Thursday, January 6, 2011

Cha-Cha-Change


I started the new year with high hopes and the anticipation of great change. I was bound and determined that 2011 was going to be different from the seemingly endless stream of trials and tribulations of the past. No resolutions were made, but I had a confident knowledge that, one way or the other, things were going to change-- for the better, around these parts.

But in the short six days we've called 2011, so far things have not worked out as planned. For starters the whole "be healthier" thing does not match the monster cold I've been battling since New Year's day.

My puffy eyes, red nose and unpleasant disposition, along with the use of at least nine boxes of Kleenex, have not made me a happy camper. I'm pretty sure that will be evident to the plumber who is scheduled to arrive sometime today between 8am and wheneverthehellhefeelslikegettinghere-- Because, after spending an ungodly amount of money on sewer and plumbing repairs in 2010, two toilets are backed up... into the bathtub.

@#$%^!

I was hoping for change a little more along the lines of spending less/enjoying more, quality time vs long work weeks for my husband, living in the moment not cursing the moment I heard the toilet girgling-- you know, things that would change our overall quality of life... for the better.

In all honestly, I was really, really ready a fresh start and a better attitude after a year that felt like one up hill battle after another. With great excitement and positive energy, I watched on television as the ball dropped in New York's Time Square. A relief washed over me as I saw people from around the world gather to celebrate the start of a new decade; and I thanked the lord for giving me the good sense never to be part of a mass crowd of over one million crazy, drunk people on New Year's Eve wearing really bad hats in 40 degree weather.

I felt renewed.

But alas, now, as I sit watching the clock tick away and the list of out-of-the-house errands I need to run grows, I'm guessing, at least for today, I need to reset my expectations and look forward to a fresh start to the new year.... beginning tomorrow, or the next day. Because one way or the other, change is coming.

Happy New Year!

Welcome to www.TheFiftyFactor.com - Joanna Jenkins
Photo Credit: © SSilver - Fotolia.com

67 comments:

  1. Be thankful you don't get the far more serious ManFlu...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh, Joanna, I can so relate to this...I started the new year vowing to have a positive outlook, joyful at the thought of the arrival of my first grandchild arriving in late July, even framing the sonogram picture Laura gave me at Christmas. Then, we my son phoned early on the second to say they had lost the baby ( she was ten weeks pregnant ), my heart just broke. I penned "To My Grandchild", the saddest poem I ever wrote and I've been in a slump ever since. I need to get on with throwing out things, packing and getting ready to move I don't know where...but,at least, it's a gorgeous day today and my toilet ( knock on wood ) is flushing and I don't have sewer problems.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Meh......change happens to the best of us.....and despite us. Just go with the flow....change will happen.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yuck! I hope you feel better soon, and the plumber fixes the problem - cheaply!

    ReplyDelete
  5. So much for spending less....plumbers don't come cheaply! Good luck, and lets hope next week is a big improvement!

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is why, my dear I resolve each and every blessed mornin' to live that day the best I can 'cause tomorrow is always a new fresh day.

    We began the year with our main tractor that we feed and load silage with bitin' the dust. Have ya'll priced tractors lately??? I just looked at Farm Boy and said...Happy New Year baby!!!

    My grown kiddos ask when will it ever stop and I tell 'em...when ya take your last breath sweetie. :o)

    Hopefully this year will level out for both of us.

    God bless ya and I hope it's a smooth ride from here on!!!

    A girl can hope, can't she???

    ReplyDelete
  7. When did Mr wheneverthehellhefeelslikegettinghere get there? It sounds like you have more than two bathrooms or else you would be visiting the bushes by the pool. I hope the cold is gone soon and you are again stocked up with more boxes of tissues. I have boxes of tissues on hand for the just-in-case times, because when you are feeling cruddy you do not want to have to go out for anything.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I hope the plumber showed up and fixed everything. And that you are using less Kleenex today and feeling much better. Don't worry---we all need a "do-over" sometimes and you're certainly entitled!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Holy crap....sorry! I hope you feel better and hope you have running toilets soon! I say you do a re do...Say next week is your first of year!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yes, J, you are entitled and deserving of one big "do-over!" Nothing ruins EVERYTHING like a bad cold and backed up plumbing. I can't say for certain that things will get better soon, but I sure hope they will.

    I stumbled upon at interesting website promoting something called, "The Happiness Project." You may want to google it and see for yourself. I haven't gotten very far into reading about it, but it looks intriguing.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh bad bathtub ickiness! I'm so sorry about that! It's gotta get better there are many, many days left in the year to pull it out for you!

    ReplyDelete
  12. ah, geez Joanna.

    fingers crossed for everything to be better tomorrow

    ReplyDelete
  13. Happy New Year to you Joanna! New Year's is not my favourite time, but it's getting better as each day goes by!

    ReplyDelete
  14. i´m sure tomorrow will be better! and you´ll be laughing about this next week. hang in there!
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  15. This is why I don't make resolutions. And I just take one day at a time.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Poor thing, that sounds like a nasty cold. And waiting fcr the repairman, isn't that something how they figure you've got all day to just lounge around and wait for them to float in. I just went through that earlier this week, waiting for the mobile auto glass man.

    Take heart, I still think your 2011 will be better!!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'm suffering from that miserable cold that's going around also, since two days before Christmas. I'm looking on the bright side though, at least my toilet is flushing.

    Happy New Year, I'll be thankful when the happy part starts!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Isn't it interesting how life keeps "happening" as it pleases around us even when we have other plans?

    I'm so sorry to hear you have plumbing problems in your nose as well as in your house.

    In the meantime, let's hold onto this: Every morning when we wake up, it's a good day to wake up on the "right" side of the dirt!

    Sending you hugs

    ReplyDelete
  19. Sorry to hear you have the crud Joanna. My son and I had it not too long ago. I discovered that Puffs now has a Vicks tissue! I thought I was getting the one with aloe but discovered my error when I went to use one. I hope you feel better soon.

    Look on the bright side Joanna, at least it is backed up into your tub and not under the flooring which is what happened to a friend of mine. That was a nasty mess... they had to rip out carpeting in two rooms and replace the baseboards as well as the drywall up to 3 feet in those two rooms as well as in the bathroom. His wife and baby had only been home two days from the hospital when all this happened.

    I do know what you mean, as I am so hoping for a fresh start this year. Despite already having some misgivings, I am going to remain positive and hopeful. I will pray you get better soon and your plumbing repairs cost much less than you expect them to.

    Hugs,
    Tracy

    ReplyDelete
  20. Life = Change. Sorry you're sick, and just like your upcoming change to wellness, life will show you some new stuff, and it will all be grand. I'm crossing my fingers on that last part.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Give it time, woman, give it time.

    If the bath hasn't backed up yet, if the door handle to the garden room hasn't come off in your hand, if the light above your wash basin mirror still functions, if your cleaning lady hasn't brought her kid's Noro virus to your house yet, (pronouncing it Neuro virus to cap it all), if your old man doesn't have to have a BCC removed next Tuesday, if your dog hasn't gone totally neurotic with family-visit-overload and is shedding his black fur all over your sofas and carpets, if your water butts haven't frozen solid, then what are you complaining of?

    Really and truly, hand on heart, all of these things have gone wrong in the last week of the old year and the first week of the new year.

    Do I whinge, do I whine?

    I SURE AS HELL DO1

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oh my, Joanna.....let's just say the new year starts next week when you cold is gone and all your plumbing is working right.
    Here is to a change for the better...for sure coming soon.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm sorry you don't feel well, Joanna! Get well soon!

    ReplyDelete
  24. that is the fallicy of the new year for me...because it begins daily...new fresh...

    ReplyDelete
  25. Not a great start and I still remember learning about your sewer condom thing. Guess it didn't work so well.

    Well there are people out there much worst off and would trade with you in an instant.

    all the best - try for Chinese New Year

    ReplyDelete
  26. Happy New Year to you! As each day goes by, things will get better! Here's to your health and happiness.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Well, with that kind of a start it can only get better, right?

    ReplyDelete
  28. Oh, I gave up on it being a stellar New Year about 5 minutes after the ball dropped! I hear your pain about the plumbing problems. They are the pitts and I've had my share. Hope the plumber fixes everything and that you're feeling better, soon! Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  29. You just need a do over, JJ! Set the day and time and have your very own ball dropping, New Year's celebration. I hope you're feeling better soon.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Happy New Years to you. Oh dear, I hope you are over your flu soon.

    I am all up for changes for 2011 too. My new years resolution was to put myself way out of my comfort zone and move cities for a while. Easier for me to do I realise with no ties any longer. I guess most of us are in the same boat. We want some change in our lives and not necessarily plumbing problems either. somehow i think you will get the chanbes you want because you ahve put it out to the universe and I am sure it will deliver. Take Care and dont forget to reflect on all you have achieved with your blog and your writing - you are truly a gifted writer!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. man you got a lotta yucky stuff going on there! hope you can rest and get rid of that cold!!! that is miserable! and as for toilet back ups... that's what the pros are for! Good Luck!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I always say when all else fails open up a fine bottle of wine. I do hope you feel better my friend. xo

    ReplyDelete
  33. Sorry to hear that 2011 is off to such a lame start for you. Hope you got the toilet fixed. That's rough.

    We had a toilet back up on us when we lived in Denver. There was something blocking the plumbing that connected to the sewer, so it took awhile to get the city to come and fix it. Meanwhile, the pilot on our furnace would go out because it was crammed into our crawl space (totally breaking building codes) and the water would rise in there and wa! la! no heat in the house either. That was hugely frustrating.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Well that is a sucky way to start out the New Year for sure. I like Brian's approach. Each day is a new day and should be viewed with fresh eyes and new expectations!!
    Hope the plumbing bill wasn't too high!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

    ReplyDelete
  35. I sure hope you get to feeling better soon! Even when you are ill, you sure write a good post!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Thank you for not posting the picture of the bathtub :)

    Hope you feel better soon. Tis the season for sneezin!

    ReplyDelete
  37. love the photo, love how raw, open and ranting this post is, hate that you're going thru this... F@*k

    until you mentioned, i forgot this is a new decade, reminded me of being a teenager and how tumultuous life can be

    wishing you lots of healing & repairing

    ReplyDelete
  38. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the change will be good.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Something is bringing out the writer and artist in you!
    This might be my fave post yet!
    Edgy but not angst.
    That's your mood, too, I guess.
    Well, except about the bathtub.
    A little angst there.
    *hugs* for a new day!

    ReplyDelete
  40. It's going to be a new year for quite some time. Today, just focus on feeling better.

    I hope your plumbing woes are solved by now.

    ReplyDelete
  41. It's so frustrating when we decide to change but our stuff doesn't!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Don't you hate waiting for tradesman!!!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I think you might have been better off by wishing for "better times" than for "change"! You got the change, but not the type you wished for. I guess it goes back to the old saying "Beware of what you wish for"! ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  44. I really think we ought to move the New Year to the first day of spring - that's when renewal starts.

    ReplyDelete
  45. You and me both. Tomorrow is the 9th...and I am still waiting for a good day : )
    Tomorrow is Kaishon's Birthday though, so that should be pretty good.
    Praying for a turn around for you.

    ReplyDelete
  46. exhale. take life one moment at a time. may brighter days lay ahead for you and yours.

    one love.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Well the good news is that you have 360 so days to make it better. Once that runny nose is gone, you'll take 2011 by storm...ya, I'm full of clichés like that. You're welcome :)

    ReplyDelete
  48. Hope you start feeling better soon. Things can't get much worse, so that means they'll start getting better any day now!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Happy New Year to you as well.;)
    Yes, change will come whether we expect it or want it.;) Maybe that is a good thing,
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  50. 50 comments? 50?! You are one well loved woman Joanna. Happy New Year honey. xo d

    ReplyDelete
  51. Feel better soon! Remember, tomorrow is a new day!

    ReplyDelete
  52. oh man, hope you get well soon,
    take care!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Sending thoughts of wellness your way Joanna!

    ReplyDelete
  54. It's frustrating, isn't it? But at some point something has to give, right? Here's hoping it's today!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Happy New Year, sounds like your looking for some change on 2011, yaya, me too. I turned 50 last year, life, we got to deal, one way or another, you know?

    ReplyDelete
  56. I hope you are feeling better.

    Change is coming. Hang in there.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Oh Joanna, I am so sorry you are not feeling well, and when your sick it just makes everything worse. Two years ago in January we had similar plumbing problems. I got my fingers crossed for you there. As soon as you are over your cold you will be back on track. maybe the bad stuff for the year will be over right off the hop, then it will be roses from there. hugs to you.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I started the year dealling with $hit. as well...only it was the figurative kind.

    ReplyDelete
  59. I started the year dealling with $hit. as well...only it was the figurative kind.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Thanks for commenting on my blog.
    Well, you still have more than 340 days until 2011 is over!
    Things will change.
    Have a wonderful day.
    Yoshi

    ReplyDelete
  61. I so understand your pain. Fortunately, I missed the "yuck" at Christmas but sister's family all got it. We drove 1000 miles north, to see them and they were sick. Now back home in NC, it has been snowing since 7am. I moved south intentially to get away from this. The new year could have been a little kinder.

    ReplyDelete
  62. The Chinese New Year is in February. Shoot for that one instead.

    Feel better soon my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  63. We're blessed to be given an opportunity to begin anew every single morning that we wake up and take that first conscious breath.

    ReplyDelete
  64. I'm hearing you,
    girlie ~ I've had
    crud since the 28th
    of last month!! Ugh!
    It's amazing how much
    I take my health for
    granted when I'm feeling
    well....Which I guess
    is a tiny resolution
    in itself; be grateful
    for good health! Here's
    a New Year's toast to
    better and healthier
    days ahead. Think positive!
    xx Suzanne
    PS: Thank you for your
    lovely comment!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Oh, I am so sorry you got sick over the holidays too. Not fun. I keep telling myself that the benefit of being sick is that it forces you to rest up, get more sleep. Things do have a way of working out, and I hope your New Year brings you joy and happiness... and good health! Maybe you got the bug out of your system and will have a fresh start :-)

    ReplyDelete
  66. Hope you had a great Christmas and New Years. Lets hope that 2011 will be the best year ever and "the change" will bring you more happiness, joy and the desire to follow your dreams.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by and commenting, I really appreciate it.