August (!!)

Well dang, it's August and you want to know what's even crazier ... SCHOOLS are back TODAY.  End of the no-bus days, but still the worst of the summer heat.  Lovely combination.

Anyway, here's a list because it's been a minute.  This is a list of all the FS stuff I did yesterday and why I consider it FS.  Some of these things are small, but practicing small stuff is what makes the big picture.  No particular order ...

(1) Brought flowers as a hostess gift.  A gift wasn't necessary, but a little something feels nice.  I chose NON-FOOD because I'm trying to make food less important -- more of an after thought than always the star.  The big bouquet broke up easily to a few smaller ones -- 2 for me, 1 to bring.  Also FS was taking the time to plan, order and p/u the flowers.  And, pack a cooler to store the flowers while I shopped.

(2) Dressed the part.  I wore what I wanted to wear even though I know this is a more casual group.  Summer dress, tennis shoes and jewelry.  Normally, I'd mirror what others wear, but not anymore.  I wear what works for me (sometimes that's more casual too).

(3) Went early to explore The Square.  I was fretting about parking, but pulled into the square and a parking space had just vacated.  No need to parallel park with traffic on the left side (eek, but I would've tried).  So often, I bag "extra" if it's just me doing it -- not yesterday.

(4) Checked out the candy store that's owned by an artist I follow on IG.  They have some of her artwork, but it was a miss.  Crowded and only prints of her art.  It's a cute candy store though.  Everything you could imagine.  Again, setting out to do what I planned -- even though it was raining at the time.  I didn't even look at the candy because of food-is-less attitude.

(5) Shopped a little.  Found a vintage store.  Wore a mask everywhere.  I bought an old glass jar for flowers and a plant stand for a Christmas cactus I want to get.

(6) Saw a sign for a food and shopping market and took a walk to explore it.  I only found the food part, but it's good to know it's there.  Took time to do something I would've done with someone else, but wouldn't have done for just me.

(7) Stopped to get an iced coffee, but didn't like the selection so I left the line.  FS because normally I would've "just gotten something" because I felt bad walking out.

(8) Sat and read in the car because I saw what I wanted to see.  It's mainly food options and I had enough walking.  Rain showers followed by full, hot sun.  Finished The Choice (Dr. Egar).  Very good book.  Here's what's next.  Historical fiction about an insane asylum fire in Asheville.

On a side note -- 2 other used books came in the mail.  Good lord (!!)  This is the worst I've been.  I decided no Hulu subscription until I've read at least 6 books.

(9) Arrived exactly on-time even though I suspected I'd be the first.  It was confusing, but I walked up anyway.  One of the other ladies chickened out and messaged the host (was concerned about being at the wrong place).  

(10) Bookclub at 3 o'clock.  The NEXT person arrived at 3:45.  Two others came.  One cancelled.  One was a no-show.  I chatted and didn't feel the least awkward.  "Expect people like you."

(11) Had a nice conversation with the group so I stayed until after 5 o'clock.

(12) Text from the GF who bagged on my b-day celebration.  We have plans to do something "fun" on Wednesday since her husband is out of town.  Her ideas after thinking a few days -- brunch or lunch (wow, that took a few days to think about lol).  So I suggested a movie (original b-day plans).  Normally, I wouldn't have because it feels a little loaded.  But I did and we're going to the movies.  I'm glad I put it out there and didn't worry if it made her feel awkward (because she said we missed the window to go to the movies).  Non-food fun.

(13) Text from the cleaning crew.  Can I switch cleaning times this week?  I said no.  Why?  Because it messes up my day significantly.  Sometimes I count more than doing a favor.  I have no problem if she needs to cancel, but the change was a no-go this time.  Normally, it's not a problem -- and she's asking to accommodate another client, not because of her crew.

Lots of good stuff for me yesterday and it popped me back into feeling proud again.  This is a full week ending with a trip to Asheville.  Lots to organize.  Lots of FS stuff too.

As far as today ... house chores and Spanish.  

Have a great start to the month and the week.  Later gators.