Re-Do and a Hair-Do

It's Monday.  Time to clean up my life again.  Too much sugar, too much gluten, too much dairy.  None of this agrees with me.  After a W30, I usually go back to my occasional of all these things.  This time I fell face first into all of it -- and my body let me know that's a big NO-NO.

I've been super bloated, moody, joint achy and battling a cold sore that keeps reappearing.  All signs of a gluten sensitivity.  I'm not exactly intolerant, but I think I have a threshold.  It's the same for dairy.  I can eat some cheese, but just a spoonful of cream sets me off.  Threshold.

I'm going to limit all 3 again and expect I'll feel better within the week.  I'm pissed I spent 30 days working hard, feeling good and blew it so quickly.  Stress got me.  I let stress get me.  I'm not back at first base, but I want to feel better than this.  You'd think I'd learn -- good lord!  Old Michael Finnegan begin again ... sort of ...

Today is hair day.  Last time was almost too dark again.  I'm pushing for the blonde today.  I don't know why this is so hard.  I'm a broken record on this too.

I canceled my nail appointment this weekend.  I was on the fence about gel or no gel.  My nails are so much healthier and I didn't want to blow it with gel so soon.  I had stuff to do and didn't want to "baby" my freshly painted nails after the salon.  Cancel works.  I'll reschedule at some point.

Yesterday was a good day.  Golfing with the family (not my best, but I rallied toward the end), really hard workout (intervals, arm lifting and a couple of tabata sets), dinner at a new favorite Mediterranean restaurant and Game of Thrones (it was a good one).

P.S.  Family says the apple pie square are DELICIOUS and better than apple pie.  Wow.  I didn't expect that ... maybe they need to stay in the mix.

Early hair appointment so I need to get walking my old man dog.  The humidity finally broke enough that he can be walked.  Poor baby needs to get those hips moving.  Later gators.

Sunday Review

I made the apple pie bars yesterday (Barefoot Contessa).  They are tasty, super rich (hello 1.25 lb of butter) and look NOTHING like her finished product.  Oops.  I don't know why.

They aren't making my baking rotation though.  Too many steps, too much time, too rich.  I have a couple of recipes for apple cake that I love, 1 recipe for apple pie that my family loves and a recipe for butter oatmeal fruit "breakfast" bars that are better than these.  They can't win in my lineup.  There is always something tastier and easier.  It was fun to try.

Now I need to pull off sugar again.  Ugh.

Here are the pictures:

Make shortbread, chill, bake and chill again. 

Apples get cooked on the stove and cooled.  Last of shortbread gets mixed with 

cinnamon and nuts (I left out since family isn't big on nuts in a lot of things) and

crumbled on the top.  Bake again and cool.

Finished product.  It tastes like a super rich apple pie.  Cool and slice.

In other news:

Did I mention my youngest brought me back D&D sleeves from NY.  D&D is HUGE up north.  Occasionally, they sell these sleeves which fit the Starbucks venti or trenta cups.  I've used them for over 10 years.  No cup sweating, insulation to keep drink cold, easy to carry in my purse. They get stained (can't wash because the glue comes undone), ripped, worn and I'm never without one.  They've come out with a new one and he bought all they had.  What a good boy!!

Looking sharp Starbucks Iced Venti Decaf Americano!

In other, other news:

Hubby is already home from PGH and off to his Jenny Craig appointment.  He wants to drop a few pounds and can't self-start this time.  We used JC to take off weight about 8 or 9 years ago (my memory is so bad!).  It fit our lifestyle well and he lost 50 + lbs -- I lost 75 + lbs.  He still uses it and really likes it.  I moved onto W30 in recent years, but I think it has good merits.  I wish he did this while I was on W30 as both put a damper in our social stuff.

Workout today is a cardio-lift combo.  Intervals and some arms.  Today is errands, golf and dinner out with the eldest and his girlfriend (hubby's last non JC meal for awhile).  

In the last of the news today -- I LOVED this wine. Vinho Verde ROSE wine!  Crisp, pretty -- perfect for summer.  This was the last bottle at Whole Foods.  I haven't seen it elsewhere.  They have other Rose ... this one specifically was really good.  I'm on the hunt for it again.

Instagram

I joined about a month or so ago.  I have 5 "friends" and the rest are follows - all blogger-type of people.  It's actually kind of interesting.  I get some good recipe ideas, product ideas, tutorials (hello Instant Pot).  It's kind of fun.  And I like that it's not a bunch of friends because, let's face it, it's just repeat of Facebook or Snapchat, etc.

Anyway, that leads me to a product I saw reviewed.  Eye concealer (I'll take a picture when it comes ... of course I forget the name of it).  I have dark circles under my eyes - mostly genetic, I think.  The R&F under eye cream is nice, but no results yet (fingers crossed).  Those dark circles are still there and if genetic, aren't going anywhere.  My concealer is okay, but this blogger swears by this one - hello Instagram tutorial.  Can't hurt to give it a try.

I'm also trying a new recipe today.  Barefoot Contessa apple pie squares.  They look heavenly.  Hubby and son announced a diet clean-up coming for Monday.  This will be a little treat before that happens.  Stay tuned ...

I also saw a tutorial on doing gel nails at home.  I have NO plans to do my own, but the information was interesting.  Some good explanations of "why" certain steps are important, etc.  It was good to know when I'm having them done.

Speaking of which -- I have a gel nail appointment today.  My nails are much healthier and I want to see if that will help the gel last longer.  It used to last 3 weeks for me -- 3 days doesn't cut it.  I actually like the long lasting polish too.  I'm a little on the fence.  My cuticles are what's in need of TLC.  I don't want to have the drying time for a regular manicure today. Oh such dilemma 😕 I'm a bit in the mood to try a color with the long lasting.  It doesn't last very long (so I won't get sick of it) and then I can paint them myself.  If I do the gel and it peels, I'll be back to unhealthy nails again. Hmmmm.

Today is racking up to be a bit of a boring day (I know -- too busy, too bored, too busy, too bored - no pleasing me).  Hubby is gone, youngest is working.  And nothing is inspiring me.

I'm reading 2 books - neither has gripped me.  Nothing catching my eye on TV.  I'm not in the mood to "work" on anything.  I'd go to the movies if it weren't the weekend.  I like doing solo movies, but I stay clear of date nights.  Friends are all busy with their families.  I won't hike by myself (even with my pup). I'm golfing tomorrow so I won't do 2 in a row with my issues from last year.  My house is clean.  Laundry is done.  Bills are paid.  It's even a rest day for my workouts.

Nails and baking.

Poor privileged ME.

I'll keep thinking about it.  Stay tuned tomorrow for the thrilling conclusion ...

Instant Pot Rocks

It's taken me years to perfect the art the hardboiled egg - specifically peeling those bad boys.  Don't even talk to me about bring to a boil, set aside for 20 minutes, blah, blah, blah.  Doesn't EVER work for me.

Lots of advise later - lots of failure later, I have MY system.  Complicated, but about 90% effective.  Fantastic -- I love hardboiled eggs, deviled eggs, egg salad.  The HB egg world was finally available to me - one dozen at a time.

Instant Pot promised even better.  Is that possible?  Do I dare to hope?

OMG.  A quick steam and the peels practically fell off.  I'm not exaggerating folks.  No running water needed.  No dents in the whites.  100% successful.  And TWO dozen at a time (should I want to).  And these were "new" eggs.  And I didn't have to prick them.  And I didn't have to watch for that perfect moment when the water boiled.  And I didn't have to waste gallons of water to peel them.  And. And. And.

Go get an INSTANT POT immediately if you love HB eggs!!  It's an egg miracle.
____________________________________________________________________________

Yesterday was a much better day.  I ended up doing an all treadmill workout.  It felt good so I went with it.  A good sweat cures a lot of crap.

So does a little pull together.  Eyebrows, toes ... both were really bad.  A clean-up felt good.  Made me want to shave my legs, put on makeup, get out of my sweatpants and be out in the world for a minute.  Ball rolling in the right direction kind of thing.

Today is a lunch with a friend and probably a little window shopping while we chat.  It's another home workout - all lifting today.  Next week is the new month so I decided to stay clear of endurance.  My knee is still making some noise and I don't need it to become a problem.

That's the day in a nutshell.

I got two quotes back for work on the landscaping and roof.  I'll run them by hubby, but we're probably going with both contractors.  I'm living in contractor hell, but it will look nice when it's all done.

Hubby leaves tomorrow morning for a quick trip to PGH to visit his brother.  He's in a group home and this is the summer visit to the zoo or the amusement park (depending on the weather).  He had to cut the trip short because of his schedule at work, but a cancel would have made his brother sad - hubby's one of the good guys!

Later gators!

The Blues

I had a big case of the blues yesterday.  I'm not sure why (maybe sugar back in my diet).  I felt sad and down and lonely.

For someone who jumps at time-to-myself, this is an odd feeling.

I needed some TLC.  Hubby has a full week of meetings and travel this weekend, so TLC needed to come from ME.  I said "screw it" to the cold sore, bug bites and bloat and did some pampering.

Pedicure ... check (love the color ... purple-gray)
Eyebrows ... check (they were hairy beasts)
Grocery store ... check (not exactly pampering, but it got me up and moving around)

I feel "normal" this morning.  But I canceled my lift workout yesterday for this morning (and the class is full, so no going back).  It was part of my blues - I tend to hibernate when I feel this way.  I only regret it since nothing at home is inspiring me this morning.  Probably a cardio-lift mix will win out.  As I've said before, my knee didn't like this month's endurance so it's no big loss today.

I scheduled a gel polish for Saturday.  My nails look healthy and I'm ready to try it again.  It's been about 5 or 6 weeks.  I like the do-at-home polish and will probably do gel less frequently.  I also have all day Saturday to fill by myself and my blues had me worried.  I need to force myself out of hibernation.  If it doesn't last ... back to home polish.

I'm fortunate I don't get "down" too often.  I know how to fix it, but it's hard to do when I feel that way.  It's nice to feel better today - hope it sticks.  The blues came on quite suddenly yesterday morning.

Workout, clean eating, youngest back in town ... today should be better.

My INTENTION today is to notice all the good stuff in my life ... be GRATEFUL.  This list is long and it helps to chase away any lingering blues.  Later gators.

ME and the house

Both of us are getting primped and spit shined.

ME ... mammogram yesterday and gyn appointment scheduled.  Checking off the "girl" maintenance for the year.  Hair and nails coming soon to add that little sparkle. 💅💇

House ... $$$$$ continues.  Shutters done yesterday (they look nice).  Now metal roof over front porch needs to be replaced.  It's pulling up, but I think the painters pushed on it ... it's a lot worse after they were here.  Big $$$$ - more than you'd think and harder to find a roofer who wants the work.

House ... deck getting sanded and stained.  It needs it.  $$$

House ... upstairs carpet in 5 rooms followed by master bedroom painting (fancy ceilings and all).  If we're happy with that paint job, then the entire main floor.  I don't even want to know how much.

House ... waiting on landscapers.  That's also like pulling teeth.  I finally got someone to call me back and he's coming over this morning.  It's a big project.  Ugh.

All this needs to get done.  ME and the house.  The older we get ... you know the story.

Yesterday was spent on the phone all day with contractors.  A lesson in patience.  My workout was a good combination of lifting and cardio.  I lifted first.  I normally do cardio first, but I read the order should be weights then cardio.  It was a good one.

The mammogram went surprisingly well.  They usually run late and their front desk is less than kind. Not yesterday.  I was finished amazingly fast and everyone was super friendly.  Nice change!

Today is a rest day, a contractor visit and then up in the air.  I want a pedicure, but these darn bug bites are gross.  Some are open from scratching and shaving, some are closed but itchy when touched.  No one should have to "massage" that!

*TMI ALERT*
I stopped and got dinner from Whole Foods after my mammogram last night.  They had paleo fried rice (cauliflower).  I didn't like it much since it was a little too raw tasting.  Big mistake to eat it.  I can't do raw cauliflower (it was a little cooked though).  OMG.  The bloat and subsequent gas might be the worse I've EVER had.  I was miserable.  Probably hubby was too.  I still feel yucky this morning.  So afternoon plans are sketchy until I see if my stomach settles down.
*TMI OVER*

I just realized the picture of myself ... cold sore, bug bites, bloat ... I'm rocking it today lol!  Later gators.

Back to Reality

Yesterday was nice, really nice.

I hit about half my goals.  Productive alone time ... excellent run ... and some reading -- good job.  Then about 4pm I hit the sofa and the refrigerator hard.  Yikes.  Not a good job.  But overall, it was a good day and it filled the old tanks for the week.

My cold sore is in bloom - yuck.  The good news is it's mainly on my lip so not as noticeable as when it strikes just under my lip.  It's still tingling and burning so it might still be growing.  I hate cold sores.  I guess I should be happy my stress didn't make me sick ... just these ugly blisters.

I'm opting for a home lift workout today.  Lots of reasons ... house shutters being replaced, mammogram appointment this afternoon and my cold sore still in the VERY ugly stage.  Also, the endurance isn't great for me.  Enough reasons to do a home workout.

I'm moving forward this week on getting carpets and landscaping set up.  I got recommendations for both and hope to get estimates soon.  We need to get this house back in order.  After carpets .... painting.  We painted bedrooms ourselves, but this is the BIG paint ... ceilings, trim, two story entrance.  We can't do that.

The rest of the week should be good.  Lunch with a friend, finally the pedicure (waiting on bug bites to settle down - got more golfing!).  Youngest comes home.  Hubby is away a couple more nights later in the week and then out of town for the weekend.  Today is busy, but the rest of the week is good.

I need to do grocery shopping (always and forever) and some cooking.  I've been eating some freezer stash this week since it's just me.

Okay - I'm even boring myself today.  My INTENTION today is to stick with the healthy habits ALL DAY (not just until 4pm).  Later gators.

ALONE!!

Today has AMAZING potential!

I'm ALONE (except my old pup).  Hubby out of town, youngest in NY, no contractors (tomorrow I have contractors again) ... just ME.  All. Day. Long. --- All. Night. Long.

I have NO plans.  I have nothing on my to-do list ... did it all yesterday.  Busy worker bee to clear my list for today of all the unpleasant chores waiting (bills, furniture protection claim, etc).

I have to figure out if I want to be a lazy slug or productive in my ME time.  The caveat is I woke up with a cold sore.  Yikes.  What a bother.  It's just blooming.  I was going to finally get a pedicure, eyebrows, etc.  Not sure I'm feeling it with this honker of a sore on my lip.

But the best part ... I don't have to decide.  It can be whatever I want it to be.

First a treadmill run.  Shower.  Then WHATEVER!!

Yesterday was a good day too.  I worked hard during the day to get junk finished.  I took an extra rest day since my knee was bothering me ... the endurance stuff this month has been too much on my knee when combined with running.

I finally tried the Instant Pot and LOVED it!  I made spaghetti squash in a fraction of the time and it was perfectly cooked.  I'm going to try hard boiled eggs next.  Starting with the basics and going from there.  I'd like to try some meat toward the end of the week.  I'll need to do a little research for something easy ... maybe a whole chicken?  One of my favorite W30 websites has a section on Instant Pot cooking (NomNom Paleo).  (I want to call it InstaPot ... I guess since I just joined Instagram??)  It sautés, slow cooks and pressure cooks -- really one pot cooking.  I'm glad I bought the large capacity.

We golfed with the eldest yesterday.  So HOT.  Probably contributed to my cold sore.  But it was fun!  I'm golfing much better lately and that makes it enjoyable again.  We headed for a dinner out (after showers - crazy sweating).  His girlfriend joined us after work.  Fun, relaxing evening.

Couldn't do this again if my life depended on it!

Then Thrones.  Good, not great.  It was a building up episode.  The hour flew by though -- guess it was not too bad!

That's life in a nutshell.  Tomorrow is back to reality.  Shutters being installed, noon lift (if my cold sore isn't the size of China) and grocery store run.  Today is not any of those things.  Today is ME only.  My INTENTION today is to enjoy the peace, be respectful to ME and NOT sit on the sofa all day watching TV and feeding my face (you know it's happened before!!).

Have a good Monday!!

His new Bun Bun from his favorite Aunt.  

She had a Bun Bun as a little girl and gave him one too!

Farmer's Market on Saturday.  We got the best iced tea ... white pear ginger.  

So good we ordered the tea bags as soon as we got home!

This is how my crazy pup sleeps in the morning.  

Cracks me up every time.  Love this old boy.

Things I'm LOVING lately ...

In no particular order ...

Instant Pot
Modern pressure cooker.  I'm going to use it this week.  It gets RAVE reviews from lots of W30ers and a couple of friends.  Simple, safe and efficient.  Yep - awesome.  I bought a spaghetti squash for it's virgin run.

Essie Gel Couture Polish
It works.  Not the 14 days as promised, but it lasts a good week.  Very little chipping, shiny top coat and it's giving my nails the gel break it needs. Fairy Tailor (very light, shear pink) is my favorite color.

Food Saver
We've talked about this one before ... I LOVE it.  So easy to use.  AND I found a hidden perk.  When I Food Saver "treats" I can't open them and steal one (like I can with a zip bag).  Keeps me out of the freezer stash of goodies - no rash decisions.  You all know me -- this is a good thing!

R&F Eye cream
I'm not sure about results, but it goes on nicely and hasn't bothered my sensitive skin at all.  I've barely used any and it's been a month.  The jar should last about 3 months.  R&F says to give it a "jar" to see results.  I'm a hypocrite on this ... I found R&F annoying on Facebook, but I decided to give it a try.

Cold Brew Coffee
I have this EVERY DAY.  It's so easy to make.  I take my ground decaf ... measure about a cup and add about 12 cups of water.  No "exact" needed.  I have a super big mason jar jug.  I know the water line, so I measure the grounds and bam.  It sits overnight or sometimes 36 hours on the counter.  Strain with a paper towel in a mesh strainer and refrigerate.  Perfect.  Smooth, smooth, smooth!

Sweet Potato Hash
It's got such a great flavor.  I posted about this before.  It's a sweet hash with vinegar.  Yum!  It's been my summer go-to side.

Game of Thrones
Season 7 is starting with a bang.  I extra love it because the whole family watches.  Violence, crude sex, crazy demonic plots and it brings us together ... family viewing at it's finest!

Costco Metal Water Bottle
2 for $15.  40 ounces.  Big, wide mouthed opening.  ALL parts are easily washable.  Fits ice through the top with no problem.  You can open and close with one hand.  Of course it keeps cold/hot like a master.  Just be careful if drinking while moving (i.e. on a golf cart) ... you can knock your teeth hard on the opening.  I kept one and gave one away.  The price is AMAZING!  I get lots of inquiries because the top is really well designed.

Anthropology Dishtowels
The cotton woven ones ... not the printed ones.  They wash well, dry well and are cute multi-colored. I still want to get more.  I'm super picky on dishtowels.  They are priced fairly too.  Anthropology is expensive, but these aren't bad.

Back to Staycation!

Yesterday was better than expected.  Debbie Downer has left the building!!

Lunch was good and we did a run through our favorite antique store.  I didn't find anything this go around, but I always have fun looking.

The game was as hot as anticipated.  The food was as bad as anticipated (i.e. junk food).  But we were in good company and spent most of the night in the air conditioned beer garden.  As a matter of fact, we moved from the picnic area to the beer garden and never even took our seats.  I had one good beer when we got there and one not-so-good beer in the garden (all craft and IPA).  I'm a domestic light kind of gal.  The stadium and the employees were super nice and if I were a baseball person or my kids were young - nice way to spend an evening.  I forgot to take pictures.

Since we stayed until the end, I canceled my early workout class this morning.  I was on the fence anyway.  Rest day, workout day ... not sure.  Sleeping in took priority.  I'm leaning toward a rest day today.  My legs got hit two days in a row and they are tired this morning.

Today is grocery store day.  The refrigerator is bare.  I need to do some cooking this weekend too.

We may take the dog swimming this morning or not.  Depends on when hubby gets up.  The parking lot gets crazy crowded and hard to manage the single file road if you go too late.  Hubby had a long week and an even longer one coming up, so sleep is his priority too.

The whole day is up in the air.  Sometimes that's nice.  I know it's quiet (youngest away) and cold (AC working) and that works for me.

Have a good Saturday cyber-land!

Staycation??

My first day of Staycation 2017 was a bust. (See last of 3 posts from yesterday ... ugh).  I don't even want to talk about it this morning.  I'll get all pissy again.

So ... in other news ....

Tonight is the minor league baseball game for hubby's work event.  Yuck.  Baseball, 95 degrees, humid, sun, crappy food, up late -- not my cup of tea at all.  (Staycation 2017 might not get off the ground after all.)

On a positive note (shocking that's possible today) ... I'm headed to lunch with a friend today.  Girlfriend time is good.

I wasn't able to get my pedicure yesterday.  Today is a bit tight (but possible).  I'll think about it.  Today or tomorrow.

I need to get my head on straight again today.  I'm grumpy.

Debbie Downer signing off ...

Rant

OMG.  I CAN NOT win!!!

I had appointment with the sales manager at noon.  At 11:20 technicians show up at my door.  I'm in the shower.

Long story short ... they "discovered" the unit they took apart by mistake has a problem ... how dumb do I look ... they broke it!!  They didn't want to tell me last night. OMG.  Stop it.

All units were serviced by them last week and that unit was "great."  They are doing me a favor and there will be no charge.  Duh.  They will be lucky to get the full payment.

Now the sales guy will be here "later."  ALL DAY again today!!!!

Run finished, but my attitude is right back to horrible.

Staycation

Airport run done.  Back to bed for some sleep.  Up again and feeling better.

(Typing gingerly as my nails are drying with my new nail polish!)

Breathe.

I HATE contractors.  Hate is a big word but it's actually a nicer version of what is going through my head in the moment.  Do your job.  Period.  I do my job.  I don't do half-assed shitty work.  I'm not late.  I don't lie.  It's not that hard folks.

I'm going to try and salvage my day today.  I need an attitude adjustment.

A treadmill run should be a good start (once my nails dry).  I picked at them last night as I was stress eating myself to death.  Good times, good choices.  Nails are shaped and cleaned up again.  The break from gel is working nicely by the way.

I'm also going for a pedicure this afternoon.  I'll make a late-ish appointment.  I don't care if they want to come back to fix the AC unit later today - I have the noon meeting with the sales manager and I'm done.  I'm going to have a ME moment.  Well deserved and I need to get my head on straight today.  I don't want to undo my W30 the minute it ends.

I have a week of empty nest and I intend to enjoy it.  W30 finished, house is cool again, foster is adopted and happy (her new mama texted me this morning!), current mega repairs almost finished.  I need to start the carpet replacement, but not this week.  These next 7 days are my staycation ... my mental recovery.  I decided this today.  I actually woke up for my "second" morning and had the thought: a week of ME.

Yes!

I'm going to make a list of fun stuff I want to do this week.  It won't be WOW but it will do the job.  Movies maybe.  Massage maybe.  Buy some more of those awesome dish towels maybe.  Take my dog swimming maybe.

In other news ... I had a weird moment this week: craving back-to-work.  It's coming folks.  I've been waiting to "feel" it again.

My new attitude and I are heading to run.  Later gators.

Crappy Day

Yesterday was crappy ... really crappy.  They made series of mistakes that resulted in AC getting fixed at 9 PM!  They started to "replace" the wrong unit - so the upstairs unit was down most of the day too.  Then, because they gave us the information for the wrong thing, we actually needed an entire system replacement.  ADD $3000 to the already big bill.  It was a day from hell.  And the new unit installed had to be fixed ... NEW UNIT!  They are coming back today to discuss.  We refused to pay until we are comfortable we don't have a lemon and the unit gets the proper fix.  (They did a "work around" to override a safety valve ...  they assured me it was "safe" to do that ... oh okay ... cause why do we need a safety valve?!?!)

This after they were 2 1/2 hours late and LIED about it.  I busted them on the lie (do they think I'm that stupid) and I reported EVERYTHING to management - this after 3 phone calls to ask what was going on - they are 15 minutes away (another 1 1/2 hours actually).

Hubby had a crisis at work, so I was the go-to person all day and all night.  I was up late, now up early to take youngest to the airport.

The sales guy is coming back today.  He asked to come this morning.  I said no.  I wouldn't be available until noon.  He kept trying to push the time earlier.  My reply ... is there confusion on the time I gave you?!?  I mean really.  LISTEN to ME!  I gave him noon so I could come home from airport (will take about 2 1/2 hours), go back to sleep if I want and then run.  I won't be rushed today. PERIOD!

End of Whole30 ... so 2 glasses of wine.  Frozen meal for dinner and cupcake brought home by hubby.  Not good.  UGH.  I let the stress and frustration get to me big time.

And the new valve will probably need to be installed on Friday.  So much for contractor free days.

Did I mention the mud they tracked all over ... even with tarps down?  I need to clean floors and vacuum today.  Only to have it messed again when they come to fix the unit.

Only up side - woke up to a COLD house.

All about the AC

It's finally getting replaced.  All day project - not so fun (of course, it's not like I'm doing the work).  BUT, this SHOULD be the last day of contractor hell.

I'm awake early this morning.  Another "stiff" morning - I guess my body really needed sleep.  My back is aching but moving around makes it feel much better.

I'm on the fence about a workout.  A quick cardio would feel good, but I need rest days too.  I have to decide within the hour.  If I'm not doing a big enough workout, it makes more sense to rest my legs and joints.

Endurance month is not my favorite.  It's hard on the joints and tiring on the muscles so running ahead of class is a NO.  It should be a bit of cardio by default, but my heart rate doesn't get up very high.  I'm not even winded.  Not to toot my own horn, but most in the class is bent over sucking wind.  They don't do any cardio.  Endurance isn't cardio in my book.  I might need to make a schedule adjustment for the remainder of this month so I can get my cardio fix.

Whole30 in the books.  Food Freedom begins today.

I'm bummed to be stuck at home all day today (again).  I had a REWARD day planned.  Nails then movie and lunch with youngest.  He leaves for NY tomorrow -- I wanted a little time with him.  But the AC is barely functioning and leaking tons of water (cleaning that up everyday is a big old pain).  At least no foster puppy to add to the mix!!

The MEGA Sleep

11 hours, 20 minutes.  I'm so stiff I can barely move - good lord.  I slept HARD.  Ouch.  I looked like a 90 year old getting out of bed.  The stiff is working it's way out and I finally feel rested.  Tonight should be the Goldilocks of sleep nights - just right.

Whole30 ends today.  I'm ready.

Yesterday (and $6000 plus) stuff is fixed.  Final "thing" tomorrow.  Replacing main AC unit - 7 hours, $4300 later.  $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.  Enough said.

My next adventure is new upstairs carpets and a repair on a service protected sofa (that's going smoothly lol).  Cha-ching again.

The block party event Releash Atlanta was helping with got canceled for this weekend.  Bummer.  It was going to be fun.  Not enough interest in the event.  My tickets got refunded.  That opens up Saturday so if the weather is nice, we'll take our old man swimming.  He LOVES to swim and hiking in this heat is too much for him.  It's good exercise for old bones - not so good for his poodle hair!!

Today is my noon lift class.  Still endurance month so no run this morning.

Grocery store loop today too.  The afternoon and evening will be quiet.  Hubby's working late, youngest has closing shift.  Me, my sofa, my dog and some TV.  Nice.

P.S.  I had an unusual breakfast thanks to a W30 poster recipe.  Dressed arugula with olive oil and vinegar, seasoned scrambled eggs and blueberries.  It's what's for breakfast again today.

Raining Monday Morning.

I'm up early - boo.  3 contractors coming this morning.  The list of broken shit in our house is mind-boggling.  Hubby and I just laugh now.  Karma or the Universe or a 15 year old house is having a good old time at our EXPENSE ($$$$).

Fingers crossed that some of this stuff gets fixed today.

Game of Thrones - AWESOME!  Winter came.  We watched the final two episode of the previous season to get us back in the spirit of things (old people minds can't remember that much for that long) and then the season premier.  No spoilers here - but it was GOOD!!

I was up later than I should be, snacked on chicken and watermelon.  But, hey, stayed on program and  resisted cookie brownies, cheese, chocolate candy.  I consider this a win -  a big win.

My body feels like it's been plowed over this morning.  I barely want to hold up my arms to type this post.  I got sleep, but I need SLEEP.  Tonight will be the night.  Bed early, sleep late.  The mega sleep is coming.  Fortunately, I have a workout rest day today.  The substitute class that I canceled ended up being a good thing for me.

This week is all about getting back to normal.  A bunch of house chores and a restock on the usual grocery store loop.  I have a lunch with a friend.  Maybe a pedicure. (I don't like the color and my nails are too long already).  Friday starts a busy, fun weekend.  I want to be rested mentally and physically so I make good choices, enjoy the fun and keep my feeling good going.

Even in the chaos of this morning's broken EVERYTHING, life is so much more relaxing.  I love my foster and I love she has her happy home and I love my easy old man dog and I love that I can just sit here.  You need both sides of life to appreciate it all - the crazy and the peaceful.

Later gators.

Adoption!

Bailey is HAPPY!  She played all day, went for a family walk, cuddled on laps and is napping in her new bed as I type this.  My heart is full for this sweet girl.  She's found her people (and her dogs)!!

My house is back to normal - cleaned up.  De-haired.  My sweet old boy is HAPPY too.  Life feels simple this afternoon.

Kids coming over tonight for Game of Thrones (turns out they don't have HBO - oops ).  I'm making a little spread of munchies.  Hubby is currently at the grocery store looking for a decent watermelon for me. He's a keeper.

I can't wait to SLEEP tonight!  I hope I don't get so excited, I can't fall asleep.  That's happened before - I'm probably not the only one lol!!

Winter is Coming

Game of Thrones ... Season 7.  WINTER IS COMING!!!

And Adoption Day.  Please, please, pretty please let it go okay today.  I will miss HER.  I won't miss how she fits into our family.  I'm happy for her new life.  I'm sad that she will cry when I leave her today.  She will adjust and be happier than she could ever be with us.  She's a baby.  I'm a mama.  My heart is a little torn.

Combo workout before we leave.  A little treadmill and arm day.

After drop off, we'll visit hubby's new work facility and go out to a late brunch at our favorite place.  Brunch is an easy W30 win.  Date morning - we need this desperately!

Hubby will play golf in the afternoon while I put the house back in order.  Then ... WHATEVER I WANT.  Maybe a nap even (then I can stay up to watch Thrones) ... my morning started at 4:30am.  I tried to nap on Saturday - I was THAT tired.  No go.  Barking, fussing.  She wanted to be on the bed with me.  Problematic if I actually fell asleep.  God knows what I'd wake up to chewed half to death!  Nap denied!  (I finally gave up and went on the computer and then SHE fell asleep ... OMG!)

We are going to try to replace the fancy handle and front door lock today too.  It's absolutely broken.  Wish me hubby luck.

Costco had the best blueberries yesterday.  Organic, perfectly plump and inexpensive.  Win!  Not as good as watermelon, but no complaints.  I made a quick hash and did some chicken in the crockpot (to shred and sauce).  Basics to get me through the weekend.

I think tonight will be hard to stick with W30.  Probably one of the hardest days.  Day 28 -- so close.  I have no real need to finish the 30 days since I have multiple times before.  The good is back.  I'm exhausted and will be tempted to "reward" myself with food tonight.  But a commitment is a commitment and I want to see it through.  Plus going "off" tonight would mean going ape-shit crazy.  Maybe I'll get a watermelon?!?!  Hubby said he noticed I was slimmer.  That's a good feeling and a feeling to remember when I want to dive face first into a cake while swigging a bottle of wine. (That even sounds tempting NOW - ut oh.)

My stomach is a bit wonky this morning.  A lot of blueberries, sweet potato and cauliflower made for interesting stomach-mates.  The "dogs" were really gassy last night.  I'll need to go easier today - green beans will dominate!

Big, huge, busy, productive day today.  It's started already and I don't even mind.  The day has a buzz of excitement and relief all wrapped into one!  We did it - thank you Universe!!

The Last Day

Such beautiful words.  One more day and night -- then MY freedom ride lol.  Paperwork ready, puppy ready, people ready -- then the PARTY begins!

I got my super quick (and fun) run in yesterday.  I like to choose a number for interval day.  Yesterday's run was sponsored by the #10.
10 min warmup
10 - 1 minute sprints (10 second stop)
10 - 10 second cool-down (that's pushing it, but - hey - it counts!)
Hard, quick get-the-job-done kind of intervals.  I LOVE to sweat when I workout! So unlike sweating when it's miserably hot!!

My Saturday circuit class is subbed out -- bummer -- twice in a row.  I don't care for this substitute teacher at all - so I canceled.  But it actually works out better for me.  I could use a rest day today and then workout tomorrow.  That sets up my rest/workout days better for the next few days.  I might take a mental treadmill walk this morning - zone out to music, walk in the AC, bug-free quiet zone of my basement - nothing vigorous.  Easy and relaxing.

Today should be miles better than yesterday.  Yesterday wore me to a nub.  So much so, I forgot to eat dinner.  I climbed into bed and realized I was hungry -- then realized I didn't eat dinner -- but I wanted sleep more.  There was no way I could muster fixing something.  I had a late (and big) lunch so it wasn't like I starved myself.  I'm going to be really hungry this morning though (I can feel it already).

We have a couple of problems leftover from the painters.  Stuck windows (easy fix), broken front door lock (not so easy).  They're coming back Monday and can join my other TWO contractors.  But guess what?!?  No foster, so welcome to easy street!

After my walk, I'll hit Costco and the grocery store ... my refrigerator is too empty AGAIN.  I have no plans for anything - better get thinking of something.  I hoard my freezer stash of food lol.  I can always hit it up for something delicious.

Dogs are still in active mode (had one fight over a bone this morning ... there are FOUR of the SAME bones in the room and TWO dogs).  Yep.  Didn't I say this would be an easier day?!?  Time to manage the "kids."  Later gators.

It's a dog eat dog world ...

and I'm wearing milk bone underwear ...  thanks Norm from Cheers.

BUT

Praise be to all that is good ... we're closer to Sunday!!

Here's some riveting scoop:

My lift workout was a duplicate of Tuesday.  She rarely repeats - odd, but it was a good total body workout.  Endurance strength is HARD.  By the end of the lunge-squat series, I wondered if my legs might explode.  Really.  Legs SCREAMING to stop.  But I like my new bum so I grunted and groaned and finished.  (Not really -- while I can't help making the OMG face, but I don't make noise --- same in the bedroom.  TMI without warning - sorry.)

Doors getting painted first thing this morning -- open for about 4 hours to dry -- dog nightmare -- and broken AC off.  This change in time makes a run workout rough to fit in, but I'll make it work.  Some things don't get sacrificed easily.  It's a quick workout.

I took a well deserved cooking break and ordered dinner from a local restaurant.  We know the owners and I know the roasted chicken and sweet potatoes fits W30 (thanks to checking with my friend).  Best part -- no dishes.

Speaking of cooking:  I told hubby I know what I want for Christmas -- and then proceeded to buy it 10 minutes later.  Oh well.  Let's call it a pre-Christmas gift.  It's actually a gift that keeps on giving ... Instant Pot.  I follow W30 Instagram accounts and they preach this pressure cooker.  I think this will be a good time saver for me.  Some of the cooking sites I use have Instant Pot recipes so I'll try more than just the basics.  Spaghetti squash in 7 minutes!?!  Enough said.  Sold!

My mood is gradually climbing the closer we get to Sunday.  Freedom!  House back to normal.  My sweet old man happy and my other old man happy too.  Paint my nails.  Read.  SLEEP.  Watch Game of Thrones.  Leave my shoes safely at floor level 😌

Just a side note should anyone think I'm "dumping" a bad dog off with another family.  She is a sweetheart.  Her new family will give her a beautiful situation with a big, safe backyard to run in, doggie door to go out whenever she wants, two doggie siblings who LOVE to play with her, family who is patient and understands she needs time to trust.  She is wonderful.  Her new family is wonderful.  She's not a good fit for my people though.  She deserves a family that fits HER.  This one does.  That's the point of fostering.

I best get at it this morning.  Food prep to happen before no AC and dogs tethered to me.  A quick run - I haven't decided what "kind" of intervals yet - something to zone out and sweat works.

Today is the toughest day left.  I'm fighting the good fight.  I know EVERYONE will be happy when puppy-contractor-W30 channel gets turned off - God knows I will!

Tale of TWO Countdowns

3 days until our foster adoption!
5 days until the end of this W30!

I don't want to wish my life away, but I want to wish these next 5 days away!  Sad, but true.

Well, turns out the rest of the week is "bad" ... windows are being opened continuously for painting and drying and doors are on hold until Friday.  Color is questionable.  New garage doors painted accidentally and warranty voided.  I'm in survival mode ... end of my rope.  Not enough sleep for two weeks, barely a minute not looking after (and looking for) a chewing puppy.  P.S.  She learned how to open the french doors to the living room.  Smart girl.  Poor me.

Dentist and my nerve pain this afternoon.  Wow - fun day.

Hanging on.  Maybe.  Hopefully.  3 days.

W30 is quickly (but not quickly enough) wrapping up too.  I have no plans for the "after."  I want to be back into my Food Freedom but after these two weeks ... I want wine too and pizza and a night out ... and, and, and.  Not good.

In other news, my new nail polish color came.  I like it in the bottle.  Looking forward to trying it next week.  Looking forward to EVERYTHING next week.

I said no to GNI last night and I couldn't be happier about the decision.  The dates for these two months backed on each other and we JUST had GNI.  This one was at a very good friend's house, but outside the neighborhood.  I'd normally push to go since she's a good friend but with puppy, contractors, W30 ... there would be no enjoying the evening and I would've been a complete bump-on-the-log.  Hating every minute as I fantasized of sleep.  Sometimes saying NO is saying YES to what I need.

I have a lift workout today.  I'm canceling tomorrow's class so I can run on the treadmill.  I feel the need for a big sweat and some mental zoning out time.  I'll go to Saturday circuit.

That's all from the puppy-contractor-W30 loop that I'm living again today.  Round and round I go ... hanging on for dear life lol!

Is it Sunday?

Today and tomorrow will be the most challenging days with the puppy and the contractors.  They need to work inside doing doors and interior window trim.  God give me strength.  PLEASE!!  My son is going to his apartment today - it's that bad - I might need to be committed to the funny farm when this is over!  Barking, barking, barking, barking, barking and some more barking.

Open doors = bugs.  Open doors = strain on already broken AC.

And, just for fun, tomorrow is also a dentist appointment for me with a new hygienist. My poor snaggletooth!

I'll crate Bailey for part of the day and sit upstairs with her the rest.  She smells that people are still in the house and it makes her so nervous.  She'd make a great tracking dog.  Is it Sunday yet?

Anyway, I forgot to give an update on my "regular" clothes fit.  Good, not great.  Things felt more comfortable, but not  OMG fantastic.  I guess 2 months of lots-of-stuffing-my-face can't be completely reversed in 20 some odd days.

And, I know this will sound crazy, but after lifting weights for about a year now, I've finally developed some butt muscle.  It's a nice little round thing that actually moves when I squeeze - I kind of LOVE it.  Rumor has it, I might even stare at it in the mirror on a regular basis. 😏 I had nada, zero, zilch before - flat as a pancake - no visible movement with a squeeze - some sad sagging happening.  But, that muscle takes up room and makes for tighter pants (since I didn't lose the fat, just added muscle).

Here's the problem.  I don't weigh myself.  I measure by how my clothes fit.  But my body has changed some with the weight lifting.  Clothes are fitting differently.  I'm lost without some measure of am-I-where-I-need-to-be.  Is this more muscle?  Am I fooling myself?

I know ... how do I feel, how do I look, is this really important?  Yep - I agree.  But I can't help it.

I wore my new workout outfit yesterday.  Striped pants, little tank.  Part of me expected some feedback from the workout crew.  I always wear black pants and a t-shirt.  Silence.  Crap.  What does that mean?  Did I look ridiculous?  Did people even notice?  Am I making this about me and it's not? The girls always comment on people's new stuff.  Hello vanity.  Hello external validation.  I knew you were lurking in the background.

Crazy is in full bloom!

Last fun fact today - I feel "sick" again.  Sore throat, headache, stuffy.  Not ready to call it a cold.  I think it's a pre-sick warning.  Sleep more.  Stress less.  If only it were that easy.  Sunday baby - just hold on.

Everything is better with SLEEP

I finally got a decent night's sleep.  Bailey was a gem. I had to wake HER up ... my bladder was calling lol!  She continues to amaze me!  We are still working on the stranger barking and her new "thing" is only she and I are allowed upstairs.  Possessive character coming out again.  Who can blame her given her history?  But we need to correct it.  Work in progress ... aren't we all.

This weekend she goes to her new home.  The following weekend hubby and I are doing a charity event that benefits Latino youth education and Releash Atlanta has table (we're "working" the table).  Did I mention it's a tequila event?!?  Funny combination (bit on-the-nose), but hey, tequila works.

Housepainters here again today.  It sends both dogs into a tizzy with the people and strange noises.  Suddenly a person appears in the window ... etc.  It makes for a stressful day for me.  I spend the day putting out barking fires.  And the shutter guy comes to do final measurements ... ugh.

I have my noon lift today.  Taking a break from puppy duty (and duty) feels good.  It's endurance month, so no cardio before.  The workouts are tough (yea!).

Lunch and shopping with a friend was great.  She gave me a pretty set of earrings and necklace from a really nice jewelry store.  The meal was no problem W30 wise and it was a nice afternoon.  Didn't buy anything ... our money is exiting so fast I better be good for a minute!

I ate a ton of watermelon yesterday.  Tasted like perfection!! But it was too much.  Holding back on the fruit today - don't need a stomach upset.

This is puppy nap time so I'm going to use it to get some stuff done before all hell breaks loose later this morning.  Hoping for a good day ... you too ... later gators!

Broken EVERYTHING!!

Good lord - it rains, it pours.

Broken refrigerator.
Broken AC.
Broken watch.
Broken car.
Broken purse strap.

Wow.  The Universe decided to dump upon us yesterday.  Bring on the repairs and say goodbye to the $$$.

Anyway ... today will be a busy day.  Exterior painters start today with power washing.  If you have compromised windows, you'll know after the power washing.  Great.  I'm sure we do (see above).

Lunch with a friend for my birthday (I had to cancel the first date).  I told her I'm on W30 ... I hope the restaurant works out ... she's choosing.  I don't want to be ungrateful.

Rest day for my workout - whew - I'm tired.  I woke up feeling like I'm getting sick.  Not surprised.  My body hates not getting sleep.

I don't like to complain about family publicly, but I will because I want to say I'm proud of myself for standing up for ME.  I have a cousin (and his family) who take advantage whenever possible and have the most undisciplined children I know.  I've been burned multiple times - I said never again.  They called to invite themselves to stay at our house as they travel to vacation.  Arriving late, leaving early - maybe dinner if they get on the road in time.  They live in chaos and think it's cute.  It's not.  It's lazy, rude and irresponsible.  Don't get me started on their kids who are old enough to know how to behave (or should be parented at least).  I said NO.  Yea me.  They back-peddled about dinner leaving it to a big MAYBE.  I texted yesterday to cancel even that (they'd probably do it anyway).  They wanted free room and board - not a social night with us.  No reply from text.  I'm proud I didn't let them walk all over me.  I was polite but direct.  It felt good.

I was able to polish my nails yesterday.  They look pretty good.  It's a shear pink.  I ordered another color too.  I might give my nails a much longer break from gel if this works out.  If I get a manicure every few weeks to give professional shaping, they should look nice.  The gel wasn't lasting more than a week for me (since my nails are so damaged right now).

I better get moving - dog walk, shower, etc before the outside fun begins.  Later gators.

Sunday "Funday"

I love my little foster.  Her happy wagging tail when she sees me (she used to be terrified of me).  Little lick kisses when she's on my lap.  Her excitement to go for a walk.  Her sweet sleeping face.  Puppy zoomies.  It's all AWESOME!

BUT I can not wait for this little girl to go to her forever home!  I need SLEEP!  I need to RELAX!  Puppies are WORK!  One more week ... then I'll boohoo over missing her lol.

I made a new recipe last night.  WellFed African stew (recipe here).  It's an unusual flavor profile for me and initially I thought I wouldn't like it - tasted too much like raw sunflower seeds. After it cooled and sat for a bit - yum - and spicy!  Much better.  I pureed the sauce and it's smooth, thick -- delicious!  I'll freeze some of it today.  P.S. the steak for dinner was delicious too (recipe here).  I didn't make the salsa though.

Today is a whole lot of nothing.  Arm day at home.  My legs are toast from yesterday.  Then "chilling" with the dogs (aka running around like crazy watching a puppy).  I'm already dreaming of bed.

Hubby has to work again today (moving into new offices).  He and my eldest are playing golf later this afternoon - I took a pass.  Me and hot, humid, bug-infested, outside summer in GA aren't a good match.  I'm getting plenty of "nature" thanks to a puppy.

The nail polish came in the mail, but I don't think I have enough drying time to try it this week.  I might give it a go if I'm feel like living on the edge 💅.  (I had to mention so I could use this emoji!) My nails are looking a lot healthier giving the gel a break.

I'm on Day 21 of W30.  Running after a puppy is definitely a distraction from snacking.  It's made for a relatively easy go of things.  I'm in the HAPPENING zone now.  Final stretch where you feel good.

My goal was to be back to feeling well - success.  My other goal was to be back to my Food Freedom (W30 term) while I continue to feel well.  That's why these last 9 days are important - build the routine.

For me, what works best is super duper limiting sweets (once I start, I can't stop).  Moderating grains (i.e. save for pizza!).  Moderating dairy (i.e. save for pizza).  Drinking occasionally and sticking to wine (no fancy, sweet mixers).  I feel great when I follow this direction and I also don't feel like I'm missing out - at all - Food Freedom!  I did so well with this until our mega vacations this spring.  Went off the rails.  While it felt fun at the time, I felt crappy - really crappy.  Italy was worth it.  The post-Italy binge was NOT.

I fall down.  I get up ... again and again.  I wish I would fall less.

Saturday Morning ALREADY

Last night wasn't the smoothest.  I miss read the clock and took Rhyme Bailey out an hour early - not huge, yet huge.  She woke up an hour early to get up in the morning and it was the real deal.  When you got to poop ... you got to poop.  Good girl.

So 4am began my Saturday.

Both dogs sound asleep currently.  Must be nice!

Anyway ... with my lift class substituted today, I'm scheduled for a home workout.  I think a little cardio mix today -- although, in this moment, I can't even image moving at all!

I have a couple of grocery stores to hit this morning then hubby is borrowing my car to move a mini refrigerator to his new work facility so I'm homebound.  I'm marinating flank steak for dinner tonight.  We've had it once before - yum!  It's an overnight recipe -- love it when I'm organized enough to plan ahead.

I haven't meditated or read a book since I got my foster.  I miss both.  Mediation gets chucked off my schedule all the time (and too easily) and I've been too tired to read at night.  I'd like to say both will happen this week, but not very likely.

I'm finally getting some W30 results.  I "feel" slimmer.  Monday is real clothes day (or couple of hours) - stay tuned.  While tired from less-than-I-need sleep, I wouldn't be able to function without W30 "energy" (doesn't exactly feel like energy in this moment though) and stamina.  I'm solidly back in the swing of eating my vegetables too.

Okay - puppy up and on the move.  My INTENTION today is to get some R&R.  Possible? Yes.  Probable?  Well ... might be wishful thinking.

Adopted!

Rhyme (now Bailey) is ADOPTED!!  She goes to her forever home on the 16th once they are back from vacation.  She did great and LOVED her dog brother and sister.  It was a crazy -- I mean CRAZY afternoon with all the dogs.  I'm wiped out.  Bailey is still going.  Oh boy.

Had some drama with the bedroom carpet.  It needed to be replaced anyway -- I keep telling myself over and over.  Crate hooked on rug.  Rug is cheap one thread weave and it pulled a mighty bare spot in a matter of seconds.  Oh boy again.

Today was good, but exhausting.  Time for bed Rhyme Bailey.

Happy Friday!

Today Rhyme meets her first potential family.  Single teacher mom with 2 kids and 2 dogs.  All will be here later this morning.  (My pup is going to a friend's house during the meet and greet!)

This should be interesting!!

She has another application pending too.  That face is a charmer!!

Yesterday was exhausting.  AC repair for 4+ hours (and they need to come back). Rhyme barked for probably about 3 of those hours.  Thunderstorms all afternoon.  My pup was going crazy.  Calgon take me away!

If I have any energy left after the family visit, I'll head on some errands - starting with eyebrows.  Major bush thing happening.  Then a car wash.  My car has never been this dirty.

I ordered the long lasting nail polish from Essie yesterday.  For "regular" polish, the manicure lasted well.  I'm taking it off today.  I beat my hands up like crazy this week with pretty good results.  The cost of the polish and special top coat (no base coat needed) is the cost of one manicure.  Worth trying at home.  I'm still in the gel rest period.

A disappointing item is my eyelash grower.  It seems to have stopped working.  I thought it was a natural growth/rest phase of eyelashes, but I think not.  My lashes are back to being short.  I might inquired about R&F eyelash grower.  I'm the biggest hypocrite EVER lol!

Since my lift class is a substitute, I'm taking today as a rest day.  Lift was total body HARD yesterday.  I'm getting lots of running with the puppy too.  I'm beat.

Wish Rhyme luck today!  This little gal deserves a wonderful family to call her own!

Routine

Hopefully, we've moved into a routine with the puppy.  I LOVE routine and it seems to be shaping up.  We have a nighttime unwind, cuddle and play in the bedroom, one potty during the night and up by 5:30am for the day.  She's consistently going potty outside (no jinx, knock wood, fingers crossed). WHEW!! Daytime is hit or miss.  Lots of goings on and that changes her ability to relax a lot. (i.e. my son was home yesterday - bark, bark and more bark - and again today!)  Improvement is all I need and this little one is working it out.

I woke up to a dead phone this morning (even with full battery charge).  Read a fix online and it seems to have worked.  Crisis averted.

HVAC coming to repair the main unit today.  "After 11am" for all that's worth 😒  I predict some more barking too!

I have my lift 💪 class this morning.  She has a substitute for the rest of the week, so I'll be doing home stuff instead.  No problem when I know ahead - it's a crappy surprise when I don't.

Whole30 is still on ... Day 18 today.  It's still that weird "it's going so fast" and "OMG when is it over" kind of duality.  I don't feel the slimming effect yet although I still have a couple of weeks left.  And it's hard to tell only wearing old running clothes all day.  I have lunch out with a friend on Monday and I get to wear real clothes - stay tuned if they fit better!

I was able to do some cooking last night to give me stuff to eat during the day.  That's key since the day is unpredictable and when I'm hungry, I'm HUNGRY!  Egg bake and sweet potato hash - yum.  I ate hamburgers and carrot salad for every meal yesterday.  It was that kind of day.

Rhyme got highlighted by Releash Atlanta yesterday and applications are coming in.  It took me a zillion (actual number) of tries to get a good picture of a moving puppy.  It's ADORABLE though!!

PROGRESS!!

Rhyme had her best night last night.  Very few barking moments and she quieted as soon as I said "no."  Up at 1:30am to pee.  Slept until 5:30am.  I can live with that -- she bought herself a reprieve from the lower level crate.

The day was better than expected too.  No dog fights, ALL potty outside, good walks.  Yes, I got rained on (including at 1:30am).  Yes, I got too much sun.  Yes, it was hot as crap out.  Yes, I added to my bug bite collection (even with the heavy-hitter spray on).  Yes, I stayed in crappy clothes all day.  Yes, I picked up tons of poop.  But it was a win of a day.  This might be okay after all.

We also survived fireworks.  Everywhere!  My pup freaks out.  Rhyme wasn't super bothered by them.  Her fears are mainly people based - so sad.

Golf was good - even after bitching about it.  I "fixed" my problem with my fairway irons and was hitting well.  Reading the greens like a champ too.

Monthly pains should be mostly over today.

Life is looking up.  But it's hitting an all time hot today - ugh - those midday walks are going to suck.  Can't win them all.

Whole30 is still plugging along.  I haven't had anytime to think about snacking.  Drinking doesn't even interest me right now either.  I want sleep above anything else.  And I need to be semi-coherent during the night.  Food coma or too much wine just can't happen while taking care of a puppy.

My workout today is a short treadmill interval run.  Nothing major because I have a string of days in a row without a rest day.  I don't know what lifting will focus on tomorrow, so I'm just doing a quick cardio to get my sweat on and my mood happy (I have a few new songs on my playlist - fun).

This afternoon is cleaning crew day aka back-saving day.  They are a good crew.  I have to prep for them this afternoon.

That is all.  Plain Jane day.  I'll take it.  I need it.  Plus my house will be clean for 5 minutes today.  Hope we ALL have a great day - you too cyber world!!

Happy Pictures

Sleeping puppy = good puppy!

In line at Starbucks.  Sad, cuddle face for my sweet boy.

Before the war began.

After the war "ended" ... God willing.  Maybe friends again?!?

Morning

As predicted ... morning came ... a lot earlier than I'd hoped, but with a new day is a fresh start (poetic).

At 5:30am, Rhyme had been out 3 times with only 1 pee.  UGH.  A goal for today was to take her out less frequently.  The 3rd time was an emergency pee-stop rush outside.

My mood is still crappy.  I have the start of cramps.  I have a headache.  I don't want to golf this morning.  Ugly, ugly.

Sleep was sporadic.  If she doesn't stop barking by the end of the week, I'll have to move her crate out of the bedroom and set an alarm for middle of the night potty.  I must sleep soon.

In other news, by 5:30am I already did a load of laundry, bed sheets in process, dishwasher unloaded, floor swept.  Productive -- that's a big THANK YOU to Whole30.

Keeping it short this morning.  Rest day for my workout, golf at 9:30 and then dog, dog, dog.

18 little lbs -- 128; ME -- 0

Tonight is a guest post brought to you by my monthly 

friend (who is arriving any day now)

That 18 lb little ball of energy is blowing me out of the water.  I CAN NOT foster fail -- the bad kind, not the happy, love them for life kind.

She tested my every nerve today.  The worst being fighting with my dog.  They are really getting shitty with each other.  All the bones and toys are put away unless they are separated.  I talked to my foster mentor today and she had some good training tips and advise.  Started implementing immediately.

My heart aches for my sweet boy.  He looks defeated.  That's not okay.  He's a mama's boy and he looks at me like I abandoned him.

My heart aches for my little foster.  She's had a hard 9 months of life and needs some love and time and training to be the dog she was meant to be.

I'm sad.  Defeated too.  Tomorrow is another day and I will take a big breath and do better.  This is as hard as a foster gets.  She's my Everest.

My hubby and son are impatient about the middle of the night barking to go out.  But she has to potty.  A little puppy can't hold through the entire night.

Since there is no reason to waste a good PMS, here's a little more:

Did I mention I'm covered in bug bites from all the dog walking in the trees?
Did I mention I have sunburn from where I missed the sunscreen?
Did I mention it's hot, humid and miserable every afternoon?
Did I mention that at least once a day I get rained on (even though *see above*)?
Did I mention all I ever do is pick up poop?
Did I mention I only wear ratty shirts and old shorts?

I ranted, vented, practically cried and I don't feel any better.  UGH.

Post Party

It was a good day for the hubby.  The final celebration in the books and it went well.  Food, company, drinks, etc ... perfect.

I kept to W30 and tried the lime coconut drink again.  Logistically, much better.  The taste still lacked rum something but it was fun to drink.

Rhyme is doing well.  Only one pee accident in the house yesterday - whoop whoop raise the roof!! It's really me being trained to know her needs, but that's a start.  She's a smart one and is learning.  She wants to potty at 2-3am though.  Lordy, that needs to change.  I'm very under slept and mama needs her sleep!

My dog hates her.  This will be our last puppy.  He doesn't like her puppy energy.  Mature dogs work great for him.  I need to respect him too.  There are plenty of mid-aged fosters that come through Releash.

Rhyme is trying to get comfortable with my men.  She actually sat with me on the sofa with my hubby.  Progress.  She hates my son though ... oops ... it's a drama every time he looks her way.  I'm hopeful each day brings more learning and growing and trust.  She's a little love bug 💕

In my world today ... 90 min MASSAGE this morning.  Praise be.  Enough said.

First a lift workout at home.  Lunges, biceps, triceps and shoulders.

Then nothing but dog.  Cooking reprieve today (hello left-overs and get-it-yourself day).  She'll keep me busy and there's lots of house chores to do if I have the time.  I'm glad nothing "has to" be done today.  I might even take a nap *shock*.  Still no monthly visitor.  I thought for sure I'd have it this morning.

Okay folks ... have a great day.  No INTENTION today -- my brain is toast!!

Heaven Help Me

Up at 3 am for a pee and poop walk (outside - good girl).  Up at 3:30 just because.  Up at 3:45 because maybe it's time to get up.  Up at 3:50 because it's been five minutes.  You get the picture.  I gave up and got up (since hubby was grumping).

I tried to sleep nap on the sofa but a major case of the zoomies set in.  Now I'm awake ... and she's sound asleep.  Oh puppies.  She needs to get on my schedule which includes SLEEP during the night!!

She's was successful with outside potty about 75% of the time yesterday ... that's progress and a win.  Of course, that was me being ridiculously diligent -- have to start somewhere.  Still hating not loving men at all (that's part of the difficulty).  Loves her walks.  Loved the sprinklers on this morning (that's her lab showing - lordy they love water).  Loves looking at her reflection  - OMG so cute.

As hard as she is to handle, as tired as I am ... I love having her here.  What a blessing.  Dogs are nature's gift to man.  When that tail is thumping and she's wiggling with excitement -- nothing better. She was so scared when she came here and now she's a bundle of HAPPY.  (Except if there is a man in the room and he looks at her or talks or walks or breathes - we're working on that!)

Speaking of old man -- hubby is 50 today.  Happy birthday to him 💗💘💙

I have lots of stuff to prep for his family party (bbq) today.  We should have a darn good meal!!  I simplified some things for me because puppy, but his goodies stayed on the menu.  Some things I finished making yesterday (thank God).  One big prep today is potato salad.  I hate making it.  Why?  Who knows.  I cooked the bacon and hard boiled the eggs already so maybe it will seem less annoying today 👅 (the tongue looks a bit like a butt).  So many steps, such little reward.

I'm expecting my monthly fun any moment now.  This weekend is the perfect storm of crazy.  Puppy, party, PMS AND AC and refrigerator are acting up.  Did I mention I'm exhausted.  Running after a puppy is HARD!

Speaking of running - treadmill intervals today.  Whatever I can muster.  No push or pressure today.  A good sweat and I'm finished.

I'm having a major case of wanting-to-sleep as I type this.  My brain shut down.  That's all I'm good for today.  Happy birthday hubby XO (and happy birthday to my sister too)!

From 0 to 60

Life just got crazy!

Our foster pup is a handful.  Not housebroken 💩, so scared, hates men, sheds like mad (hello lab mix) and crazy puppy energy.  But we LOVE her!!! 💗  She's redecorated our house already (i.e. moving pillows, dragging pinecones ...)  Lots of stuff got relocated to the closet lol!  She loves other dogs and has a great time with our old man pup (thankfully).

Did I mention she got car sick - 3 times projectile over me, her and the car?  Oh and it poured rain the entire day, traffic was a nightmare picking her up, got lost in the city.  Yep - it was a day.

I'm beat and it's only begun.  I'll give her credit though.  In just one night, she's stopped barking at my husband (working on my son still), stopped crying in the crate, FINALLY done potty outside (fingers crossed), has her tail in the air and LOVED her walk this morning.  Well done little lady!!  I'm so proud of her.  We have a long way to go, but we'll get there.  She's snoring on her dog bed as I write 💕💜

(You can tell how abused she was ... makes me sick)

The good news is this probably turns off the W30 channel chat for a minute ... I eat and chase after a puppy.  I'm on Day 13, I think.  No time to ponder my missed wine.  I'm glad I have some freezer meals to carry me through the initial crazy (thanks FoodSaver).

Rest day workout wise and I need it.  Legs Thursday, arms Friday and my body is tanked.  Plus a sore back from bathing a very stinky dog.

This will be a true test of the long lasting nail polish.  So far, so good and my hands have been washed tons, plus showers, plus dishes, plus doggie bath, etc.  I'm shocked actually.  It's available on Amazon and if it lasts, I might buy it to use at home.

Okay, I need to use puppy nap time effectively and get some stuff done.  Wish me luck!

Her professional head shot!  A volunteer takes photos - baby blue eyes.

She found the toys and the dog bed.  My guy is perplexed at her puppy play.