Saturday, July 26, 2008

Note to self!

Stop it. Just stop it.

You CAN do this, you can do ANYTHING. Oh, you want proof? Ok...here goes:

For starters, you just walked 40 minutes. No big deal you say---well, how about last fall when you were in a wheelchair...how about that? Just now, you walked 2.8 miles. Two point eight miles! Why does this not impress you? Why?

They all said that you'd never make it, didn't they? They all said that you would never be able to support your kids, all on your own...that you would need a man, and damn quickly. Well, you got the man---did that stop you? No...you proceeded to make it on your own, and have one of the highest incomes in Southern Iowa for a woman that is, of course. You spoiled your kids into rotten brats and you know it---but that took MONEY. And you DID it.

You did that job, and one of many others at any given time. And you managed to instill good values into all of your kids, whether or not they choose to remember them today. You DID that. They always knew that they came first.

Back when you were young...you got sick. So sick that you couldn't function. Couldn't work. Couldn't bring in the money that the family so desperately needed, three little ones back then, and a husband who worked when he felt the urge. You had previously had the good sense to buy disability insurance and it paid off. For FIVE long years, that kept your family going...along with the social security benefits you earned. THEN, they all said you would never work again. NEVER. And once again...you took your illness and your life into your own hands and got back to it. You got yourself as healthy as possible, changing your eating habits for life, exercised yourself into the best shape anyone could...lost 60 pounds of "medicine" weight,threw all the doctor prescribed pills right down the toilet, began lifting weights, even thought seriously about weightliftng competitions...you were capable and up to that---and would have won many, too. But blowing out your lower back ended that dream. Even that didn't stop you. You got yourself back to well and got your ass back to work.

You took on most of your family...helping all of them financially, paying many of their bills, your mother, your younger sister. Hell, you bought your sister's house and rented it back to her,just to prevent her living in the streets, come on...who does that other than a winner? WHO?

And now...now that your life has taken this turn, now that you are out of your comfort zone, you want to sit around and whine about it? KNOCK IT OFF. And, I mean NOW. You are smarter than this, better than this, and frankly---just give it the fuck up, because you are not going to be happy until you make it here, too. So---get your ass busy. And do it NOW.

Don't believe me? Just effin' hide and watch.

15 comments:

Mary said...

I know the Quad Cities gets really harsh weather. I'm glad your sister can come to your place for a few days and I hope her house isn't damaged too badly.

Yes, Jamie, you can do anything you set your mind to. You are not just a survivor; you are a winner. It isn't easy to overcome life's low blows. It takes a strong person to come through a winner. You are that person. Take a deep breath, back your ears, and you go, girl. I'll be right here cheering you on.

Golden To Silver Val said...

Just when everyone thinks we're down and can't do one more thing...THAT'S the time when the energy comes from....somewhere...I've never known where...and we are a force to be reckoned with. My mother used to say it was from a strong mind. I haven't had it happen to me but only 2 or 3 times in my life, but its memorable and quite amazing. My ex found that out the hard way. I know where you're coming from, dear friend. Much love and God speed.

Janelle said...

you *are* amazing. i believe you can do anything.

i love you.

Anonymous said...

Wowee....

Inspirational post. I guess I'm a "hider" or "lurker". I have several blogs that I follow but don't comment on because I just want to observe for a bit and get a feel for who the person is. I admire you for putting it out there. I must have trust issues because I don't open up online. That's what I teach my kids as well, so I guess I'm trying to "walk the walk". I have twins that are almost 15; I'm sure you remember those "issues". So that's something you forgot to add to the list. YOU RAISED THREE TEENAGER THROUGH THE "TEENAGE" YEARS! But I'm learning from all the blogs I follow; if nothing else, it shows me that when I think something is "tragic", sometimes it is, but very often it's not. It's just life. So thanks, and just know that I'm a silent cheerleader of yours. Life is tough and you seem to tackle it all. Many people only tackle the battles they can win. You get an A grade for the war effort. You may lose a few battles here and there, but you're winning the war.

Okay; that's all. I just wanted to give you a shout-out and say that you're appreciated in ways you may not know. You're helping people just by opening up. So thanks.

SOUL said...

sometimes i think my worst mistake is reading the comments before i write my own.
thats why i wanna be first!
whaaaa. :))

anyhow-- sometimes i know that you feel like you're you own worst enemy...
today i think your hero emerged.

just in time.

oxox

ac said...

I do not doubt for one minute that you will kick down any obstacle that gets in your way. :-)

Maria said...

I've never thought you couldn't do it. I use you as a role model....

The Real Mother Hen said...

I have been reading your blog for a while now, and I can safely say you're a woman with strengths, values, characters, and it is no coincidence that you can walk out of bad situations with your head up and eyes open.

Summer said...

Oh I believe you all right.

Anonymous said...

wow... i believe you definitely can make it through anything...i never once didn't believe it...

Cheryl said...

WOW! I loved this note to self. You are a winner, and we're gonna get to see it happen. You go girl!

fiwa said...

I believe you just kicked yourself in the pants!

You are one tough sister, and I am so proud to know you.

Just Me said...

Damn lady, you got some real determination going on there!

I wanna be you when I grow up!!

CRUSTY MOM-E said...

strong!!!! you are strong!
it's admirable!

always,
elizabeth

you are a survivor and not a victim that is for sure! don't let the victim crew take you down!!

Portia said...

YOU ROCK
:)