Easter Weekend

True - both good and bad!

Yesterday was FUN!  The gardens were only in spring bloom, but still beautiful.  Lots and lots of walking - good news, good conversation and a healthy lunch.  Win -win!

Then the evening hit.  Everyone in the neighborhood was out ahead of leaving today for a spring break trip.  I've never lived in an area that gets out of DODGE for EVERY occasion.  Neighbors out being happy, drinking wine, socializing.  It was nice, but guess what??  I WANTED WINE!!  So much so, I ate half the pantry resisting the wine.  UGH.  No wine, but too much food.

Today IS a wine night.  Out for dinner and a Journey cover band concert with the only people not away on Saturday lol.  Actually, our next door neighbors (and friends).  I didn't even realize it was spring break until after I asked them.  There are a few of us with empty nest that stay put for break - not dealing with those crowds if ya don't have kidos in school.

First, I need to finish prep for Easter dinner - grocery store and make the applesauce and dessert.  Looking forward to having the kids over.  Tomorrow is a planned wine day too.

Hubby took care of the dogs all morning until 7:30 - it felt SO GOOD to sleep in, but even BETTER to not have to take dogs out over and over before my coffee!!  He actually commented on what a pain it is.  These pups need to get on the same poop schedule LOL!!

I'm not sure about a workout today.  I think I'm going to walk and do some deadlifts.  Probably deadlifts first and then a long walk with Duke.  I like the mindless walking on the treadmill, but Duke needs a walk so kill 2 birds.  It's a beautiful day out.  Cool, crisp, sunny.  My kind of weather.

All of sudden, Hoka brand shoes are coming in my radar.  I might try them for running.  It's probably best to go to a store to see about the fit.  I either 1/2 size up or use wide width.  Lots of people love them, but I guess they are really high profile and take some getting used to for some people.

I've rambled on this morning.  Happy Easter and Passover.  My LIST today is have FUN, moderation for TREATS and SMILE LOTS!!

Friday Explorations

Happy Weekend!

I'm heading out with a friend today to explore Gibbs Gardens.  It's a local walk-through garden exhibit - somewhere I've never been.  Spring flowers are in bloom.  It should be a nice couple of hours.  I need to remember to bring tissues - spring flowers are in BLOOM!!! Maybe even take a sinus pill.

Easter dinner is taking shape.  Ham (duh), mashed potatoes (request of eldest), homemade applesauce, roasted tricolor carrots, cheesy bread (Pioneer Woman) and yellow cake/chocolate icing (request of hubby).  Easy meal.  I almost didn't do an Easter dinner, but my youngest is home for spring break and why not?!?  Some family time and trip talk ... should be a nice evening.

Yesterday, I rode by myself in the car for lunch and errands.  It was nice to have some ME time.  I put in a Stephen Wright CD and laughed the whole time.  I love his sense of humor - it never gets old!  Something HAPPY in the day.  Next up is a replay of Jim Rohn.  During My Happiness Project days, I'd listen to this kind of stuff regularly - something to laugh, something to learn. Time to get back at it.

Time for today's list (I'm at a loss for words today):

Have some FUN!
No eating after dinner (confession, I had a late dessert last night.  Chocolate covered banana slices from Trader Joe's.  I threw the rest out.  Ugh.  Not a good idea to buy them.)
Run with Duke.
Remember to SMILE.

Later gators!!

Bumping Noise Conclusion

Strange bumping noise FIGURED out ... by ME ... BEFORE hubby came home.  Thankfully, because it was a ceiling fan in the basement that was turned to extra high by the cleaning crew.  I would've felt pretty stupid 😛 I'm relieved it wasn't something broken!!

Yesterday was a FUN day.  Duke and I met my aunt and her dog for a hike and lunch at a dog-centric restaurant.  Duke did a fantastic job being the NICE guy!




















Hubby flew home and we spent the late afternoon/evening grilling, dinner on the deck and a run to Petco to get some supplies for Duke (we brought all 3 dogs - oh boy!)  Add a dog walk, treadmill workout and Releash stuff and that was the day.

Today is lunch with a friend for her birthday, maybe a few errands and dinner drop-off for my eldest. I could use a lower key day and a day that gives me a little time without the pups.

I LOVE all these dogs - I mean LOVE them!!  But, I feel a little like a mom with lots of little kids.  Someone always needs something.  By the time I'm up just ONE hour, I've taken some combination of dogs out 4 times (everyone poops at different moments LOL), fed them all different breakfasts and have given belly rubs, lap cuddles and playtime.  That's in the FIRST HOUR of my morning!  I get up with them, go to bed with them, ride in the car with them, workout with them.  I need space.  No matter from whom.  It's in my DNA.  Without my space I go a little (more) batty.  That's my battle these days.  Ellie will be up for adoption soon and we can have a little break.  I think we all need it (as much as I adore her!!).

Anyway - had a little break to take dogs out - back to today.

My list of get-me-healthy ...

Run (outside with Duke - it's an effort today - I'm tired)
Find some peaceful, quiet moments (MUCH needed)
No eating after dinner
Bed early for some SLEEP!

Later gators!  (Now Ellie wants to go out - have to run - ugh)

Wednesday - Thank Goodness

Yesterday was a tough one.  Lots of logistics needed to come together to make the day run smoothly - logistics that were largely out of my control.

Frustratingly, very little happened as it should.  I kept my SMILE until about 5 o'clock and then things went down hill.  I got home after 7 o'clock ... tired, hungry and grumpy.  Late dinner, late bed.

BUT ... yesterday is OVER.  Today is gearing up to be a much better day.

With one possible exception - there is a strange "banging" noise in the house.  Lord help me, I can't find the source.  It's like something came loose and is flapping.  At least it doesn't sound like water!!  This is a job for hubby.  I'm stumped.

Today, Duke and I are meeting my auntie and her dog to go hiking.  I'm bummed I can't bring the big guy along too.  I don't think I can handle both on a hike yet.  Duke is still "training." That's the point of the hike - intro to other dogs.

Ahead of the hike is my cardio workout.  My plan is the treadmill (since Duke gets a hike), but I'm thinking about an outdoor run instead.  It depends on my stomach over the next hour - wonky again this morning.  Time for adding some probiotics ... I've been lax and something is out of whack.

I didn't get to watch a movie last night ... or read ... or anything fun.  So nothing to report on that front.  I have my youngest home from school next week and my girlfriend coming into town later in the week.  Probably worked out to save the movies until then.

Today's get-me-healthy list is ... drumroll ...

Journal (duh - again)
SMILE (all day this time - came close yesterday)
No eating after dinner
Enjoy some peaceful moments (I need this after yesterday)

HAPPY (key word) hump day folks!!  Later gators!

Jam-Packed Day

Today is the busiest day on my calendar this week.

Car appointment with loaner car, dog appointment, cooking and delivering dinner for my eldest AND the cleaning crew asked to come today instead of tomorrow.  It's a bunch of running around, timing everything.  Three dogs complicates moving through all these things. (Glad I ran yesterday!!)

But ... when today is over a whole bunch of nagging stuff will be finished - that makes it all worth it.  The rest of the week's "busy" is all fun stuff.

I managed my list really well yesterday.  Power in the WRITTEN word.  Power in keeping a PROMISE to MYSELF.

Here's today's list:

Journalling (had to make an effort this morning because I have lots to do)
No eating after dinner (worked well last night - doing this gets me into my pants a whole lot faster)
Keeping a SMILE today (my calendar doesn't look awful, but the logistics of this stuff is crappy - I need to remember my HAPPY today).
Add SOMETHING fun (I think I might watch a movie tonight - a few are available that I want to see - stay tuned)

I'm still not in the mood for breakfast.  My stomach is a little wonky after the touch of food poisoning and I think that's part of it.  I am getting hungry around 11 o'clock which is progress - given travel and daylight savings.  I'm not forcing it - going with the flow on this one.

Not much to say this morning, so I'll leave it at this.  Later gators!!

Good Week Ahead

A weight is off my shoulders.  I FINALLY caught up with the STUFF that was dragging me down.  The next few weeks are BUSY, but busy with current stuff.  No more up-against-the-clock.  It feels really, really good!!!

Yesterday, I planned a bunch of FUN stuff for the calendar.  Getting out, getting moving, being social ... it's what I need.

BUT ...

It's always a fight with myself.  Yesterday I was in the "mood" to do everything, see everyone, fill the calendar.  This morning I woke up with some regret -- it's too much, it's not going to be fun, I'm over scheduled, too much with hubby out of town every week -- huge urge to hibernate.  Ugh.  But, I'm off that ledge now.  On/off, on/off and repeat.  Always a battle.

My healthy habits are going well.  We went out to dinner on Saturday for Korean BBQ.  DELICIOUS!  I had a decent amount to eat (but all veggies and meat) and 2 glasses of wine.  Right back at it on Sunday - that's a win!

After our Hawaii trip, I planned a steady state Whole30 until our trip in May.  But that plan went haywire when a friend planned a trip here for 5 days in April.  Then a few other things hit the calendar.  I decided NO HIBERNATION outweighed Whole30.  I'm healthy when I can (most of the time) and will indulge when necessary (but still in a smart way).  Food Freedom as Whole30 likes to say.  As long as I feel well and fit into my spring clothes ... it's all good. (Hope the Universe is listening!!! LOL)

We are moving into a better flow with the dogs too.  Ellie's medication taper is helping with her accidents and she's sleeping (almost) through the night.  Duke is settling in as OUR dog and I'm getting used to having a second dog-son.

Dogs hogging the comfortable seats on Sunday morning.

Today's list of do-somthing-to-improve-my-routine is ...

Journal (ha, currently happening - but I notice I journal way less when I'm not doing well - I need to make the time)
Run outside with Duke (even though it's crazy windy - tomorrow is an early morning and I won't have time to run him)
No eating after dinner (I'm slipping a bit on this - calling it a "long" dinner LOL)
Register for a workout class at Lift Studio in April.  (I need more strength workouts)

My overall INTENTION for this week is to be HAPPY (even if I have to force it down my throat - ha).  For ME, being HAPPY means healthy eating, socializing, being productive, getting out of my comfort zone a few times.  I want to embrace this busy, fun week and finish it stronger than I started.

HAPPY Monday!  Later gators.

Saturday Stuff ...

Today is a relaxing kind of day - and I'm happy to have it!

I got to sleep in this morning - thanks hubby for handling the littles.

Espresso, tea with collagen, Releash applications and a quick lift workout before I take Duke to his first tennis match.  I like an easy, peaceful morning.

Out with good friends tonight for Korean BBQ.  Such a fun dinner.

I'm feeling wonky from 2 nights ago.  I think it's some mild food poisoning.  Eat followed by run fast walk to bathroom.  Not super fun - hoping it feels better soon.  My belly is making all sorts of weird noises and on/off pains.

It's helping to have a list of stuff I want to do - forcing me to walk the walk.

Today I did most of my list before I made it official LOL.

Plan something fun (5k race in April with Duke - Race for Rescue).
Lift workout.
Do something fun (taking Duke to tennis and dinner with friends).
Do self care ... probably a much needed pedicure this afternoon.

I think part of feeling OFF is that I've been hibernating.  Chicken and the egg problem.  I feel off so I hibernate.  Hibernating makes me feel off.  Vicious circle.  I'm working at interrupting it.

On that note, time to get to tennis before the rain comes!  BE SOCIAL!!  GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!!!  Have a great weekend - later gators.

The Power of Journaling

I consider this blog less of a blog and more of a journal.  I tried for years to stick with journalling but gave it up time after time (cue the song).

2 reasons.

(1) My handwriting and spelling SUCK so I could never go back a reread with any FLOW of thought.
(2) I was scared someone would find my diary journal and read it.

Oddly, having this blog out in cyberworld feels much safer.  More anonymous.  (And, yea autocorrect!!)

Yesterday, I went back to the beginning (or almost the beginning) and started reading.  WOW!  Usually, I read the day before's post before I start writing and sometimes I go in search of post to remember a quote or picture, but I don't go back THAT far.

It was FUN.  And INSIGHTFUL.  And MOTIVATING.  ME a couple of years ago.

I have this perception that my HEALTHY was easy, effortless, etc.  The reality was I WORKED for it.  Everyday.  The difference was I didn't waffle ... I accepted that it was WORK and I did the WORK.  I didn't give up the moment it became an effort.  I'll start tomorrow.  I can have a little bit.  This doesn't really matter.

I kept my focus on the goal.  Eyes on the prize.  There was no choice.  This was happening.

That's what I need to do again.  This IS happening.  My HEALTHY is back.

Maybe this is something I need to WORK on everyday ... forever.  But WORK doesn't mean SUFFER.  I was working hard, but happily working hard.  Now I'm working, but the work feels like something I HAVE to do, not something I WANT to do.

Today is a perspective shift.  I'm grateful that I CHOOSE to make HEALTHY a priority.  Thanks past ME for your youthful words of wisdom LOL.

Wise Words and INTO/OVER

how do i shake this envy
when i see you doing well
sister how do i love myself enough to know
your accomplishments are not my failures

we are not each other's competition - rupi kaur

I saw this on Instagram.  It struck a chore right.

A number of my friends are in a SUCCESS phase (career, weight loss) - yea them!!  But I'm sitting hard in a struggle phase STILL - yuck.  Watching their success magnifies my struggle - in my mind.  I celebrate them publicly, but in my head it kind of sucks.  I don't go as far as to wish them ill (of course) ... but I'm not exactly totally happy for them either - it's like happy with an asterisk.  Not a proud moment - I act "correctly" but I feel not-so-correct!

Misery loves company - right?!?

I try to take their success and use it as inspiration, model their behaviors ... but it's HARD.

I want my HAPPY back.  Last year I was merrily swimming in the happy river.  Everything felt easy and good.  Proud.  Healthy.  Strong.  Happy.

Then the slip started.  I'm trying to climb out, but lordy it's taking FOREVER!!  I'll keep pushing on ... these small steps this week are helping A LOT!!

__________________________________________________________________________

Switching subjects so dramatically it needed a line!!


What I'm INTO:

My deli slicer!  OMG!  It's fabulous and NOT expensive.  It slices sweet potatoes into the thinnest rounds that dry out into little chips in the oven.  So it's a 2-for.  Slicer AND sweet potato chips!  I haven't used it for anything else, but holy cow it's great!  $75

Jen Hatmaker.  I LOVE her message -- inclusive, practical, FUNNY, real.  After seeing her in person, I have a serious crush - this girl can preach it!  I ordered her new book "7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess."  Even if it's not totally for me, I know I'll get some "gems" out of the book.

What I'm OVER:

Gel nails.  The long lasting polish lasts just as long on me.  My nails are stronger, no harmful lights, less expensive.

Long drive to the vet for Miss Ellie.  Today is another vet visit - 3 hours of driving.  I hope this is one of the last times!

I'm a new mama!

It's official.  Duke is ours.  We're proud parents of two dog-sons.  In case you forget how cute he is ... you're welcome!  I searched and searched for an adopter for him (a household that fit better than ours) and couldn't find one.  We couldn't advertise him because of the jerk who made threats against Releash Atlanta and little Duke.  My only option was previously approved adopters and nothing panned out.  He fits into our life really well.  Hubby ADORES this dog (I love him too LOL). His training is a lot of work, but HUGE improvements from just a month of effort.  This boy has been tossed around to 5 families in his 1.5 years of life.  He just needs some patience, TLC and stability.  Welcome to the family little man ... it's FOREVER!

In other news ....

My daily list is working well. I'm sticking to the small goals and I'm making progress.  Today's list is some of the same.

VISUALIZE success!
Walk dogs
2 big meals (STILL struggling with the time zone change and being hungry)
Schedule something HAPPY
Up at 6 am.


In the best news ...

My son is starting to show some improvement with his severely herniated L5.  He's off the narcotic and the pain is manageable.  Fingers crossed he's on the road to recovery.  It's been heart aching to watch him in so much pain.  Second epidural in a couple of weeks if all goes as planned.


I was able to do a number of big errands yesterday.  Only 3 more biggies on my list and I'm caught up!!  Stuff going forward, but nothing that's BEHIND!!  Honestly, yesterday felt like a big, wonderful cleansing breath.  Eldest with some improvement, Duke adopted, chores happening.  Thank you Universe for it all - I needed some wins (my eldest needed a win most of all).

I'm back to bed at a regular hour and up at a regular hour, but reluctantly.  Took awhile to fall asleep last night and my dog "alarm" felt too early.  But I'm faking till I make it.  Probably by this weekend I'll be fully adjusted.

NORMAL life is such a pleasure right now.  It's always a BALANCE.

Tornados??

I was mad tired last night.  8 o'clock and out like a light.  The ATL area was supposed to get bad weather yesterday - so much so, all after school programs were canceled.  Apparently, I slept through it all.  Facebook stories this morning of sirens, phone alerts, sleeping in closets, etc - crazy night (thankfully, no stories of damage) ... I heard NOTHING.

Sleep felt good.  Hubby got up with the dogs.  I was OUT!  Maybe this is the turning point to being back on schedule.

I love vacations, but I love normal life too.  I need some normal life now.

My ME list worked well yesterday.  Commitment to ME.  I used to have my list of SIMPLE stuff that helped me have a HAPPY day.  This is similar that and I'm pushing on with the idea until I get back to NORMAL.

Here's the list for today:

Treadmill workout
VISUALIZE success (corny, but it works - especially during those witching hours)
2 big meals (one small - not hungry YET in the mornings ... still on sort of Hawaii time)
Reach out to someone and schedule something fun to do!!

I plugged through some of my other chores too ... bills, cleaned the main level, store returns ... that felt good.  There is light at the end of the tunnel.  Maybe by this weekend I'll be totally caught up.

A number of gurus (for lack of a better term) say that it's all connected.  If your house is a mess, you are a mess, etc.  It holds true for me.  I need to get ALL my MESSES cleaned up and my life CAUGHT up.

Plugging on today.  Later gators.

Jet Lag

Good lord the travel east gets me EVERY SINGLE TIME!!!

As a lifetime morning person, I struggle so much to get back to that sleep schedule after such a time difference.  Come 8 o'clock at night I get a HUGE second wind and stay up for hours.  Then morning comes and my body says NO WAY.  The problem is my body doesn't feel well on this schedule.  It knows something is off.  Add dogs getting me up twice a night and FORGET ABOUT IT.  Zombie-ME all day long.

Flying with the sleeper seats helped my body aches tremendously, but not my sleep schedule.

Add that any time difference throws my bathroom schedule off too - not a happy camper.

All this said, I am motivated to get my healthy, happy, slept body back by my trip in May.  The best way to get it back is FORCE it back.  Everyday I'm making a list, doing something toward HEALTHY ME.

Today's list is basic, but important (and, honestly, a big push).

Lift workout (I've been sorely absent with these workouts and I can feel it).
2 BIG healthy meals (it should be 3, but I missed breakfast while I was sleeping and I don't need to eat dinner at 9 o'clock at night!!)
Bed by 9 pm even if I'm not tired.
Up by 6 and STAY UP!!!
VISUALIZE success!!!!

I haven't been a slug since I've been home, but a lot of my energy is helping my son and "stuff" for the dogs.  All necessary and important, but now I need to add time for some ME productivity.

On the list for this week ... I have TONS of outstanding appointments to make (termite guy, car recall, vet appointments, etc) ... I have 3 sets of sheets to wash ... I have a house to clean (our trip had us skip a clean with the cleaning crew).

All basic, but without a solid, organized base ... I suck at everything else.

Good news is I've been cooking like crazy and have some good healthy food stocked up.  Yea for the little win!!

Okay folks.  I'm back.  I'm focused.  It's on like Donkey Kong.  Later gators.

ALOHA!

I'm back!!!

Ready for a super quick round up?

Vacation was great - relaxing, lots and lots of SLEEP.  Beautiful sights, great company, delicious food.

BUT .... the weather was bad in Maui AGAIN.  It was COLD, RAINY and super duper WINDY.  It cancelled our SCUBA, crazy hiking (too slippery and dangerous) and postponed a boat trip until the last possible day.  We still had beach walks, whale watching, people watching (always fun) and lots of downtime.

Our flight was delayed heading out so we RAN (and I mean RAN - like the I can't breathe and I'm sweating kind of run) for our connecting island flight - Amazing Race style.  Our luggage wasn't as fast.  We waited through 2 more flights.  They finally found it the next day and delivered it.  Delta ONE was everything I dreamt it to be.  A monster has been born (at least on those crazy long flights).  This old body felt SO MUCH BETTER!!!

The timeshare renovated and it was FANTASTIC!!  Great place, perfect room location.  LOVED it!!!

Pictures.  Epic fail on my part.  I took a couple.  The rain and fog made it hard to take my camera out.  I still haven't downloaded them to my computer.

Got home and the rat race has begun.  Up early by any time zone standard to take my son to the specialist again today.  It's going to be an all day affair.  My heart is hurting for this kid.

Dogs are happy to be back home (so am I ... nice to travel ... nice to come home).

My HEALTHY focus begins today - without the fan fair I had planned, but all that is REALLY important is I begin.  This is my theme for the next few weeks ... HEALTHY ME (minus sleep - ugh).

It's good to be back :-)

Goodness it's BUSY

I've been MIA again - so much to wrap up and do before vacation.

3 dogs going 3 places for the week (one is 2.5 hours away!!)  UGH!!  Shot records, special food prep and an all day drop off tomorrow.  6 hours driving before all is done.

Eldest son in continued horrible back pain.  Taking him to specialist downtown today ... ED last week.  Cancelled my nail appointment; postponing my packing.  This will take all day.

Bought some new clothes.  Dang!  Hoped to avoid this $$.  I've never shopped that fast in my life - rush, rush, rush.

Need to pack, clean, laundry at some point.

Wrapping all my rescue applications before I leave.  Doing home checks, paperwork, lost dog stuff all day long.  Fundraising event over the weekend.  Lots of dog time.

But ... then ... HAWAII!!  We are relaxing, going with the flow, staying casual.  All the things we LOVE.  A little SCUBA, a little golf, a little pampering and LOTS of hiking.  I'll get to sleep without getting up with dogs.  Kona coffee, poke for almost every meal.  Perfect!

AND flying Delta ONE for the first time - thanks Santa!

The return from Hawaii is hard for me.  That time change going east ... not good.  When we land, we have hours of driving to pick up the dogs.  (We'll already be 90 minutes closer, so makes sense to do it that day).

That Monday begins my mini-makeover.  Back to HAPPY, HEALTHY.  Looking forward to it all.  Aloha gators!

Mini ME Makeover

I've been talking a lot about modifying my workout routine.  After my instructor left Lift Studios, I've lost the ROUTINE for the week.  Still working out, but workouts without INTENTION.  Just do something ... for about 45 minutes ... sweat ... feel pushed.  That's it.  Do this for a couple of days, take a rest day.

Enter Duke the Dog and his love for running and things changed again.  But my knee is starting to bother me with just running.  Not horribly - up and down the stairs - twinges here and there.  That was the start last time.  I need better balance or I'll be back in the brace and hurting all the time.

I'm not going to make the change until after Hawaii because vacation workouts are all wonky anyway.

I have a little shy of 2 months from Hawaii to our Europe trip in May.  I decided to have a mini ME makeover during that two months.  I'm doing okay with my healthy habits, but not great.

I'm excited.  I LOVE a time-table.  I LOVE the idea of feeling my best for our Europe trip.  I LOVE a challenge with goals and rewards.  I LOVE time to plan it.

We get back on a Thursday and I'll officially start Sunday.  Hawaii time change is hard for me.  That will give me a few days to get dogs settled, house settled, time adjusted and GO!!

I'm going to take some workout classes back at Lift and give OrangeTheory a try.  Lots of outdoor movement (hikes with the dogs, etc).  Eating well (duh).  Taking time for ME.  Reading regularly again.  Posting regularly.  Workout schedule.  All that good stuff AGAIN!

I've allowed my life with this set of dogs to take over.  If that's happened in the past, it's for a few weeks until they are adopted.  These guys are LONG TERM fosters and I need a better plan.

Hanging on until vacation ... later gators.