FIFTY

Happy birthday to me!!

Well, all my bitching and complaining and hubby came through after all.  These have to be booked in advance -- like weeks to months.  Especially right now.  So he stepped up -- and surprised me.  (Also, side note, if you want to start a business ... it's booming.  He had to call multiple companies to find availability and still had his 3rd choice of signage.  They are booking 3-6 months in advance -- he booked a month in advance.)

Quarantine birthday is setting up to be okay.  I'm sitting here drinking my real deal Kona coffee waiting to walk the dogs (it was raining earlier -- now we're waiting for dog traffic to settle down).  Zoom call with my high school friends at 10:30.  Picking up cake and cookies at noon.  Stopping at Starbucks for my free birthday drink and a pup-cup.  Youngest coming over early afternoon with takeout and opening a load of birthday gifts from my girlfriends.  Ending the night with a special bottle of wine and Netflix.  Not bad.

Eeeekkkk.  I can't believe I'm 50.  Seems crazy.  40 didn't feel strange, but 50 sure does.  My friend sent me this quote and it sums it up ...

Best get at this dog walk before the heat.  Somehow the rain forecast became hot and sunny LOL.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Last day of MY decade ...

Goodbye 40s.  

Plumber never showed yesterday.  Time window was until 4 o'clock so I called the office at 4:15 to get an update -- they close at 4.  I sat around all day and then all evening wondering if someone would show up at my door.  Ugh.  I need to call this morning.

My neighbor and her niece came over for porch coffee.  We chatted for over 3 hours -- it felt good.  They brought gifts for me and the dogs (I'll open tomorrow).  It was nice.  It poured rain most of the time they were here and I LOVE sitting out in the rain on the covered porch.

Speaking of weather -- storms predicted all day today and tomorrow.  STORMS, not just rain.  I'm set for my birthday Happy Hour with my girlfriend who usually cancels plans if it's a wash rain day.  We even canceled 2 FaceTime calls because of rain.  I'm curious if tonight will happen.  I'm not sure about sitting outside if it's lightening and she wants to stay outside.

Hubby appears to be scrambling to pull together a weekend celebration.  Not sure what's in the works but he mentioned he's "coordinating the celebration with the boys."  I was right -- he had NOTHING planned but takeout.  

Monti and me waiting on the plumber ...  the boy knows how to snuggle.  Have a great day and stay well!  Later gators.

Countdown Continues

Good morning.

Dogs are walked, fed and settled for a morning nap so I'm in my office trying to get some "normal" in my day before a workout.

I've been spending a lot of time learning about racism and other things are taking a backseat (like Enneagram research).  Hubby is working from home next week, so I'm planning to start back on some fun things once he's back in VA.  We're planning to do nature outdoor fun while he's home (assuming we can find non-crowded spaces and weather is okay).

I won't spend a lot of time talking about what I'm reading, watching and listening to with #BLM because that information is plentiful right now (yes!!), but here's a quick update.  I'm starting Austin Channing Brown's book this week.  I have a few movies and series to watch too.  Podcasts galore, new Instagram accounts, etc.  I will talk about what I'm changing in a future post though.  Knowledge and education is a start, but ACTIONS are the goal.  That's harder to figure out, more uncomfortable to do and is a marathon (not a sprint).

In other news, I finished We Ride Upon Sticks (Quan Barry).  Turns out the author is a black woman.  Supporting black professionals is one of the actions I'm taking -- this happened to be timely, but wasn't on purpose.  And what I mean is making an effort to look (in this case) for black authors -- not just those who write about race, but supporting black writers in the fiction area -- hearing their voices.  As sometimes I look for female authors to support a less supported minority and hear the female voice.  Anyway .... the book was great (!!)  Original, interesting, FUNNY.  Loved it.

I also started watching Killing Eve on Prime.  It's not free on Prime, but I think there are some streaming options that are free.  I need easy so I'm purchasing it.  It's fun and strange and GOOD!!  Until recently, I had no idea what it was about -- I thought it was a period thing about the Bible's Eve.  Oops ... not even close.  Glad someone recommended it.  Think Dexter and Homeland had a baby -- twists, turns, likable murderers, can't trust anyone.

This morning my neighbor (friend) is coming over for a quick coffee on the porch.  This afternoon is the toilet fix of the failed fix from Friday.  It'll be good to have the master toilet back functioning.  Friday was air in the line -- now it's totally broken.  Dang.

Looks like hubby was planning on takeout and pretty much nothing else on Saturday.  I mentioned that wasn't what I would expect for a 50th birthday celebration.  He suggested take out from A DINER (!!)  Good lord.  I'm set for disappointment, but still remain hopeful which is why I'll probably be disappointed (BTW -- this is very Enneagram 6 which is what I "test" as ... more to come).

Can I chat one more minute on my birthday disappointments (birthday pity party for one)?

(1)  Saturday's party -- see above.

(2)  A girlfriend was planning on a sleepover and evening of fun this week.  Then it was a takeout dinner and an evening together (her getting a ride so she could have drinks).  Now it's whittled down to a happy hour drink and snacks on the porch.  It's about expectations -- this is a lovely thing for my birthday, but nowhere near what it started out to be ... therefore, DISAPPOINTING.

(3)  Thursday evening and dinner at the kids' place -- my actual birthday.  I ordered extra sweets from the bakery and kept the day open from plans.  Canceled because of work issues.  I understand, but it's disappointing -- and, truth be told, I was on the fence about it anyway.  Then I decided to go along with the fun -- never mind now.  Youngest is coming over here and bringing dinner.  That's nice, but again, not what I was expecting.

Enough complaining -- for today LOL.  Stay well.  I'm off to do a workout and helps this lousy mood of mine.  Later gators.

Birthday Week

Hello!

I've been MIA for reasons of DOGS and CONTRACTORS.  One I love, one I don't.  This was suppose to be a contractor free week, but the plumber installed a faulty toilet pump and our master bath toilet is out of commission.  I'll call this morning -- discovered at 5:24 on Friday (24 minutes too late).

It's BIRTHDAY WEEK.  My last few days of my 40s before the BIG day on Thursday.

It's lack luster and a bit of a downer -- of course.  Why?  Pandemic.  Why?  I did NOTHING about my pants not fitting.  New goal ... first 2 months of being 50.  FIT INTO THE GREEN DRESS.  I see the eye rolling (me too).  But giving up isn't going to help either.

When does this start --  Monday, June 29 (because what life change doesn't start on a Monday and it'll take a few days to finish the fabulous cake).

The "how" remains to be seen.  Maybe something more official.  Maybe involve my life coach for accountability.  I need SOMETHING to hold me accountable.  

I'm actually excited about it.  Something to look forward to -- the fitting into my clothes, not the actual diet.  I know what people say -- diets don't work.  Well, diets work for me to lose the weight, then the "regular" healthy habits hold me.  I'm not patient enough -- I need results to keep me going when I'm this far off track, hence an actual diet.  Diet = rules.  Diet isn't starving myself with weird things.

I'm also focusing on THIS goal because I think my birthday has potential to be a disappointment.  I usually have no trouble celebrating my birthday MYSELF so I'm never actually disappointed (this came from birthdays that were upsetting when I was younger).  I love having MY day exactly as I like it -- pampering, fun, etc.  No go this year because I'm not going out.  Everything is OPEN in GA, but I don't think it's safe so I don't have the usual fun options and I'll be damned if I can come up with anything besides CAKE.

I know I sound spoiled -- and I am.  I have means and time to usually enjoy my birthday.

The other possibility of disappointment comes in the form of my family not doing anything special.  Maybe I'm wrong (I really, really, really hope I'm wrong).  Looks like they are picking up take-out.  No gifts (ring from hubby will be later this year and the kids can't decide what to get me).  I'll have leftover cake from Thursday for Saturday.  That's it.  

I can think of many little things that would make me happy for a quarantine BIG birthday.  I don't think they'll do anything extra though.  Decorations.  Fun, silly gifts.  Special beverage.  Birthday game.  Birthday movie night.  Lawn sign celebration.  Video call surprise with extended family.  

I could be wrong, but I don't think I am wrong AND it will upset me.  I've tried super hard to make everyone else's "missed" celebrations a little special.  This is a big birthday (or I wouldn't have any expectations) and everything is CANCELED.  

Directly asking for these things defeats the joy in them.  I've said, over and over, how important it is to try and make all of our disappointments a little bit better by thinking outside the box.  And that's what I've done for the family.  Will they do that for me too?

Maybe I'm wrong.  I keep coming up with that thought.  Don't get upset ahead of anything.  Maybe there are some nice surprises in the works.

Oh, and it's PMS week.  Extra potential for HIGH emotions -- not the good kind either.

Stay tuned ... LOL.

Stay well.  Later gators.

My New Alarm Clock

Duke KNOWS the time.  Time for dinner.  Time for snack.  Time to WAKE UP (says him) ... all of a sudden ... every single morning at 4:30.  What happened?  He's accurate within a 3 minute + or - window ... it's impressive if it's wasn't so dang early.

I decided to stay up this morning.  Still in quarantine to a big degree, yet up at 4:30 -- DUUUUUKKKEEEE (!!)  This makes for a long day.  BTW -- he's fast asleep for post potty nap time.  Must be nice to be him.

I had a fun time at the kid's yesterday.  Super long walk with the dogs.  Tired dogs = happy dogs.  Takeout lunch at a greek restaurant.  I got a salad with chicken ... all yummy stuff piled on too.  It felt good to get out of the house.  

I actually put on REAL clothes.  Hand to God -- the last time I had on regular clothes was the first week in March.  Still not wearing rings (makes hand washing harder), but I squeezed into my BIG jeans.  The ones that are usually so big, I don't wear them outside the house.  Now they're nice and tight.

No surprise -- The Green Dress is not happening by next week.  BUT ... I haven't given up on it.  It's happening, but on a different time frame.  I don't know exactly what that looks like, but I know it will happen.  Why?  Because it's something I still want.  Can't let the idea go, so back to the drawing board.

I started with a plan from The Holistic Psychologist (I follow her on Instagram, per my life coach).  She says a part of healing (when you've treated yourself poorly) is to make one promise a day (to yourself) and keep that promise.  This starts to prove to your psyche you can trust yourself again.  She says it seems like nothing, but it has incredible power.  I've started keeping one promise.  Last night was no eating after dinner.  The day before was doing a hated chore.  I'll see if this can start me back on the right track. 

I'm still reading We Ride Upon Sticks (Quan Barry) and it's fantastic.  It's taking forever because I'm not fun reading a lot -- focusing on learning about racism instead.  This book is so well written -- every sentence makes you smile.  The author has a gift for description (that's also why it's taking a long time -- no skim reading).  I'm pushing forward with it more this week.

Costco run today.  Can't get in until 10 o'clock, so I have lots of time to get ready.  Going out 2 days in a row -- practically a vacation week.

Have a great Monday.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Exactly Nothing

And I had a poo of a day.  Nothing at all.  Some chores, some TV, some reading ... big day of the blahs.

I'm used to having hubby gone during the week (20 years of it), but whenever he's gone on the weekend, it feels strange.  Tomorrow will be back to normal -- my mood back to normal funk hah.

I have a couple things on the calendar today though.  Huge stack of paperwork (no fun) and a visit to the kids for lunch with all FOUR dogs (fun!).  

I think part of my problem is I didn't leave the house at all since a week ago Friday.  Hibernation starts as comfort and quickly becomes a funk for me.  Even if it wasn't intentional.  Tomorrow I'm going grocery shopping and that will be a good thrill LOL.

That brings me to the part where EVERYONE is quickly moving back to normal socially.  Restaurants, BBQs, vacations, shopping, hair, nails.  I've opened up a little, but still barely doing anything.  Next week is everyday contractors in my house.  Exposure with absolutely the opposite of fun.

The US COVID numbers are not good.  A hot spot in GA right now is in the county where our rescue has the far, far away vet -- far, yet too close for comfort.  All Alabama boarder counties are hot spots too.  Watching people having fun and I'm like a shut-in is amplifying the feelings.  Even hubby is golfing all weekend.

Is this QuaranTINA showing up?  I don't think it's any safer right now than it was in March -- maybe even becoming less safe as people think it's over.  Protest gatherings -- so important, but scary in the wake of COVID spread.  Regular lists of restaurants with temporary closings due to a positive COVID test of an employee.  No mask requirements for food prep anymore (need our governor GONE).  What does that mean for take-out safety?

I MUST figure a way out of this funk.  As I said before, ROUTINE brings me good things and I need to find a routine that can stay for long enough to get myself back together.  I think that will help.  Looks like I'm heading for some idea brainstorming this week AGAIN.  Getting Monti used to being left for a couple of hours is start to fixing ME.  Then I can make some plans -- hikes, walks, grocery store runs, etc.

Hope your Sunday is a funday.  I NEED FUN too (!!)  Time to get thinking ...

A Little Sleep In

Dogs woke up at 4:30 and went on a potty break.  Normally, I'd stay up to get ready for an early walk.  I couldn't do it -- decided to go back to bed and we slept until 7 o'clock.  Morning walk will be short and sweet.  I'll take them for a car ride later today for something fun to do.  One day missing a long walk won't kill us (we'd miss if it was raining).

Lots of phone fun yesterday.  Caught up with a few people -- for combined over 5 hours (that might be a record for me).  I was actually tired of talking LOL, but it was nice to catch up and an unexpected surprise for the day.

The zoom call with our Italy group was a bust.  I had connection problems that ended up ending my involvement after about 20 minutes.  One gal forgot (we had to reach out) and there's another who dominates the conversation -- expert on everything, interjects on every comment.  It's particularly annoying on a video call.  No one gets to finish their thoughts.  I wasn't bummed to lose connection.

Today is a full day of NOTHING.  I think that's why the idea of starting my day so early was particularly unappealing.  Since it seems like I caught up with every friend yesterday (hah), I don't expect to talk to anyone but hubby later today.

I planned to take the pups for a Starbucks run (haven't been since February), but then found out Starbucks wasn't allowing any BlackLivesMatter support from employees.  They allow LGBTQ+ support.  Last night they rescinded their policy -- speaking up and speaking out ... it works.  Looks like that's back on the table for this weekend.

I'll get my act together soon to do something more on my posts.  Enneagram, new goodies, books, etc.  I've been slacking with the pups and our new morning schedule.  I'm even boring myself.

Hope you have a great Saturday.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Happy Friday

A little more complaining about getting up to walk the dogs super duper EARLY.  I love being UP this early, but I don't love having to be out the door so fast.

Having my aunt over was a lot of fun -- I forget how much I NEED human interaction.  We never talk much about heavy things -- lots of laughing and dog talk.  She brought one of her dogs and everyone did great together.  Monti loves to socialize.  She drew a picture of Duke and brought me flowers from her garden.  

My youngest got me a 3 month subscription for coffee beans.  The new one came and I can tell the difference -- it's a French bean.  I drink it black, so I notice flavor differences easily.  This one isn't to my liking as much as the first.  Two more weeks and I open the Kona coffee for my birthday -- that is the world's BEST coffee.  Can't wait.

I bagged the grocery store today.  I don't need much and what I need can wait -- I can go early this weekend or on Monday.  The zoom call meant my workout would be rushed or bumped if I go to the store.  Super RUSHED mornings and then crickets.  This schedule isn't great.  I'm going to think on solutions -- there must be another option that can work (at least some of the days).

Since I need to move along, I leave with another picture of Monti.  He's a darn cute little fellow and we love him more everyday.

New Blog Format

Even THIS changes!  It's not bad, might be good ... but, CHANGE.  Looks the same to view it, but the internal workings are different. 

I'm not a fan of my new morning routine.  Total rush to get out the door early for a walk isn't the way I like to wakeup.  I don't see a better solution though -- dogs need to walk, not just go potty the backyard.  

My aunt is coming over to drop artwork for a friend who commissioned drawings for her daughter's baby.  We'll sit outside, but I'm making lunch.  Grilled chicken salad.  It's all I have left to serve.  Wish this was just a quick visit, not lunch ... that's my fault. 

Grocery store run tomorrow which makes my morning routine SUPER DUPER tricky.  I'm considering punting it to Saturday morning, but I don't know if Publix has early hours on Saturday -- I need to call.  Maybe shopping needs to wait until next week.  I have contractors in the house EVERY SINGLE DAY next week fixing things on the builder year punch list -- I bumped painters until July, thankfully.  I'm not sure if next week is a good grocery option either.

Zoom call with my high school friends tomorrow morning (that's where some of the extra tricky comes in).  Hitting time zones from Pacific to Europe so call time isn't very negotiable.  It was suppose to be yesterday, but got moved.

Still learning about race relations, new perspectives, hidden white privilege.  It's eye opening and often uncomfortable -- easy to feel defensive (not ME!!).  One thing that stuck with me was the idea ... I'm a good person ... the reply was "be a better person."  Austin Channing Brown on Brene Brown's podcast.  Yep.

Time to walk the dogs.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Good Morning

Working on a new morning routine.  We (me and the dogs) have been walking EARLY -- out by 6 o'clock.   This means MY stuff gets pushed back, but this seems to be the best (and only) option to avoid dog traffic and the summer heat.

I ordered Monti a new harness that should secure him from pulling out -- this will give me a little more control seeing other dogs.  Monti doesn't react, Duke does ... but Monti doesn't want to move if he's sniffing a good spot.  He puts on the brakes and back pulls out of his current harness while I'm trying to move Duke back from certain dogs.  Little stinker.

The boys are getting along beautifully.  The last test is leaving them alone to grocery shop.  This is more about Monti and separation anxiety than them having an issue together.  Fingers crossed.

Cuteness overload!!

Today is a food prep day.  Pork in the pressure cooker, banana muffins for hubby and bacon.  Clearing the refrigerator and getting ready for another shop on Friday.  I think I'll head to the grocery store instead of Costco.  It's a toss up, because I'm low on things from both places, but I'll drag out Costco until next week.  I'm actually spacing shopping because of Monti, not COVID.

This is a little of what I was mentioning yesterday.  My new routine had to change AGAIN.  I started going more frequently to the store (2 weeks ago) and now need to drop back.  Hopefully, he'll be calm enough, soon enough and this won't be an issue.

So some crazy gossip-news.  Rachel and Dave Hollis are divorcing.  This is only "news" because half their brand is selling an "exceptional" marriage -- as recently as 2 weeks ago.  Books, a joint podcast, a marriage conference, life coaching -- all on how they keep their marriage exceptional.  Sex advice, how they date each other, how divorce is never an option, how their marriage is the keystone to their lives.  Then, bam, we're "ending our marriage."  Wow.  Goes to show you, can't believe everything you see and add extra skepticism when it involves selling stuff.  I lost interest in her soon after the RISE conference (which was good, BTW).  I check in now and then ... more from curiosity than inspiration.  Her newly found fame changed her a lot.  This was a shocker.

Anyway ...

Have a great day.  Stay well.

Routine

Something that's been hard this year is a lack of routine stability.  I find a new-new and then, bam, it has to change up AGAIN.

That's what's happening again with Monti joining us.  I love the little bugger and am super happy he's ours.  Finding a dog that "fits" as much as he does is rare and I didn't want to pass up the opportunity to adopt him.  BUT, a new dog is always an adjustment.  He's still not completely himself.  Duke is pouting.  I can't completely trust them together (I never trust any dogs together at first).  Monti HATES being by himself.  Hubby is staying over a weekend in VA.  That adds up to MY ROUTINE out the window ... AGAIN.

Long, fast walks -- gone.
Exercise by myself -- gone.
Going to the park -- gone.
Meeting up with friends -- gone.
Running to the grocery store -- gone.

All this will come back as I get into another NEW routine with two dogs.  Monti will settle.  Duke will be okay.  I'll find some space again.

Monti can't crate -- he gets frantic and tries to chew and claw his way out.  He'll hurt himself and he doesn't NEED to crate.  Normally, that's how I'd adjust to another dog in the house.  Someone gets crated.  Duke is also a dog who is TERRIFIED of crates.

I'm feeling overwhelmed and lonely and low again.  (What else is new?)  The way out is through ... need to put my big girl panties on and do what needs to be done.

Talking long walks out of the equation is hard.  That's been a lifeline for me lately.  When I had to stop because of my heel, it was a low time.  It's happening again.

Long walks are difficult for lots of reasons.  I'm trying to problem solve, but it's hard.

(1) Gets hot early so only a small window between light enough and too hot outside.
(2) Lots of dogs are being walked early because of heat and Duke is difficult to control passing another dog.  When Duke goes crazy, Monti tries to roll out of his harness (almost did it).
(3) Monti is a slower walker.
(4) Monti MUST mark every single post (hah) so we don't make great forward movement.
(5) It's hard to avoid dogs for the above reasons -- can't out pace anyone.
(6) Monti wants to eat before walking, so we need digestion time (it's dangerous for dogs to walk on a full stomach -- they can get lethal bloat) so morning walk time is pushed back a bit.
(7) Walking route is limited because of the big hill.  Monti has a hard time -- he's still recouping from respiratory problems.
(8) Both dogs will go crazy if I leave either of them home to walk them solo or to walk by myself.

I'm giving it a week or so before I try to make some adjustments.  Something has to give, not sure exactly what yet.  I know we'll hit our stride, but, for now ... this is a bummer.  Loss of another routine.  Searching for a solution.

I'm not an anxious person normally.  I worry, but it's specific.  Lately, I feel a low hum of anxiety -- all the time -- about everything.  Is it hormonal?  Is it 2020?  Maybe both.

One thing I decided is that I'm not making any more big changes for a chunk of time.  No fosters.  No other responsibilities.  I MUST find a new rhythm to my days.  Hubby is gone a lot.  I have two dogs.  I need to sit in those changes and find adjustment before I go forward.  I owe that to Duke and Monti and I owe it to myself.  Our little family will figure this out.  Best way is to focus inward -- I need to build myself up again before I can look to the outside.

I'm working on this again and again ... and probably forever.

Stay well.  Have a great day.  Later gators.

Double Celebration Day

Today is Duke's birthday (#4) and Monti's Gotcha Day (#10).  We are back to a TWO DOG family.

Monti is fitting in beautifully -- although we'll see some changes as he gets comfortable (hello, barking).  Nothing that would stop us from adopting him, so we made it official today.  It was too fun to have them both with the same celebration day.  Duke was an owner surrender so we know his actually birthday.  Usually, rescue dogs get an arbitrary birthday on Gotcha Day.  Brothers with the SAME BIRTHDAYS -- perfect :)

Monti is named after an old residential neighborhood in Rome where we had our first meal in Italy.  He's 10 -- going blind, heart murmur, skin issues and some ass tried to dock his ears with rubber bands (he was found with the rubber bands attached so he's ears are mangled).  All this and he LOVES to walk, play, cuddle, ride in the car  ... loves people and dogs ... oh, and barking at every little noise LOL.  We expect it to get worse before it gets better.  He's old and new to our home -- can't blame a guy for being on alert.  He should settle down once he knows what's what.

Hubby is back in VA for 13 days.  We're having an adjustment again for the first couple of nights.  Up and down.

I'll find a rhythm again soon.  Monti is keeping me busy getting him settled.  I'm still working on fun stuff with the Enneagram but a new pup and focusing on racial injustice learning has sidetracked me a bit.  I'm slowly get back to running -- a bit of lite interval stuff on the treadmill.

Monti needs a potty break (he's amazingly housebroken!!) -- got to run.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Saturday

What a week (!!)

Glimmers of hope and signs that THIS anti-racist movement has real change momentum.  It's about time -- justice, equality, inclusion, kindness ... for EVERYONE.  What a beautiful thought.  Let's keep it moving.

I'm reading and watching and learning.  Checking my self, learning to do better, learning to be a better ally.

Speaking of which ... I watched Just Mercy.  Wow.  A powerful story, well portrayed.  Well worth the watch and especially eye opening now.

Hubby is home for 40 hours this weekend.  The drive is hard, but he likes the job a lot.  Duke was over the moon to have him back.  This long stretch is going to be rough coming up for the little guy --  he's a daddy's boy.

We are meeting Monti later this morning.  If it seems okay, we'll keep him for the weekend and make a decision on Monday (which happens to be Duke's birthday).  Fingers crossed.  I can't wait!

Kids are coming over and making us dinner tonight.  Family day since hubby will be gone for a couple of weeks.

I had my coaching call on Thursday and I signed up for 3 more sessions.  As usual, Holly had good insights and was a helpful sounding board.  Nothing major to report, but the talk felt good.

Brooke Castillo has a couple of bonus podcasts were she is open about being wrong.  She resisted responding to the #blacklivesmatter and she talks about it and how she's working to be better.  Seeing "mistakes" in real time.

Got to run -- hubby is up.  Later gators.

Finding a New Beat

I'm quickly adjusting to being home alone -- even in a quarantine.   Next trip hubby stays over the weekend too so that will feel long, but I'm doing okay.  He loves the new job and that's helping me feel better too.

Bug guy came (2 hours late -- mix up with the appointment), broke our gas meter and garage door.  Ugh.  I fixed the garage door (he knocked a sensor off) and I'll call the gas company today (I don't think it's anything major since it's a small plastic part).  He's spraying liquid -- how can he do that much damage?!  Welcome to home-alone ownership.  (P.S. I called hubby about the garage door -- I had no idea what was wrong.)

Yesterday ended up being LOTS.  Most since this quarantine started.  I was actually NEEDING some quiet time last night.  People at my house, chatting with friends, phone calls, deliveries, etc.  I'm out of practice for that much social interaction LOL.

Today is quieter, but the morning is full.  Voting and then my life coaching call.  It's the last call of my current package.  I have no idea if I should continue -- I'll decide at the end of the call.

Next week, I'll chat about the Enneagram stuff.  It's interesting.

Another quickie this morning.  It's a strange week --- mornings feel rushed.  Have a great day -- stay well.  Later gators.

Quick Hello

I finished The Lake House -- did I say this already??  It was good -- long, but enjoyable.

Next up ...

One of my favorite things about Jenna Bush's book club is that the author of the current selection recommends FIVE of her current read recommendations.  This was one of them.  It's magic meets 1980s meets high school girls.  It's a YA subject matter, but it's written so well.  The author has a great sense of humor and I really like it so far.  Magic AND the 80s ... come on ... perfection!!

My BFF sent me a birthday box filled with goodies to open all month long.  Choose my mood, choose my option.  So fun!  Love her!  I haven't opened anything but the "starter" envelope.  I'll start opening once it gets a little closer.

Prime is streaming Just Mercy for free right now.  I have the book and my plans were to read instead of seeing the movie, but I never did.  It's heavy and I've been in some low places this year and didn't pick it up (looking for feel good books).  I think I'll watch instead.

Got my monthly -- on time again this month.  Still "different," but hitting a regular schedule again.

Full day today.  Cleaning crew is back.  Masks and precautions.  Meeting 2 friends at a park for a heart check -- so much sadness.  Then EMERGENCY bug appointment.  Millipedes have hatched in our basement -- HUNDREDS of them.  I killed about 50 while I worked out yesterday.  I'm not afraid of them like I am spiders -- thank god.  Speaking of spiders ... big one on my leg while I sat on the porch.  I ran inside, stripped down and called the bug guy.  We're due for a June service outside too.  This means LOTS of people in my house today.

Next few mornings are EARLY.  Today because of cleaning crew.  Tomorrow is early voting.  Friday is early grocery store run.  Good and bad.  It's nice to be up and about early, but then it's a LONG alone day.

Stay well.  Later gators.

Vote

Vote.

We need leaders who are leaders ... at least leaders who are human.  The primary is happening in GA (early voting underway).  I've never been very in tuned to LOCAL politics, but I sure am now.

I wasn't going to vote in the local primary (I already early voted the Presidential primary) because of COVID (and lack of precautions required in GA), but I was wrong.

I know better now.

We must do better for our citizens, for humanity.  Love must win.  Every single little and big thing counts.

I need to stand up, speak up and do my part.  Politely standing in the shadows is NOT ENOUGH, it never was, but that's what I did.  No more.

Time to educate myself and use my privilege to stand with those who aren't afforded the same.

Stay well.  Later gators.

Hello, June

After so much hate and anger ... finally some flashes of hope and love.  Protesters and police TOGETHER.  People standing up, speaking up.  Arrests of the right people.  Let's take this anger and run toward change.  It's a good, long needed FIRST STEP.

Hubby left yesterday and it was a hard day.  Lonely.  Isolated.  Duke was pouting so he spent the day in a front room watching for hubby to come home.  I felt better once I knew he arrived to VA without incident.  He has to stay in another hotel because of the protests -- no kitchen, no inside parking, no close food options.  I packed him a huge cooler for the week.  Beginning of a new normal for us.

I have the added fun of my monthly this week.  Any plans to meet-up and walk are on hold.  No bathrooms are the real deal during Perry.  I'm going to see my aunt next week (weather permitting) and I'll need some face-to-face interaction in a big way.

My solo plans today are to long walk Duke and take him to a park this afternoon.  It's the coolest day of the week so maybe we can make it happen.  Yesterday was too warm in the afternoon.

The BBQ Saturday was nice -- bittersweet as it was hubby's last day and the kid's original wedding day.  Having perfect weather was a little kick in the butt -- we hoped for lousy weather to give ANY little spin on the postponement.  The cake and cookies were AMAZING.  This bakery knocks it out of the park.

We're meeting Rusty on Saturday (who we'll rename Monti -- after a neighborhood in Rome, if we adopt him).  He's starting to fluff out again.  If the dogs seem comfortable, we'll probably keep him on Saturday and ask for a couple day trial -- just in case.  He's on some medications so it'll depend if she brings them and how quickly we need to refill if we can do an immediate adoption.  It takes time to get a vet appointment these days.  He's still clearing his cough, but his lungs are clear.

OMG -- he's adorable!!

I'll do more Enneagram work this week and start chatting about it soon.  I have a few other things to "report" too.

June is here.  The big 5-0 birthday month.  Trying to salvage what I can and turn this year around. Can it be done?  Who knows, but I'll keep pushing.

Stay well.  Later gators.