Quick Hello.

Family is back - yea!

Mood is better - double yea!!

Home inspection on the new house for the afternoon.  It's nice to be in the house to start picturing where everything goes.  I stopped at Pottery Barn to look at sectionals yesterday.  A couple of possibilities.  

Also, problem solving.  We have an awesome Pottery Barn chair that my sweet Duke has ruined the back pillow from squishing it to death.  $17 to order a replacement.  Good lord - why did I wait so long?  Looking for a SOLUTION to stuff is my favorite thing to do lately.  

Boxing class this morning with the instruction I have a hard time following.  I haven't taken her class in a long time -- maybe I'm better now LOL.  

Random thought -- I've been watching hair tutorials on Instagram (I'm that girl now -- one messy bun and I think I can do hair).  Next frontier is the loose braid.  I have no idea if I can manage it, but it seems possible.  Messy is the look, so that feels somehow easier.  It's going to take some practice (lots and lots and lots).

Short and sweet (the complete opposite of me hahahaha).  Happy Thursday ... later gators. 

Mixed Bag

FENCE time!!  I got this picture yesterday - the fence has begun.  It's beautiful!  (I know it's a regular old fence, but I totally love it and love the flat backyard.)




Anyway ...

Yesterday was a wonky day emotionally -- even though I woke up in a good mood.  Stuff caught up to me and the happy, inspired, unstoppable feelings went away.  I was left with the blues and a desire to quit everything -- dive into the refrigerator and not come up for air anytime soon.  I did dive a little the night before (and, therefore, got no check mark in the not-buffering book -- my first missing day).

I didn't feel great physically either.  Too much on the go and not enough space -- I tried to fix it a little too late.

Even with the mood, I did all the things I needed to do -- even though I didn't want to.  I meditated.  Listened to podcasts (Oprah / Eckhart Tolle and Rachel Hollis / John Maxwell).  Both were great BTW.  Ate well.  Did my to-do list (which was nicely pared down).  Rested.  Walked dogs outside (my leg is still wonky, but I can do a little walking now).

It didn't feel like it helped.  I accepted it was an "off" day and called it an early night.

This morning feels better.  I'm rested, survived the mood and am set to have a better day (fingers crossed, wood knocked).

On the RISE podcast with John Maxwell, he talked about the fact that consistency compounds.  Not in one day or one week or one month, but it eventually compounds to a major reward.  That's something I've missed when I tried personal growth before.  A day like yesterday would have stopped me in my tracks.  I would've stepped most of the way back before I got up and tried again (usually something different).

Everything worthwhile is uphill -- John Maxwell.

Dreams are free; the journey isn't.  One step into a dream and you start to work; motion causes friction. -- John Maxwell.

It was a timely message yesterday.  RISE podcast episode #82.  Worth listening.

Today is quieter day.  Workout on the elliptical and breakfast with a friend.  Afternoon is nothing but me, dogs and some rescue calls.  Family arrives home and I've missed them this time (I don't often which sounds horrible, but I like time to myself LOL).  Missing is different than loving ... saying for the record hahaha!!

The strange book (Ask and It Is Given) is strange, but reading it leaves me with a feel-good feeling so why not.  And I love the paper and the font -- well made book and that matters to me for some reason.

I'll give the fun fiction book another go soon.  Maybe the character list had no reason.  If it is complicated but good, I'll save it for when I have a big chunk of time to get started.  Hair appointment, travel, etc.  Bedtime isn't for the start of an epic book.  I'm craving a good, easy, fun, silly fiction story.

I'll leave with a John Maxwell quote that seems fitting for today.  Later gators.

Maybe I Could Design a House??

I met with the home designer and the building team yesterday -- so much fun!  Of course, finishing 2 rooms does not a house make (so they say LOL) but it was smooth and easy.  Here's the SEA of NEUTRALS.  Even though it may look like I didn't pick anything - there were about 10 things I need to choose -- from grout color to granite edge.




I love the house and neighborhood and area more every time I visit.  Next visit is Thursday for the home inspection.  Hubby is planning to join me -- that will be welcomed company.

I dead-to-rights tired (is that the expression?).  Between dogs, house and rescue work, I didn't have a moment yesterday.  Well, I had moments, but I used them to de-clutter.  Desk in the kitchen is de-cluttered and looking good.

Today, I'm backing up and giving myself some space.  I need downtime to balance the "uptime."

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Here's the scoop on what I'm reading ... it's a doozer ... hang onto your hats.

(BTW, I loaded the FUN read and went to start it a couple of night ago.  It starts with 4 pages of character outline -- that's never a good sign of an EASY read.  I tabled that one for now.)

Let me tell you the background of how I came upon the strangest book.  My coach, Holly, recommended this on her Instagram as one of the most influential spiritual books she's ever read.  I bought it at that point and added it to my reading stack.

Coffee date with my friend this week and she asks if I've ever read Abraham and Hicks.  Nope - never heard of them (so I thought).

That night, I pulled the book Holly recommended because the "fun" book seemed too complicated.  Ask and It Is Given -- Esther and Jerry Hicks.  Still not making the connection.  I skipped the forward because I was tired and just wanted to see chapter one.  I read it and thought WHAT-IN-THE-WORLD?!?!?  So read the forward - about Abraham.




It's strange beyond words.  Abraham is her spirit guide and speaks through her (her husband is along for the ride too).  Like a possession kind of thing.

The next morning, I needed a new podcast so I randomly picked a Brooke Castillo -- I choose a number and listen to it (I've done this plenty of times).  The episode was on Abraham and Hicks.  Brooke's thoughts are that it's weird and crazy, but the message is solid and beautiful.  As someone said to her -- why the hell does Esther Hicks need to say it comes from some alien?!?

I'll read it with that outlook and a whole ton of CURIOSITY.  And I'll be reading it in the privacy of my house ONLY.  It's staying home for my hair appointment today LOL.  Funny how all of a sudden, it's on my radar from 3 people.  Guess I need to read it.

Little Aspen is up early and barking to be let out - best get to her.  Later gators.

Clean-Up Ain't No Joke!

I thought I left plenty of time to clean out my closet (the entire bedroom really - including bathroom).  I thought I overestimated and would have "extra" time to start another project.

Nope.

It took SO LONG!  I can't believe the bags to the GoodWill and the bags for the trash today.  I dropped donations yesterday and trash pick-up is today.  Clutter be gone - I command it LOL!

It was back breaking.  The kind of back breaking that made me need to lay flat on the floor to stretch my back a minute.  It was WORK, but FUN!  It feels so good.  I can't wait to do EVERYTHING!  Everything will have to wait for the scheduled time because this week is full.  (I'm sure I can manage a drawer or cabinet here and there this week -- I have the bug.)

Coffee with my girlfriend was as good as I thought it would be -- great conversation.  We talk non-stop about INTERESTING things.  Not the weather.  Not the kids.  Not surface stuff.  Right to the good stuff from minute one.  Love it!

I only watched the 1st half of the Super Bowl.  I didn't even bother with the half-time show.  I know I can see highlights today.  I brought Duke and he was nervous and barking at every sound -- we overstayed our welcome!!

** TMI ALERT **  I'm still having stomach issues.  At random times during the day (usually about 3), my stomach makes that ut-oh sound and I have to hit the bathroom.  No cramps.  No super urgency.  No bloat.  No gas.  Normal appetite.  Just the runs.  What's up with this?  My diet is almost exactly the same this week (since I've been lazy about cooking).  Is it hidden nerves??  I've had nerves and hidden nerves and this isn't a usual side-effect.  Doesn't happen in direct conjunction with eating.  I have no idea, but it's annoying. I've added courtesy spray to my purse, just in case I'm not near my "safe" potty LOL.  I might need to take a probiotic if it doesn't improve.  ** TMI OVER **

I came home last night and needed to unwind a bit before going to sleep.  I picked up Happier at Home one more time and this morning it's in the GoodWill pile.  Not for me.  Letting go of stuff.  Hopefully, someone else can enjoy it.

Exciting morning - meeting with design in the morning and the builder in the afternoon to do all the basement stuff.  I'm going with a good attitude which is an upgrade from how I'd normally be on this day (worried - will I like what I chose, will they do what I want).

Monday - new podcast from Oprah and Eckhart Tolle.  Yeah.  I've listened to my selected podcasts and I need to add to the library for my week.

Have a great day - later gators.

Super Bowl Sunday

Super Bowl!!  I'm watching with my future daughter-in-law (I love saying that) at her apartment.  I'll stay until half-time so I can watch and judge critique the show.  We're getting take-out from a local Italian restaurant.  She's a Patriots fan and I'm a not-a-football fan.  I'm the cliche watch-it-for-the-extras person (National Anthem, commercials, half-time).  I'm glad to cheer on her team.

Today is a full and fun day.

I'm starting the CLOSET purge.  Oh, I'm excited!  I re-read Gretchen Rubin's concepts of CLUTTER from The Happiness Project.  She has a great perspective on types of clutter and how to evaluate it.  I bought the only organizational tool I need -- box of large trash bags.  The sort will be trash and Goodwill using her evaluation tools.  I'm tabling the Kondo method for now.

On a side note about Gretchen Rubin -- I tried her Happier at Home book again and I'm not digging it -- again.  I'll shelve it and come back to it another time.  If I'm not inspired to read it after this year of her program ... to Goodwill it goes.

My other "fun" is coffee with a good friend -- the awesome conversation friend.  I'm totally in the mood today.

I finished A New Earth and it's amazing.  I'd go as far as saying it's the best spiritual teaching I've ever had.  Byron Katie is also one of my favorites and reading her book was life changing too (when I finally understood it!).  Eckhart covers acceptance as well.  BK devotes her entire teaching to it, so much more detail and explanation.  It helped me understand Eckhart's teachings more clearly.  Both books go well together.

Eckhart answered the big question I have after reading a spiritual book.  If joy and peace and everything comes from your own self -- stillness, space, etc., what's the point of the external things?  Can I ever enjoy a TV show, a pizza, a career accomplishment, a good hair day?  He answers it beautiful in the last 2 chapters of the book.  So beautifully, I'm going to re-read it this week.  I won't try to explain it because I can't do it justice.  Head to the source book on this one.  The internal and external can integrate and aren't mutually exclusive.  Thank the lord -- the joy of pizza is alive and well, even if I become "awakened."

(Can you tell I have pizza on my mind today??)

I slept much better last night (thanks, Benadryl).  I woke up extra early, but no harm since I slept without my 3 hour interruption of THINKING.

My family made it to the ski resort, but not without DRAMA.  My youngest passed out on the first flight.  He has vertigo on the regular and is getting over an ear infection.  That combined with a late night (out with friends the night before), up at 4:30 am, lots of coffee and a couple of "breakfast" cocktails at the airport -- no wonder.  Paramedics had to board the plane.  He feels fine now.  I'm worry about him.  He needs to see an ENT doc about the vertigo.  They made the "is there a medical professional on board" announcement on the flight.  Oh boy.  I imagine lots of "oh crap" comments by other passengers.  No one wants an unscheduled stop (they didn't need to do that BTW).

Boxing was good yesterday, not great though.  It was a substitute for one of the guys (he played professional football, so I'm sure he's doing Super Bowl stuff since it's in Atlanta).  I never quite "got it" and kept messing up.  Still a good workout, but not a good mind exercise.  Maybe I have too much in there right now hahahaha!

Because of my schedule this week, I'm taking a rest day today.  It maps out better for the week.  It's all closet, all morning.  I'm in such a mood to purge THINGS that I need to watch I don't throw out stuff I actually need!  I woke up and my first thought was, "goodie - hitting the closet today."

I'm betting the Patriots win by a lot (I don't think that's a stretch of a prediction).  Have a fun Super Bowl day -- later gators.

Soul Cycle and the Move (I warned ya'll)

I'll start with Soul Cycle.

I've heard of it.  Heard it's somehow extra awesome.  Heard it's expensive.  Heard people are massively instructor loyal.  It's been a tiny bit on my radar, but not often and not lately.

I listened to Rachel Hollis podcast with her friend and Soul Cycle instructor, Chris Chandler (he's emceeing the health and fitness day at RISE).  I was curious about him.  Now I'm intrigued about Soul Cycle.

Apparently, it's like going to church, therapy and a workout all at once.  Probably a huge exaggeration, but it's called SOUL Cycle for a reason -- who knew?  Every instructor has their own vibe, music, etc which is why people get hooked on a particular instructor.  The class descriptions often say what music -- it's that important to the class.  The instructors sort of "teach" or "preach" a life lesson during class and you dance on the bike too.

RH and Chris said you can't understand it until you try it.  Classes are $30 a piece!!!  You can buy a first-timer pass for $20.  There is a studio in Buckhead so I thought, why not?!?!

Here's the extra fun part.  I looked up instructor bios to see what's what.  Remember the Big Loser winner who was on the show with her sister, the opera singer?  I know both of them kept the weight off by becoming fitness instructors.  Guess where?!!?  Oh, yes.  I'm planning to take the opera singer's class (Olivia, I think).

I want to be careful the move doesn't take over my life entirely and I make time to have fun.  I'll probably go by myself because I don't think any of my friends would be interested and this might be a better solo experience.

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Here's a quick update on the move:

We met with the realtor for THIS house and have a solid plan.  One that doesn't involve a lot of work on the house before we move out.  Good news.  I have purging, organizing and some small repairs, but no major stuff (paint, carpets, floors) until after we move out.

We visited our NEW house for the afternoon.  Took some measurements, made some furniture plans, forgot some measurements LOL (like the space for the refrigerator).  I'm back on Monday with other furniture ideas and my tape measure.

We have a couple of logistical furniture concerns with pieces we want to keep and use in the house.  I'm figuring it out ... slowly.  My hope is to figure it out enough so that the heavy pieces are on the floor where they should be after the movers leave!

LETTING GO is hard, dang it!!  I will have to let go of some of my favorite things -- including (I could cry), my beloved TiVo.  Who knew letting go of TiVo would be part of my growth journey hahahaha!!

My LISTS sheets are up to maybe 20!  I keep jotting down notes and then consolidating.  It works well for me though.

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I've been up since 5 o'clock sending the boys off on their ski trip.  No point in trying to go back to sleep.

I have the boxing 75 minutes FUN class this morning, nail appointment this afternoon and a trip to the grocery store.  I'm still on empty since the boys are out of town and I was suppose to go out for all my meals with my BFF.

Then it's me and the dogs and Netflix and a book.  I'm almost finished with A New Earth and I want to start the fiction read (I already forget the name).

Next week is super full and I need to begin my purging projects this weekend too.

Sleep is pissing me off!  I go to sleep well and about 5 hours later am wide awake THINKING.  I tell myself, think in the morning you crazy fool!  I try meditation.  I try breathing.  I try finishing my thinking (apparently, it never ends).  5 hours isn't enough sleep for me.  I eventually fall back to sleep in time for my alarm.  This needs to stop -- listen to me brain!!  Bullying my brain isn't working either BTW.

Is everyone warming up this weekend - I hope so.  It's been horrible for the northern states.  Have a great day - later gators.

Backyard and Tea

Let's start with our backyard!

I met with the fence installer ... 5', black rails with spearhead top ... fencing the flat part.  I remembered to take some pictures (the fence will run in the pine straw in front of the privacy neighborhood fence).  The house next door is getting landscaped next week.  It's hard to get a perspective is you don't see it all together, but I gave it a shot.

My finger joined in for some of the pictures LOL!



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Now for tea.

Remember my bestie bought me Aveda loose leaf tea for Christmas.  I love it.  It's naturally sweet and has a super unique flavor.  I gave it as a gift and the recipient thought it was way too sweet -- doesn't like it at all.  It made me check out the ingredients again.

Licorice root.  Naturally sweet.  Tons of benefits - yeah.  And TONS OF WARNINGS - ut-oh!!  If consumed regularly it can cause high blood pressure, mess with monthly cycle in women, weakness, BRAIN DAMAGE.  What the what?!?!?

This is only one ingredient in the tea, but OMG.

Oh, by the way, it helps GI problems and can help balance sugar in diabetics.  Thank goodness something good.

I ordered 2 more bottles last week because I was drinking it every afternoon.  Now what?!?!.  I'm totally NOT drinking it everyday anymore.  I can't find information on the warnings regarding amounts.  How much is too much?  Hard to say.  It's absolutely present since that's what is giving the tea the sweet taste.

I also feel terrible for gifting it!!  (see below)

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Here's my latest mystery ...

Every evening I'm having a strange couple hours of the BLUES.  I (rather suddenly) get sad.  Take the tea -- I gave it with good intentions and it's nothing personal that my friend doesn't like it.  Fine.  Except for a couple hours in the evening, it makes me sad and it keeps upsetting me -- like I want to cry.

It's super strange.  I know the sadness is from nothing "real."  I thought it was stress related to the move, but I don't think so since I can be in the middle of something and SUDDENLY I get all sad -- and I'm thinking and doing nothing different when it starts.

As quickly as it comes, it goes.  Maybe it's the tea LOL.  Wouldn't that be a kicker!!  (You know I already googled it -- doesn't look like it's mood altering.)

Is it from not buffering in the afternoon?  Do I naturally get sad and that's why I buffer?  I don't think so - I've never noticed it before.

Mystery.

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Today is a busy day.  Hubby is home from business trip, working from home and getting ready to leave for a ski vacation.  We have lots of house stuff to work on from both houses.

My weekend of lots-of-plans has become a weekend to myself.  That's not a horrible thing (as long as I stay out of the refrigerator).

I'm reading A New Earth still.  I have  3 of 10 chapters left - so interesting.  I think I might start that FUN book this weekend.  My weekend needs some fun stuff added.

Later gators.