Catherine Dougherty, author

Comma usage confuses me. I was taught to put commas in places where nowadays they are no longer needed. Therefore, I continuously debate back and forth in my head whether to continue using them in certain situations. My “old school” teachings tend to win out—at least until my editor gets a hold of whatever I’m writing.

But we writers are under tremendous pressure whenever we write a blog post. Most of us do not have an editor looking over our shoulder telling us the correct punctuation, proper usage of words, etc. Honestly, sometimes it takes hours to write a few paragraphs! And when we finally do publicize a post, we’re still not sure we’ve punctuated or written it correctly. (I’m really speaking for myself, but I’m sure others feel the same way.)

Last night, after posting a blog entry, I was haunted by a specific comma I used and spent most of the overnight worrying about it. Should that comma have gone there? Maybe I should’ve restructured the sentence instead? Oh, no! I probably need to remove it before anyone notices what a screw up I can be!

I didn’t end up changing a thing, but self-doubt kept at me and kept me awake.

Today (notice the comma here), I Googled my dilemma and found different answers. Most said the comma was optional. I also found this link supporting my “old school” ways.

http://www2.ivcc.edu/rambo//eng1001/commas.htm

I feel better about it now, for the moment at least. No reader has commented on it yet, either, and I’m glad I’ve shared this with you.

So maybe I can sleep now?

Today, I didn’t take my usual walk because it looked like it might rain. Then, after work, I wasn’t motivated at all—I just felt blah. It’s the first day in over 3 weeks where I didn’t get at least 15 minutes of exercise in like I promised I would.

Earlier this evening, I also wanted to write a blog post, but no matter how much I tried to start something, the “blahness” kept with me, so I finally gave up. Nothing was getting accomplished.

“I need to pull out of this,” I told myself. “Please give me something to blog about.” I prayed.

And then, while my husband and I were watching Vimeo tonight, we came upon an amazing short video by Author David Foster Wallace–a commencement address he gave to the 2005 graduating class of Kenyon College.

It’s exceptional, so if you haven’t seen it already, you can view it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmpYnxlEh0c

After you watch it, Google the author and find out more about him, but don’t let what you discover ruin the inspiration and insight this gives you.

(I should’ve known the day wasn’t over yet–I wrote my blog post after all! Sometimes you have to give up to be open for inspiration, I guess. As for exercising, well, tomorrow’s another day!)

If you missed my online interview with Morgen Bailey earlier this year, be sure to check it out at http://morgensauthorinterviews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/author-interview-no661-with-catherine.html .

(I’ll blog again within the next few days, but just to let you know, I’m still walking and the scale is beginning to go in the right direction!)

From Wed – Fri (4/24-4/26), my book “in Polyester Pajamas” is being featured online at The Edible Bookshelf. Something different every day. Please visit and please share with others. Enter to win a book or ebook, too!

Wednesday 4/24 – Introduction

Thursday 4/25 – Interview

Friday 4/26 – Review

These can be viewed after 8 am (est) on the day they are featured.

Just wanted to let you know it really works.

After declaring my intentions to start exercising on this blog site last week, and despite my busy schedule, I’ve managed to exercise at least 15 minutes a day for the past 8 days.

All of my exercising was done by walking, but I was able to walk up to an hour on some of those days, and there were a few days when I didn’t feel like moving at all, but did anyway. Why? Because I told you I would.

I also made healthier food choices overall. Unfortunately, I didn’t drop any weight yet, not even a pound, but the weight loss is coming because I’ll be continuing my walking (at least 15 minutes a day), along with the healthy eating. I’m also going to add some squats, crunches, sit ups, and push ups to pick up the pace.

Funny thing about all this is I didn’t feel like I lost any time with the new daily exercise routine. This past week, I also joined http://thenextbigwriter.com, spending a few extra hours posting and reviewing there. Plus, despite all my other work, including writing and social media stuff, I had more time for pleasure reading. (Right now, I’m reading Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Love it!)

All I can figure is by exercising and breathing in more oxygen, I started gaining more energy. By having more energy, I accomplished more. Amazing!

Yes, it really works, and I plan on keeping at it. Be sure to check back next week for another progress report. Also, consider your own healthy living changes. I’d love to hear about them if you do!