So, Internet! Things are not going well.
Divorce aside, the last few weeks have been crisis heavy. So much Big Bad stuff has been piling up that I’ve become slightly embarrassed to be around people. They ask you how you are, and you have to answer without hyperventilating. They ask what’s been going on and you have to come up with a response that doesn’t involve too many hospitals. They stand near you and heavy things fall on their heads.
I should note here that Hank is doing well. He’s a bright spot through all of this. Also, I’m reasonably healthy, which is excellent. (Do you hear me, universe? Super grateful for the kid and the health. Thumbs up! Please hold your lightening bolts.)
My instinct is to plan my way through difficult times, so here’s the plan. I’m going to start doing something fun every day. I just watched this brief TED talk by Matt Cutts on 30 day projects:
http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf
So for the next thirty days, I’m going to make time for something fun every day. I started Saturday, and I hope you’ll join me.
Have you done anything fun today?
Mighty Girl 
Hi Maggie, sorry that you are having difficult times. I did something fun today – I started an online photography course! – fun, scary, challenging. Part of my plan to make 2011 The Year of More Fun.
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I love this project!! I wish you nothing but the best and am sending you good thoughts. As I am new to SF, I figure I can incorporate this into discovering new parts to the city and bay area! WOO! Starting today!! xoxo
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Yes, a fun thing. I’m moving (sad, not fun) and I took all sorts of files I haven’t looked at since the last time I moved (8 years ago) — many of them filled with statements and envelopes that I never bothered to open in the first place — and I tossed them without looking. I can’t throw away everything holding me down, but this shit? This shit can go.
Then I took the boys to get crap Dora-licensed ice cream instead of our usual hipster ice cream place — bcs that’s what they wanted and I’m all of a sudden 100% fine with that.
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I, too, am sorry to hear you are continuing to have rough times. I hope things get better very very soon. I thought I’d answer your question (for the sake of fun!): Today I found new weird places to visit in Vegas later this month and in an hour, I’m going to a thrift store that has only books.
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Oh Maggie
I hope the worst is past you. I feel your pain. Its hard to see someone that brings me so much joy with all that you share, be in such a hard place. This too shall pass.
I saw this video and it reminded me of a friend that does 30 day projects. He is starting another today and I’ll start mine next Monday. I’m glad this video inspired you.
Here is a song that I fell in love with by Rayland Baxter. He opened for The Civil Wars and both artists were amazing!
🙂
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Oh, I don’t like it when things are rough for you. I’m excited for how it’ll be on the other side though. Things are always amazing after they’re terrible. I wish you all the best, Mighty Girl.
I think I will just have to join you on this project. I love fun stuff. Now to make myself stick with something for 30 days…
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Today I let the dog splash around in the pond at the park, because I don’t think anything gives her greater joy than water, especially when it’s 95 degrees out. Watching her jump around like she was on springs made me happy. And then we came home and collapsed on the couch, where I still am.
Hugs to you. Eleanor sends friendly wags.
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I’m game! I could use 30 Days of Fun. Good luck on your project. I’m off to look for fun things to do tomorrow. Yesterday & today were fun without me planning it.
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I call that year 2005. That was our year everything went to shit and then it just kept getting a little bit deeper. This is when I started changing a few things. I refused to blog about the negative. I forced myself to start doing fun things. Weekends became our lives where we just went and did. I wasn’t happy with my job or where we were living, but I could find happy in other ways. And we did. We made due. And now I have a job I love and we have a home of our own. And we’re happy. Really really stupid happy.
I bet when you finish your 30 days, you won’t stop there. It will be the best habit you’ve ever made, to find fun every day.
Totally didn’t mean to rhyme that.
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Oh Maggie! I’m so sorry things are rough right now. I live in SF as do many other readers. If you need us all to drop off a lasagna or something, just put the word out.
As for the fun thing… last night was fondue night. I’ll have to work on something for today.
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Sorry to hear that you’re going through rough times! Internet hugs for you!
Fun thing? Well…I’m working out, which I haven’t done in a while. Perhaps it is not fun when I do it, but afterwards, I feel exhilarated. It’s great to feel my body being put to use, not just be another sedentary drone.
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I can totally get behind this project. I’ve been in a cycle of work/home/sit on couch/sleep for weeks now. Doing fun stuff for 30 days sounds like an excellent idea.
I sure do hope things get better for you. Internet hugs from Central Pennsylvania.
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So sorry to hear that things have gotten worse instead of better. I’m going to take a book making class at the end of the month. Sending many good vibes to you.
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Today I made an excellent bean salad. And I bought a drill, which is going to make several life-enhancing home improvements immediately possible.
Sometimes, not working very much and not having a very long to-do list is more anxiety-inducing for me than having lots to do. Oprah said, “Happiness is having something to look forward to”. It made me realize how true that is for me. This project is right along those lines. Right on!
Best wishes to you, Maggie. I hope it gets better.
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I’m so sorry life is tough right now! Although my life has been busy with grad school and parenting, it’s relatively drama free. I wish I could pass this on to you!
Fun things I’ve enjoyed in the last week:
I finished my new, awesome tattoo!
Began watching The Story of India, hosted by Michael Wood. Amazing.
Watched my daughter’s doll perform a tap dance routine (to April in Paris).
Mentally map out a memoir that I will start writing. I will!
Regarding watching my daughter play — I often find myself thinking of a million other things when she wants to share her play. This makes me feel guilty, but I know it’s normal. I listed the tap dance routine as a fun thing because I found true joy in watching her delight in my full attention.
Be well, Internet friend.
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Sorry for the rough times. For what it’s worth, your regular check-ins are missed.
Are there any drive-ins in the SF area? I have great memories of my parents taking me as a kid (Karate Kid and Beverly Hills Cop double feature!), and I’m making plans to do it this summer. Do you think Hank might be taken in by the novelty of watching a movie on a big screen from a car or are kids nowadays all, “This is quaint, mother, but please pass me the ipad forthwith”?
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Oh Maggie, I want you to know that I light up whenever I see there is a new post from you. It’s always the first one I check on my reader. So three posts by you is a fun thing for me.
Other than that…I had a wine-fueled skype chat with a friend where we sent a joke email to a guy we knew 6 years ago!
Sending you a hug.
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Girl, I’m sorry to hear bad is following bad. “This, too, shall pass” has been a comforting mantra throughout my life (including now!) I wish you strength, faith, and spirit to get through these tough times, and I’m glad you are seeing to it to add fun to your day. A great perspective refresher. Hang in there.
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I’m sorry things aren’t going well for you. I saw that TED talk too a while ago and it inspired me as well. Hoping that things look up for you in the future.
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It sucks that things are rough for you! I will be sending good things your way.
I am feeling a little overwhelmed with life myself, and I like the idea of doing something fun everyday. I am totally in.
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Sorry to hear your on the edge of hyperventilating. Hopefully in time you’ll look back and be grateful you had this challenge to overcome, whatever it is.
My fun today was a little unexpected: some film I sent in to be developed came back to me in the mail. It’s always like xmas, getting photos in the mail!
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Hopefully this doesn’t come across as SPAM-Y, but my husband developed an iPhone app to help with 30-day trials. It is in iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/30-days-to-success/id441887436?mt=8
In case you need a reminder to have fun. 😉
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I, too, hope you can find your Happy again. You’re an amazing woman, Maggie, and you deserve every happiness that life can offer.
My son is undergoing evaluations for autism, and lately, all my free time is spent feeling overwhelmed and angry and sorry for myself. But! Yesterday, I watched an amazing movie on HBO called “Temple Grandin”. When you’re feeling down & need some inspiration, please watch it. She’s a remarkable woman, and I promise that you’ll take away something wonderful from watching it.
Kris, I’m so sorry to hear it. I can’t imagine how overpowering the worry must be — kid stuff is uniquely terrifying. My fingers are crossed for you, and my heart goes out to you. Try to rest as much as you can. -Maggie
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This is so weird. It’s been “a month” for me, too. In May, the father of one of my best friends and my husband’s mentor–who also happens to be one of my father’s work colleagues for over 30 years–was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. He died 34 days later, but not before my friend’s mom and dog died, too. Thirty four days. I told myself last week that I would try to do something fun, risky, and exemplary of a life well-lived for 34 days…and then you post this. So, yes, I’m in. And I’m hoping things get better for you, too. xo
Oh no. I’m so sorry. Yes, time to take a three-hour bath. -M
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I think 30 days of fun sounds perfect. And well deserved. Sorry that things have rough lately.
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Sending you some good, positive vibes. I like your approach to pushing through this. I hope it pays off soon!
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Yesssss. Well played, fun, well played.
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Oh, god, I could use this right now. Sign me up!
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So I am generally a bit snarky. Your blog, your viewpoint, and *you* evoke an almost universal snark-free desire to root for you. You should totally tap into that in this moment of difficulty. You have done a lot for people. Let us know if we can help.
On the fun front – We live in an area with a gorgeous lake and we own land with a big, perfect pond. I avoided those verdant, isolated areas today and schlepped the toddler in 90 degree heat to the public pool. All the chlorine and chaos was awesome. The child also had her first experience with a snack bar snow cone.
Thanks, Julie. I don’t know why I’m always so surprised that comments like these make me feel better. You’re already helping just by being here. How’s that for cheese? I’m offering up snark ammo on a platter. -M
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I’m sorry things kind of suck right now. Hard times are . . . hard? It sucks when everything seems to be against you.
But good for you for finding fun every day. I am joining your 30 Days of Fun! I only read this today, but I actually did fun things both Saturday and Sunday, so I’m saying I started Saturday too. I’m blogging this, if you don’t mind. My first post: http://modaveloce.blogspot.com/2011/07/30-days-of-fun-1-3.html
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I hope the world is better for you soon. It is always difficult when every. single. thing. in your day involves putting out massive fires of doom.
What did I do for fun? I let my puppy sleep on my shoulder for a while before putting her to bed in her crate.
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I will join you, and I hope things get better for you soon! Today we ate homemade ice cream right in the middle of the day!
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Great idea! Good on you for sharing that things are not always perfect and for working towards the positive.
I am going to start the fun tomorrow and try to embrace the chilly weather we are getting in Victoria, Australia.
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I’m sorry to hear that you’re going through difficult times. The 30 day project sounds really interesting. Sometimes having a little focus and consistency from day to day can help with smoothing over the rough patches.
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You know what, this is kind of a sucky summer for us too. I won’t go into details (it’s not my blog!), but it has been extremely disappointing and sad so far.
I am very sorry to hear you say the big ‘D’ word… I was hopeful that you guys could go on, and I wish there was something I could say to make that better. It is NONE of my business, but I remember the togetherness, the marrying, the childbirthing, all read on here, and I just hate to see this happen… it nearly happened to my family too. Anyway, know that someone is saying a little prayer for you and all your difficulties, that you all can do what is best going forward.
And I too am thankful for your health and your kid (and my health and my kid)! That goes a long way!
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2011 can suck it.
Truth. -M
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My instinct in times like those (and man, why so many things all at one time, it’s like our life script is occasionally taken over by Cameron Crowe) is to do nothing. Like when you get the bed spins and you just want to lie flat on the floor until it’s over. You can’t do that, though, because things must be done, even little things. Doing something fun every day makes much more sense.
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I love projects like this. Can’t wait to see how the next 28 days unfold!
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I helped my kids put on their first lemonade and cupcake stand. That was one hell of a lot of fun.
Hugs, love and light to you.
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When I saw your title “A Project” come up in my feed reader, I thought “I’LL DO IT” before I even clicked on it. I love your projects.
My suggestion: BUBBLES. With your son, a friend, or by yourself, go outside and blow some bubbles. Lots of them. My son has recently reminded me what a simple joy bubbles are.
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Oh, Maggie. I’m so sorry that you seem to be passing under a shitstorm. Those are the absolute worst.
When I’m down, sometimes I find it helpful to read my own past blogs. (I KNOW. I’m very narcissistic.) BUT. It can be really helpful to discover how far you’ve come. In your unique situation, I’d read the REALLY OLD ONES–from back in the day when you were very single. It can be helpful in trying to find your voice again.
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I’ve been putting off a bunch of DIY stuff. I will start a 30-day project to Make Stuff, starting Monday. Thanks for the prompting.
Much love to you. Your words have bolstered me many times, and I hope you feel the love of your readers surrounding you.
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Best to you and Hank Maggie!! This is a fantastic idea – count me in!
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Sorry to hear about your streak of bad times. Here’s to 30 days of fun!
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Maggie,
Sometimes just the right person does just the right thing. I have been noticing my complete unhappiness in most things and my complete happiness in one specific area. Time to build a little more happiness into my life. Just the right person does just the right thing. Thanks Maggie for being so spot on! The river looks lovely. The pineapple is gorgeous. Hold your heart, stride forth, and giggle along the way.
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I too tend to kick into planning mode when things are going to hell around me. My favorite is to click over to travel sites and see what it will cost to fly away to an exotic location. No need to delve to deeply into the psychology text book there, right?
I loved Matt’s advice. It got me thinking about what goals and projects I should dust off and get going.
Again Maggie, you show us how to get up and remember to live; even if life is crappy right now. It’s only way you’ll get through to the other side!
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We got a vintage porch swing and hung it up today! Seriously, there is nothing better than swinging away the California nights with your beverage of choice.
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Ah, life. Sending you internet hugs. Projects are good – thanks for being inspirational. I’m starting the project and hopefully will get through it without making it too ice cream/gelato/dessert related. Because sweets are always fun.
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alright, let’s do this thing. yesterday: riding bikes to the lake, jumping in over and over again, pizza on the roof. today, giant mapparium (walk in globe) and baking/ crafts with friends. tomorrow: haven’t thought that far ahead. sending you hugs, mag!
Whoa. Maparium is my new favorite image search:
http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=maparium&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1156&bih=664
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Hi,
I can totally relate to how you are feeling!
I have been putting off calling a few friends that have been leaving messages for months because I have nothing positive to tell them about my life. The last few years have been a blur of sick parents, surgeries and chronic pain, pets dying, boys breaking my heart, etc etc. So much sadness! It can be totally overwhelming.
SO. I love this video about doing something new for thirty days, and I love your happiness project. I hope it is going wonderfully well and I want you to know that you have inspired this fun-needer!
xoxo
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