Were you in a race with other months, September? I felt like you were running at an Olympic pace. I barely remember this month to tell you the truth. You were not fall-ish like you promised. I'm pretty sure I sweated more this month than the actually summer months.
This month brought a lot of different emotions for me and I struggled some days looking at social media. The fact we are still under emergency orders from the Governor about the pandemic and things are not back to normal as we thought they were going to be, were hard to comprehend. (Happy 6 month anniversary of 2 weeks to flatten the curve)🙄. Coupled with the fact Instagram was taunting me with everyone's winning season, I was sad some days. I tried to keep busy and not fall back into old patterns. I focused on the good in my life and by the end of the month, I am back to my old peppy self. I've realized its okay to have these off days- let yourself feel these emotions, acknowledge them and then let them go. You are bigger than what you are feeling.
One good thing that came from this month was my appointment with my gastroenterologist. I had my first appointment with him since JANUARY. This is the longest I have gone without seeing him. I was so excited for this appointment. He was so happy that I have been doing so well and the medicine seems to actually be working. (ALL THE PRAISE HANDS!!!) He said he doesn't need to see me for another YEAR (unless something is wrong). HALLELUJAH! Needless to say, I was so excited to hear this and so relieved. I have some days where I feel terrible but I don't let it stop me. Now I am eagerly awaiting my blood test to see if in deed the medicine is working.
My first semester of classes is just about over. Yup, you have been along with me for 7.5 weeks through my classes. Has this been easy? Heck no, but it has made me so so happy. I am constantly doing homework during any free time and I dream about equations and accounting problems. My heart is full, I feel like I have been missing this- learning, new knowledge- for a long time. My trusty TI-83+ (from early 2000s) has been holding up great and I am surprising myself with remembering how to use it.
One thing I was sad to say goodbye to was Standup Paddleboarding. SUP truly brought me joy all summer long. I looked forward to each week and especially seeing Adrienne. We have become such great friends over the years, it was a perfect escape for a few hours. Being on the water is calming and it was the perfect stand in for therapy. Each week, I tried new yoga poses and became more comfortable on the board. By the end of the summer, I started planning on saving up to buy my own board for next year. I loved exploring the creek and lagoons, seeing the swans and turtles and occasional fish. I cannot wait to explore different waterways next year.
Something new I did this month was overtime. Now in all my jobs I have never had the chance to work overtime. When I got the email, I jumped at the chance (without actually knowing what I would be doing), for overtime. My guess was correct and I had the opportunity to stuff envelopes. I can hear what you are thinkng, why would you want to stuff envelopes? After a long day, this mindless activity is actually very relaxing for me and I've had the chance to finish TWO audiobooks. I have a few more days of it and I am thankful for the opportunity- for both the extra money AND the time to sit and listen to audiobooks. (Check back next week for my review of them).
Our local library has come up with some pretty great virtual programs lately and I was able to pick up two calming crafts to complete at home. One is a mediation jar and the other is anti stress lavender putty. I am waiting until my classes are over to makes these but I will report back to let you know how it went. I am so happy the library is taking these creative measures to keep the engagement up. When I went to the library to pick up these items, it was the first time I was there since MARCH! It defiently had a different feel but I was happy to be back and the employees were happy to see the public as well. I got to see my favorite security guard too. He was just as happy to see each patron as he always was. Its nice to get back into an old routine again.
Well September, you sure were different but to be honest, I wouldn't have traded you for anything....well maybe if we could you know take away the global pandemic, that would be great. Thanks for the memories, lessons and the gratitude you have shown me this month. I look forward to see what your friend October brings.
[[Sometimes you just need a new perspective to see things more clearly]]
-gabrielle
PS. If you are wondering, the mystery of the pink flamingo that was placed by my car back in the beginning of August, still has NOT been solved. I truly have no idea who left it for me. I guess some mysteries are not meant to be solved.