Reinvention & Rediscovery: Part 2

I've been making some other littler changes this month along with the general renovation of my life. Some of these smaller changes I am just bursting to share.

First, I have started reading a chapter a night aloud of Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis. My father read the Narnia series aloud to me twice through growing up and it is very dear to my heart. Though Wilder can't begin to follow the storyline and often just runs around in circles while I sit on the couch reading, beginning what will hopefully continue as a family tradition of reading after dinner and before bed together has been so rewarding to me.

Secondly, I determined to relearn the piano. I took lessons on and off for 10 years and my ability is a poor show for all the lessons paid for. I want to be able to play Christmas songs for a sing along at a family gathering this year, so I'm practicing scales, thumping out new melodies as I slowly pick out notes and trying to memorize each clef. It's a fun challenge, though it's reminiscent of some torturous hours spent in childhood. Mom, I'm so glad you made us take piano.

Thirdly, and more for fun than anything, I am branching out in my make-up habits. For the past 4-6 years I've stuck with a basic way of applying my war paint which I learned from the charm class I taught at in Alaska. By putting my blush on the sides of my cheekbone instead of right on the apples and playing with various shades and types of eye make-up I've put a whole new face forward. Thanks to inspiration from a pilfered copy of In Style from my sister-in-law's recycling bin, as well as a few copies Brian has swiped for me from the gym, I've had lots of examples and tips on creating new looks.

Lastly, I've started a "What Makes Me Tick" book. It's a 3-ring binder filled with ruled paper in which I take clippings from magazines that inspire me. Hair do's, make up tips, clothes I love, decorating styles, recipes and even photos that I like get snipped and stapled to the pages for further inspiration. It's been fun to make!

I have also been reading a lot. Realizing that this is the calmest my life is going to be for quite awhile and I only have 7 months left, I'd better take advantage of the comparable solitude of my daily routine and make the most of it. So reading has been at the top of the list. I usually plop down three times a day to sneak in an escape into my current book. I finished The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, am currently reading The Private Patient by P.D. James, and next up is Green Hills of Africa by Hemingway. God bless nap time and the public library.

I renewed my membership at the Rec center (our gym) and have been thoroughly enjoying getting to drop Wilder off at the Sitter Service where he plays with kids of varying ages (and tons of cool toys) and I have the peace of an hour to work out in air conditioning. He gets some much needed socialization and I get some "me" time. It's been working out wonderfully and has integrated into our daily agenda quite nicely.

So those are the latest developments on the new me! Just making some more little, healthy changes. And it's been fun.