the weight loss was still not able to use the bike! I was disillusioned and just plain pissed off! I couldn’t even use the floor peddler I had had for several years. I use to use it every day but when my knees got worse, it became more difficult and the pain would be increased by using it.

In December, I stumbled across a fantastic machine called an Air Walker. I watched a video of it being used and I realized that since I wouldn’t have to bend at the knee to use this machine, I’d have to purchase it and give it a try. I’m so very glad I did! I feel like my leg muscles are getting stronger just since I started using it at the beginning of the month. It has helped me kick-start my diet again and I’m back to losing more weight while making my legs stronger.

With any luck at all, this will be the year I get my knee surgery that I so desperately need to live a productive and quality life. I feel like the last 11 years of my life have just been wasted. Going from doctor to doctor, trying to get help, ANY help has been some of the most wasted time I have ever spent! I know that I need to do the work, that’s a no-brainer. No one can lose the weight for me. No one can exercise for me. It’s on me, I know. It would have been nice, though, to find a doctor who was willing to provide guidance and information, rather than the normal “fat-shaming” that does nothing but tear a person down!

So, I am creating a new me. I finally see a little light at the end of the tunnel. A real light, my own light! Not the fake light I thought I was seeing mid-2017.

Here’s to the new me! Here’s to 2018! Wish me luck!! 

 

Blogger Recognition Award!

Thank you, Novus Lectio, for the nod! I apologize for taking so long to accept this award! Novus Lectio’s blog can be found here: https://novuslectio.wordpress.com – please stop by and give it a read!

Here are the rules for accepting this award

  • Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
  • Write a post to show your award.
  • Give a brief story of how your blog started.
  • Give two pieces of advice to new bloggers.
  • Select 10 other bloggers you want to give this award to.

 

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How my blog got started:

I was entering a new phase of my life. I was about to become a grandmother. Starting a blog seemed like the perfect way to share my life and my loves, although it turned out to be more of a therapeutic project. It remains very therapeutic for me. I have just recently made my blog more public (through Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/BeingAuntDebbie/) and have tried to write more than I use to. There were times that other things got in the way of my creativity and if you have read my past posts you may know exactly what I’m talking about. This blog is about making my way through this life, down whatever road it takes me.

My advice to new bloggers:

  1. Write what you know and about your passions. Just write!
  2. Don’t let anyone belittle you for your writing, opinions, passions or anything else. Just be you and write what you like!

 

It was difficult for me to pick 10 bloggers — there are so many great blogs out there! Most of the blogs I follow are on other blog formats, like Blogger, but I figured I should nominate those who are on wordpress like I am. I don’t always get to read every blog every day and that makes me sad! Here goes!

I nominate:

Karen @ https://icedteawithlemon.wordpress.com/

mainepaperpusher  @ https://mainepaperpusher.wordpress.com/

Jamie @  https://simplesoapariesoap.wordpress.com/

DGGYST @ http://damngirlgetyourshittogether.com/

megclift @  http://megspot.com/

Chelsea @ https://chelseaunfiltered.wordpress.com/

Sugar ‘nd Spice @ https://dattaragurl.wordpress.com/

Ganesh @ https://lifeonplanetearth2017.wordpress.com/

superwifeandmummy @ https://babieslifefamilygoodfood.wordpress.com

Kira @ https://bloggymcblogface446.wordpress.com/

My Blog, My Drama

I started this blog way back in 2008. It was a way for me to express myself through the turmoil that had just begun. It was therapeutic.

It has always been difficult for me to express myself verbally. I attribute that to the fact that my mother stifled me every chance she got. My opinion wasn’t important. My feelings didn’t matter. I was the child and children were to be seen and not heard.

Into adulthood, my ex treated me just about the same way. I found myself having to explain what I meant at every turn. I learned to keep my mouth shut. It was just easier than having to explain myself constantly. I think that’s what he was aiming for anyway. That was his way of stifling me like my mother always did.

So, anyway…. 2008 began with a series of events that became even more troubling as time went on. I needed an outlet. I had to do something to keep myself from going bonkers. I started writing. I hadn’t started seeing my therapist yet; that came a few years later. I think Dr. M would be very proud of me taking this blog to another level, stepping out of my comfort zone. Being Aunt Debbie has always been public, but I never advertised or shared it, except with a few choice people. I am definitely out of my comfort zone!

In July, I decided to share, share, share. I decided to let Google index my blog. I started interacting with other bloggers; I commented on their blogs, and in turn, I received a very warming acceptance. I received comments on my posts. I even started a Facebook page to pair with my blog. It has been a positive experience, for the most part.

The part that isn’t positive is when I receive confrontational comments on my posts, which have nothing to do with the post. Let me just say that I don’t do confrontational. This is MY blog. So, only MY drama is allowed. I don’t have time for your BS. Don’t like my blog? Don’t read it. Don’t like my attitude? Don’t follow me; not on WordPress, not on Facebook, not on Instagram.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not always right. My opinions differ at times. I can handle a discussion about different topics, even when opinions differ. What I can’t handle….no, what I won’t handle is YOUR attitude if you come off confrontational. I’m not trying to be a bitch. I’m just keeping it real. Real simple. Be nice or go home.

 

Should I….

I have been told countless times that I should be a writer. I do have a lot to say, and there are millions of things hopping around in my brain just waiting to get out! I don’t think I’m a particularly good writer, but I like writing and it would be great to be able to let people know who I really am! There are so many things I want my children, grandchildren and friends to know about me and my life. They always say, “Write what you know.” And what I know is my life.

To be continued……