Hello there, strangers! I’ve been having a busy life the last week or so. I’ll get back on the regular posting soon, but in the meantime, here are a few things:
1. I joined a gym with my friend Sara and actually WENT every weekday morning last week. Not one to enjoy exercise, I’m surprised at how much more tolerable (and-gasp-FUN) it is to go with a friend. I feel much better about myself than I have in a while.
2. I’ve been working my tail off trying to get ready for a big trip home to Chicago in September. I have a lot more to do so might be even more spotty with the blog posts. Being the boss isn’t always easy.
3. I went to a lovely wedding. I will tell you about that soon.
4. I’ve watched two Cubs games at Pinche Gringos this past week, and both times I spent too much money, but the Cubs won, so who cares? We’re still in first place, and it’s August. Who is this ball club and what have they done with my team? On August 30 and 31 I will be actually sitting within the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field, watching live, late-summer baseball, eating hot dogs, and drinking beer with my good friends Adam and Martina. I feel dizzy with happiness just thinking about it.
5. I’m brewing a tourist rant blog, a “how to live here” blog, a blog about my street dogs, and a new feature I’m unveiling for a weekly post. Stay with me and I’ll do my best to reward your loyalty.
6. I’ve received more postcards. Victoria, Hollito, Liane (2 cards), Katie and Becky. Still working on the scanner.
7. This is the longest stretch I’ve gone without depression in years. I think you all are very good for me. Thank you.
Congrats on the working out! Go, Heather, go! I have totally backslid and haven’t done it in weeks, I think. It’s SO much more fun with a buddy. (*Sigh* I miss resort pool aerobics. I would totally do that every day.)
Good luck with your Chicago trip planning. I hope you have a magnificent time and get to do everything you hope to do and see everyone you hope to see.
And I’m glad you’re had fun with the Cubs games and the lovely wedding. It sounds like you are very happily busy and having a wonderful summer.
By: Julie A. on August 4, 2008
at 8:27 am
Speaking from experience…the more sit-ups/tummy crunches you do the less depressed you get. It’s an ugly truth but has proven itself true in my life over and over and over…
By: RiverGirl on August 4, 2008
at 11:35 am
I agree with River Girl as working out not only does wonders for the body but for the mind. For more than a few months I was so depressed that getting out of bed was a stretch – but one day I got my happy ass up and moving and WOW what a difference (that and a couple bottles of great wine)
Cheers
Cathy
PS – If I could ship you the Midnight wine I would!!
By: Cathy C on August 4, 2008
at 12:44 pm
Congratulations on the gym membership – you are so much better than me!! All I have done on that whole exercise thing is to spend money getting my old bicycle on the road and I went on one ride…..must really do more of that!
)
I spent a week+ in Naperville July 17-26. Nice part of the country – if you like hot and steamy at 9 o’clock in the morning!! I think Playa weather is much nicer.
Well done you for your no-D stretch!
Enjoy your upcoming vacation!
By: Bev on August 4, 2008
at 12:51 pm
Yay, been missing you Miss Heather! Glad to have you back and in such good spirits. Exercise is one of the best “natural” remedies for depression. I just find in my experience, when you’re depressed, it’s just too damned hard to get up and out and do something so you get stuck in a rut. So happy that you broke free and got out with a friend, good on ya!
Looking forward to more, miss you chica!
By: CancunCanuck on August 4, 2008
at 12:59 pm
I just pulled up your blog to check on the postcard/cards to paradise updates.
It’s been over a month since I mailed mine.
Hope you get it..sooner or later!
By: maas1114 on August 4, 2008
at 2:14 pm
This may sound totally random but as soon as I stop going to the gym I get cranky and bitchy and then plain sad and depressed… it’s the horrible truth… exercise helps me fight my mood swings… The downside is that once I’m feeling all cheery and happy again I don’t want to exercise anymore and it all starts over.
Life is a work in progress.
Can’t wait to hear about your new projects and your looming trip to Chicago!! Oh… and please don’t loose hope on my post card. I haven’t lost faith in the mexican post yet (although I guess it’s probably about time I should). I know it will get there… eventually… hopefully sometime before 2026.
Fned.
By: Fned on August 4, 2008
at 4:21 pm
Congrats on the Gym!!
Sorry I haven been by for a while, but, look out, I am back!
Re Depression: I think now that you know a bunch of us blogger, every time to start to get depressed you think of us and realize…..
Okay, here I have to paraphrase that old self help book “I’m okay, your okay”…
You say to yourself “I’m okay, but those guys are really F***ed up”
By: Todd McIntosh on August 4, 2008
at 4:27 pm
I can’t believe you’ve gotten postcards from other countries even and the one I sent from about 17 miles away is still not there??
By: Jonna on August 4, 2008
at 7:08 pm
Heather I am SO proud of you for working out! I just recently found your blog and just love it. I’ll be back regularly for sure.
Keep it up in the gym, girlie! Have you tried a yoga class? You’ve got several incredible teachers right there in town.
Yoga can do wonders for feeling depressed, as well as for getting your body back in shape.
By: Becky on August 5, 2008
at 5:17 am
You go sista girlfriend!!!!
By: Jackie on August 5, 2008
at 9:59 am
They say that working out is one of the best ways to boost endorphines (whatever those are) and stave off depression!! It works for me. Although, now that I am back from vacation, I want to eat everything in sight. I did manage to lose 4 pounds while in Playa though. Anyway, I’d love to join you for your workouts when I am there! 2 motivators are much better than 1. I’ll even try Yoga with you!!
By: Vanessa on August 5, 2008
at 1:50 pm
Good for you- on all counts!! Glad you are diggin on the endorphin rush- it makes a huge difference in my depression.
I could (once again) die from envy- so now, not only do you have THE van, you are going to a real live baseball game *whines* I’m so jealous!!!! Have a blast!
The post card thing just cracks me up! I’m now convinced mine will not get there before the new year! hahaha!
By: lisaloveloca on August 5, 2008
at 3:17 pm
Hola Heather , Sounds like you are “Good” Busy . Glad to hear it, Boy I hope you do that Blog addition on insider’s secrets on living there. That would be very valuable information indeed.. worth it’s weight in beers at least . I can also understand “getting Excited about a pending trip”.. can’t wait till I make it down to your neighborhood .
By: barry on August 5, 2008
at 3:38 pm
Thank you so much, everyone! Your words of encouragement are so uplifting. I’m on Day 7 working out and am so sore I can hardly walk, but still feel really good and have a ton of energy.
I’m so glad to have you guys on my side.
By: heatherinparadise on August 5, 2008
at 4:07 pm
The postcard arrived? Wooo-hoo, and it took only 3 weeks. I wondered if it would reach you in less then 3 months (if ever).
Seems MX post service is not as crappy as I always experienced it…
By: Hollito on August 7, 2008
at 2:25 am
still no postcard from me? oh well
I’m even more depressed knowing that exercise could help depression… I just cannae do eet, cap’n….
By: charmarie221 on August 7, 2008
at 5:17 pm