... And a Stye

My left eye started bugging me again -- oh no, shingles?!?!  Nope, a stye.  Why not, come join the lack-of-immunity party.  Although I think it's just a clogged something or other.  Moist, warm heat is the cure.  Feels like I have something in my eye, scraping my eyeball and my eyelid itches like crazy.  Guess I should do some googling.  I know enough to "know" it's a stye, but maybe there's more to know.

Update: Googled, it's an inflamed oil gland that becomes infected.  I think I'm in the pre-infection stage though.  Maybe I can prevent it from becoming infected or maybe this is just the start.  1 - 2 weeks.  Fun times continue lol!

In other news ... nope, pretty much no other news.  Just my body breakdown into mush.

I watched the Judy Bloom Forever documentary.  It was good -- brought back a lot of memories.  I've never read her adult fiction books (actually, never knew she wrote adult fiction).  Given the new banning of books, the election around the corner and the state of basic rights -- it gave me a down feeling by the end though.  I also watched Transatlantic.  It was pretty good, but also left me unsettled.  Went to bed and had a night full of unsettled dreams.  Looking for lighter fare today.

Picking up plants today -- postponed by my gf yesterday because of the rain (she HATES the rain).  Going for a walk or Peloton this morning.  I need to move my body -- it's getting stiff and sore.  That's all I've got.  

A couple of pictures from yesterday ...

Monti LOVES sick day
sofa cuddles.

Had to move the big guy.
Scaring the shit out of us!!

Next door neighbor rescued a one-eyed cat last week.
She love to watch us when we're on the porch.

I'm ready for this week to end.  Ready for a fresh start on Monday.  That's my goal -- 3 days to be back in action (as I have another coughing fit).  Fingers crossed.  Later gators.

On the Mend

I'm improving -- turned the corner, I think.  Still taking it easy today because I'm coughing like crazy and my energy is low.  That said, maybe a very short, very easy Peloton ride to see what comes of it -- I'll see how I feel.  As I type this with non-stop coughing, maybe one more day of full rest is best.  It's raining all day today and tomorrow so no walking.  

My sister sent me a package yesterday.  It's awesome.  I love all things Royal Family and with the coronation around the corner, she sent a celebration box.  This guy and a fascinator headband (picture soon) and a bunch of chocolate.  It was a fun surprise!

He looks so real!!
We had to turn him around
because he kept startling us lol.

I finished The Diplomat on Netflix.  Fun series, big cliffhanger.  Season 2 in the works already.  I started the last season of The Marvelous Mrs. Mazel -- one of the best shows.  I haven't done a lick of reading -- too tired.  More TV today.

That's all.  My brain is mush too.  I had to look up the name of this blog because I couldn't remember the first letter to have it autofill.  Really?!?!?  Yep.  Can't think straight at all.  Shingles, time changes, overnight flight, very little sleep, eating outside my norm, period, cold -- it's about all my brain and body can handle.  This week doesn't count for anything.  Total recovery and nothing else.  No pressure, no lists, no nothing.  "Life" starts back next week.

Have a good day -- I can't believe it's already Thursday.  Later gators.  

Hacking Up a Lung

Dang, I'm really down and out.  This cough is the real deal.  Watching for possible bronchitis -- hacking up a lung.  I suspect this is viral, but if it gets worse (or not better), I'll visit UC to get a cough suppressant and a once over.  I've never had a cold like this before.  I keep hoping this is the worst of it and I'll turn the corner.

Another day resting.  That's about all I have energy to do.  Trying hard not to have a pity party.  Why can't I have a stretch where I feel well all over my body??!?!  At least more than a few days.  On the positive side, glad I wasn't like this in Spain or this bad on the flight.

Bought Vicks tissues -- I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the smell of them.  A little treat.

I'm jonesing to get going on all things NOT Spain and back to a normal routine.  Not yet though.

Oh, I painted another Sesame Street before I left on the trip.  Elmo.  I think he is the last -- but I said that before!

My friend picked up the farm plants for me and they are rapidly dying at her house.  She says they need to get in the ground with some nutrients (she's a gardener).  I'm getting them tomorrow.  Pouring rain next few days.  Guess I'm planting in the rain tomorrow.

That's all from here.  Fingers crossed this is an improvement day.  Later gators.

Not COVID

It's not COVID (3 tests later), just a cold with a cough.  I slept well last night -- first time in a couple of weeks.  Hopefully, that will help recovery.  I'm not surprised I'm sick.  Shingles hits immune system, hubby was sick and I was in a crowded city.  I wore a mask on all public transportation, but not in stores or restaurants.  

Taking it easy again today.  My body has been through a lot and rest is #1 priority.  

Let's chat books.  

I only read 2 books on vacation.  "The Sun Also Rises" (Hemingway).  Most of the book takes place in Madrid so it was fitting selection for the train ride to Madrid.  Quick and depressing read, but a classic.  On the flight home I read a really nice book.  Sweet, coming-of-age kind of story.  "Mary Jane" (Jessica Anya Beau).

I picked up a hold from the library yesterday.  I have no idea where the recommendation came from.  My brain is toast right not.  

Started a new series yesterday on Netflix.  The Diplomat.  It's a fun one.  I'll probably finish it today since it's a sofa surf kind of afternoon.

Strange little plant from Trader Joe's bloomed.  Other one is getting ready.  No water -- just set by a window.  I also have a few radishes that grew while I was gone.  I ate them before I took a picture, but a few more are still cooking.  

One of my FS intentions for Spain was to shop vintage souvenirs.  We stayed in an apartment in Madrid that was just up the street from a little vintage shop.  The shortest, oldest little couple ran the store with the help of their son.  The older gentleman wore a 3 piece suit every day.  I got two little dishes -- could've done much more shopping if I could've brought it home.  I also found a vintage scarf from the Hipster neighborhood -- so much fun vintage when you look for it.

I'm dreaming of feeling better next week.  Maybe I'll finally have all things feeling good at once.  No plans this week -- focus on doing what feels okay and putzing around a little outside.  I'm feeling grateful that I can do nothing and relax.  I remember the days when I had to push, sick or not -- work, raising kids, etc.

Have a good day.  Later gators.

It's Good to be HOME!!

Man, what a trip.  This was a rollercoaster of things -- good and bad.  

The bad was (and is) mostly how I'm feeling physically.  Shingles healed nicely, but the medication for 7 days was hard -- malaise, nauseated, stomach cramps.  Period wasn't horrible but added to the yuck.  Hubby caught a cold which I now have (not COVID).  I'm a mess with all the physical things.  Some of this is my doing -- eating and drinking a lot for 4 days since I was off my game the first part of the trip.  Meats, cheese, sweets, gluten. That didn't help.  Stayed up late, got up early -- sleep is a mess too. I need routine and vegetables in the biggest way. 

We had mix up at the airport with a gate agent switching my identity with my son's girlfriend.  It was crazy, but a smart Delta agent figured it out after so much hassle and TSA rudeness.  Missed a train.  Rained out for our mountain hike (even though no rain forecasted).  Luggage wheel blow out.  Lots of security random bag checks, pat downs -- even taken to a security location for questioning.  My son's bag sent to NY on the way home.  Marathon in Madrid the morning we were leaving -- road closures, Uber worries.

Yet ... it was a good trip.  I LOVE Spain and especially love Madrid.  We did so many fun things, lots and lots of laughs.  

FS showed up -- I spoke Spanish every chance I got and did great (for me).  I kept a good attitude even though I felt unwell most of the trip.  Kept a daily travel journal (so did hubby).  I did the things I wanted to do -- which meant getting up early and enjoying the morning time.  It was so worth it.

Here's a little photo dump.  I'm too sick this morning to give a big trip recap of all the things we did.  I have everything written in the travel journal.  All the details, best little memories of the day, etc.  It's too easy to forget all the small moments that make up the trip.

Roof top at hotel in Barcelona

local Catalan parade

So many different restuarants

Hotel in Barcelona

Waiting for Sagrada Familia tour

Ladybug on the temple

Montserrat

So many beautiful churches

Little Free Library in Madrid

Oldest tree in Madrid

Vermouth -- best drink on trip

Hubby's favorite 

Peacocks in the park in Madrid

Long early morning trek for sweets
for eldest's birthday.  No English, but managed
Spanish really well.

Music with glass.
Me adding a coin.

Vermouth tour for eldest's birthday
lead by me :)

Last day cooking class

Will the real girl please step forward?

My first drink of the trip.  Casa Alberto for vermouth.

Time to unpack.  Unpacking is so much easier than packing.  I have a few things on my list today, but otherwise resting to get over this cold.  

Later gators.

Early Harvest

Given all the "extra" that happened this week, I didn't have it in me to try and salvage a spring garden while we're gone.  So I harvested early.  The radishes were just starting -- teeny tiny, but a mighty little punch.  I'm sorry I can't see them all the way.  Picked the greens for a quick salad.  Next year I'll be able to do a real garden with irrigation (at least, that's the plan -- but it might take another year to get organized knowing me -- hah.)

Shingles are progressing ... unfortunately, but expectedly.  I feel so icky between shingles, the medication (which makes me nauseous for about an hour after taking it) and my period.  Add an overnight flight to the mix and at least 6 hours of time killing before our rooms are ready on Saturday.  Holy cow.  This is an effort.  I know, poor me taking a vacation ... but the timing is damn awful.  

I'm exhausted before I've even begun.  But, I'll rally and I should start feeling better in a few days from all-the-things.  Focusing on the good stuff -- it makes a difference in how I experience everything.

I'll be back on the 24th.  Until then ... hasta luego!

Shingles, Spain and Such

It's shingles.  By the time I got to UC, little blisters had formed.  It's affecting the trigeminal nerve and that can impact the optic nerve.  I had to get an emergent appointment with an optometrist to make sure my eye is clear -- it is, phew.  Given I caught it early AND am on heavy hitter antivirals, it should stay clear of my optic nerve.

The UC care doc is also in her 50s and is waiting on the shingles vaccine for the same reason I was waiting.  Made me feel a little less dumb about my decision.  That said, she's reconsidering her decision lol.  My PSA also motivated my aunt to get her first shingles vaccine yesterday.

Both doctors were pretty insistent that it'll get a lot worse before it gets better AND I'll be very uncomfortable.  Day 4 and 5 are the worse.  I'm on day 3 this morning.  They also said no exercise, REST, REST, REST to add as little stress to my system as possible. 

No drinking on these meds either -- 7 days.  Guess that decision has been decided for me, at least for the first part of the trip.

If TSA notices shingles on my face, I can't fly without a letter from my doctor saying I'm not contagious.  But I AM contagious so that's an issue.  It's contagious for anyone immunocompromised or has not had the chickenpox (or vaccine) by direct contact with discharge from the area.  I have good hand hygiene, don't touch my face so no one is at risk around me.  I won't touch my face and then touch the door handle kind of thing.

I'm at a higher risk of catching something so I'll be CDC perfect about hand hygiene and mask, etc. for my protection too.

So I wait and see how bad this gets by tomorrow.  Good news is I woke up the same this morning -- maybe a little better (less swelling and no eye crusting).  Docs say still not out of the "getting worse" time frame yet, but this is hopeful.

It was a rollercoaster yesterday.  I'm going; I'm not going ... around and around.

I'm like a traveling pharmacy.  Back meds, shingles meds, eye meds, stomach meds, nerve pain meds.  For a healthy person, I'm a mess.  The meds schedule is crazy too.  The antiviral is 5 times a day.  AND, I get to adjust the schedule for Spain time without missing doses.  Meds and MATH.  Dang.

So far I'm passing the hurdles for going on the trip.  Both girls have been vaccinated as children too -- I knew my boys were okay.  My vision isn't at any significant risk.  My face looks passible so far.  I feel less-than-good, but not bad enough to not go.  I feel comfortable that I'm not putting others at risk for chicken pox.  

Last bit of news ... my Oura ring says my period is coming "possibly today."  Sure, join the party.  

UPDATE:  Oura was right again -- she's here.  Good lord.

Cliffhangers everywhere I look  ...

Shingles??

Looks like I'm taking a trip to Urgent Care.  The corner of my eye was bugging me yesterday -- started around midday.  Burning, itching, irritated.  Then it started giving few zaps.  Then a similar spot appeared around my nose and cheek on the same left side.  Then a spot on my forehead.  They itch, burn, red, raised bumps.  My eye and face was swollen this morning.

Maybe shingles??  Good lord.  I deliberately didn't do the shingles vaccine because of a doctor's advice to wait until I'm closer to 60.  

I have no idea what else this could be ... it's not rosacea.  That just feels hot -- no painful itching.  It doesn't look exactly like shingles, but it follows some descriptions of early shingles.  Still no blisters, I feel okay otherwise, but blisters don't always form immediately.

**** series of strong expletives****

Just in time for Spain and on my face where I can't cover it.  Doesn't look like much but it FEELS a lot.  Both my eye and nose are really painful and itchy.  Could I be making a mountain out of a mole hill?  Maybe, but it got worse overnight, not better.  That doesn't bode well.  And anything around an eye means pay attention. 

Total pity party happening this morning.  

Stay tuned for an update ...

Decision Day

I got a chunk of stuff finished yesterday and I feel a little better (also no gluten helps my mood!).  Today is a BIG prep day but only 2 things on the list ... decide on clothes and download books.  HUGE!!  Hardest part of packing happening this afternoon.  I'll either be so happy tomorrow or panicked because I can't figure out clothes.  Best to do this part when home alone and no interruptions.

DECISIONS are hard!

Wednesday is a long list of lots of quick errands that I'll finish while the cleaning crew is here.  Thursday is the real packing day (made way easier by the prep) and Friday is go time (drop dogs at sitter, water all plants and pick up kids).

Speaking of books.  I finished this one from the library.  It was okay.  I'd probably say skip it.  Fun premise about serial killer sisters (light hearted in a way lol), but the ending was really unbelievable and didn't do it for me.

Reading this quick little classic story before I leave for Spain.  It's about the Mona Lisa.  It's on my vintage book list to read for the 23 for 2023 list.  

Dogs get groomed today.  Once I pick them up it's all about the clothes -- the hardest part for me.  Fingers crossed it goes easily.

Have a good day!  Later gators.

It's All About Spain

T-5 days until our Spain trip and this week is all about prepping.  Lots to organize -- from packing to getting dogs ready, plants settled, house organized to be gone 9 days.  It's an effort.

Trip nerves are high.  I hate this part so much.  Why do I ALWAYS get such trip anxiety?

Didn't help that I had gluten yesterday in the form of apple pie.  My son has taken over the pie making (and I love it).  It's an old family recipe and I had a big old piece.  My joints are okay (probably the anti-inflammatory) but my mood is through the roof anxious.  All my doing ... and kind of worth it too.

Easter dinner was a lot of fun.  Lots of talk about Spain, some Spanish practice and good food.  I made a dairy free version of mashed potatoes (as well as regular) and they were good.  Nice to know dairy free is tasty too (used a version of sour cream).

Hubby left for Asheville for a few days.  This gives me some time to get organized.  I'm going to push hard today and tomorrow to EAT THE FROG FIRST and get the worst of the chores out of the way.  This will help the anxiety and hopefully conserve some energy for the overnight flight and next day jet lag at the end of the week. 

I took Duke for a run at the park yesterday -- totally dead.  Church time and it was still cold and windy.  One person arrived with a dog.  This is where she parked.  Seriously.  Nothing but open spaces.  I don't own the parking lot, but seems to me you could give a gal some more room.  We had to hold back while she fussed to get her dog out before we could get to our car.  People don't think.  

Hope you're set for a good week.  Later gators.

Intention of Noticing

An unexpected thing happened when I started dabbling with NOT drinking during social events -- I started noticing things, being present in different ways and paying more attention to what works for me and what doesn't.

I reduced my social drinking because alcohol isn't working with my hormones.  I know I feel better, sleep better and have more energy if I haven't had alcohol the night before.  It's not a hangover -- I gave those up decades ago (hah), but the way my body has become sensitive to it makes for unpleasant side effects.

I didn't expect the other changes.

That said, sometimes I'll drink at a social thing and I'm fine with that too.  But the more I choose to not drink, the more I enjoy not drinking ... because it feels more authentic when I don't.  It's fun because it's fun.  It's boring because it's boring.  You get it.

That takes me back to the banker reception -- perfect opportunity to practice not drinking when I normally would drink.  Open bar, stodgy group of mainly white men, business focused ... usually, hello red wine to make things more enjoyable and less awkward.  And it felt very awkward.  And I wanted a drink the second I walked in.  But I didn't and the urge passed quickly and never came back.

So what did I do instead?  Inquired about the history of the building -- it's a good story.  Explored the different floors at the suggestion of someone I spoke with about the old house.  Took a good look at the art work on loan from a gallery.  Noticed what people were wearing -- one of my favorite people watching pastimes.  Added cherries to my seltzer water.  Let myself feel uncomfortable.  Head talked myself into staying "myself."  Overheard funny conversations (because they were strange and awkward lol).  Tried to guess relationships between people (couple, boss, business partners, etc).  Remembered night outing aren't my favorite thing.  Remembered sometimes it's worth it though.  

I didn't drink in Hawaii at all.  Not because I made a rule though.  I wanted to feel my best and nothing felt worth it to risk feeling crappy.  And I saw and enjoyed things in such a different way -- interesting side effect.

Spain trip is next week and I'm a little conflicted.  A big part of our European trips involves drinking for me.  I'm starting to get into the should I, shouldn't I confusion (coaching on this next week).  6 of us feels a little more festive -- and every night will be big, long dinners.  There's no right or wrong answer but I'm curious what it would be like to not drink.  My guess is I'll limit alcohol and probably limit the days I drink too.  Maybe taking a pause between the urge when a meal starts and when I decide.  Like the reception, the urge will come on strong (because this is what I've always done in Europe), but it might pass quickly too.  Won't know unless I give it a try.  I want to feel good, but I really want to see what I can experience when I'm in noticing mode -- without alcohol.  An anticipated problem is I don't know what options there are for other kinds of drinks.  Sitting at a happy hour drinking warm tap water doesn't feel festive.  Time to Google!

As kind of a prep for the vacation, I'm reminding myself of things I can focus on instead.  People watching, listening to conversations in Spanish, our conversations, architecture, finding something unique to eat, anticipating the fun for the next day.  As I said, I'll probably have a few days I don't drink (to get that experience) and a few that I do.  That's a good compromise and a good way to practice a new experience without setting hard rules that feel restrictive.

I'm working on noticing even when I'm doing things where drinking isn't a thought.  Hikes, walks, out to lunch, drives, etc.  It makes experiences a world better.  Being curious.  It's still a practice  for me and one I need to actively remember and purposely pursue.  Hopefully, someday is becomes my automatic default. 

Later gators.

Good Friday

I forgot to chat about my intention at the bank reception -- noticing things for enjoyment.  It's something I've been practicing and I want to explain.  Carpet cleaner is coming first thing this morning though and I have a lot of prep work to do.  I'll save this for tomorrow -- and writing it here so I remember hah!

Yesterday morning was the fitness hike with my hiking group.  It was more challenging than her usual hikes, but it was fine.  I'd say a few too many breaks, but it was good for my heart and legs.  I'll be fine to level up some of the hikes if my back stays well.  We saw some wildlife -- always a treat.

Happy guy at a pond.

This is  kind of owl that
comes out during the day.  Beautiful.

I finished the Sesame Street collection.  Cookie Monster -- he's my favorite.  My plan is to leave these in the kids' LFL at the park.  Maybe one at a time, maybe as a collection.  I need to think about it.  I'll do this in May after we're back from Spain.  It's weirdly hard to give away a collection.  The Easter egg rocks were taken from the hike trail (we passed the spots I left them on Tuesday -- very obvious so I could see if they were gone).  It's fun to think who has them and where they ended up.

After the carpet cleaning, my day is quite empty.  I don't enjoy this kind of scheduling -- rush the morning only to be bored the rest of the day.  This cleaner only does residential morning appointments -- small family business.  Monti marked a few rooms and I can smell the residual odor and I'm not messing around with it.  I'll be happy to have a nice smelling house again.  The owner does a good job.

Happy Good Friday!  Later gators.

Okay, Now I'm Tired

Here's a recap of yesterday -- it was a good, full day.

Peloton ride -- rode hard, which felt good but my legs are TIRED today.  Not my best move since I have the coveted fitness hike this morning.  Rest day tomorrow (which I planned because we have carpet cleaners first thing).

I painted a couple of the Sesame Street collection.  These were the hardest and I don't think I got the hair right but kids will like them.  

I noticed my current library books.  Ummmm, a subtle message lol!!  Hubby laughed.

I was bragging to my friend that Easter is a total alone day -- hubby in Asheville, nothing with the kids because Spain next week ... and I got burned.  Hung up the phone and found out hubby canceled Asheville golf (weather iffy) and DIL invited us all to Easter dinner.  That means cooking for me and no alone time. Oh man!  I'm super disappointed, but, you know ... choose that bigger life.  I know I'll have a good time, but I really was counted on those few days to myself.

The event last night was very nice.  Beautiful old building that was moved from Southern GA.  Passed appetizers, open bar and then a Q&A with Jamie Dimon.  After, a wedding station like food spread.  Poke bar, grilled veggies, lots of GF, V salads.  It was very good.

Funny story, it was crowed and I was trying to get used to my new glasses (first time I wore them with the new RX).  I passed a very good looking man and (I guess) kind of stared at his outfit as I'm looking through new glasses.  My thought -- now, that's how you dress.  He looked at me, said hello and tapped my shoulder as he passed.  I was embarrassed that I seemed to be staring and that prompted his interaction.  Turns out, it was Dr J from basketball fame.  I wouldn't know a sport guy if I ran smack into him, but I did recognize a well dressed man :)  He probably thought I was staring because I recognized him and wasn't sure if I should say hello.

Exploring the basement.
We were told it was a nice wine cellar

Always a selfie.

And now I'm TIRED this morning.  Full, fun day but I need to pace myself.  Energy and hormones are still a thing.  Finding the balance is tricky.  Fingers crossed for the hike this morning.  It's going to be a push -- humidity is high, temps are high and my legs are tired.  Geez.

Hope you have a good day.  Later gators.

Yep, Worth It

As expected -- I throughly enjoyed the hike.  This friend is a big nature lover and we searched for wildflowers and found 6 varieties.  We also crossed creeks, found a couple of water falls, took a new trail up the mountain, climbed up into the rock cave, saw some wildlife on the river, explored the historic lodge.  Figured out some unusual trees and bushes with my plant app -- and she told me about lots that she knew too.  She loves plants.  I got comfortable with the maps and we navigated the trails well.  It was worth the effort and I'm glad I made the plans.

Rest of the day was house chores and errands.  

Today is a dinner with Jamie Dimon -- some big wig from banking.  I'm hubby's plus one.  Since we're meeting him, I watched Apple TV's WeCrashed.  Crazy story about WeWork (there's also a documentary on Hulu about it).  Jamie Dimon was one of the investors on behalf of JP Morgan.  My girlfriend told me to watch it -- her husband is in banking and she knew all about the scandal.  Both the documentary and the series are good.  My prediction is the dinner is boring, but this info adds a bit of sass.  Also, a good opportunity to practice an intention of finding things to enjoy -- starts with paying attention and noticing.  I'll report back.

I finished this book.  It was okay.  Predictable and sappy, but a fast read.  Next book starts this week.  I have 2 library reads to finish before we go away.  I'm downloading kindle reads for the trip -- a few from the library, but I need to wait until it's a little closer.

I get my homebody day today.  Peloton ride, rock painting and putzing around before a late night tonight.  I'll take it -- next couple of mornings are early and that leaves me with an abbreviated morning routine.  Taking all the time I want this morning feels nice.

Hope your week is going well.  Have a good day :)  Later gators.

"Doing" Endurance

Hiking with a friend today.  Still working on supporting connections that make me feel good.  I tend to spend time mentally complaining about problematic relationships or searching for new ones to add.  Meanwhile, relatively ignoring what's in front of me.  It's something I need to remind myself regularly and put into action.

I say all this because I'm not in the mood to go this morning -- but I'll end up having a good time and being glad I did it (thanks, past me for planning this hike).  I had a full-ish day yesterday and my inclination is to hibernate at home today.

Since the pandemic AND hormones AND back injury, I've gotten very used to pacing activities to the point where I've lost "doing" endurance.  Not just doing WITH people, but I get blah very fast after social time.  It's time to swing a little more center.

I want to "choose the bigger life" -- my motto from 2 years ago which basically means saying yes to the little things that add up to a bigger life.  Still thinking about this year's motto and I might go back to this one.  It embraces what I want in a way that instantly centers my decisions.  I like the wildflower metaphor, but it doesn't evoke a strong enough feeling.  No rules against repeats :)  I still have a couple of months to ponder.

Rest of the day is lots of little house chores and appointment setting (rug cleaning, 11s injections, RX refill, HOA setup for the townhouse).  Didn't get to any of that yesterday.  I was tired after the run and lunch.  We did shop for a bit after -- I found a green dress for the trip (pictures later).

Best get moving -- early hike.  Later gators.

Hello, Monday

As I've said before, Mondays hit differently when you're retired -- it's a favorite day of the week.  Something about a fresh start, a nice new calendar sheet, mini refocus.  I like it.

Yesterday was the big move for the kids.  Mostly went well.  They decided to let the movers take 2 large wall art pieces that are expensive and sentimental to my son's gf -- even though I suggested a few times to move them in a car.  Both got damaged so now it's a big thing.  Lesson learned, I suppose.  My suggestion came from lots of moving experience (i.e. listen to you mother!!).  Otherwise, it's good -- long day, but they're settled enough to live there.

I finished listening to Michelle Obama's book -- loved the book.  Still not a fan of audio.  By the end I was over listening to a book -- reading is faster.  But if you like audio, this was probably a top choice.  It's spoken very well and doesn't feel like she's reading -- more like an excellent talk (10 hour talk though).

Painted next in Sesame Street collection.   Looks a little wonky in the photo -- colors aren't showing up well.  Back says, "Hola. Tu eres mi amiga."

Suppose to lunch and shop with my girlfriend today.  She's my cancel friend and, while lunch is still on, I think shopping is off because of rain (based on her text last night -- not completely sure).  But I know her and I had a backup Monday plan so whatever works for me.  It's been a good solution to stop getting my panties in a bunch when she cancels, changes, postpones, etc.  

Planning a run at the park today before the heavier rain moves in -- Duke will be excited to get out.  We were gone a long time yesterday and he was bummed to stay home.

Hope this is a happy Monday for you.  Later gators.

Wildflower Vibe

I'm looking for the next "motto" for my birthday year that turns over in June.  I usually start in the spring by trying on different thoughts and see if it hits right.

Past years mottos:

Happiness Project

Say Yes

Choose the Bigger Life

Keep Going

They're all about reminding myself to push off my baseline of blah (hah).  I run decisions through the motto of the year.

I'm looking for something a bit fun for this year.  It has to be positive (i.e. not DO IT BETTER, etc).  Has to work in good days AND bad days as a reminder.  It can't be too hard or have any sort of pressure attached -- it's not a goal, it's a reminder to show up in a certain way.

Here's what's popped up so far:

Make it fun:  Too much pressure and sometimes life isn't fun.

Lean in:  Lean into the things I'm working on, lean into relationships and connections that feel good, lean into learning, lean into curiosity.  This has possibility, but doesn't feel exciting to me for some reason.

Lead with Gladness:  Keeping a perspective on situations.  Might be a little like "make it fun" though.  Works better, but it feels like a mandate, not a motto.

Find the Wildflower:  Abstract.  Wildflower can mean a lot of different things.  Look for the little hidden treasures, be yourself in a big forest,  have fun (a little wild), look for beauty (and sometimes you have to look carefully), notice the other wildflowers in life, be part of the helpers (attract the bees).

"Find the Wildflower" is in the top spot currently.  Also thinking about "Be the Wildflower" or just "Wildflower."  I have a couple of months to play around with it and keep thinking.  Given my moment with wildflowers, it seems a little fun and quirky.  That's the vibe I'm looking for this year. 

Here's the definition of spring wildflowers from the gardening class ...

Most spring wildflowers are EPHEMERALS -- plants that bloom for a short amount of time followed by a period of dormancy.  After flowering, they don't die but their foliage disappears from view. Their roots continue to grow and conserve energy for the next surge of growth the following spring.

Here are a few dictionary definitions:

Wildflower:  a flower of an uncultivated variety or a flower growing freely without human intervention.

Urban Dictionary:  Wildflower.  A free spirit.  Uncultivated by the mainstream.  Independent thinker.  Bravely growing wild and free in a world plagued by conformity.

This feels like a nice reminder of who I'd like to be (or become).  Adding a bit of WILDFLOWER VIBE to my days.  It's fun to think about it and this might be hard to beat.  Maybe Wildflower Vibe is the motto?!?!?  Hmmmm ... 

Stormy Start

Rainy, stormy morning in ATL.  This afternoon will be nice, but any trails will be too muddy for a dog hike today -- bummer.  That leaves me plan-less today.  

I finished the Easter eggs.  Basic dotting, but I think they look like Easter eggs.

I also finished this book.  Fun, quick read and a clever story.

Next up are two library books.

Started this and I like it so far.
It's another long waitlist book.

A travel book mentioned this book.
Hello, library!

I'm about halfway finished listening to Michelle Obama's, The Light We Carry (from the library).  It's great -- and she reads it well.  I'm not a big fan of audio books (for lots of reasons), but I had been on the waitlist for a long time for this one so I decided to try one more audio.  Glad I did.  

That's all from here.  Guess spring break is starting for a lot of folks.  Hope you have a good day.  Later gators.