Counting My Blessings, by Martha Thomases – Brilliant Disguise | @MDWorld

December 9, 2016 Victor El-Khouri 2 Comments

It is that time of year when my loathing of dark winter days runs right into holiday advertising.  I could go all Scrooge on you, but that would just result in all of us being miserable.  And then I wouldn’t get to feel extra special and artistically sensitive.

Instead, let’s see if I can put my depression to good use, and help you with any problem people who might be on your lists.  Maybe I can even help you.

When I’m feeling especially low, I try to take a deep breath and find one little pleasure I can enjoy right now.  Sometimes that pleasure is simply being able to take that breath.  Whatever it is, I clutch at it as if it is my life-line.

Here are some that are even cheerier than being able to take oxygen into one’s lungs!

• In the winter, I have a tendency to get itchy skin.  Even worse, I no longer have a husband or lover in my apartment who can scratch that place in the middle of my back that I can’t reach, and that therefore itches the most.  I’ve tried all kinds of lotions and ointments from the drug store, and nothing seemed to work.

Until, that is, I found this oil.  I’ve been skeptical about aromatherapy claims, but talking to the woman who makes these things persuaded me to give it a try.  It’s fantastic.  Yes, it smells wonderful, and yes, lavender is soothing, but the best thing about it is that I no longer want to claw off my own skin.

One reason I was willing to trust this brand is that I love her facial serums.  I love putting on a few drops after I shower, and feeling fussed over.  You could do worse than check out some of their gift sets, either for yourself or another person you care for.

•  I have a tendency to hole up in my apartment feeling sorry for myself, which is completely unproductive, if only because no one sees me and I get no attention.  Therefore, I try to get out and get away as much as I can handle.  In the new year, I already have trips planned for February, March, April and May.  I might also go away in January, depending on whether or not I want to protest the inauguration more than I want to avoid crowds.

The greatest thing to happen to travel, in my opinion, is the Kindle.  I much prefer reading ebooks on its matte screen to the glare of my iPad.  It’s also a lot lighter, so I’m comfortable with it on my lap for long flights.

Another great thing for long flights is being able to fly First Class.  In general, I think upgrades are a rip-off, much like bottle service at a night club.  I’ll use miles to get a better seat, but I don’t want spend actual money.  The exception to that (so far) has been Jet Blue’s Mint Class.  It’s not that much more expensive than regular Coach, and I can have a few glasses of wine and lie down for a nap while I fly.  It makes being in another time zone much less stressful.

•  And speaking of stress, have I mentioned lately how angry I am all the time and at every person?  It’s not the way I want to present myself to the public.  It’s not the way I want to live.  It’s not the internal monologue I want to listen to for long periods of time.

So far, the most effective way I’ve found to deal with these feelings (aside from political activism) is to work up a sweat.  I used to run, but my knees can’t take it anymore, so I have an elliptical trainer in my room.  Five times a week, I get on my machine and work out.  Sometimes I watch The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.  Sometimes I watch Maury.  Eventually, I’m soaking wet and pleasantly physically tired and ready to face the rest of the world.

By the way, I’m getting all my televised news from comedy shows.  I haven’t been able to tolerate regular news shows since the election.  Talking heads enrage me, even when I agree with them.  Maybe especially when I agree with them.  It’s too easy for them to misstate facts.  Print media can also make mistakes, of course, but have a longer history and better track record on issuing corrections.

•  The most reliable balm to my distress is my sweet kitty.  Yes, there are dozens of humans I love more, but none of them share my life in such intimate detail.  She is the only other mammal in my bed, certainly the only one who seems happy to be there.  On gloomy, cold days, she will curl up on my lap and demand attention and petting.

I got her from a local rescue group that I recommend highly if you are in the New York City area.  If not, there are lots more all around the country.

For the record, I don’t advocate that you give another person an animal as a gift unless you’ve talked to that person a lot beforehand.  You, however, can certainly go and fall in love with your own ball of fur.

•  Is there enough random silliness in your life?  There’s never enough in mine.  This last year, I’ve taken a great deal of joy in my monthly surprises from these folks.  Every box has been curated with wit and affection.

If cats aren’t your thing, there are lots of other kinds <http://boxes.mysubscriptionaddiction.com>.  There seems to be something for everybody.  I mean, I don’t know your life.

Media Goddess Martha Thomases enjoys receiving tribute at all times, but especially at this time of year.