I Smell a Theme to this Week ...

This week has a very strong theme.

Morning hair appointment canceled because her mom was having a tough morning.

Evening meeting canceled because they have strep throat.

Last minute hair appointment added back because another family member arrived at the hospital. 

I was able to go since the other meeting canceled.

Then ... find out they HAD strep throat and it was the case worker who canceled. My supervisor told me the opposite. Misunderstanding? Lie from the case worker? I have no idea. I'm rescheduling for next week, with or without the case worker. I already made arrangements. 

Flip, flop day. 

I made a sign for an event on Sunday. The modpodge was drying on the stars so it looks murky, but dried clear. Double sided. It's a "get out and EARLY vote" sign waving event and none of my other posters were applicable to that message.

I painted (and taped) the sign while I listened to a Priya Parker live GroupLife discussion. It was nice to have the time to do both so leisurely. I usually catch the replay, not the live. 

I finished "The Brothers K." Excellent story telling. Incredible writing. But a bit too long (650 pages) and I got "over it" from about 500-600. Last bit picked up again. Totally worth the read. Would be a great vacation book because it's long, careful reading, and you can really settle into the book. I actually wish I saved it for our trip to Paris. 

Next up are the 4 library books ... tick tock ... none can be renewed. 

Registered for the first of 2 BIG hikes coming up. Why am I so nervous about it? Geez. Neither are dangerous. Maybe I'll break my body with the effort (hah), but I can always drop the second one if the first doesn't go well. When I registered there were all sorts of WARNINGS attached to the registration. This is HARD and a serious hike -- you must train and qualify. Eeeek. 

I'm also nervous for the "ledge hiking" on Saturday. It's 1/4 mile of a 9.5 mile hike and I'm freaking out. Maybe it's not too dangerous. One comment from one hiker and it went on my NEVER list. Guess I'm going to find out how bad it is on Saturday. Be brave, just not stupid. (I've hiked the rest of the hike, but used a connector trail to avoid the ledge.)

No pictures yesterday. Didn't notice anything. It wasn't that kind of day, I guess.

Also, I woke up to a slight cold. Mostly throat. I tested to make sure it wasn't COVID again since it started in my throat. Negative (although maybe too early to test). It's a mild sore throat (not strep) and a slight headache with a little bit of post nasal drip. Hopefully, nothing more than this and possibly (not probably though) allergies. I don't feel particularly unwell, although I slept like crap for some reason.

I'm still going to lunch with my cancel friend -- she wants to sit outside so no issue. Plus she babysits for 3 young grandchildren and is around sniffles all the time. Will she, won't she cancel?!? She doesn't wake up until later, so I won't know until mid-morning. It would be ironic in a week of "cancel" that this plan doesn't get canceled. Of course, technically, I changed our plans from Friday to today so maybe that counts lol.

First things first though, garden time. Probably a couple of hours fussing and planting. I'm hard pressed to take out the last of the summer plants, but temps are going into the low 40s this weekend and that will be the end the fruiting anyway. I'm sorry, little bees ... I held out as long as I could (also, they're almost finished too). 

That's all from here. Hope you have a good day. 

Later gators. 

Figuring It Out??

Maybe, after much overthinking, I figured out what's been bothering me about my schedule and, hopefully, how to remedy it.

(I know I chatted about this a bit earlier.)

People often want to schedule in advance. 

Don't schedule, doesn't happen. 

I get it and I don't disagree. 

Full calendars, let's get it scheduled.

But I was filling up a week, totally full, a month in advance -- some social, some volunteer, some appointments (all things I want on my calendar). Even though part of the "filling" was leaving time for my activities (i.e. left a morning open to hike, etc). 

I thought leaving pockets of time was enough, but I was missing a key piece. 

I don't know a month from now where I want/need those pockets. The week would come and there were things I wanted to do. Maybe more hiking (weather was great). Maybe a club hike (didn't post until last minute). Maybe an activity. And there was no room. So I'd have to pull from mornings or squeeze things in, or miss out. Maybe a movie came out and I thought, I want to go to a matinee -- but there was no time in my schedule as far as the month could see to actually go. Maybe I couldn't hike on the day I left open because of the weather. 

Then I'm left feeling overfull. 

Feeling like I don't get to do what I want.

What I want THAT week, in that moment.  

But what's the solution? This is tricky. 

October has been an experiment and it seems to be going well, but it's also not a busy month (no heavy holiday, no vacation). Can I make this work in other circumstances? 

I think it involves not scheduling "regular" things until closer to the date. Lunch with a friend I go to lunch with regularly. Thrifting with my aunt. Hike with a friend. Volunteering. 

"I don't have my schedule worked out for that week yet, can we plan closer to the date?" 

Of course, a number of exceptions and this is where I can be discerning. There are the semi-unicorn things that I enjoy enough to schedule weeks ahead. I can also "afford" to advance schedule some things on the calendar. I don't need a fully open week. When I hit that limit, then I need to wait to schedule more. 

Anyway ... it's worth trying. 

Picture time. Noticed a few things on a walk yesterday. Saw more, but taking a picture felt awkward because someone was standing there or it looked like I was taking a picture of someone's house (that kind of thing). I'm getting better at "seeing" these things. It's fun to notice and caption in my head too.

Dear Diary,

Today I saw large breasted dumpster, 

and a diva mailbox singing her heart out, 

Did a fun October project with my grandson. He's just getting old enough to start crafting together. 

Clearly an exceptional artist :)

Overall, a good day. 

Looks like my hair appointment is holding for this morning. 

I have a volunteer meeting tonight.

Hubby home late this evening.

That's today in a nutshell. My afternoon is open so I'll figure out some fun between the appointments. 

Have a good day.

Later gators. 

Choices Today

The hike. 

Beautiful weather on the mountain, cool and breezy. Still a bit wet, but manageable. One downed tree that was passable. Ran into the Camino couple who offered to help me plan my trip, but I never took them up on it. Maybe I will at some point. It was fun to chat with them a bit. 

Found a number of photos -- didn't stop for everyone because I hike with my phone in my backpack on this hike (so many rocks I worry about breaking my phone if I slip). 

Dear Diary,

"I saw god today" ...

... and my hiking spirit animal,

.... and an evil snake trapped by the mountain gods. 

It was a fun hike. I did the extra distance. This hike is hard. Lots of climbing. Quite technical with almost a rock scramble in few areas -- which makes it interesting and a little dangerous. I took the downhills extra slow because I worry about falling when it's wet and hubby is out of town. 

It's the qualifier hike for the club and I made time for both the regular qualifier and the extra distance one. 

Hit the elevation level.
Needed 3 more miles for the distance level. 

I'm sore today. Big blister from new hiking shoes, but my foot felt a lot better. Geez, I worry I can do the distance for these 2 big hikes coming up. One will add 3 miles. One adds 4 miles. Same elevation. My body felt rather dead after, but I guess that's what training is for. I hope it's enough.

Got a text on the hike -- massage canceled because she's sick. Moved to next week. Bummer, my body needed it, but I don't need a cold so I'm happy she postponed.

Got another text -- hair appointment today moved to Wednesday because her mom is in the hospital. Of course I hope her mom is okay (sounds like it), but pretty please let my hair get done this week. Roots and major frizz happening. 

(Both changes were okay because I'm keeping my schedule more open -- phew.)

Today is up in the air now. 

I could meet up with my aunt to thrift -- she's in the area for an appointment.

I could meet up with the Tuesday group for lunch. They're eating locally. 

Not sure if I want to do anything with anyone. I'll play it by ear. I have plenty of time for me.

Neither choice is super interesting to me today though.

(I'm babysitting this afternoon -- I need to remember this hah!!)

Would love to see my aunt, but I'm not up for thrifting.

Wouldn't mind going out to lunch with the ladies, but the restaurant they're going to isn't a favorite of mine. I actually don't care for it. I'll see some of them on Friday.

I'm in a bit of a conundrum though since everyone will be local. I didn't update either that my hair was postponed. Running into them would be awkward and a little rude. 

Ideally, I'd like to long walk Duke this morning and then head to lunch with one of my MANY books to read for an hour. I can probably be discreet since I know where they're going to be, but walking might be out of the question. Hmmmm ... I'll give it some thought. 

I need time in the garden, but I'm leaving that until Thursday. I'm super duper pleased with so many open moments in the week. I have choices with my time. Opportunities to be flexible with what I want. 

Today I want a slow roll morning.

Walk to vote.

Lunch by myself.

Read. 

Afternoon with my grandson. 

There's my answer. 

Have a great Tuesday. 

Later gators. 

Monday Hike and Massage

Up early to hike today. 

I really like solo hiking, but "training" for the 2 upcoming BIG hikes isn't particularly fun, feels more like an obligation. It's daunting to have hours and hours of solo hiking ahead. I don't wear headphones so it's me and my thoughts for miles and miles. After a couple of hours, I get bored with myself lol. 

My hiking buddy who's training for a big spring trip is back from travel this week. I hope she's up for some hiking. She usually hikes half the mileage with me and that would be great to have the company. Tuesday hiking group is too slow these days.

BTW, it ended up mist raining all morning so a hike on granite wasn't for me after all. I would love to have this hike behind me, but, alas, I'll get to it this morning ... all by myself (like the song). 

That said, I have a pretty nice week ahead. It's a good balance.

After the hike this morning, I'm doing a quick turnaround and heading to a massage. I've been booking monthly to see if this helps all the parts stay limber. It certainly feels good.

No pictures finds yesterday. 

I'll look today.

First go of the new, new car this morning. Pretty please no replay of the last time I tried to drive it. This is my first time driving it and I'll start in the dark. I haven't seen the headlights yet -- have to be better than my last car. 

Okay, best get moving. 

I'm starting the hike at barely first light. 

We need the time change to happen. 

Have a good Monday and start to the week.

Later gators. 

Football Sunday

Storm has passed and wasn't nearly what the forecast predicted for our area (thankfully).

P.S. I could've hiked today, but since I did a hard bike workout, my legs wouldn't have enough steam for this hike. 

Understandably canceled outdoor events, but it also closed our library and the postponed an author event (tickets were free, so not a huge deal). Wow. I was very surprised to see the library closed for the day. FOUR books on hold (tried to get them yesterday) and I ended up starting a HUGE book last night. This will be interesting to manage. Library is closed until Tuesday with the holiday. 

Back in the day, I used to read multiple books at once as long as they were different. These days, I'm usually a one book or two at most (non-fiction and fiction). Going to give multiple books a try this week. A couple of the holds are non-fiction browsing kind of books so that's easy enough.

Anyway, I have a picture to share -- only one I noticed yesterday. Also, turns out there are a number of IG accounts that do this sort of thing (hello, algorithm). Not sure how long I'll do this, but it's fun right now. Makes me pay attention in a different way.

Dear Diary,

Today I noticed my workout tried to get a laugh. Really, how old are you?!? (And I did laugh!)

I did something I've never done before ... I changed plans on my cancel friend. I've canceled on her before when I've been contagious (neither of us want germs), but I've never changed because something better came up. And even sick cancelations I can count on one hand in the 13 years we've been friends. 

We're having lunch a day earlier. I don't know what I would've done if she couldn't change, but I didn't have to make that decision. 

I want to work a phone bank ahead of the elections that afternoon. I'm not changing for something social, but still. Maybe this is the timber I need in our friendship rhythm. Maybe I can alter plans too. I don't want to be THAT person though, but this is important to me. She cancels (changes) all the time for pretty much anything that comes up. I actually wondered if she'd cancel this week too and that thought drove the decision for me to change plans. 

It's football Sunday with the kids. Hubby is in charge of the food today. Looks like takeout from KFC. Not a bad choice. It's actually my cancel friend who gave us that idea. When she has a crowd to her lake house she often does this for dinner and people love it. Hubby did it once before when I was out of town. 

I'll be spending about 6 hours playing matchbox cars (no exaggeration). 

Oh, in the name of matchbox cars, we watched Matchbox Cars movie on Apple TV. It was enjoyable. I gave it a B- for a home movie. Typical, predictable, but it was funny. 

Speaking of cars ...

I need to get my new car setup today. 

Maybe I can feel settled in a car again. 

Last week was a crazy ride. 

Minor bump of inconvenience in the long run, but it wasn't fun.

Have a good day. Later gators. 

A Stormy Saturday

GM from GA and the storm. 

Power went on/off for a bit this morning, but is back on for now. Hopefully holds for a Peloton ride today. Obviously, I'm here and not riding because I refuse to be rushed today. Take that, storm haha. 

I have a couple of picture entries from yesterday. It's fun to look for things. Harder to notice than I thought. Easy to find something pretty, harder to find something humorous or ironic. 

Dear Diary,

Today I saw a sign that frequently feels misunderstood ...

I did a double-take

 

... and an emphatic warning about driving with your eyes open. 

Picked up the new car last evening. Identical twin to the faulty car so now I need to reset the bad taste. Back to being fun and me and something unexpected. It's NOT the same car (I keep repeating to myself).

Of course, won't drive it today because of the storm. All I need is a tree branch to fall on it. It's super windy all day (hence the unreliable power). Will I ever get to drive my car? Good lord. 

The rental had low tire pressure all drive home from the change in temperature. I couldn't find a station with a working air pump on the mountain drive -- stopped 3 times and gave up. It wasn't horribly low, but it kept alerting every 5 minutes -- that was fun. 

I've been under a "car black cloud" and I'm ready to settle in and not have to think about anything to do with cars. I drove 5 cars in one week. 

Maybe I have some super power of opposite manifestation.

Make a declaration. 

Watch the universe laugh and laugh and do the opposite. 

"Summer of ease and unbothered."

"I hate driving different cars." 

"At least this rental will be reliable for the road trip."

A last minute hike was added for tomorrow morning and it fits the bill for me, BUT the rain will continue until just before the hike (as of now). It's a lot of rocks and some granite slopes and I'm worried about slipping if it's wet. This is another hike I don't do when rain is in the forecast for that reason. I know a number of people who've had hard falls when it's wet. 

And, I want to do the hike. Nice option to hike with the group. Big mileage and elevation. Saves me from one of the weekday hikes solo (and a bit boring for these longer hikes). What to do? If I sign up, I won't ride today because my legs need to be fresh. 

I have a little more time to think about it. 

Just looked at the weather for that mountain and I'm out -- sadly. Rain possible at the start and still a lot of wind. They get some big branches down on that mountain. Too much when I can hike another day, the exact same hike, just solo. 

On that note, I'll get going on the workout while the power is on. I'm ready for a good sweat. 

Stay dry if you're in this storm.

Later gators. 

P.S. Roof is holding so far ... fingers crossed.

Asheville Quickie

GM from Asheville. 

I didn't find any "Dear Diary" entries (I looked), but I have a few pictures. I got into Asheville and decided to walk to lunch and Trader Joe's. Since I walk around town so much at home, the walk felt like nothing (even the hill at the end). Limited to one bag of groceries. I wanted to get some snacks for the kids' visit.

Three drinks and a book.
Waiting for lunch. My annual
PSL for the season.

In the bathroom.

Biggest watermelon.
Is it actually a watermelon?

More bathroom wisdom.

Spent the rest of the day setting up the house, little bit of fall decor, making up beds, LFL re-stock (totally empty). It hits differently than a big clean (which will be next visit) so it felt more fun than hard. No point in going crazy when the house will have 8 people staying here and it will be a mess after. 

Ready for 3 toddlers

Looks enticing, if I do say so myself. 

Bear in the street -- no picture. They're filling up for the winter with all the acorns dropping from the trees.

Using the big rental truck to take home a couple of things that could never fit in my car. That's a win for having to drive it. 

I checked in with the car dealership and with a bunch of back-n-forth, we're getting the replacement car this afternoon. I'm proud how I showed up for this situation. Proud of asking for something that wasn't being offered. Calmly. Reasonably. 

New car just in time for a weekend of significant storms. I'm not taking it out if I can help it -- geez. 

(I was looking at weather for Asheville. Looks like our rain is only on Saturday in GA.)

Why do I expect we'll lose power this weekend? It's very likely at BOTH houses with this storm. So many fall festivals impacted and such a disappointment for people getting married. The weekend is another wash -- second one in a row for October. 

If no power, then lots of reading time. I'm reading the above book (The Reformatory). Well recommended, highly reviewed. And BORING. I'm halfway on a 500+ book and it's the same-same for 250 pages. I googled and apparently the second half gets really good so I'm hanging in. I'm not convinced yet, but a lot of reviews say the first half IS boring with a very long setup for the excellent second half. 

I did something last night that I probably have only done as a child. Slept on top of the bed. Used a blanket under me and one over me. I wanted to wash sheets yesterday and not today so I did. Hah. It was fine and not uncomfortable. I sleep in a specific position with the neck pillow so it wasn't a problem. Ta-da -- bed is ready for company. 

I'm trying to figure out my workout schedule this week. I need to get significant hiking time without aggravating anything. New shoes are expected tomorrow. I'm not planning to hike until I get the shoes. All this to say -- should I run today? I want to (as much as I ever "really" want to) but I need to keep my body (and feet) happy for the hiking miles this week. 

Me being a wuss? Me being smart? Eeeek, I don't know. Decisions, decisions. 

Okay, I'm going to pass. I need to get on the road rather early today. My sister is stopping by to pick up donations then I'm leaving. Running and road trip don't work well for my body so I'm not going to push it today. The week opened up since the car gets exchanged today. 

I'm shouting to the universe and calendar gods that it stays open. Doing everything I can on my end. 

Okay, time to get packing up. 

Have a very good start to the weekend.

I'll be on the lookout for "dear diary" moments. 

Later gators.