Gretchen Rubin Tidbits -- You're Welcome

Remember the meditation "message" this week? This was the page I read in a poetry book last night. 

Synchronicity.

From the last used bookstore visit

I "Gretchen Rubin-ed" my nightstand. GR has a few practical recommendations I use regularly. You will find them so helpful too. 

(1) Do something about regular annoyances, don't just tolerate them. It makes a big difference in your daily experience. 

I put my glasses on my nightstand when I turn out the light. 

50% of the time I knock them off in the morning reaching for them.

25% of the time I can't find them and I have to sit up, turn on the light.

A very low success rate of reaching for my glasses when I wake up. 

So I finally did something about it.

Decorative bowl next to the books and my phone (couldn't be easier). Done. 

Glasses in the bowl. Doesn't fall off. Easily reachable.

Worked perfectly this morning. 

(2) When you can't find something, it's most often exactly where you think it is, you didn't look hard enough. 

Happened yesterday. I couldn't find my iPods after the trip to Asheville. I knew the electronic pouch I use for the trip was the most likely place, but they weren't there. Except, they were. Once I looked in other places, I returned to where I expected them to be and, sure enough, they were under another electronic item. 

(3) When you leave a place (restaurant seat, train seat, etc.) always look back. Best way to not leave something behind. It's amazing how many times I left my book, water bottle, sweater, etc. 

This is hubby's favorite. Saved him many times when traveling. 

An update from yesterday, about "old" ladies. 

The woman who was giving me the most confusion about going to lunch on Wednesday, sent a text to a couple of us. "Let's just go to lunch on Wednesday." She's going to bring it up at the coffee today.

Honest to god. I said the EXACT same thing ... over and over. Now it's somehow her idea, not mine. Whatever. I didn't do it for the glory (hahaha). Lunch it is -- with a bunch of old ladies!!!!

Duke and I ran yesterday. He had such a good time. 

I was supposed to pick up my grandson, confirmed in the morning on a text to both parents. Yep. All set. 

Except he wasn't at school. They "forgot" my DIL was off from work. Geez, BUT MY SON CONFIRMED THAT MORNING!!!

I set up for him. Got snacks ready. Reserved the afternoon. 

My DIL didn't notice the text until later and let me know.

I'm not loving this week's theme -- ready to start another week and roll the dice with a new one. 

I'm looking forward to today. Easy day with fun people and fun plans.

Friday coffee meeting with a lunch plan announcement 😁

Lunch with a friend at a new GF Mexican restaurant in the next town over. 

Halloween parade at my grandson's school. I confirmed again yesterday. 

Hubby comes home late tonight. I'll have the evening to myself unless I get a dinner invite from the kids. 

NOTHING on the calendar for tomorrow and I'm so happy. Spend some time with hubby. Relax. Read. 

I'm getting the fall itch to get back to creative things. I'm ready to paint rocks. Ready for a couple of crafty projects. Stay tuned. 

Best get moving. I'm on Duke walking duty this morning again. 

Have a great Friday.

Later gators. 

Old Ladies?

Spoiler alert -- I had to plan the day. 

Good thing I looked up options for parking and lunch. 

No one did anything. 

It was good that I drove though. The woman who parked in my driveway couldn't back out. Ran over the grass over and over, almost hit the utility pole. Eeeek. It was awful. So awful, my husband texted me because of the camera alerts. She kept turning the wrong way. No exaggeration -- about 10 times. Wrong every time. She finally just chanced it and ran over everything to get out. I was just walking to help her when she pulled out over the grass and bushes. It wouldn't have been safe for her to drive in the city. She's only in her 60s -- I don't get it.

The Margaret Mitchell House was interesting. Obviously controversial with the black rights (or lack of rights) during that time. The museum tried to balance the perspective from the black community. Gone With the Wind was the first saga novel I read (actually read it twice as a teenager). It's so problematic, I know I wouldn't enjoy it now (maybe that's good news, growth, education).

Even with everything, the history of the novel and the movie was fascinating. 

We went to Mary Mac's for lunch. Iconic southern restaurant in Atlanta where we had the rehearsal dinner for the wedding a couple of years ago. I got the meatloaf. I don't eat meat often, but this is an absolute favorite classic. 

Sweet potato, collards, meatloaf

I dropped another garden donation to the food bank first thing.

Fresh and beautiful colors

A little chat about aging ... specifically aging women. 

The driving thing is a THING. Does it become that hard or do women stop wanting to drive and then they can't? I don't want to age that way. It's happening to women my age too. About half of my friends won't drive downtown, or certain highways, or long distances, or places they aren't familiar. The ones who do drive are left to do all the driving -- and apparently the planning too. This is part of why I get my panties in a bunch over driving -- driving means doing all the work of figuring out timing, parking, logistics. They absolve themselves of everything if they're not behind the wheel.

Another odd story involving women  ...

I asked our group if they wanted to get lunch on Wednesday after the election to just be together. I asked it at our Friday meeting -- brought it up 2 weeks in a row. 

It's like clucking hens. 

We may not know the results. 

It might be a run-off. 

We might lose. We might win. 

Yes to all of it. The point is to get together after a stressful night and long election. Just a little local lunch invite. I explained this multiple times and no one can wrap their heads around it. 

IT'S JUST LUNCH (!!!)

Should we wait and do a party?

Should we only do it if we win?

Should we wait until they take office?

I mean, seriously, WTH?? Why is this hard to understand? I finally said, if no one is interested in lunch, I'll make other plans. The response ... well, we won't know if we should go or not until that morning. And then they circle around to all the same points again.

I can't make this up. 

Every single time I bring it up, I explain it, and they act like they can't understand my words. 

If I had simply said, who wants to go to lunch next week, they'd give me an answer and that would be that.

These women are in their 50s, 60s, and one just turned 70. Why are they like this? There was one younger woman the first week when mentioned it who understood (not able to go) and reiterated the explanation to everyone. She got the same response. So it's not me speaking gibberish or being unclear. 

Lord help us. I want to take a poll -- who of these women are on HRT and who are not. I wonder if this is the line that gets drawn. I'm starting to pay attention. What makes some women *this* way and others not? It's like brains and abilities go to mush. 

It's that way with walking too. We walked to lunch -- a mile from the museum. We all agreed and happily walked on a beautiful day. They were tired at the end of the walk. They had trouble with the rolling (little) hills. They were breathy. We walked slowly and easily. 

Are they letting themselves become old?

I hope it's a choice or I'll feel doomed to age that way too.

On that note, I'm going to run at the park with Duke this morning. Sweet boy needs some fun too and I wasn't in the mood to hike the mountain. Not sure why, but my gut was pinging to not go. My ankle is wonky and I'm worried about stressing it before the next (even bigger) hike on Sunday.

P.S. During meditation yesterday, I asked for help with decisions. 

The answer: listen to your body. 

It always has the answer before your mind takes over. 

This morning I'm listening. 

Have a good day.

Later gators. 

Seriously??

I'm trying (and failing) to have a good attitude. 

Stayed in Asheville to get the trash out. Truck drove right by the cans -- not used to me having trash out, but still!! Seriously?? I couldn't catch them. I had to bag everything and bring it home in the car. Yuck!!! 

My car is having camera and interface problems. Stopped into the dealership -- spent 2 hours trying to fix it. Nope. Full day appointment with a loaner next week. Seriously?? 

Obama rally is not actually in Atlanta as advertised. It's almost a 2 hour drive in traffic so we bagged those plans. But I already got a dog walker (signed up for the 2-4 slot and the appointment is at 1:30). Seriously??

I suggested we stick with the plans to go downtown to the Margaret Mitchell House and have lunch. Three of us are going. The woman who said she'd drive (since I've driven the last 3 times) asked me to drive instead. I said okay, but they needed to come to my house. (It's 20 minutes in the wrong direction -- adds 40 minutes to pick up and drop off.) 

She PUSHED back on it. Seriously?? I'm annoyed. She's reluctantly coming here. Doesn't want to leave her car parked outside or some such thing and they both live in the same neighborhood. Then suggested I look up restaurants. Am I planning EVERYTHING now?? I hope not. 

Whoever rides in the back is going to be squished because I have the carseat already hooked up for tomorrow. I'm not doing it again. Enough is enough is enough is enough -- shouting this from the mountaintop. 

Maybe I'm getting beat over the head with the message to change something. 

Do things differently.

Stand up in a better way. 

I'm at a loss, but I know I'm pulling back for the next couple of weeks. Adding NOTHING that I have to do anything for someone else. (Some things are already on the calendar though, but nothing new.)

Taking care of ME.

Anyway ...  

I'll leave you with this sweet flower from Asheville. 

Lone color in a sea of brown. 

Trash Day??

Good morning from Asheville. 

House is cleaned. I need to figure out trash day. I *think* it comes early Tuesday morning, but I'm not positive -- I texted a neighbor and no response. Timing the release of the bear strap is tricky. I've messed it up before which means trash all over the street (bears are quick). We usually bring our trash home for this reason. 

Nobody has their trash out yet, so I wait ... and watch. 

UPDATE: I looked it up and pickup is today, but no time approximation.

I planned to run today, but my ankle is still sore and given timing the trash, I might postpone and run tomorrow. I'd still like to take Duke on a long walk, but, again, timing is tricky this morning. It'll be a last minute decision.

Possibly, I can black bag the trash and bring it home. Not ideal -- poopy diapers and lots of smelly things, but if it's not trash day or the trash picks up later, that might be the option. 

Decisions, decisions. 

I'm ready to get home. It's a full week and I need to be THERE, not HERE, especially when there's no Asheville fun to be had this time around. Yes, outdoor stuff IS fun, but not when I feel so rushed to get on the road. I'm supposed to pick up my grandson from school today so it's tight timing. Still dark outside for another hour, so I can't do anything yet ... then it's during the trash window. 

(Riveting discussion today ... one step above talking about the weather hahaha.)

That said, I'm VERY grateful to my present self for hooking up my future self and making this trip.

Tomorrow is big day. Waiting on the details of Obama's rally and plans to go downtown for the day. I don't expect we'll get into the venue, but it'll be an experience. It's one of those things that I imagine I'll be glad to have done, but I'm not really looking forward to it. Eeek, just realizing I might need a dog sitter for such a long day.

I'm STILL working on the calendar. 

What's worth it?

Where's the balance?

There's something so appealing to slow days ... gardening, cooking, reading. Quiet moments. No rushing. Homebody days. Nothing pressing. No time table for the day. 

But too much of that isn't really a life fully lived (at least from my perspective). 

That's the balance I need to figure out. 

When my calendar is too full, I miss the quiet life. 

When it's too quiet, I miss out on the depth of experiences. 

As I've chatted about before, I think the answer lies in WHEN I schedule and understanding I need to say no to even things I want to do (prioritizing). I didn't do well this week.

An area that's giving me pause is ADVANCED scheduling lunches. The lunch breaks up the day completely -- often not able to hike with the club or do something in the afternoon. I want to catch up with friends, but it seems the lowest level of a catch up with no imagination. Most of the lunches are relatively bland conversations about what everyone's been up to at the same old restaurants. There are exceptions and I love those lunches. I also love a last minute lunch -- hey, we're both free, let's grab lunch. 

But I want to spend time with those friends, and I'm kind of tired of driving the bus on "adventures" so that leaves a little bit of a dilemma. Maybe limiting time slots? I'm available, but I already have a lunch on the calendar that week, so I look further out? 

I don't know. It's all swirling. 

I'm busy, lunch is boring, so no.

Then I'm not busy, now I want to see you.

Doesn't seem fair or kind. 

Basically, I have better things than you right now. See you when I'm bored. 

This is decidedly NOT the answer. 

Okay, enough of a rabbit hole. Speaking of decisions, I need to figure out the trash (exciting, I know) and a possible dog sitter (can't believe I didn't think of this before). 

Have a good day.

Later gators. 

It Was a Breeze

The hike was so, so much fun. Much more than I expected. 

Incredible weather.

Great group.

Easy start to only moderately difficult climbs. 

Not my hardest hike -- interesting. 

We hiked for a couple of hours and stopped at the Inn for lunch. They offer drinks, fruit, and leftover dessert from the previous night's dinner. It's a zero-waste kitchen. They have a tip jar for day hikers. I love the kindness. 

You can sit in the dinning room or use any of their outdoor seating -- everyone is welcome. 

Next Sunday is a little harder, but I should be fine (might rain through -- too early to say for sure).

Sun sets and shines through the hole
to illuminate the tunnel.

Lunch break

Lunch view

The Inn welcomes day hikers too.
You can hike in and spend the night.

Heading to Asheville this morning for an overnight -- same as last trip + one dog + more work. Prepped the house, now clean up the house. Not that they left it messy, but they didn't clean it. 3 beds, lots of towels -- I'll probably bring some of the laundry home. I also need to put out the trash. Kids in diapers, so not able to hold it in the house. 8 people for a weekend requires cleaning. 

Plans canceled for Saturday. This was something I put on the calendar and instantly regretted because of the timing. Visiting a farm and grooming the cows. My friend has unexpected company. She asked if her company could come, and I gave her the option of canceling. She took it. It would've been fun to go (and great weather), but I'll take the cancel, and I know that's what she really wanted. I appreciate her willingness to hold the commitment though. 

That's all from here.

Asheville won't be much "Asheville" especially with Duke along. 

If all goes well, I'll have the chores finished today. Early run tomorrow and then head home tomorrow. 

Have a great start to the week!

Later gators.

Called Up -- Show Time

A few updates. 

Friday was a full and fun day. Start to finish. 

I talked and talked and talked. 

Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Dropped the first arugula donation to the food bank. Not a huge amount yet, but enough for 4 families. I'll have another donation on Wednesday when I'm back from Asheville. 

4 banded bundles

I never received "more information" on the volunteer day in Clarkston yesterday. I pinged them again the day before. The event was off their website. Last time I went to the information presentation, they didn't inform the details until the day before so I hadn't been concerned. Maybe I missed a cancellation email? It was frustrating, but I was happy to have a day off from plans.

Drumroll ...

Today is the BIG HIKE. First of 2 (assuming this goes well). 

I have feelings about it, of course I do.

A little excitement.

A little dread (it's going to hurt). 

A little just-get-this-done feeling. 

A little nervous.

The unexpected. 

Don't know where I'm going. 

Don't know the trails. 

Don't know how I'm going to feel. 

I've done the distance and the elevation, but not together. I don't feel particularly energized this week. Recovery from a cold, lack of sleep, knee and ankle pain after that one hike (not horrible, but it's there).

We're taking this hike more slowly than this hike leader normally does. It'll be a nice pace, but not a big push. Good and bad. Slower means more time on my joints and that's a concern. My guess is all will be well until about 8-9 miles and then I'm going to struggle. 

I'm hiking with extremely experienced hikers. There are 5 hike leaders on this hike. I'm the least experienced by far. Called up to the big show -- lord help me. None of my hiking "friends" and that's also a bummer because chatting = distraction. Guess I'll get a lot of eavesdropping on conversations. 

Will this elevate me or put me out of my league?

Next week's hike is even harder. 

Oh geez. I didn't go out yesterday because the volunteering was canceled and that means I didn't get gas in the car. Crap. 

Okay, I've got to get going to leave a little earlier than planned. Wish me luck.

Have a good one. Later gators. 

I Did it Again -- WHY??

I'm glad I got to hike with a friend. It was her first time on this mountain and we hiked slowly, but it was nice to have company. I ran into a hike leader toward the end -- lots of conversation which makes time fly. 

We waited at the trail head for it to get light enough to hike. The sun coming over the mountain was beautiful. Maybe a sunrise hike in the future. (Of course, time change coming and light a lot earlier and this mountain gets icy ... so it might be a minute hah.) 

My friend took this picture. 

"A prickly pear and a prickly hiker."

Says me ...  not her.

I like the perspective. 

The ghost tour was just meh. We got the tour guide who's also a historian and the stories were LONG and drawn out and very little haunting until the end. We bagged at 10:45 -- good lord, it was too long. 

Some fun energy stuff at the cemetery though, but a lot of the rest I could have done without. I'm interested in the history of the town, but not at 10 o'clock at night. The ghost stories and pictures we heard were fun though. I still wonder why all hauntings are from historical times and not the person who died in the house 10 years ago. (You hear people argue this same thing when discussing if spirits are real.)

The tour was supposed to have no bathroom stops, but we stopped at a restaurant for "10 minutes" which turned into 30 because people got drinks to go at the bar (it's an open cup town). The tour guide's time management wasn't good and the 2 hour tour was rounding to 3 when we left. 

Sadly, our little town has a torrid history. Indian land taken from its people, slaves, mass relocation to work camps during the industrial times. All primed for unhappy spirits, if you believe in ghosts. 

It was nice to get together with our friends and new neighbors and a different activity though. When we passed the trail to our house, we all left the tour -- not planned, but unanimous. 

So I've done it again. The calendar is TOO FULL. 

How??

Why did I do it??

A few weeks of better scheduling and life backed up. 

I said yes to things on a whim.

Will I have fun ... yep. 

Is it too much ... for sure. 

Am I driving the bus on it all -- of course I am. 

(I did decline a couple of things that I already thought out. Thank the lord for small favors. I wish I could go back on a couple of the yeses, but I won't. Where is a cancel week when I need one?!?)

That said, I had two pings yesterday about balance. 

One was an article quoting Martha Stewart saying there is no such thing longterm balance. And, if you achieve it, life is boring and you are uninteresting. A bit harsh, but a curious perspective to consider.

I heard something of a similar note from a podcast comment.

Maybe I shouldn't strive to do less, but manage how it comes together. 

Late night activity -- don't plan an early morning.

Out of town -- give an open day on either side of the trip. 

And do better with open spaces again. I failed to keep these couple of weeks open enough and now I have to squeeze in life stuff which makes it a lot.

I'm in a couple week frenzy by my own hand, but November has some opportunities to practice something different again, and I'm going to give it a go.

Maybe a good night's sleep will make it feel better.

I even tried to nap yesterday, but my dog woke me up just as I was dozing off. 

Have to run. 

Such a full day. 

ALL fun things (I know, poor me.)

I wish more of it was sleep related hah.

Have a great day. 

Later gators. 

Long Chat -- No Rants!!

GM. Up early to hike at daybreak ... with a friend, yea!! 

Pretty please don't let her cancel.

This is her first time on this mountain and it'll be a challenge for her.

Kind of relaxes me since we'll take it slowly. 

We have lots and lots to catch up on so time should fly. 

I did NOT go to the meeting last night after they posted the agenda. 

A night of calling and texting numbers to "get out and vote."

Essentially a phone bank -- nope.

And I was so happy to stay home, guilt-free decision. 

Dear Diary, 

Today I saw a fire hydrant dressed and ready for Halloween ... a gnome, a witch?? ... and,

a leaf practicing it's magic right before my eyes.

Speaking of magic, and Halloween, and spooky. Tonight we're heading out for a ghost walking tour in our neighborhood. This is a very, very late night, but I'm really looking forward to the tour and the hang with our neighbors. 

We had our gardeners call last evening and some of my arugula is ready for harvest. I need to fit that in for tomorrow morning. Picking and delivering. I have a full, full day -- all fun, but non-stop. It'll be tight, but I should be able to figure it out. It must be picked and delivered early. I'll have to leave the coffee meeting early. 

Now for a little reflection. 

I had a change of heart, decided to revisit a decision I made. 

Hear me out. It's going to feel like a justification and that's probably a little true. 

"That" friend who I had a falling out with is back in play. I decided to take the temperature down and I gifted her something I knew she'd like (very inexpensive, but totally her). It worked. Things felt more comfortable when we were together. I hated that level of tension. Our worlds overlap regularly and it wasn't fun. I also decided to quit poking her -- I was aggravating the situation with little jabs. 

Last week we bonded over that horrible phone bank experience and being treated like garbage. She suggested a couple's dinner tomorrow (like we used to do regularly). We haven't gone out with them since December of last year. 

I said yes. 

This will totally end the drama. 

We can all relax. 

It's not the same and never will be, but it doesn't have to be awful.

When she's happy, she's a delight. 

When she's hurt or insecure, she's a huge jerk. 

Is that someone I want to call a friend?!?

I've thought and thought about it. 

Her nastiness comes from insecurity. 

I don't want her as a true friend, but I want to be friendly. 

As I said, our worlds overlap regularly and this will calm the waters (for now, this time). I'll give it a try to see if we can start again. Nothing deep, just hanging out sometimes. This also helps the group dynamic too. There was a sort of split in that world because of our falling out. 

You know I'll keep you posted. Maybe you'll tell me "I told you so" at some point. That's totally fair. 

Friendship is a tough go at this stage of my life. I didn't see that issue happening in my 50s. I'm still trying to figure out how to hold tension and relationship. Can I fight with a friend? Can a person who I need to fight with be someone I want to be friends with? Every situation is different. It's taking a lot of hit and misses to figure this out. 

I need to be open to being wrong, changing my mind, taking time to figure it out. 

Was I wrong before ... no. We needed the fight. I needed to stand up. 

But I'm reconsidering what it looks like going forward. 

I don't think either of us like the tension. 

The little gift was my olive branch. 

The invitation was her olive branch.

That was the not-a-rant, but a reflection issue I mentioned a while ago. One of them. I'm not sure if or when I'll go into the other situation. It's another long explanation. Nothing earth shattering, but on my mind.

Have a good day!

Later gators. 

Sleep, Finally

Maybe not hiking was for the best. My ankle is a bit wonky (from that crazy portion of the hike on Saturday) and it's noticeably uncomfortable. Best give it some rest.

Looks like Thursday's hike will be with a friend -- that'll be nice to have company. I won't add extra mileage because it's close to the big hike. 

I ended up with a pleasant day. 

Peloton ride.

Long dog walk (squirts seemed to be over)

Garden donation (another 8 lbs of produce)

Walked to lunch with a friend.

Volunteer home visit for the evening (chatted with a friend on the long drive).

On the way back from lunch we swung by the library to pick up a book and my friend mentioned she hadn't voted (new to the state). Perfect. Go vote. And she did. I felt like that was a voter assist our group is trying to facilitate. Sort of a good deed to introduce her to our early voting system. 

I FINALLY slept last night. Almost 2 hours of REM and boy did I dream. Good deep sleep too. 

Today is full with meetings, appointments, chores. 

I'm forcing myself to go to the action group meeting. We took the summer off and I haven't been to a meeting since. I need to go. I don't want to go (it's from 7-10). I think I'll leave early. I hope I don't talk myself out of it. 

Also, I have a TEAMS meeting about gardening right before. They're on the same schedule -- that's a bummer. 

I saw some fun "Dear Diary" pictures, but I was with a friend and I didn't want to explain myself (I'm weird enough). Maybe I'll see them on the walk today. 

Off to get the day going. 

Have a good one!

Later gators. 

Fussy Week

No hike today. 

Duke is back to having the squirts every couple of hours. 

I think he had too much to eat ... maybe too much pumpkin (it's a balance between helping and too much fiber).

I'll hike on Thursday. 

Not ideal, but it's the only option. 

Sometimes I get grumpy about this. 

When do I ever get to take care of JUST myself???????

I'm feeling better from the cold. Was nicely tired and relaxed from the massage. Wanted a good night's sleep (haven't slept well in a week because of the cold). Out late next 4 nights with early mornings the next day. Up 6 times with him last night. 

Sleep was crap. 

Just get back to a full sleep and I'd hear him jump off the bed and cry at the door. 

(Poor baby -- I also feel for him and he doesn't want to poo in the house, good boy.)

It's one of those mornings that I want to move to an island and live totally alone. 

I'm trying to be ready for the hike challenge on Sunday and the universe is bringing all the drama. Honest to god .... why????

Fussy seems to be the week's theme. 

Lots of hiccups. Annoyances. 

I'm going to make the best of it today. Find some fun. Maybe some "Dear Diary" pictures too. 

Hope you're having a smoother week.

Later gators. 

One, Three, Right?!?

Hello, Monday.

Duke had the BEST time at the race. We ran the entire thing with no walking -- he wasn't tired at all. The cold temps helped. It's a 3 loop trail run with rolling hills. 

We finished at about 29 minutes -- the announcer was congratulating everyone by name. Got to me and asked if I had run all 3 loops. WTH? Yes. Then said seems unlikely with such a small dog. Am I sure I counted correctly? All this on the PA system, blasted to everyone. Honest to god -- I try hard to like men, but they make it very difficult. 

I know how to count ... one, three, done ... right!?!? hahaha

There were only 3 vendors this year (probably a dozen last year). No dog swag. No dog toys for the finish. About 1/2 the participants. That's a bummer, but Duke had a blast. He loves to run and really loves to run in a race. The volunteers (bunch of teenagers along the loop) cheered and cheered for him. He looks so adorable when he's focused on "going fast." 

We'll plan to run again next year if both of us are able bodied, not injured, all the senior things.

BTW, one of the vendors who said the announcer was an ass told me Duke was the second dog to finish. Go, Duke!!

Only picture.
Duke was so excited
to get running.

Sign waving went well. Windy to hold the sign, but beautiful day. 

Then I came home, took cold meds, pjs & bathrobe, and finished watching The Diplomat. Wow -- biggest cliffhanger yet. Bed early to read. The book is scary -- home invasion murderer so I stopped reading because I was getting scared. Geez. I need to read earlier in the day with this book. 

Setting up for a full week. Tonight is the only evening at home and I'll take it. I'm feeling improved this morning so I hope I'm on the mend. The days aren't bad, just evening heavy.

I have a rather full day of house chores, paperwork ... that kind of thing. 

Massage in the afternoon so I'm doing my heaviest chores before I go.  

I need one more hike before the first BIG one on Sunday. I can't decide which I should train -- distance or elevation. I'll hike tomorrow. I'll have time to think about it today. 

I'm treating this little cluster of hiking challenges as a group challenge. I'm not doing the hiking trip next summer, but this has been fun month of leveling up my hiking. Harder, more technical, new trails. It's a fun challenge and a better option than the trip -- that was too big of a jump for me. Next on my sights is a weekend hiking trip with the group (not a full week), assuming the big hikes go well. 

Hope you have a good start to the week. 

Later gators. 

Sunday Updates

 

The hike was good. 

9.5 miles. 2200 elevation (which is primarily in 2 very steep assents).

Technical climbing -- not a ridge line, but it was treacherous. Not planning to THAT part again. 

I'm not the only one either.

Great group. 

Beautiful weather, but 30 mile/hour wind gusts on the top. It was CRAZY!!

No pictures because we were moving quickly and I keep my phone in my backpack when I'm on granite hikes so I don't smash it in my pants pocket if I slip. 

Made it to my aunt's art show and did the title transfer with my son. 

Best news -- I'm not sore at all today. Blister from my new shoes again and I'll need to figure that out for next Sunday, but everything else feels fine. And I have a cold and still had no issue. This bodes well for doing the BIG hike next weekend.

I need one more hard hike on Tuesday for training. 

I haven't decided whether to focus on elevation or distance. 

This morning Duke and I are "running" the rescue 5k. This year we'll run/walk because he's not trained and I have a cold. The weather has been too warm to run him. We've done up to 1.5 miles, but not often. I need to protect his little senior self. Either way, he's going to have so much fun and that's the only reason I'm going this morning.

P.S. 40 degrees at the start -- not hot today!

Then sign waving for "Get out the vote" message. I didn't do a No Kings yesterday because of the hike, but I passed one and it's so uplifting to beep and wave. 

My cold isn't bad, but it's moving to my head (started in my chest). Still negative for COVID. Not sure if I'll need to cancel the massage tomorrow. She canceled for a cold last week. I hope not. If it stays this way, I'll be fine. If I get more congested, I'll need to reschedule. 

I have a few updates on some prickly things. 

Story for another day, but prepare yourself. 

Actually, not really bad, but trying to figure it out. 

Have a good Sunday. Later gators. 

Power Blinking, Got to Go

A few updates and not much more. 

First of all, I found a video of the trail section today. Ummm, not a ridge line, not a rock scramble. It's fine. All nerves are done. Phew and geez. The mountain climb is far more technical. Guess it's written for the non-hikers who come unprepared. 

Phone banking was AWFUL. 

Complete waste of time. 

Unorganized. 

Unprepared. 

My friend's daughter ran the event (she's a paid employee) and was nasty to everyone. It was the talk of the afternoon. I mean really unkind. Not the first time we've experienced this, but by far the worst. 

Everyone left early (I made 60 calls -- only 3 numbers worked). 

Even without the nasty girl moments, no one wants a phone call these days, yet every campaign still does them. I was curious. Now I know it's not how I'll volunteer again.

I almost forgot I'm going to my aunt's art show this afternoon. Remembered just as I was falling asleep last night. I'll come home, grab a fast shower, and drive over. Rush, rush, rush. I actually forgot -- I would've felt horrible if I missed it.

Then meeting my son to get car papers notarized. I told him after the hike -- that's how much I forgot the art show. I think I can get home before the notary closes. 

The cold is staying mild so far, but I am under-the-weather. 

Already looking forward to the evening on the sofa.

I have 2 more library books ready. 

Good lord. 

I read one, in process on one. 

So 5 left to read. I might be skipping a couple because of time. 

Most of the books from the library are my "maybes" anyway -- or non-fiction. 

I can always go back on the list for them.

This is especially challenging because TV shows are gearing up again. A mediocre book vs a new season of a good show -- TV wins. 

Okay, I've got to go. Power is going on and off and I need to get ready. 

Have a good Saturday.

Later gators. 

Short, Not Sweet GM

The ease of the week is finished and now I'm heading into a few days of FULL and EARLY. 

Then a week of 3 nights out -- eeek. 

And I'm a little bit sick. Not so sick to cancel things (at this point), but sick enough to not be sleeping and not feeling like doing anything. 

My stomach is off too, but I remembered I ate black beans and mandarine oranges for dinner (rice bowl and snack). Both do a little number on my stomach so that's probably what it is -- I feel waves of nausea. I might test one more time for COVID.

There's part of me that says cancel the hike because I'm sick, but I know the REAL reason would be nerves and not sickness. The hike itself is very doable, just a little scary on that one part. 

And, if I'm being honest, I want to test for COVID because if it's positive I MUST cancel. My lord. My mind is a strange place to live.

Dang. 

It's probably fine and this is just morning blues from not sleeping well and NERVES about the hike tomorrow (mixed with a dose of regret). Dramatic morning thoughts lol. 

And I'll probably be very pleased with it all once I get at it. 

I got the garden mostly sorted for now. 

Lunch with my cancel friend actually happened. 

Friday coffee meeting followed by an afternoon of phone banking for the election today. 

A bunch of office stuff for the late afternoon and early to bed for a very early hike tomorrow. 

Have to get moving. 

I tried to sleep in, but just stayed in bed without sleeping. 

I'm running a bit late now. 

Short, not-very-sweet hello today.

I hope you have a good day.

Later gators.

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.