Let's Catch Up!

In no particular order ...


Stitch Fix:

LOVE it!  Everything I asked for AND it FITS (small favors)!! 2 maxi shirts, 2 tops and a travel cross bag. Thanks Stitch Fix!


Jim Rohn CD Program:

It arrived, but I haven't listened yet.  I'm saving it for car rides.  I hope it's as inspiring as the last one.


Graduation BINGO:

Great idea I saw on Facebook last year.  I saved the picture and am making the cards for my youngest's graduation.  Graduations are BORING!  This will be a little bit fun :)  I'll take a picture when I print them!  One done and now I'll mix up the blocks for the other cards.


5 Day Challenge:

It's been a challenge to come up with something that interests me.  I'm putting this on hold as I ponder more.  The first one was great; the second one blasé.  Blasé isn't the point.


Ellie's Adoption:

She leaves tomorrow.  Her new mama wants her early and will take her for her final vet visit with Releash.  I hope they both love each other!!  Fingers crossed and some good juju needed ... please :)


My NEW Workout:

Boxing.  I can hardly move already.  Class was at 5:30 this morning.  Good golly it's hard.  Agility, coordination, strength and cardio all wrapped up in a 60 minute class.  I have the cardio.  The rest ... oh boy, it ain't pretty!!  I joined for a couple of months.  Let's give this a try.  I want to see how my body responds.  Stay tuned ...


That's a quick catch-up.  See you tomorrow!  Later gators.

Hello Weekend

But, first that long drive to the vet.  I have some possible good great news!  Ellie's mom, not only wants her, but wants her THIS week.  She's going out of town in June and wants to bond with her before she has to go to pup-sit with my aunt.  She wants to take her to her own vet for the final check-up.  Fingers crossed folks!!

I got my stitch fix in the mail.  Saw the stuff on-line, but haven't opened the box yet.  Saving that for tomorrow.  It looks cute (hopefully, it fits too).

Why am I saving it for tomorrow?  Well, after getting up 4 times with dogs last night (belly ache for Ellie) and early feedings, we went back to bed and slept until NOW (8 o'clock).  I have NO time left this morning.  Wow.  Strange (and unnecessary) to sleep so late.  I'm so groggy.  Thankfully, this is a rest workout day and dogs are coming with me to the vet.  Dog walks later today.

I want to do something FUN this afternoon, but I'm at a loss.  I have LOTS of time to think about this on the drive!!

Today is the last day of the dud challenge.  I need to get inspired about something else for 5 days.  This car ride will be LOTS of thinking!

Another quick post ... my lazy butt needs to get going LOL.  Later gators.

The Light is Still On

My tank is low - the light is on, but I have a little left before I run out completely.

ME time yesterday was my journal post, a lift workout at home (before all the dog walks, etc) and one chapter of reading before bed.  Couldn't get anything more squeezed in ... but the good news is I got a ton of stuff off my list yesterday.  This should free me up a little going forward.

In other news ...

Ellie's probable mom is coming over today.  I say probable because Ellie continues to change and I don't know if she's up for an active (and bit destructive LOL) dog.  We'll see.  I hope so!!   I love this little girl, but it's time for her forever home.

We're supposed to all go to lunch (including Ellie).  The termite inspection is at noon.  What are the chances that's on-time?  I bet I don't get to go.  Either way, I'm getting out today for some FUN.  After the visit and inspection works too - something for ME.  Both my best girlfriends are heading out of town today, so it's just me-myself-and-I for a good time.

I need to pick up the pottery from our GNI group.  I can't wait to see what it looks like!

I ordered another Jim Rohn CD program.  I want something to listen to in the car and I'm not tech savvy ... no phone stuff for me.  I love TR, but I've listened to it so many times.  I'd like something new.  I hope it comes before my long vet drive tomorrow!  Listening to youtube and podcast stuff at home is difficult - the car ride seems like a good option.

I'm coming to the end of my eat-less 5 day challenge.  It didn't go quite as expected.  I guess it was a little vague.  I ate less, but I don't feel particularly accomplished after this challenge.  I need to figure something better going forward.

That's today in a nutshell.  Let's have a good one!!  Later gators.

Hump Day

Today was supposed to be dentist day.  They had to reschedule because of a family emergency for the hygienist.  I hate the dentist, but I've already rescheduled once (gave my appointment to my youngest).  Now it's been too long (I go every 3 months).  I'm on-call for appointment openings so maybe next week, otherwise it's next month.  Fingers crossed.  Too much build-up is hell on my snaggletooth!

Yesterday was long.  Eldest got the epidural and, hopefully, that continues him on the road to recovery.

It was a day everyone needed something from me.  Time, favor, attention, text, phone call, look up something, fix something, more attention.  You get the idea.

I woke up this morning with my tanks low again and already text messages flying.  I don't have reserves right now.

In the name of trying to get to my GOOD PLACE, I'm prioritizing my self-care this morning.  Everything and everyone will have to wait.  It's important because the rest of the week continues doing-for-others stuff.  I could easily take no ME time and that's not my GOOD PLACE.

The dentist was cancelled, but that time filled up completely with favors, etc.  Sometimes I still struggle saying 'no.'  I won't lie about my schedule, so saying no because I want ME time seems selfish and weird.  So how do I say no?!?  Question to ponder.

And, saying 'no' when I'm also focusing on saying 'yes' to stuff is a balance I don't have (at least today).  Variety vs certainty vs ME time.

Low tanks muddy the water for me.  Decisions, priorities ... it all gets confusing.

My INTENTION for today is to make some ME time.  Fill my tank a little so I can focus more clearly.  Journalling is step one - thanks for listening LOL.  Until tomorrow ... later gators.

Plugging Along

Yesterday was full, but accomplished.

Self care -- check
Something fun -- check
To-do list -- check

Today I'm taking eldest to get a 2nd epidural steroid injection for his herniated L5.  It'll take a big chunk of the day.  Still managing some self care, healthy habits time this morning before the day goes crazy.  I will get some good reading time today - upside.

The next couple of days are all "business," no "party."  These days are a challenge for me with eating.  Nothing fun in the day?  No problem, I'll eat some fun.  I need to be mindful.  I don't need to eat my fun!!

I tried to save a few $$ and bought Trader Joe's coffee beans for my espresso maker.  Yuck!  Once the beans go into the machine, there's no easy way to extract them.  But I did - a bean at a time LOL!  It took about 15 minutes this morning.  It was that bad.  Even though I drink coffee (espresso) black, I've never met a cup I didn't like until now.  Bummer.  No savings, just wasted money.

Time is tighter this morning so I'll keep it short -- and the dogs have to go out (of course).  Let's have a good Tuesday!  Later gators.

Weekend Recap

Race4Rescues: 

SO MUCH FUN!!  Tons and tons of stuff all for the dogs!  Swag, socializing, rescue talk.  We brought all 3 with us.  Duke was a champion at running.  He was the first small dog to finish.  There were some mighty hills, but we did well.  Off to a rocky start with another dog, so I held back until we had a clear path.  Finished in about 28:30.  My worst 5k time ever, but given the start issues, big hill, dog drink stops ... I'm proud of us.  Sporting my new running sun glasses -- anti-fog, rubberized and mirrored.  Didn't expect the mirrored look, but, hey, doesn't look horrible :)  The weather was picture perfect too.  

Birthday Dinner Pioneer Woman Style:

It was a nail biter on the meat.  I didn't realize I needed twine ... rookie mistake.  I thought it was a center piece because of the packaging.  The skinny end was doubled over.  I think my top oven is having a calibration issue too.  Everything took much longer than expected (meat, roasted garlic, cake). Even so, the meat was delicious.  The middle was more rare than we like, so I sliced it and put a few pieces under the broiler.

New mashed potato recipe was great.  I made the "old" kind too for comparison sake.  It was a tie - come on people - make a decision.  I guess both will make the rotation.  Since they were made with cream, none for me.

And the cake - OMG!  The BEST chocolate cake I've ever had - no exaggeration.  Moist, flavorful, perfect.  I only had a bite of the actual cake because gluten and whipped cream.  It was beautiful and delicious.  Family said it was probably the best cake they've ever eaten.  Wow.  The recipe is perfectly proportioned so you can make as many single layers as you want.  It's a keeper!  Next time I can use gluten-free flour and cool-whip if I want to have some.

Perfection!  And my new-old cake plate from the antique store.
Sold as depression glass.  Not sure if it's a knock-off, but I love it anyway. 

Five Day Challenge:

Last we last left off, event #3 was over (because it didn't happen) and it was an easy day.  No fooling the universe though ... event #4 was the Mount Everest of challenges.  OMG I wanted a glass of wine.

But, I'm so desperate for a win, I needed to keep the promise to myself.  Event #4 and #5 and I held strong.  Last night was hard for just a minute, but I was so busy with dinner, it was no huge feat in the end.

The feeling from KEEPING my PROMISE is HUGE!  It was worth the effort.  I feel stronger mentally and feel better physically (for not drinking 5 nights in a row).  Turing the tides?!?!  I hope so.

My next social-things-that-involve-alcohol are this weekend.  Beer Festival for Releash Atlanta on Saturday and Dog Festival on Sunday.  Stay tuned ...


Next Challenge:

I want to continue these mini-challenges.  I think if it had been a 30 day challenge, I might have succumb and decided to "start later."

For this challenge, it's EAT LESS.  I know that's very diet-like, but that's what I'm going for ... I want to REDUCE (the food I eat and my waist).  Restricting for a short time is not an issue.  Longterm has negative repercussions.  I can eat what I want, but calories will be lower.  If I restrict the WHAT and the HOW MUCH, that will be play with me mentally, so this is just the HOW MUCH.

I thought about doing 3 days, but that's a copout.  5 days.

Eat less is vague, but I know what that feels like to me.  How hungry I should feel between meals.  How hungry I should feel before bed (a little hungry, not starving).  This is nothing new to me -- good or bad -- I've dieted lots and lots.  Often, eating less feels good to my body.

Five days to see how it feels.  That's all.  Experiment.  Trial and error.  Notice what works and what doesn't.  What feels good and what doesn't.  If it's too restrictive, that will change after 5 days.  PS I'm not talking about being starving ... just watching portions and high caloric foods.


Lastly:

This is a busy week.  Every single day.  I need to be on my game and make it happen.  Healthy habits will go a long way to helping me through the week.

Self-care is a must too.  Can't give up on that because I'm busy.  I ALWAYS can MAKE the time (I'm not THAT busy).  Journalling, listening to (or reading) from my gurus, working out.

Happy Monday!  Later gators.

Race Day

Duke and I (and all the dogs, of course) are up early to get ready for our race.  I want my usual morning routine so I set an alarm for the first time since last year.  (The dogs usual get me up - no alarm needed other days.)

We got a fun swag bag with stuff for both of us.  I was bummed my shirt is white performance fabric.  Ummm ... sweaty, wet, thin, white shirt?!?  Nope.  Not even on my best days.  If I'd known, I would have sized up for hubby (he'll wear anything LOL).  The t-shirt is my favorite part.  Oh, well.  Duke got a bandana but it's lilac color.  Real men wear pink, not lilac.  We both struck out in the wearable department :)

Today is my eldest's birthday.  24.  Wow.  I'm making the "cake" part of the cake today.  Assembly and icing is tomorrow.  Nutella, whipped cream, strawberries.  Thanks Pioneer Woman!

Out to dinner tonight with friends.  4 of 5 social stuff.  (P.S. last night's happy hour got cancelled so it was an easy 3 of 5.)

I got to everything but my TR yesterday.  I improvised and listened to more JR in the car.  It was a busy day - so much phone time with Releash.  TR for this week ahead.  It's another busy week, but I will make time for my self care.  Promise to ME.

This is a quick check-in.  Lots to do for the race.  All of us are going.  2 people, 3 dogs ... guess who's packing everything?!?  Pictures coming soon (hopefully!!)  Later gators.

Attitude

Well, I'll be damned.  A better attitude ... a better day.  I'm especially glad I stopped my attitude over those "situations" that got my panties in a bunch.  It's a weight off my shoulders and as soon as I let it go, it seemed so small.  Thanks Jim Rohn (again!).

GNI at a pottery painting studio was FUN!  My food was a hit (if I do say so myself).  I made a "gourmet" sandwich on french bread and a nibbles to go with it.  I painted a small bowl for my project - for candy or nuts.  Now that I see all the creative options, I think it would be super fun to do it again.  I made a quick, easy decision last night because I was hosting and didn't have as much time (and I'm horribly "craft" challenged).  I also like supporting local business.  It's owned by an artist couple and they made it feel comfortable and welcoming AND do-able!

I'm going to re-listen to some Tony Robbins today.  Self-help stuff was a big part of My Happiness Project (MHP) last year and it made more of a difference than I gave it credit.

Another thing I did during MHP last year was have little life experiments here and there.  Testing the water.  See how something felt.  Giving myself a quick challenge.  Like doing something nice for a stranger (compliment, buying coffee, etc).  Or learning something new.  Yesterday, I decided to have a mini-challenge.  I have 5 days in a row of "something" social that lends itself to drinking.  I want to see how I feel (physically, mentally, etc) if I CHOOSE not to drink over these 5 days.

Is it empowering?  Did I "miss out?"  Did I still have fun?  How did I feel in the morning.  You get the idea.  TWO down, THREE to go.

I'm reflecting HARD on social drinking.  I don't drink too much in that I have a drinking problem. But, I don't feel my BEST when I drink regularly.  Yet, it's become such a part of WHAT I DO when I'm in a social setting.  Even if it's only a glass of wine.  That's giving me pause.  It's not necessary.  I need to change the narrative.

Today is a busy day.  Shopping for the BIG meal on Sunday.  Tons of Releash stuff (better charge my phone).  Packet pick-up for our 5k tomorrow.  Plus my self-care.  On that note - off to listen to TR.  Later gators!

Action ... I'm trying!!

Here's what I did for myself yesterday ...

After listening to Jim Rohn (for the 50th time LOL), some messages stood out.  It's amazing what I forgot that I know - if that makes sense.

(1) TAKE ACTION while the iron is hot.  If something strikes you - DO IT.  Don't wait.  The desire will have diminishing return and often the "something" never happens.

So I did ... here's the scoop:

I've been thinking about a new workout routine for a while.  Orange Theory??  Back to Lift Studio??  My brother invented and runs a company (Impact Wrap) that adds fun to boxing (more on this later).  He outfitted a local franchise in my town.  I emailed (ACTION).  The OWNER called me back and is personally helping me with my first class -- April 30, 5:30am.  ME time.  ACTION time.

That felt good.

P.S.  I also added a nail appointment to my day yesterday.  Self-care.  Time without someone needing something.  It gave me a breath in a busy dog day.


(2) SHARE your knowledge, yourself, kindness.  If you're filled up with all of THIS and you share it, you have space for MORE.

I'm feeling lost about ME lately.  Some things that have happened this week to make me feel upset (angry with a background of hurt) -- I'm holding hard to I'M NOT SHARING because you hurt me.  It was such a timely message (well played, Universe).  It's not feeling EASY right now, but I'm sharing.  (This is kind of vague, but the story is so long ... )


(3) INVEST in your FUTURE.  Coulda, woulda, shoulda ... don't.  Little mistakes repeated daily add up to disaster down the road.  If you know what you should do and still won't do it -- shame on you (yep, shame on ME).

Looking back on My Happiness Project (MHP) year, I worked hard on my GOOD ROUTINE which replaced my CRAPPY ROUTINE.  Guess what?!?  I don't do that now.  At first, no problem. Nothing changed.  "Suddenly" everything changed and I'm not in that good place.  Well, duh.


(4)  HAPPINESS requires EFFORT (for most of us).

This is the biggest lesson from MHP last year.  I forgot this AGAIN.  Jim Rohn reminded me.  Study HAPPY, take ACTION toward HAPPY, model HAPPY ... and I will BE HAPPY.  Happy is not passive (for me).


I focused on these things yesterday and I did the work.  Now, I need to do it again and again and again.  Start the pattern, the routine.  Yesterday was hard, but really good at the same time.  Being better feels better. (But, lordy those cold beers looked amazing last night LOL).  It's going to get harder before it gets easier.  But I'm worth the work.  I don't want to spend years in this less-than-my-best place.  It's not a fun place to be.  Last year was amazing and it was ALL my doing.  This year is crappy (so far) and it's also all my doing.

Okay, dogs are calling (for the 3rd time) and my battery is almost dead.  On that note, later gators!

Grumpy Wednesday

I have a (milder) case of the grumpies today.  Lordy knows it can't be as bad as it was last week!

I'm not in the mood for a lot of my stuff this week.  I don't want to go to the Releash happy hour fundraiser tonight.  I don't want to prepare all the stuff for GNI tomorrow.  I don't want to prep and cook this BIG fancy birthday dinner.  The only thing I'm in the mood for is my running race with Duke LOL.

I have a number of little annoyances that hit me all at once yesterday.  It's all little stuff, but a lot of little stuff.  I'm barely balancing on some fragile ground trying to get back to the BETTER ME that I was last year.  One tiny step forward and then ... bam ... pushed back again.  The details are fussy and long - and, ultimately, not really important.

The general theme of these annoyances are that I've lost ME time -- self-care time.  I carved out some time this week and it's all disappeared - like magic.  Someone needs something from me again and again.  It's frustrating.

All little stuff from many people, so I look like a big-old-witch saying no.  But, all that little combines to an overall big mess of the week.

When I can't find my peace, my space, I turn to food to fill the need.  And, of course, it doesn't fill the need, but I do it anyway.  So here I am ... no ME time, no space ... 4 big social eating events looming.  Can I hold on?  Survey says ... I don't know.

BUT ... grumpy ME from last week sent a warning to future ME (thanks journalling) that if I give into this, I will give up and today (and this week) will SUCK.

So my goal for today is to find that ME time again.  It needs to be the HIGHEST priority this week.  

Yesterday, I re-listened to a CD of Jim Rohn while I was on the long drive to the vet (PS Ellie is doing well, but will still be with us for another month - more on that later).  That's the stuff I DID, but STOPPED doing.  Those things matter and it adds up (in a positive way).

I'm going to do some thinking, take some action and find some ME time that I need.  My goal is to report SUCCESS tomorrow!!  Later gators!

Tuesday Things

I'm on a reading streak and I LOVE it!  I read The Woman in the Window (A.A. Finn) in one day.  Fun, suspenseful read.  I didn't guess where it was headed until close to the end.  Good brain-junk read.

I moved on to Before We Were Yours (Lisa Wingate).  Based on true happenings in the south back in the 1930's.  I like the voice it's written in and it reads really easily.  I have a good line up ready for our trip next month.  Between the long plane ride there, a long train ride and a flight home ... I should be able to get some stuff read.  I'm saving the latest by Lisa Genova ... my FAVORITE author.  I read her last one on a train in Spain.  It's kind of fitting to read this one on a train to France.  I pre-ordered months ago and it's finally available!

P.S. I'm glad I ditched the last book in the Brilliance Trilogy.  It was clogging the works.

Ellie has a vet appointment today (3 hour round-trip drive - UGH).  Fingers crossed.  She has some darkened pigment spots that might be bruising.  Please, please let her be okay.

I have some BIG cooking this week.  First up is GNI that I'm hosting at a pottery painting place.  I'm bringing the food.  It will be easy finger stuff.  I have to figure out a sandwich to bring.  I planned to do finger tea sandwiches, but I lost my inspiration.  Too much work.  I think I'll do one long french bread and cut it up.  Either chicken caesar salad, a muffuletta-like one or turkey club.  I might go for easy and do the turkey club.  I'll make a veggie platter, small cheese platter, trail mix (or popcorn) and cookies.  Wine and water to drink - already hit Costco for the extra cheap stuff.  Paining is the focus - I don't need to kill myself.

The big cook is for my son's birthday this weekend (24 years old).  I'm doing a beef filet (only $108 at Costco - oh boy).  Can't screw this up!  I'm cooking an episode of Pioneer Woman.  Filet, mashed potatoes, garlic bread, salad and a mega cake.  When I watched it, I thought - wow, this is all his favorite stuff.  When his back got bad and I decided to cook instead of going out to eat.  Seemed like a good idea at the time - now I wish we were going out LOL. I need to remember to take pictures.  Wish me luck.  I'll need it!!  So many steps to the dinner, lots of prep work, lots of unknown!

I have 3 other social things this week.  Fundraiser happy hour for Releash Atlanta and a couple's dinner on Saturday (restaurant TBD) and a 5k Race for Rescues (Duke and I are running).  

It should be a full, fun week.  Focus needs to be on my HEALTHY habits though.  Do the HEALTHY stuff and enjoy the rest.  Fun doesn't mean don't do the WORK.  I'll take some good juju on this too :)

Have a happy Tuesday ... later gators!

Finally ... my muse?!?

I think (hope, pray, knock-wood, cross fingers) I finally have my focus, my muse so to speak.  Usually, that's someone who inspires me, is walking the walk, who is making the hard(er) choices, etc, etc, etc.  It might be a friend, a neighbor, an on-line peep, an Intragrammer, a success book I read, a forum ... really, anyone.

Now, don't hate me.  This is not my usual M.O.

This time my muse is a person who is NOT walking the walk, who is using excuses, who is using justifications.  Why?  Because I don't want to be HER.  And I so easily can become her (and I was her for a few years and 70+ lbs later).  I don't want this for her, but seeing MY struggles through her choices is eye opening.  I'm a mini-her.

It's glaringly obvious where she is failing herself and her goal.  I'm shocked she doesn't see it.  I'm shocked she doesn't REALLY try to change it.  Put in some work.  Some effort.  She talks the talk, but NO ACTION.  Complains, wishes, agonizes and does NOTHING.  Why does this sound familiar?!?

THIS IS ME TOO!!  I know what to do.  I know how to do it.  I know why.  I know my excuses.  I know my weak points.  Yet, here I am.  Doing the wrong things.  Making excuses.  Putting in very little effort.

Yesterday was a test of my healthy habits.  I used my muse to keep me grounded.  The question to myself ... am I okay being her?  It kept me on track and on focus.  That's not who I am.  That's not who I want to become (again).

I hope she finds her path.  We talked, a lot.  I tried to help and encourage, etc.  Tell her my issues.  What I learned.  She's not ready to hear it.  I don't take pleasure in her situation.  This isn't an I'm-better-than-her-moment.  But it struck a chord with me - reflection in a mirror.  So for now, she is my muse.  Maybe, someday we can be each other's inspiration as we walk a better walk.

Day 3 - with VIDEOS!

I made it - Day 3.

Yesterday wasn't actually too bad.  I realized some of what I was missing was yummy meals.  I have a number of go-to slap together things (eggs and green beans, lunch meat with some lettuce).  Nothing inspiring, nothing delicious.

I made time for me (eyebrows and a visit to the grocery store).  I put together some things that had me excited to sit down and eat.  No counter munching.  I actually sat and enjoyed food.

I'm still waiting on my monthly pal and I feel yucky this morning.  Tired, bloated, moody.

Mostly tired.  Really tired.  And I have a lot to do today.  Tons of paperwork, Releash stuff, etc.  I'm heading to lunch with a friend and then hubby is home early.

We had a lizard in the house yesterday (he's still in the house somewhere).  He ran passed my feet, I screamed (could have been a massive spider) and Duke came flying after him.  Chairs moved, pillows tossed, rugs flipped and a bat-ass crazy chase around my house.  The lizard ran INTO one of my "good" chairs.  Duke is now obsessed with digging at the chair and there is possibly a dead (or live) lizard somewhere in the chair.  Fun times.  Here are a couple of POST chase videos. During the chase I may or may not have been running upstairs.  I'm not afraid of lizards but somehow a chase gets me all freaked out (just like with mice).

I'm not sure if these videos loaded properly.  Oh well, I tried.  On that note, time to take dogs out AGAIN and get this day moving.  Later gators!

Hello, Day 2

Yes, I can count.
Yes, it should be Day 3.
No, it's not a mistake.
Yes, I screwed up.

BUT ... I'm on a streak of ONE ... UNSTOPPABLE LOL!!

That super, duper, mother-load of bad moods caught up to me.  I went to the sleep class (nice, but information was google 101) and got home late enough that dinner was at 8 o'clock and I stayed up until 11 o'clock.  Damage was done.  That day and MOOD is over and I'm looking ahead (as I keep yelling repeating to myself!!)

Yesterday was busy and the morning got away from me.  I planned to post in the afternoon, but that didn't work out either (Releash dog stuff).  Not such good work on my healthy habits.  But my food was on point.  One win.

What I really want is my monthly friend.  Then cravings, hunger, etc will be back to normal.  It's due tomorrow.  Based on my hunger this morning, I don't think it's coming today.

Today is a busy one (which I need ... idle hands put food in my mouth LOL).  Run outside, grocery store, eyebrow threading and taking Ellie to meet my aunt's SIL.  She's interested in adopting her.  That will get me home late afternoon.  Work a bit on Releash and then relax!!  I'd really like to watch Call Me By Your Name.

I gave up on the 3rd book of the Brilliance Trilogy.  I googled reviews of that book and they were a bust.  I'm about a 1/3 of the way and feeling the same.  Off to greener reading.  I have a ton to choose from and I'm excited to get some more reading time.

Day 2 (which is better than Day 1).  I'm oozing enthusiasm, but fake it till you make it.  I'll let you know when I make it :)  Later gators.

Day 1

Today is Day 1 of my HEALTHY diet.  In 32 days until we leave for Europe.  I MUST, MUST, MUST fit back into my clothes.  This is going to be a CHALLENGE, but I'm ready.

I'm going to indulge myself today because I'm in the CRAPPIEST MOOD!  So I apologize in advance for my negativity today.

Here's the deal ...

I'm going to get my period soon (hello grumpies).

I spent all long weekend eating too much SUGAR, ALCOHOL and crap.  Detoxing SUCKS.  I keep saying just a few days and I'll feel SO MUCH BETTER!

Hubby is out of town ... AGAIN ... and I'm on the forever taking-dogs-out channel for the week. Plus I might need to take another foster this week (I'll find out tomorrow).

My girlfriend cancelled on me tonight.  There is an hour class on how to sleep more deeply with just how you eat.  It's free, but registration is required.  Her excuse was not great (I understand, but I'm annoyed).  I'm annoyed because I chose her and she was excited to go (she has trouble sleeping).  Now I'm stuck going by myself.  Her name is on the registration so it would be obvious if I asked another friend that she was a second choice.  And I had to reach out to her - when was she going to let me know?!?!  I'm still going.  By myself.  Feeling like a friendless loser (hello MOOD).

I'm recovering from a weekend with my girlfriend.  We had a good time.  Hiking, cooking class, food massages, fun dinners.  The issue is my friend is ADDICTED to social media.  She is on her phone constantly.  Takes pictures to the point of obsession.  If I'm not taking about HER, she's not listening because she's on her phone.  5 days of that.  It was too much.

A fun festival in the city this weekend was changed to June.  I got tickets for the kids and I was volunteering at a Releash table.  Bummer.  This week is set on CANCEL mode.

So that's my MOOD in a nutshell.  As I said, I'm going with it today ... tomorrow it ends, but today I'm angry with the world.

Gluten Fog

So here's the deal ...

I think too many people are SUDDENLY not eating gluten.  I think it's the latest trend of what-not-to-eat.  I think too many people THINK gluten is bad and they're "eating healthy" so no gluten, but load on the gluten-free EVERYTHING.

BUT ...

I can't eat gluten.  Yes, my joints hurt when I eat gluten.  Yes, I'm bloated and gassy (but, lordy, half of what I eat does that to me).  Now add BRAIN FOG.

Think week I have taken a STUPID pill and if my head weren't attached ... you know the rest.  I leashed the wrong dog and Duke got out yesterday (fortunately, he ran around and came back to me). I forgot TONS of stuff over and over.  I would be talking to someone and couldn't remember if I JUST told them a story.  Honestly, it was scary - back to concussion days.  I texted wrong people.  Got confused which applicant I was talking to on the phone.  Circled the grocery story like a crazy woman AND I had a list and I still forgot stuff!!!  On that FOOD list was EYEBROWS.  I wrote a to-do on the grocery list.  Then I couldn't figure out what I meant by that ... UGH!!

All week I've been eating gluten.  Youngest home, having some fun.  "Diet" starts after my girlfriend leaves.  You've heard this from me before.  It's not that I'm eating horribly, but instead of a salad, I had a sandwich -- that kind of thing. Yesterday, I decided enough gluten because my ankles hurt.  Yesterday evening, I made the connection to my mental crazy.

Maybe not everyone is a gluten-free freak.  Maybe it does affect us.  The Wheat Belly (don't remember the author) has an interesting discussion on WHY so many people have an issue with gluten.  Wheat is not the same wheat as our grandparents ate - it's been modified for better resistance, etc.  Wheat in Europe is the same (mostly).  It's worth the read and can explain why I ate tons and tons of gluten in Italy without one symptom.

Anyway - I've been really good about gluten-free until I wasn't so I'm back to gluten-free.  It takes A LOT of the SAME lesson to get through to me (apparently).

Heading to the airport this morning - let the fun begin.  My girlfriend until Monday - I'll check in if I can, but most likely ... see you Tuesday!

PS We had an emergency foster yesterday.  Little Max was returned to Releash because the owners SUCKED.  Neglect bordering on abuse and they wondered why he was misbehaving.  They're banned from all rescues (we cross-share horrible people).  Max is 7 months old and ADORABLE!  Duke did great with a new friend.  Max is now happily settled into his foster home with tons of LOVE, exercise, socialization, etc.  Oh, and NO behavior issues.  Duh - dumb-a$$ people.

Look at this SCRUFFY little fellow - personality to match LOL!!

Quickest of all check-ins

Hello!

I'm horribly late this morning.  It's almost 9am and I'm still at the kitchen table doing "stuff."

My list of to-dos is long, dogs need attention, friend arrives in 24 hours.  Time to get MOVING!

So it's hello and good-bye today.  But I wanted to check in because checking in is GOOD for me.  Now it's time to tackle that list - later gators.

Well, DANG!

So I flopped on my list yesterday.

True confession time.

Youngest and I hung out, watched HBO and snacked and ate all sorts of leftovers.  On a very funny note, what we were watching was Leftovers.  Coincidence?  I think not.  LOL.

The rest of the list was okay.  Run WAS hard and WAS worth it.  Did some chores ... had a productive day.  Then not.

Also, the HORRIBLE Georgia pollen that even turns white dogs yellow (true story) got to me.  My sinuses are shot.  Pain, headache, snot ... not even medication helped.  My eyes are goopy and swollen this morning.  Yuck.  It lasts a few weeks.

Back to Leftovers (the HBO series, not my food).  Wow.  It's INTENSE!  Not for the faint hearted.  IF (and that's a big if) all the crazy has some point and some wacky conclusion ... it's going to be great.  If there is a dumb explanation and all the intimation is just a tease ... not happy.  I don't even know how many episodes there are - I think this is a couple of years old.  It's just hitting my radar now.  I think a google search is in my future.  I need to know if I'm wasting my time.

I'm almost finished with the second book in a Trilogy (The Brilliants Trilogy).  It's good, but not great anymore and I can't decide if I need to read the 3rd book now.  If I don't read it now, there's a good chance I'll never read it.  I have a long list of books waiting patiently.  Maybe some petal-to-the-metal and get it read.

Tonight is a Releash fundraiser and the kids are going.  Youngest is keeping me company with Ellie and the eldest and his girlfriend are interested in one of the dogs highlighted tonight.  It should be another fun night.  Dinner on the patio with dogs (and pollen - that's the bummer part).

So my list for today ...

Lift workout and long walk with Duke.
To-do list before my girlfriend arrives (still have some stuff to finish up)
To-do list of house stuff because the rest of the week is COMPANY
Finish the second book in the trilogy.
Eat LESS

Not so inspiring, but today is a survival day.  I feel crappy and have a long list of to-dos.  I'll call it a win to get through that list and in bed in one piece.

Later gators.

April is here.

It was a great weekend!

Lots of fun at dinner and the concert.  The Journey cover band took it all the way - outfits, fans for hair blowing, etc.  Super funny (not sure if funny was what they were going for though), but really good singing.  Glad to try something new.  Hubby LOVED it!

When I was growing up, I wasn't allowed to go to concerts (lord knows why) so maybe I'm a little out-of-it when it comes to what happens at concerts???  This was a 50+ demographic (duh, it's Journey music).  People were making-out ... for real making-out ... and LOTS of people doing it!  Dancing with cell phone lights.  Grinding each other.  AT THIS CONCERT?!?!  We were at dinner tables for crying-out-loud!! Wow.  Really good people watching though.  Maybe dad was right - concerts get too crazy LOL.

Remember what Oprah says - you can tell how a man is in bed by the way he dances?!?  Well, let's just say, I felt sorry for a LOT of woman there - haha.

For the record, the 4 of us just bee-bopped around to the music, sitting at our table, NOT making-out.

Easter Sunday was a great family day!  First a hike with all 3 dogs - Ellie did fabulous!  Then the kids over for an afternoon of eating, drinking, game playing and lots of laughs!  The weather was beautiful too.  I couldn't have asked for a better day.  And the BEST part is my eldest is on the mend.  Upright, much less pain.  Whew.  Let's keep that going.

Now it's back to reality.  Prep for my girlfriend's visit, house chores, grocery store.  I'm on it!  Ready to make it a good week.  My youngest is home for break, hubby is out of town.  It's a busy week.  Lots of peeps coming and going - but fun stuff happening.

My list for today will be a struggle after too much food and drink yesterday, but I'm doing it.

Journal (almost skipped it today)
Run with Duke (this will feel hard, but very worth it in the end)
Pay bills (too much paperwork stacking up)
No SWEETS and no eating after dinner (hardest of all - as usual!!)

Have a great Monday!  Later gators!