Typhoid Mary is Home

Hubby is back with all his GERMS.  Fun -- putting up all my shields since I'm going away next weekend. Valentine's Day 2020 -- sounds about right.

Today is the long drive to get Tulip.  Hubby reminded me she's an owner surrender and probably knows her name ... I'll still call her Toolie sometimes though.  I nickname every name (!!)  Hopefully, I can find a few podcasts for the drive.  I'm running low after Monday's car trip.

Bear seems to be settling ... or rather, Bear's adopter seems to be settling.  He was fine from minute one.  Mimi is going HOME today for her adoption.  It's been a big dog week for us.

This weekend is a lot of NOTHING.  It's a big out-of-town week and we're the sorry saps left in town.  JUST occurring to me now ... I wonder what a long weekend means for my traffic today.  This could be awesome or devastating.  Fingers crossed for awesome.

Hubby has plans though (golf and such) -- he's been Mr. Social lately.  Guess it's me and the dogs.  I have nothing on the calendar until Monday's dentist appointment.  (Even this post is extra boring.)

I cued up the next book on kindle.  Educated (Tara Westover).  It's a memoire with a bit of controversy.  Is it real?  Is it exaggerated on purpose?  It's highly recommended though and I want to give it a read.

Okay, I'm boring myself.  I need to figure out some fun for this weekend.  Happy Valentine's Day -- later gators.

Some Woo Woo Stuff

I made it through meditation without crying, but I did cry later listening to a podcast (not very much though - hah).

My woo woo for today is about meditation yesterday.  I often start meditation with kind of a prayer and then move to silent meditating.  I asked for help with 2 things -- a relationship with a friend that has become strained and, as always, help getting my eating habits under control.

I looked for something to listen to while I was in the shower and ended up listening to Abraham Hicks short audios.  I listened to the one linked in Instagram stories and then it autoplays.

The next one was about desiring something with such urgency, such intensity that you are resisting the solution.  Yep, my eating desire.

The next one after (they're short) was why you have difficulty with a friend.  It's the energy that I'm putting out is making her energy defensive and the round and round continues.  Break the cycle, approach with love (or a better energy) and the interaction will be better.  Yep, my strained relationship.  I come to the table with an aggressive energy underneath -- totally true.  I tried it and the conversation felt good -- better than it's been in a long time.

Hmmmm.  Thanks, Universe.

I started the menopause book.  It's huge and covers from the science of it to the woo woo of it.  It starts with the woo woo.  Christiane Northrup  says peri-menopause brings up emotions that need to be healed.  Leaving the "mother" hormones behind -- the ones that tell us to take care of everything, do for ourselves last, be the mother figure, etc. brings forth a new independence, new desires.  This can SEEM crazy, out of character ... oh, it's the hormones misbehaving ... but, she says, it's not.  We find our BIG voice in peri-menopause and if we suppress it, it can show up as a dis-ease in menopause.  We come into our truest self when we let this transition happen.

Depending how much we need to heal, the peri-menopause stage can be almost explosive at times.  The more we've worked on our healing, the more gentle the peri-menopause transition.

I'm open to this idea.  It speaks to what I feel right now.  Setting boundaries, speaking my truth, being myself, closing doors, opening other doors, searching.  I can also see this idea in some of the women I know who have gone through menopause -- even though they don't talk about it as menopause.

I think I'm officially a WOO WOO girl.  I don't know why this stuff happens though.  Manifesting -- hate that word.  Focusing on something so it happens.  Desire for it means it's already in the cards.  Not resisting so coming from a better place to find a solution.  The WHY isn't super important to me, but I see the results over and over.  So many times, I can't deny it.  There is some sort of magic in this kind of "work."

I'm a believer.  I'm also a believer in "pray with walking feet." (Quaker quote)  Pray, but also DO.  Prayer isn't passive.  Change isn't passive.  Sometimes DOING is listening, getting quiet, but it's still DOING.

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Now, back to the regular world LOL.

We are having a big old storm right now.  Thunder, hail ... fun times.  These are the moments I'm glad my old dog isn't here -- he was so frightened of storms as he got older.  No dog walking today.

I like my new perfume from Glossier -- You.  At first, I wasn't sure, but it changes scent as it sits on your skin.  Smells a bit different on everyone.  I like it enough that I "wore" it out yesterday.  It goes on a little too sweet, but mellows once I have it on -- I did use too much the first time.

My self-care day was good, including my food.  I ate the exact same thing from Zoe's Kitchen for lunch and dinner.  Salmon and veggies.  It was a healthy eating day.  Automatic portion control.

It inspired me to do a meal delivery service for a bit to get my eating under control (instead of Jenny Craig).  I eat well for a bit, but fall off the wagon too often.  If I'm paying for this (like JC), I'll be inclined to be accountable.  Accountability without getting weighed or doing another Whole30.

Pete's Paleo.  It gets good reviews, organic, well sourced protein and fully cooked.  I ordered the plan for 10 meals/week and I'll see what it's like.  I missed the order date for this week, so it won't start for about a 10 days.  Cancelation at anytime.  No dairy, no gluten, no soy.  Stay tuned -- I'll be giving lots of scoop (and food pictures!).

I have errands and coffee with a friend today.  It'll be short because she volunteers this afternoon (this was the postponement from my flat tire day).  Looks like the storms are bringing in a cool front by midday and finishing the rain until next week.  Wish me luck not floating away LOL.

I had the most comfortable night's sleep.  You know how some nights the bed feels PERFECT.  That was last night.  Me and Duke were snug as a bug all night.  Love that feeling.

Tomorrow is another LONG drive to get Toolie.  Glad it wasn't today.  I need to go check to see if the patio is flooding -- this is a crazy storm.  Stay dry.  Later gators.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Tire is fixed ... $34 ... plus a complimentary car wash and vacuum.  Not bad at all.  Almost 3 hours of my time though -- that was a bummer.  Good news?  I finished Dear Edward (Ann Napolitano).  As promised, it became a heartwarming, uplifting story.  I'm glad I stuck with it.  The menopause book in up next and I need another fiction pick from my list.

And AAA was EVERYTHING!!  Arrived in 30 minutes.  Took 10 minutes to change the tire.  Nicest mechanic.  I'll never be without a membership and I'll never change my own tire.  There, I said it.  I don't care.

I was tired yesterday.  Tired of driving (the home check was way out in the country).  Tired of waiting around (it was extra, extra long).  Tired, period.  I made a choice to pick up Tulip (Toolie) on Friday instead of today.  I need a couple of days to get myself caught up (and not be on a long drive with my leg).  Refrigerator is scary empty.  Friends have been on the back burner.  Time to care for myself before I'm caring for a new foster.

Look at this little lady!
Her leg brace is forever,
but she handles it like a champ.

You know, I enjoy a rainy day, but this is wonky weather.  It won't stop raining.  Everything is flooded, soaked, muddy, miserable.  I thought today was the end, but it's the start of another 2 day front.  Ark time?!?!  I miss being outside -- walking, hiking.

Today is a ME day.  Not exactly sure what that will look like, but I'm taking some time to enjoy myself.  Lunch with a friend, maybe take-out for dinner (grocery stores on Thursday).  A little Netflix.  I started Anne with an E and it's awesome.  These were my favorite books growing up (I had a lot of favorites!!)  I wanted to name my daughter Anne (only had boys though).  Memories -- books were a big part of my childhood.

My Duke needs some attention too.  Nothing at all for him to do (he HATES being wet LOL).  I think a Starbucks run and a pup-cup might be just the thing. (P.S. I've been waiting to use this - hahaha.)  Can I also say, not having a convenient Starbucks has dropped my consumption at least 2/3rds -- no joking.  I'll probably do more in the warmer months, but YEA ME saving $$.

Hubby comes home very late tomorrow.  He and his friend are both sick.  Yikes -- I don't want the germs.  Hopefully, he'll be on the mend before he gets back.

I accidentally problem solved my chair situation.  With or without the cushion, the angle is wrong for my leg.  I use it for a little while and then take it off.  I tossed it under my desk and just happened to put my feet on it.  Problem solved.  Angle is so much more comfortable.  It takes the pressure off my leg totally.  That was a nice surprise.  I have such a problem sitting -- always have, but it's getting worse as I get older.  Runs in my family too.  That's why car rides are the pits for me.  I hurt after about an hour and it stays the entire day.

My mood has lifted.  Hormones?  Stressors?  Thought work?  Not sure, but I'll take it.  I was SO EMOTIONAL this week.  I cried every single day -- multiple times.  I start my meditation and am sobbing by minute one -- SOBBING (!!)  Who am I?  I went with it and figured I must need a good cry.  I'm curious if I'll cry during meditation this morning too.   Am I "healing" or am I going CRAZY?  That's the question of this season - hah.  Maybe the menopause book with offer some clarity.

Mid-week.  Make it a good one.  Later gators.

Time to Walk the Talk

But first, a fit.

Let's start with the juicy bit from yesterday ... 5 hours of driving in pouring rain on Atlanta highways and then on country dirt roads.  Last 30 minutes driving home on a FLAT TIRE.

Did I walk the talk?  Calmly accept my situation?  Not immediately LOL.  First, I had a tired, hungry FIT at all the dang drivers that were not letting me get home fast enough -- don't they know, can't they see, I hate people.  Brain ranting -- my specialty.

I made it home, took a breath and hubby called from his "marvelous" ski trip.  "Offering" advice that he doesn't take himself (shop the price of a tire around, see if it can be patched, don't take it to the dealer).  I "politely" told him I wasn't asking for advice.

A full belly, wine (oops) and a car appointment for today ... and I took another breath and realized how grateful I was to make it home.  Getting stuck on any of those highways in traffic and pouring rain would've been dangerous -- a flat in the country could've taken forever to get AAA.

Took a minute (and some bitching), but I moved to acceptance and gratitude.

Here's a plug for AAA.  I'm calling this morning to get my spare put on -- no, I won't do it myself.  Yesterday after I left the kids, my son's car wouldn't start.  AAA -- new battery, under warranty, fixed in an hour.  It's worth every bit of the membership cost.

I did some problem solving for today.  Switched plans AGAIN with my girlfriend and if all times well, I should be able to do the home check for MiMi later this afternoon.

Here's all the GOOD stuff that was OBVIOUSLY GOOD -- no extra breathing needed LOL.

No flooding on my patio.  There's water, but since it wasn't flash flooding kind of water -- nothing came up to the house.  It's the first thing I checked this morning.  Worst of the rain will be finished by tonight.

MiMi's meet with the other dog (new brother) went superbly.  Her husband is over the moon for MiMi too and has already visited the pet store for all her essentials.  Paperwork is the only step left and then she will be their dog.  Bless this sweet girl -- AMAZING set of events to make this happen.  Fate did her job and I'm glad to have played a part.

Bear is in his new home.  His mama spoils the living daylights out of her little girl (in the best way), but that might be a problem.  Everything is about her little dog.  I set expectations that they might have an adjustment, it might take a minute for her to love Bear like she loves ChiChi -- all the things. She is a little tentative.  I don't mind getting Bear back but I won't do that drive again -- that's on her.  I'll meet her an hour away, but not getting on those big highways.  Fingers crossed for them all.  I think she's lonely and this would be a great home for Bear.

Next up ... Tulip.  I've already decided to call her a nickname ... pronounced "toolie."  In writing, it's strange, but Tulip doesn't roll off my tongue.  Pick up is up in the air.  Maybe tomorrow.  Another LONG drive on THOSE highways.  Ugh.  I'll see what today brings.

I'm back in acceptance mode.  Back to problem solving.  Feeling grateful for all the GREAT things happening this week.  Took a detour for a minute and it felt yucky.  That's a place I lived far too frequently, for far too long -- no wonder I was never happy.  Seeing the practical upside to this work confirms the importance FOR ME.  Experiencing a backslide yesterday was another good reminder that living in that space isn't living.

Arguing with reality never works to solve the situation and never feels good.  Solving the problem with acceptance is more effective, more pleasant and more interesting.  Can I find something good?  Can I make something good?  Today's extra good?  2 hour appointment and I get to read my book.  That feels like an added goodie to my day.  Plus they have a really good beverage bar -- lots of gourmet tea bags and I'm all up for it.

P.S.  Eckhart Tolle uses an example of a flat tire in the rain to talk about acceptance ... didn't have to "imagine" his advice on that one LOL.

I'll say it again ... stay dry, stay safe ... and I'll add (for me), stay PRESENT and calm.  (Also, stay away from the wine.)  Later gators.

Adoption(s) Day?

We might have a twofer happening today.  Bear is headed to AL to for a possible adoption and MiMi is meeting her dog-brother to see if it's a match.  Fingers crossed for both of them.

If we have a double adoption this week, we are fostering a special needs dog starting Friday.  8 lbs and probably stepped on early in life.  Broken spine and broken leg -- both healed but healed improperly.  There's nothing that can be done surgically because of the combination of injuries.  She'll wear a brace on her leg during the day for the rest of her life.  She's a sweetheart and needs a place to land.  I asked hubby for a Valentine's Day gift this year -- a Tulip (she has the best name) -- he said yes 💖

Lunch was nice, seeing the kids was great, seeing the grand-doggies was fun too.  Came home and forgot to watch the Oscars.  I'll check out the replays today.

I'm watching The Great British Bake Off.  I started with the most recent season.  It's a fun show to watch -- although binge watching is getting a little old.  I'll probably give it a break, but it's nice to know I have tons of seasons should I need something relaxing and easy to watch.  The British are a funny people -- lord I love them.

The menopause book came -- it's HUGE!!  Guess I'll be very educated :)  Christiane Northrup is the expert on all things LADY.

Here's the goodie that I was INFLUENCED on ... actually started with The Barefoot Contessa and then some of the ladies on Instagram recommended Glossier products.  I need a new lip balm (the philosophy one I use is discontinued).  These come in flavors or no flavor -- color tint or no color.  Lots of choices.  My only complaint is you need to use your finger.  It's good for home use when I can always wash my hands ahead.  I'll need something else for my purse.  I also tried the perfume, YOU.  I wanted a second scent to wear around at night.  I get nose blind to my day scent (Light Blue).  It's okay -- might be a little sweet (or maybe I put too much on).  It suppose to be very different on each person and last a long time (probably put too much on LOL).

I like the mint (no color)
and the Rose (pink tint).

I read more of Dear Edward and it needs to pick up soon.  Still so darn heavy.  I'm ready for a lighter, happier read.  Somehow I don't think the menopause book will be that light read I'm needed - hah!

I should get some podcast listening today on my long drive.  I'll have to select one podcast per ride (there and back) because it's too hard to switch podcasts while driving.  The next one autoplays from the same podcast.  I'll start with Gretchen Rubin.  Her podcasts are consistently good and entertaining.  I'm nervous about this drive -- rain and potential flooding.  I'm not familiar with the area I'm driving through so I'm a bit worried about road flooding.  It's suppose to rain for the next 3 days or I would postpone.

My monthly is STILL heavy.  That's going to make for an interesting drive with a dog in my car.  Not sure how to handle it.  Bear might have to be in a crate in the car while I run for a potty break.

When I downloaded my phone pictures, a ton of old pictures re-downloaded (my wacky computer).  This oldie, but goodie ... Duke has the biggest case of FOMO -- always.  I hurt my ankle and had been icing it.  Went to the bathroom and came back to find Duke had stolen the ice bag and was sitting with his paw under it.  He watches EVERYTHING!!

Happy Monday.  Once again, stay dry and safe.  Sending out some good adoption vibes today.  Later gators.

Snow Day in the ATL

Who knew?  We got over 3 inches.  It was that much because it was the most perfect, fluffy, huge flaked snow.  The little dogs had a blast playing.  The snow was as high as Bear's undercarriage.  I didn't get pictures of the dogs playing because I needed my hands to make them snowballs :)

Huge flakes

Totally unexpected (by me!!)

And it's still here.  We should have a melt today, but the temps are staying below freezing for the morning, so I'm not going to A Course in Miracles.  Country roads and icy patches are no joke.

All day I thought of my Parker.  That boy LOVED snow.  It was his total joy.  Memories are still bittersweet, but I know they will head more to the sweet side as time goes on.

Hubby made it to skiing -- just barely.  His friend had an aborted landing.  All is well now, but the weather is set to make another big push tomorrow and Tuesday -- here and there.

I'm talking to MiMi's potential adopter this morning.  Fingers crossed.  She was trying to apply, but our website was having issues.  She seems excited.  The home situation is a little more complicated than I thought -- she and her husband are living with extended family while waiting to purchase a house.  This includes kids and cats.  I'll know more when I talk to her today.  (I know MiMi loves cats and I think she'll be great with kids too -- but she's a little unmannered now.)

Bear is still set for adoption tomorrow.  I was worried about the language of the texts changing, but I sent her pictures yesterday and she has already shopped for him LOL.  That's a good sign.

He's smiling now -- finally!

They play non-stop.

I'm heading to see all the kids this afternoon (pending the snow melt).  We're meeting for a late lunch and I'm going to visit the grand-dogs after.  I haven't seen them in weeks.  It'll be good to get out of the house a bit.

My monthly is kicking my butt.  Heavy, emotional, still cramping.  Peri-menopause is no joke.  I ordered a book on it yesterday because ... of course I need a book!!  You know what I find interesting?  Many (most!!) of my friends have gone through this already and with ONE exception, no one has mentioned it.  Girls talk about girl things -- but not this.  I wonder why no one says anything about their experience.  But when you ask about it, you get comments -- it was hell, horrible, glad it's over, worst ever.  I refuse to believe it (hello, denial).  It might be HARD, but I will find a silver lining.  Hence, the book.  Stay tuned ... I'm going to talk about this (aka complain?!?! -- I'll try not to LOL).

I finally did a little reading yesterday.  Dear Edward (Ann Napolitano).  It's a heavy subject based on a real story, but every review says it ends up being uplifting and beautiful.  I'm plugging through the heavy now -- crying all the way.  (I cry at everything now -- it's getting strange.  Is it hormones or my new found "feeling my feelings?")  I didn't want to give up reading this because I'd be hard pressed to go back to it -- and it should be good.  That said, it was clogging the reading flow.  Time to read or get off the pot.

Our birthday trip to Italy has stalled AGAIN.  I'm getting sick of being the one to get it moving.  I think I'm setting a boundary on this.  I'll give it a start-up ONE more time and if it stalls again -- oh well.  Someone else can show interest or we can let the trip go.  It's not a threat, but I'm at my limit for driving this bus.

Can I take a moment to wax poetic complain?  When this group of very smart, highly successful ladies get together we never seem to make progress on the parts that matter (this has happened before too).  All we need to figure out is dates, location, lodging and then book airlines.  All the DETAILS can wait.  We know there are great options that check all our entertainment boxes and most of those excursions don't even book this early.  YET, where are we spending all our time?  The DETAILS.  Making spreadsheets.  But which cooking class is the best?  Etc, etc, etc.  Then people get busy (travel, work, family) and the talks come to a screeching halt.  I've voiced this to the group with no success.  I'm not the smartest by a long shot (and the only one without an advanced degree) -- but sometimes you need practical over smart.  I have that in spades.  It's frustrating.  (And, hard to be as perfect as me -- hah!)

I'm having the worst time remembering what day it is -- things still feel wonky.  Happy SUNDAY.  Have a great day -- later gators.

Twisting and Turning

It's one of those times where nothing is as expected, everything is topsy turvy and my only choice is to go with the flow.

DRAMATIC and there's nothing really dramatic happening, but it feels wonky -- feels worrisome.

Hubby left this morning on a ski trip.  The western resorts are getting slammed.  I'm concerned about avalanches --hopefully, unwarranted, but there's a little worry happening.

Lunch plans with the youngest is probably cancelled -- SNOW in Atlanta this morning.  It was in the 70s earlier in the week.  After today's weather, we are getting hit with another big rain front Monday and Tuesday.  Driving to AL in that weather will be interesting.  Everything is flooded.  I'm also a little worried about the water -- so much saturated and lots of flash floods.  We've been high enough on our property, but we get a rain river in our backyard which is pushing into a full creek.  More little bits of worry.  I won't be home all day on Monday and that could mean water in the basement.  Ugh.

Bear is set for adoption on Monday, but the adopter is giving mixed signals now.  "Hope my dog loves him."  "My dog has a hard time with new dogs."  This can be the start of changing her mind because she can't imagine upsetting "her baby."  I've seen this before.  Fingers crossed I don't make this drive for nada.

We have a trainer set to come to the house on Friday for reintroductions with Duke and MiMi.  Thank the lord for that small favor.  It totally eases my mind.  They are evaluating whether this is a safe situation for Duke.  Signs point to a positive outcome, but I like that a professional is involved.

In a shocking turn of events -- it's possible that MiMi will be ADOPTED by Friday.  One of the vet techs lost her pittie recently and wants to apply for her.  She was told to submit her application yesterday, but nothing yet.  That doesn't give me a great feeling, but you never know.  Everyone at the vet's office adores her -- she's that kind of special.

In my topsy turvy world, I had a yucky experience with Target yesterday.  My beloved Target.  Quick background -- I usually shop at my OLD Target because it's awesome.  Best produce around.  Love it.  The Target near our new house underwent renovations so I stayed clear during the construction.  I chatted with a Target employee last time I was at my OLD Target and she said the remodeled Targets are horrible -- I couldn't imagine that was true.  BUT they are HORRIBLE!!  The new Target has very little organic produce, a number of my go-to brands are gone -- replaced with a new store brand.  We bought a few items to try and threw them all out.  Popcorn, cheese, veggies -- all yucky.  Is Target dummying down their brand?!?!  Crazy.  Sticking to my OLD Target forever (or until they renovate).

Sort of cleared up the insurance problem.  We know it's a lack of an update in their system.  We have coverage and it's a matter of someone fixing it in the system.  Once we have confirmation of the fix, I'll call the 3 billing departments and have them resubmit.  Not horrible.

The next 6 days are all my own.  I was looking forward to this week so dang much -- especially with MiMi coming back in the mix on Friday.  I think things feel OFF because this week feels like I'm holding my breath to have nothing go wrong.  Leading with FEAR.  Not good.

My plans are up in the air because of this weather pattern (this week could end up being lonely).  I need to have a plan B and a plan C set-up to salvage this week.  Good or not good exists in my MIND.  It's up to me.  Always my choice.  I know WORRY serves nothing -- not me, not the situation.  (Pep Talk 101)

Lastly, my butt pillow came.  It's not winning any awards just yet.  It's maybe a little much -- too high, too firm.  I'll give it a go though and see if I get used to it.

Happy Saturday -- stay warm, stay dry.  Later gators.