Warily I write this, knowing that an outright commitment to something usually results in a blatantly self destructive rebellion on my own part. A January 1st New Year's Resolution typically ends in a January 2nd protest against resolutions. Vowing to lose 10 pounds becomes a gain of 5; Getting organized results in living in chaos... you get the jist.
Something feels different now. It's not the usual resentment for the soccer moms that always have makeup on and know how to make a wreath from scratch. I am over the longing to have some sort of Martha Stewart meets Heidi Klum expectation for myself. Don't get me wrong I totally believe in setting the bar high, but recently I realized that I was always so busy trying to find something wrong with myself COMPARED to everything else, that I forgot all the things I loved about myself. Some doctor told me that my reason for being scatterbrained and disorganized was possibly Adult ADD and gave me some prescription. Sorry pharmacy, but you can restock that one because as far as I am concerned my biggest flaw, while frustrating at times, is something I embrace. It took several life changers I guess. Always the control freak martyr it's easier to take the blame or try to figure out how I messed something up than releasing the reigns to the true culprit.
So I am proclaiming it loud and proud. I'm a little crazy, not a good housekeeper, and my weight fluctuates - but I am ok with it. When I want to I can have control, but when I am tired I can release it. I feel like I just grew up and now my real life is about to begin.
The night trying too hard almost killed me. The evening started as a success. Thousands of dollars were being spent with each paddle's rise, benefitting a charter school on the island. On the microphone a local, well-liked politician energized the group with his beaming smile and rhythmic descriptions of items up for bid. Wine flowed endlessly, poured by the smiling staff hustling around the tent to ensure glasses remained full. Alcohol is a good fund-raising lubricant. The team of servers kept close watch on our table especially. At our table, their boss, my partner, was keeping close watch on the execution of this important evening. The auction ended and as we all dispersed from our seats to congratulate our table-neighbors on their winnings, my partner approached me quickly. His hand firmly grasped my empty arm (as the other was holding a wine glass) and he told me we were leaving. I was confused at first but as he began to describe the flaws in service he noted during the...