Keeping ME in This Season

Back to THIS again. I'm trying to keep what's important to me a part of all the things happening.

Best news is I'm ALMOST at the end of a big list. Christmas, baby shower, engagement weekend prep and then the pace slows down tremendously. This last drive is MOSTLY prepped and figured out so that's really good news too.

Breathe.

Yesterday was a mixed bag of emotions. The baby shower "drama" worked itself out -- phew. Another little drama reared its head and I got upset (I didn't react, but it felt ugly to me). I tabled "mother" issues until after my life settles down (I'm going to need some coaching on this after the holidays), but it's still lingering in the background.

I did somethings well and somethings not well. Guess what the "not well" was ... you guessed it, I ate junk food Monday night because I was stressed. I felt crappy Tuesday morning (probably contributing to my reaction to a family member's text). I am slowly learning. Just like with drinking. It doesn't serve me and it's becoming a less and less desirable option to eat my emotions.

What I did well yesterday was to spend time and effort to recreate the lunch I enjoyed in Beaufort, SC. Simple ingredients but a minute to prepare. Instead of adding more holiday baking, I added some savory meals that feel special. 

Recreation

Original

I spent time reading and doing a little 2024 year prep -- both things for me.

Fun book. Historical fiction with
focus on fiction. West Point murder
investigation with help from a 
Cadet, Edgar Allen Poe.

Of course, chores and holiday stuff too, but I prioritized what I wanted first. That seems to be the best way to ensure my things stay in the day -- do them first. Everyday looking for little ways to show up as my FS. It's why I kept the citrus decorations on my list. I love the look and planned earlier this year to try this during the holidays. It almost came off my list because "who has the time." Me, I have the time when I choose it. I little moment for what I like -- checks my boxes of creative, homemade and vintage-looking.

Drying worked by sticking tray in a hot oven, turning it off and letting it sit for hours. I strung them with fishing string and ta-da ... 

At night they look like stained glass. I really like them.

A new obsession is born. I wonder about lemons and limes too. I ended up tossing the mandarin slices. They never fully dried out (kind of goopy and sticky) -- way too much water content.

Today I'm making cookie dough. The 7 day chocolate chip cookies get made, dough balls formed and weighed and then they refrigerate for 6-7 days before baking. 

I'm debating taking Duke to the woods for a trail run/walk. My back isn't great, but it's hard to tell when to move or when to rest. I never regret going outside though. I only have cookie dough on my list since we were suppose to leave for Asheville so I have the time. It's a nice way to add a little ME today.

I'll see how the morning progresses. My back is usually stiffer first thing so I get an idea if it's rest or move as the day gets going. I don't want a repeat of last time in Asheville.

Christmas is getting closer -- hope it's going well. My goal today is NO EATING COOKIE DOUGH ... for so many reasons (including gluten). It's tough. Cookie dough is better than an actual cookie. 

Later gators.