Second Shot and a Few Pictures

This morning is my second Pfizer shot.  I'm planning nothing for 2 days in case I feel unwell.  Fingers crossed all goes smoothly.

I dropped off the bridal bouquet to be pressed and framed.  Did I mention, I came home with ALL the bouquets?  I planned to try and find someone who could do something with the flowers. Turns out the photographer has a friend who runs a pressing company.  Yea.  Met her yesterday with DIL's bouquet.  She's pressing and faming between glass -- should be beautiful.  In the meantime, I have 6 other bouquets around the house, plus some extra flowers.  I broke up one of them and am attempting to dry-press a few of the flowers myself.

Extra flowers in the middle.

Kids put together Google Photo event and we're getting some fun shared pictures.  Here are a few more.

Seeing my son for the first time.

Pacing (!!) and waiting.

Family pictures.

Us with son's BFF.  

More dog needs early this morning so I need to keep this short again.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Happy Hangover

What a wedding day.  Flooding storms to sunshine (no rainbow, but beautiful clouds and a pink sunset).  Running around like a crazed person to dressed and relaxed.  I'll recap some of the fun this week.

I ate what I wanted (even had a couple of drinks) and my old body is HURTING still.  Guess gluten and alcohol are tough on my body -- it was worth every bite, but the "clean up" is long.

Hair turned out okay after 90 minutes of trying (I was sweating it!!).  Makeup was also fine.  I had the best time ahead of the wedding hanging with my DIL and some time with my son and the guys too.

The ceremony was amazing.  The officiant had them write letters to each other ahead of time and he read them.  Not a dry eye in the house.

Here are some pictures.  I'm on dog duty now ... more tomorrow.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Welcome Party (little recap)

The weather cleared yesterday afternoon (miracle) -- what was left was 85 degrees and humid (no joke).  But no storms and no rain (!!)

BTW ... rain this morning clearing by 1 o'clock.  Thank you, Universe (this time high of 65 ... also thank you).

Top Golf ended up being perfect.  We had 5 upper bays totally away from all other people.  Two very good attendants and everyone had a great time.

Most guests are in the medical field and are vaccinated -- parents and grandparents all vaccinated too.  The rest worn masks when not eating -- kept it as safe as possible.  

I decided on no belt because it was HOT and HUMID and I was worried about sweating (used underarm sweat pads for the first time -- game changer).  The dress probably needed a belt.  The hair flower shows the orange color in photos, but the red is layered in the flower.  Oh well.  

We had a super night.  Kids were smiling the entire time seeing all their besties.  Here are some pictures (in no order because, you know ...)

Checking out without a belt.

Decorated each table with a cutout. 
This was their dating photo.

Masked and ready ... and HOT!!

With the guests of honor.

Her girls seeing the ring for the first time.
All nurses, all vaccinated.

Top Golfing.

Will the real couple please stand ...

Today is the real deal ... going all day.  This "social" stuff is hard after a year of no groups and no long events, but it's going to be a good day.

I still need luck on my hair.  No rain, but BIG WINDS all day.  Heaven help my bobby pins.  

Tonight I gain an official DIL and we couldn't adore her more.  Wedding pictures to come (probably Tuesday).  Stay well.  Later gators.

Wedding Weekend

I probably won't post again until after all the festivities.  The weekend is here.  Weather forecast is better and that's awesome.  

I'm a little nervous -- like I forgot how to socialize in a big group.  

Both hubby and I have had experiences with our DIL's parents where we feel like the backseat family (at their college graduation and at the engagement celebration).  Those feelings are lurking again. We are work horsing a lot of things while they are enjoying the weekend.  Hubby feels it too and it activates my shy, awkward days of feeling "less-than."

Today's intention is to BE MYSELF.  No backseat.  No being shy.  Boundaries while being kind.  And, most important, ENJOY the weekend.

I'm getting a strong bike ride this morning and a much needed centering meditation.  Breathe.  Have fun.  Be happy.  

That brings me to my "happy" mug purchases.  I bought new mugs from Anthropology (my new favorite online shopping).  All are microwave and dishwasher safe and happy messages for the Asheville house.  I listened to a podcast recently that talked about making your environment reflect what you want in life.  When I saw these mugs, that podcast came to mind.  I bought 2 sets of the last picture so I can use them here too.  "Make your own magic."  "Shine on."

Picked up the cookies for the Welcome Party yesterday and they're beautiful.  Little snafu with not being bagged, but they corrected it quickly.  Best part is they taste fantastic too (I've ordered these 4 times over this last year).  Sugar and shortbread selection.  I won't eat any because I'm saving myself (and my gluten) for wedding cake.  

I'm not sorry to ask the hair-gods for some hair magic this weekend.  It's hit or miss when I practice.  This is the big show -- time to get it right.  Two nights in a row dressed up.  Until March, I hadn't even worn regular jeans for a year (I did wear my baggy, hole covered a few times).  It's also regular shoe time and I hope my foot and ankle holds up.  I'm bringing "recovery" shoes both evenings, just in case.  And, MAKEUP (!!)  Good lord, it's a new world this weekend.  Monday will be sweats for sure.

Today we also meet our youngest's girlfriend who lives in TN.  Super excited to meet her and happy for my son.  He's a great guy and deserves a great relationship.

So much good.  So much exciting.  Got to get out of my head and love this moment.  It's a keystone memory that will hold for all of us for a lifetime.

Lots of pictures next week.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Hit A Wall

Last night I hit a wall.  We went to the kid's apartment to view an adorable wedding wishes video and get take out.  We went over final details for everything and I was suddenly overwhelmed and worn to a nub.  

A big part is my hormones are wonky again.  It should pass soon -- this seems to be the pattern so probably better by tomorrow, if all stays predictable.  Nothing isn't fixable, but all together, I'm feeling the blahs.

Reseting today.  

Birds and squirrels and storms have ruined my outside planting -- ugh.  Need to start over next week.  This upset me for some reason.  Porch is a muddy mess.  UPDATE:  Able to fix box and lettuce and romaine have sprouted ... there's hope (!!)

Birds built a nest on top of our new porch sunscreens.  I won't let hubby knock it down so no using the screens all spring.  I love nature, but ... bummer.  This also explains the crap all over the porch (grass, twigs and bird poop).

I need disposable dishes for all the breakfast and lunch food on the wedding day because the prep areas get locked up in the afternoon and I can't get my serving stuff back.  Really?!?  Why am I just learning this NOW?  Adding a Target run to my list today.  

Hubby ate some of the bagels for Sunday -- took them out of the freezer.  He didn't want me to buy any for him (I asked twice) and now he ate some.  Seriously? 

We are having issues with trash and recycle pick up in our neighborhood.  This is the second week of no service.  TONS and TONS of boxes from our new house ordering sopping wet in the driveway.  Ugh.  The pile up is big and stinky and annoying.  So many phone calls and no resolution.  Looks like we are switching service providers next week.

Storms through last night were crazy.  I've never heard so much thunder in my life.  Hour after hour.  It was scary.  More storms like this over the weekend.  My hair will never survive.  UPDATE:  Storms caused the workout room to flood.  I think we have it managed, but no sure longterm what's in store for the floor.  It was a wall of water that hit the side of the house.  Hopefully, that was the worst of the storm fronts.

I'm also a little bummed hubby and I are the work horses for Sunday.  While everyone gets settled and gathers, we are making tons of trips back and forth, hauling stuff in the storms, etc.  I'm happy to help, but it's a bummer we are on the outside of the fun that day.  I think this is what was the last straw in feeling overwhelmed -- we went over the schedule for the weekend and it's all on us -- no exaggeration.

I'm glad I have today to get things reset.  I need to pull up and ENJOY THE PROCESS.  Where have I heard this??  

I hate a feeling of not being prepared and I feel like that today.  A day of fixing things should help.  Tomorrow is show time and I want to be HAPPY and JOYFUL and PRESENT.  Picking up the cookies today too -- fingers crossed they are awesome.

Wish me luck -- I need it.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Getting SO Close

Eeeek  -- 2 more days until the wedding weekend begins.  Wow.  It's actually HERE (!!)

I trialed my hair and makeup yesterday.  No pictures of the makeup, but hardly looks different (that's fine).  I am going to try my hair one more time on Friday -- getting closer to what I want.  Next time, no volume spray (just hairspray prep), bobby-pins and comb a little different and more side twist.   I'm pinning things tighter because it's suppose to be windy.  Better it stays put and looks a little less fancy.  I think the volume spray makes my hair frizzy and bendy.  

More wedding errands today (bagel pickup) and heading to kids apartment to view a video her brother compiled.  We'll figure out the schedule for Sunday too.  

The weather went from bad to horrible.  Now 100% storms and rain for Saturday evening and all day Sunday.  Still hoping for a small miracle so they can get pictures taken on Sunday.

I finished The Most Beautiful Thing (Arshay Cooper).  Very nice story about the first all black crew team in the 1990s written by one of the team members.  It's also a documentary (my sister recommended it), but I couldn't find it to stream.  The story is worth the read.

That's all from here.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Daffodils and Rain

Finally went to Gibbs Gardens to see the daffodils.  They were pretty, but it was SO CROWDED.  Very few people with masks.  I looked and went home.  I was able to avoid people for the most part, but the numbers made it unenjoyable (even if there was no pandemic).  Also, this big ta-da wasn't THAT spectacular.  I'm actually not sure why it gets such fanfare.  The daffodils are scattered over the property so the "numbers" didn't make the impact I thought.

Heavy rains, thunderstorms ALL WEEKEND long.  Come on, Universe -- throw us a sunshine bone.  What a huge bummer on so many levels.  My heart is sad for the kids.  I'm hoping still, but this is a huge storm front again -- not just rain so it's not likely to change much.  It's getting worse every time I look at it.

GA is open for everyone over 16 to get vaccinated.  Start the mass waves again.  I found a link to get hubby's second vaccination scheduled so he's all set.  Now I'm working on helping my eldest get an appointment when he gets back from his preview honeymoon.

Today is about prepping me for the wedding.  Toe painting, hair and makeup practice.  I also have to call Top Golf and check policy regarding thunderstorms and I need to order the bagels for DIL and the gals for breakfast.  That's all on the agenda.  I'm sure I'll find some other things to keep the day full.  Enjoy the process -- need to hear this over and over.  I get so task oriented, specifically task-complete oriented, I forget to enjoy it.  

I'm so so so stinking bummed about the stormy weekend.  Trying to turn it around in my head and that's not working well.  Of course, it will be nice and they'll be married and all those good things ... but, they aren't getting much of any kind of wedding with the pandemic and now pictures in jeopardy.  There's no dancing so the yard games were the activity -- not anymore.  We'll all do everything we can to make the day special and fun for them.  Smiles all around.

I really want to throw them a family party when the pandemic is over.  Poor kids.  They are taking it all in stride, but I know they are disappointed too.  

Have a happy day.  I hope vaccinations are in good supply for you too.  Later gators.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Yeast bread -- done and dusted.  It rose quickly and I think I over-proofed it a bit, but otherwise, a hit.  (When I added the link below, her pictures also have a sunk top, so maybe it wasn't over-proofed.)  I stayed clear because of the gluten, but it smelled great and hubby loved it.  Two more packets of yeast if I feel inspired.  It was way easier than I thought.

Here's the recipe I used:

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Forecast for the wedding weekend is THUNDERSTORMS, WIND and RAIN.  Noooooooo (!!)  Let's hope it changes.  Pretty please with sugar on the top.

Today is the last day of no rain forecasted for the week.  Heading to Gibbs Gardens this afternoon to see the daffodils.  I planned a hair practice today, but I'm switching things up.  Trader Joe's this morning and hair tomorrow.  I'm totally out of fresh veggies and I don't want another day of frozen stuff.

Publix added a new party tray and it's perfect for DIL.  I'll add a couple of baskets of extra goodies, but it saves a lot of work.  It's better than I planned given the timing and setup.  That was a lucky find when I was ordering my son's sub platter. 

I'm still working at not letting my brain convince me I need to be overwhelmed.  The next 6 weeks are packed with good things (fun and productive things) and I wake up in the night in a little panic.  But there's absolutely no need for any level of panic.  Dang, brain -- cut it out.  

Case in point yesterday.  I smoothly got a lot done with no rush or push -- plenty of time for all the things. My first go at bread "fit" into my already full day without a problem and I enjoyed it.  It didn't need to wait.  Slow down.  Breath.  Enjoy the process.

That's my goal for Gibbs Gardens today.  ENJOY the pretty nature show.  Trees are in bloom too.  It should be beautiful.  Taking a Peloton ride, hitting Trader Joe's and then a nature walk.  Sounds like a good day.

Have a good day too.  Send sunshine vibes for no rain on Sunday.  Stay well.  Later gators.

It's Officially Wedding Week

Oh my gosh -- I'm excited and excited/nervous and excited/happy.  Lots of cool things happening this week.  Enjoy the process (or get overwhelmed).  

We're heading to the kid's apartment on Thursday evening to watch a video DIL's brother put together from messages from former wedding guests.  It's all a surprise and that's going to be fun.

For some reason, the charcuterie platter for my DIL and her gals feels like a big addition to the week.  Trying to simplify so it doesn't add so much setup to the actual wedding day.

Switching gears -- I planted my "greens" yesterday.  Lettuce, spinach and romaine.  The overnight temps look warm enough now.  Also, my inside chives sprouted overnight (2 little ones, but it's a start).  

Gave hubby a haircut and messed up the side with the new clipper.  I can fix it if it doesn't fix itself this week by growing a smidge.  Don't want to mess with it just yet.  He was warned this was possible :)

I'm a farmer and a hairdresser and a caterer.  Remember "being" lots of things as a kid -- this week feels like that lol. 

My goal this week is to RELAX into all these things.  It's only overwhelming IN MY HEAD.  The reality is I have plenty of time to get everything finished and then some.

Remember the 21 for 2021 list?  If all goes as planned, I'll make a yeast bread today.  Why am I adding this on THIS week, because it reenforces the fact that busy is okay and not overwhelming -- practicing this concept.  I have time and the ingredients.  Why not.  

Also, I might have my craft project idea.  A semi-DIY little take-n-return library for the new house.  I've seen them in a few places in Asheville and our back street gets lots of walking traffic.  I think that would be fun.  My contribution to the craft is probably painting it (with a little assembly) -- but that counts (says me lol).  

I changed my mind on painting an old blanket chest (looks better stained), but I ordered paint for an old table.  Plans are to paint it gray/green and take it up to the new house.  Lots of fun projects happening.

Today is a Costco run, bread baking and a little housecleaning.  Happy Monday.  Let's make this a super duper fun week.  Stay well.  Later gators.  

Home Again

Well, I figured out the posting issue.  It defaults to a "code" view now and I need to change the setting -- my bad.  I could've posted all week.  

Anyway ...

We worked HARD on setting up things in Asheville.  Poured rain all but a few hours.  Lots of temporary stuff until the furniture arrives, but things are arriving here and there.  Here are a few pictures.

DUKE (!!)
Thinks he gets a seat at the table.

Starting to figure out this dang shower situation.
More next visit after I add my "fixes."

First rug came.  Love it.
Same rug for the family room ordered.
Blues, gray, toupe, tans.

Temp rug from home and temp sofa.
It's "livable" for now though.

Outdoor furniture assembled.
Pictures to come when it's not raining.
Nice set from Overstock.

The layers of BUYING seem to never stop.  Curtains are next.  Decor can wait, but I want to get the basics ready for our kids to visit.  We need window coverings for nighttime.  So many things are backordered these days too.  Some drapes aren't available until June.  (My office conversion here is STILL on backorder -- not one thing shipped yet -- even the "immediately" available stuff.)

The Asheville neighborhood bears were out and about.  Our next-door neighbor left her bird feeders up too late after the bears came out of hibernation.  Eeeeek.  These guys were right next to us.  Her feeders are down now.  We heard the commotion and scrambled inside with the dogs.

Sound horn going off to "annoy"
the bears into leaving.  It worked.

Mama and her grown cubs.
Stunning animals, but I don't want to see them this close.

This week is the big switch to ALL THINGS WEDDING.  I have a few things added to my list to help the kids.  The big thing is providing trays of finger foods for the ladies.  There aren't any options for Sunday early catering, so I'm doing it myself.  This means grocery store runs and some prep work.  (Boys are easy -- Pub Subs trays.)  We also have some added responsibilities for firewood, drop off, groomsmen rides.  It's okay.  We'll figure it out and get it done.  I'm so excited (!!)

My hairdresser thought my hair needed some layering before the wedding updos and now it feels too short.  I hope my practice goes well this week.  It's showtime. 

Today are two zoom calls.  High school chat for a 51 birthday and bookclub.  It's a transition day for next week so LISTS are starting for each day.  I also wanted to plant seeds, but it STILL might be too cold.  Checking weather to see what's what.  No seed sprouts from the indoor pots yet.

BTW, we (hubby) hooked up our Apple TV we had and we watched Ted Lasso.  One of the best shows I've seen -- seriously sweet, funny, everything good.  If you can see it, totally worth the watch.

Have a good day and stay well.  Glad to be back to posting -- lots to chat about these days.  Later gators.

Change of Plans

Something is up with this blog. When I type, it's showing up strange. I have no idea what's up -- same thing happens when I go back into other posts. Maybe it will look "normal" when it posts. Anyway ... change of plans. Heading to Asheville today because a rug is being delivered in the pouring rain. We aren't set up for our neighbor's son to help yet (keys, etc) and the rug is 70lbs. Too heavy to bring back to his house. Car is packed and STUFFED. Both dogs will ride on my lap (ugh) and we are driving in this storm. Wish us luck (and safety). The tub curtains are "possibly lost" according to Amazon. Dang. That was the priority this trip. The rain has delayed a bunch of other packages too (including the rug pad -- bummer). Biggest issue is they will sit on our porch for days now. I might have to enlist a neigbor's help this time. Home Saturday afternoon and then complete shift to ALL THINGS WEDDING. I'm excited. Also, on a happy note, GA seems to be doing better vaccinating. All of a sudden my circle has their first shot or an appointment. Progress (!!) Hope you are finding relief in your area too. Boy, we are all long overdue. P.S. NO SPELL CHECK on this post because it's strange. Extra typos coming your way. Hope this gets fixed soon.

Tuesday Ramblings

Setting up the new house is a lot like moving.  Forcing me to clean through closets, pantry, drawers to find "extra" stuff to use in Asheville.  The funny thing is I have a lot of extra stuff.  Makes me wonder why.  It's coming in handy now, but there's a lot of STUFF hanging out.  And, I consider myself rather lean -- maybe not as lean as I thought.

Ordering so much stuff online (hello, pandemic) is giving me the worst anti-green feeling.  So much wasted boxes, etc.  A goal for 2020 was to be more green which went totally out the window.  I'm revisiting that goal once I can get out and about safely.

Hair day today before the wedding.  Time is flying.  This will be my last SOLO hair gig because I'll be fully vaccinated next time.  A little sneak of more normal -- feels awkward and good at the same time.

Walk at Gibbs Gardens is cancelled -- BIG rain for 3 days.  I put it on the calendar for next week.  The daffodils are the big event at Gibbs and I want to see them this year while I have the membership.  I think they last a little over a month (several varieties).

I planted 3 herbs in pots yesterday.  We are back to a cool snap and it's too cold at night for outside planting.  I'll see how they do inside.  Cilantro, more basil and chives.  Hopefully, temps will be constantly warm enough next week and not suddenly too hot the next :)  Now I see why gardeners get undone with late frosts and such lol.  Who knew.

My afternoon is totally open now.  I plowed through a lot of to-do items yesterday and with the walk canceled, I have nothing happening.  I'll probably do a few house chores and do some reading.  We'll chat books soon.  Maybe a rainy movie night with hubby.  He goes for his vaccine today -- he qualifies in 3 categories as of Monday.

My daily reminder is to enjoy the process.  It's helping.  When I get too focused on "finishing," I remind myself the joy is in the process.  Breathe.  Have fun.  I'm not practiced yet -- keep practicing.  

Have a good day and stay well.  Here are two random pictures of Duke.  He's a crazy little dog :)

Washing bed skirt because SOMEONE peed on it (!!)

Likes to hang out in the shower after I shower.

Asheville Adventures

No new pictures yet, but we had a great time.

Things are coming together.  I ordered a boat load of new furniture that will take a few months, but its in-process.  Stocking and arranging little things in the meantime.

The outdoor patio furniture arrived, but no time to start assembly.  It fit in a crawl space on the side of the house so we have time to make time.

The rug we purchased from the previous owner had a massive smell stain -- we think his dog peed while he was moving other furniture out.  No amount of cleaning or spraying seemed to help (and it saturated the pad too), so we pitched it to the curb.  Bummer, but the house smells fine now.

Whoever said clawfoot tubs were okay for showering was WRONG (!!)  I ordered new shower curtains because my shower was a disaster of wet soppy mess no matter what I did.  I googled solutions and I'll see if a different curtain works (one curtain, shorter and heavier material).  Also, where the heck do you put the shampoo??  Another problem with not a good solution.  Fingers crossed I can figure it out.  Google says good luck and probably not really LOL.

We met and chatted with new neighbors, got takeout (taco stand and GF pizza), walked to coffee and Duke and I ran outside (hills! and I can barely walk today lol).  The rest was cleaning, organizing and measuring.  

We go back on Thursday for a couple of days.  I love this house already.  It's such a contrast to what we have here and that's exactly what I wanted.

After this next trip, switching gears to all-things-wedding.  March is a fun month.

I'm scheduled to volunteer for vaccinations early April.  I'm looking forward to helping.

Next 3 days home with a totally packed schedule.  This is something I'm working on -- limiting belief that being busy is "not me."  This is a different busy and it's fun.  Enjoy the process -- lots of balls in the air.

Have a good day and stay well.  Later gators.

Road Trip

Packed car, 2 dogs and no bathroom breaks.  Easy, right?!

Eeekkk I'm nervous about this drive with the dogs.  On one hand, take my time, give them plenty of breaks ... on the other, that leaves me 4 plus hours with no bathroom break.

I'm leaving midmorning.  Going to have a "sweat" workout to dehydrate myself a little (only way I can go that long without a bathroom stop).  This puts me after morning rush hour too.  Fingers crossed for a smooth trip.

I'm feeling fine after the first vaccine.  On the countdown to 2 weeks when I'll have partial immunity.

I'll be back for a post on Monday.  Have a good weekend and stay well.  Later gators.

In the Books

Pfizer shot #1 -- done and dusted.  

I can open my GA world soon.  Grocery shopping in the afternoon, Target on the regular again, seeing vaccinated friends, getting my preventative stuff (pap, mammogram, colonoscopy, eye exam).  I can't believe it.  And -- volunteering too :)

The first dose was tested between 14-28 days with an 85% efficacy for symptomatic illness.  Of course, a second is needed to boost and give some longevity to the immune response ... but WOW.  My second dose is March 31.  Full efficacy by April 14.  I'll be "covered" for the wedding (with masks still).

GA opened its requirements again so hubby is on the list too.

Only symptom is a sore arm.  Laying low on physical stressors to my body today.  No cold shower and no workout.  

I watched Minari (Prime).  It was good -- the ending left me wanting to know more though.  That was the only disappointment.  The relationship between the grandmother and the son was endearing.  Worth the watch for sure.

I finished Separation Anxiety -- FINALLY.  The final chapter wrapped things up with a nice message, but the book was thumbs down for me.  

I'm also reading Personality Isn't Permanent (Benjamin Hardy).  Kindle read with my digital credits.  I'm curious about his ideas.  

Today is a quick Trader Joe's run for fruit and snacks for the Asheville weekend.  I'll bring lunches and we'll do takeout for dinner for 2 nights.  Car packing for the afternoon.  It's going to be filled to the brim.

I haven't decided when to leave tomorrow.  I thought about an early start (before rush hour), but I might want to workout since today is an unplanned day off.  I'll make the decision in the morning -- leaning toward midmorning instead.  Driving that long with both dogs is my only concern.  They get stir crazy and stopping is hard to maneuver both dogs out of the car safely.  If I leave early, they'll probably sleep more.  Decisions, decisions.

Have a happy day.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Hump Day Updates

Dentist was a bust.  Long story short, I waited 30 minutes to find out it would be another 30 minutes (they had a callout).  No thanks -- rescheduled for the end of April.  Good news is I never took off my masks so I don't feel that was a particularly unsafe waste of time.

Why wait until the end of April?  Because (fingers super duper crossed), I'll be fully vaccinated.  I have my first Pfizer appointment today.  I'm an approved volunteer and get to be vaccinated to administer vaccines starting mid-April.  The shot isn't in my arm yet so I'm being superstitious.  I'll give you an update tomorrow.

Virtual closing went well so we are now home owners in Asheville, NC.  

After the dentist was a bust, I decided to try a hair style I saw on video.  No extra product or prep and it held all day.  It was fun.  Basically a bun underneath and a pulled out braid overtop.  

 

Nothing particular planned for today.  I'll do another cardio workout so I can take tomorrow off.  I hear that even people who feel well after the first shot are tired for a day.  I'll rest as much as I need to let my body do its thing.

I have a movie to watch -- Minari (Prime).  It's new and one of the $20 rentals.  I'm on the fence about waiting for a movie night with hubby, but I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon and I want to see this movie.

I really dislike the bookclub pick and that's clogging my reading.  I only have about 100 pages to go and, yet, can't muster the desire.  I'm close enough that I should finish it so I can discuss at bookclub.  If I were reading on my own, I'd have dumped it long ago.  Separation Anxiety (Laura Zigman)

Next month's pick is Jen Hatmaker's book that was revised.  Kind of bummed.  I read the old version and I it wasn't a favorite.  We'll see ...

I've kept up with my "busy" month so far, but I'm lazy on the cooking front.  Making the same stuff and I'm bored.  I need to get back to recipes, but it's not fitting into my schedule this month.  Since April looks almost as busy, I better figure something out.  Plant based grab-n-go is harder to plan (at least for me). 

Have a happy day and stay well.  Later gators. 

Epic Hair Frustration

I used the tools and potions and my hair looked horrible.  I tried 5 times.  Horrible.  I'm going to simplify things again and see how the next try goes.  Curling iron was a complete BUST.  Couldn't get a curl to happen -- not one.  The fifth time looked like this and it was already falling out and looked strange from the front.  Good news is I think I have a plan for the next try.

I ended with trying the style for the Welcome Party Rehearsal and I like it.  Simple, easy and something different.  I really like a flower in my hair -- I could be "that" person.

My re-potted plants are rocking it -- everyone has new growth.  I've never kept plants alive and this is bonkers to me.  Here are the ones in my bedroom.

The basil from Jen Hatmaker's bookclub box has sprouted!!  Woo hoo -- little tiny basil babies!  (I'm waiting to plant my real planter because it's too cold at night still.)  BTW the book Separation Anxiety (Laura Zigman) isn't good so far.  I'm almost halfway and I don't like it.

I got this basket for our toilet area from World Market.  I really like it -- so much I ordered 2 for the new house's bathrooms.  There's no storage in any of them.

New plates from Crate and Barrel came (these are the salad plates).  I love them.  Pretty with the soft curves.  I always do white dishes for my main collection.  My first white set from my wedding has passed to both kids and is still in use (28 years later).

Today is the dentist.  Last time I was in and out in 15 minutes.  Looking for that speed again today.

I'm feeling better.  Hormones are settling down -- no night sweats last night and that was the first in weeks.  Mood and cravings are gone again.  All I wish now is NO MONTHLY at the wedding.  Allergies are a pisser still -- spend time outside and my sinuses are a mess.  I read that no one is allergic to yellow pollen, it's the particles that irritate.  A mask would probably help ... :)

Hope you have a good day and stay well.  Later gators.

Sofa Surfing Afternoon

I busted through my to-do list and then did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING the rest of the day.  I'm still not feeling well and I decided to give my body a break -- and rest.  I didn't even shower.  

I was home alone for the first time in a couple weeks and I could do nothing without explaining doing nothing.  I watched Lucifer, window shopped online for decor ideas, shopped for a bed and bookmarked every vaccination sight I could find for signups.  All from sitting on the sofa -- I even brought in bed pillows and a blanket for the afternoon.

Back at it this morning feeling a bit recharged.  Hormones are no joke.

Today is full, but paced however I want.  I'm curious to see if the rest helped.  Sometimes I need a little fall apart in the middle of a swirl of stuff.

What I really need is my monthly to come for my body to settle down again.  Broken record.  

Hopefully, I'll have some updates and fun pictures tomorrow.  Nothing much to say this morning (again).  

Have a good start to the week.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Coffee Ecstasy

The weeklong reset worked.  Coffee is all things rainbows and unicorns again.  Hubby wondered if feeling crappy was at all related to stopping coffee.  The timing is interesting.  But I was drinking decaf -- can't imagine a week of "withdraw" from decaf.  Guess I'll see today after my morning joe.

Most of the house is clean except dusting.  I didn't have it in me to completely finish yesterday.  I washed all cabinet fronts and that was too much extra bending and stooping.  

I'm ahead on my lists for the week and I want to stay that way.  I know last minute stuff will pop up and I want to make sure I have enough time to rest and relax.

I'll practice my hair today or tomorrow -- pictures to come :)

Some goodies arrived for the new house.  I'll also grab some pictures.  Mostly boring kitchen necessities this week, but the fun stuff is dripping in now.

Short post today because I need to help hubby get on the road.  Final walk through of the new house today and he's bringing a big car load of stuff with him.

Have a happy day and stay well.

Feeling Better?

No major hot flashes last night.  Just some regular temperature swings.  Maybe my hormones are settling down again?

I also didn't need to take a second dose of allergy relief meds overnight.  I hope this is the start of feeling better.

Tomorrow is COFFEE (!!)  As expected, I'm totally jonesing for all things coffee.  I wish I promised a little less than a week of this reset.  Keeping the promise is important though so I'll wait until tomorrow.

Tomorrow is also the first of a real deal practice hair -- I'm pulling out the big girl toys.  I haven't used a curling iron in decades.  If it goes well, it'll be a huge RELIEF off my worry plate.  Fingers crossed.

Everyday is a list of stuff to get finished and I'm relieved to have the list.  No panic needed because I have it all planned out.  When things get this tight, I also try to get a little ahead on the list to have some wiggle room.  I did Monday's list yesterday.

This weekend is CLEAN THE HOUSE.  Ugh, but it will feel great when it's off my list.  I say ugh because my back is still wonky and I need to be careful.  Today is the heavy stuff so I'll see how it goes.

Overnight temps look like they start the warm up on Tuesday.  Still undecided if I should plant because the seeds need to stay damp to germinate.   Maybe I'll try a few -- I have a lot so I'll replant if these don't take. The potter is filled and ready to go.  I think the basil seeds from the Jen Hatmaker are a bust.  Nothing growing and I should see something by now.  I guess I'll replant in her pot too.  The flower seeds from Trader Joe's are nicely up and growing.  I'll transfer the pot to outside once temperatures warm up.  I'll take pictures soon.

I'm slowly reading, but, of course, can't remember the titles.  JH's bookclub pick and a self-help book I got with kindle credits.  Both are good-ish, but I've felt too yucky to read for long.  I started watching Lucifer (Netflix) and it's much better than I expected.  I'm not very far because I'm busy enough to not binge all day LOL.  

Hope you have a happy Saturday and stay well.  Later gators.

Swirling the Toilet

Man, I feel crummy.  This is hormones mixed with allergies.  Sit outside for a few minutes and my sinuses are a mess.  Another night of hot flashes kept me tossing and turning.  

I have everything as cleaned up as possible.  No caffeine (not even decaf this week), no alcohol (messes with my hormones), no sweets (sugar does the same), plant based eating, going to bed on time, exercise.  Nothing is helping.  I imagine I'd be far worse without doing everything though.  Good news ... cold showers feel refreshing again lol.

I made a schedule for the next couple of weeks.  It's the only thing that calms me down.  I'm sure some of my worry is hormone induced.  The 3 things that are worrying me -- and they are strange -- (1) practicing my hair for the wedding, (2) having time to grocery shop so I can make meals that keep me feeling my best and (3) having a clean house.  Those things are on the schedule now and that makes me feel better.

Target was hit and miss yesterday.  A lot of shelves empty -- very random, so I didn't get as much as I planned.  Registers went down, so I had to wait and have my order hand scanned.  Good news is there is a Target 15 minutes from our vacation house.  I think I can do fun shopping for things while I'm in Asheville instead of here.

Today is a Trader Joe's run.  I'm also going to the sheriff's station to submit a background check to volunteer for the public health emergency unit.  I'll volunteer once I get vaccinated and I hope this bumps me.  They're asking for RN help now that more vaccines are available -- volunteers are the missing link at their vaccination sites.  

I have a couple of old pieces of furniture that I'd like to paint for the new house.  This will probably wait until later in April though.  Neither are nice now, so I can't ruin them hah.  This can be my crafty project for my 21 for 2021 list. 

All my garden supplies are in.  I was waiting for the overnight temps to get a little higher to plant.  I think I can do it in the next few days.  I also need to make sure I'm home enough to water them during the germination stage.  I might need to wait a couple more weeks.  I have to do a little reading.

Gibbs Gardens opens today.  They have over a million daffodils and it's their hallmark event.  I don't want to miss it.  I have it on the calendar to go next week.  Just a quick trip to make sure I see it while I have a membership.

That's my update from here.  Despite being all complaining and whiny, I'm holding a reasonable mood.  Enjoy the process.  Just need practice.

Have a happy day.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Just Need Practice

There's a concept that has helped me a lot in the last few months.  We've all heard it before, but I listened to a podcast that took it to a new level.

We know that doing a new skill is hard because we aren't practiced at it at first.  But what about other things?  Things that we think are just who we are or simply what we prefer, but it's really about what we've practiced into a preference.

Some examples:

I don't like vegetables for breakfast.

I need coffee to wake me up.

I'm an introvert.

I can't meditate.

I can't style my hair well.

I need wine to relax at night.

I'm uncomfortable in social settings.

I don't like the beach.

Now, it's not about debunking all preferences or all "who I am" statements, just the ones you wish you could change.  So many of these statements are practiced behaviors that are reinforced by thoughts, feelings and society.

This podcast (and I can't remember which one -- I wish I could because I'd listen again) says we try for a minute to change something like above and it feels uncomfortable and hard, so we label it as WHO WE ARE and move on.  

If you've never eaten vegetables for breakfast your entire life, one week of trying them might not be enough to PRACTICE a new way.  This was a big part of Whole30 -- adjusting to breakfast veggies.  Now I can't imagine breakfast without vegetables.  There were mornings I actually gagged trying to get my veggies swallowed.  Practicing something I WANTED changed my preference dramatically.

This brings me to NOW and why I'm writing about this -- I'm suddenly BUSY.  Like really pre-pandemic busy.  I have a limited belief that being busy isn't fun because all my life busy meant WORK.  Now I'm busy with enjoyable things, but my brain keeps saying this is horrible.

The truth is, I'm not practiced at being busy with FUN THINGS and managing my normal life.  Fun things become work.  Work things take priority.  

Reminding myself to enjoy the process and that all I need to change this belief is more practice, helps me continue in the way I want to continue.  (That's the big disclaimer -- if I didn't wish for different, there would be no need to change it.)

Here's the kind of stuff that's on the calendar this month and I wake up thinking that no good will come of this -- not true though.

Making my little veggie garden (growing season is starting).

Setting up for the Welcome Event for the wedding.

The Wedding.

Practicing my hair.

Compiling videos for those who aren't at the wedding.

Registering for waitlist for vaccine.  

Volunteering to administer vaccine (online testing, background check, etc).

Painting 2 old pieces of furniture for the new house.

Watching grand-dogs.

The new house (list 10 deep of things to do).

Running and training Duke so he can handle Asheville.

Visiting the daffodils at Gibbs that I've wanted to do for years (only this month).

Finding time to clean my house.

Finding time to cook plant based meals.

Add that allergies are acting up, hormones are a mess, my back is wonky -- STRESS (!!)

I'm focusing on remembering it takes time to undo a belief that's held for decades.  It's possible with practice and a different mindset around what this means.

I'm getting plenty of rest.  Nothing is frantic.  Take a breath and practice adding a lot of fun with my normal life.

Right now, it's uncomfortable and feels hard.  But I want to be able to do both.  Things might require problem solving to tweak what I'm doing and how I'm doing it, but it can all be done and be ENJOYED. 

Does any of this make sense?  

I woke up with panicked thoughts in the middle of the night and I need to recenter over and over.  Enjoy the process.  Just need practice.  Stop telling myself this is awful and hard and impossible.  Get curious about making a change.  Being curious is fun.  Being curious isn't a pressure cooker of perfection.

I'm trying :)

Have a happy day and stay well.  

Falling Apart

Eeeek -- this is not a feel good week.  

My back, hormones (hot flashes, headache and cravings), cold sore and ear zings.  The cold sore and ear zings happen during yellow pollen season for me.  I'm one big pile of poo this week.  Sleeping was hard -- lots of tossing and turning.

I'll keep the course and know that this will pass, but, dang.  It's frustrating to feel crappy out of the blue.  

I'm going to try an outdoor run with Duke today.  I don't think running is the issue with my back (it's a very random muscle mid-back muscle).  This SHOULD help with my mood, although allergies will not be happy.

I'm sitting here typing in a massive hot flash.  Dripping on every part of my body.  Real deal hormones.

I don't have much to report today again.  I'm finishing up some wedding details with the cookie order (doing it virtual -- yea!) and sending Evites for the Welcome Night.  House stuff is a scramble, but it's coming together too.  Tomorrow is an early Target run (only 2nd time in a year).  

Have a happy Wednesday -- I'm hoping too.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Need a Plan

My back was fine for the Peloton yesterday, but isn't okay for an arm and yoga workout today.  This means a rest day.  Not a huge deal -- rest was scheduled for tomorrow, but it means I need a PLAN today.  Non-workout days are the hardest to not overeat and I'm in full swing with HORMONES.  Waking up to craving sweets.  I had a feeling I'd have to rework my workout schedule.  I can't do a leg cardio today -- my legs need a break (to prevent injury) so rest for the win.

I might bump some of my errands to today so I can keep busy-ish.  

This morning was the first that I WANTED coffee again.  The week's tastebud reset is working as expected. I can have coffee again this weekend and by then, I'll be jonesing.

What's already on the plan today is Duke to the groomer and a Costco run.  

I have nothing to chat about today (can you tell??).  

Hopefully, tomorrow will be a better back day and hormones will settle down.  If I can't do arms tomorrow, I'll head back on the bike. 

Extra load of nothing today LOL.  Have a happy day.  Off to think of my plan.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Hello, March

I'm not to the only one who is floored by how quickly this year is moving.  March ALREADY.  Wow.

I killed the list yesterday.  Even finished both books.  Choosing new reads today.  I also ran at the park -- without Duke because soccer games start early on the weekends.  Lots of zig-zagging to avoid people, but it felt good.  Starting the week with a bunch of things off my list -- that's good stuff.

However ...

I hurt a muscle in my mid-back which is in spasm since yesterday afternoon.  Running?  Probably not.  It might have been holding Monti during the Saturday zoom class.  I've never had trouble with this muscle.  It's a pisser, but not as bad as a lower back issue.

This week would be my regular monthly if it hadn't come 2 weeks early.  I'm in non-stop hot flashes.  Maybe it's coming again?  Maybe this is just a hormone surge.  Dang.  And CRAVINGS -- this is the worst.  I'd take hot flashes over cravings any day.

Anyway ...

Lots of stuff this week too and I'm on it.  Lists made and I should be able to get it done.  Possibly my hair trials and workouts might be wonky with my back, but I'm hoping this is the last day of spasms.

Coffee break going well.  I'm not interested in it yet -- will take a few days before I miss it.  Then a few days of really wanting it and I'm back to loving my cup-of-joe.  Taste bud reset.

I ordered a second electric tea pot for the new house.  It was relatively pricey since I wanted temperature control too.  It came in an enormous box and inside was another amazon box with the label torn off and a bad tape job.  Inside that box was the box for the tea kettle.  IT WAS USED (!!)  OMG.  Gross.  Dirty, fingerprints.  Seriously, Amazon??  And the BIGGEST waste of boxes EVER.  

Off to start this Monday.  I'm going to try a Peloton workout and see if my back can hold up.  It usually doesn't bother my back, but if it does, rest day.  Have a good day and stay well.  Later gators.