Friday Fun

It's Friday and it feels like a Friday.  That's not a normal thing for me.  Back when I was working, I'd work so many weekends or partial weekends that Friday rarely felt like a Friday.  Then I stopped working and Friday was the same as any other day (lucky me).

THIS FRIDAY feels like fun and I need it a lot.  Hubby comes home - yea!!  Two weeks is long during a quarantine.  Also, my girlfriend invited me to her community garden for a chat -- she's not seeing her granddaughter until next week.  We'll be outside and far apart, but together chatting.  Two people in one day -- it's practically a party.

I overdid my workouts this week.  Heel and back are okay, but I'm tired.  I had a hard run yesterday and that whipped me.  Today, I'm doing a low key stretching yoga.  I think the active rest day was too active.

I also needed to eat another mini meal last night.  I think I'm ready to add breakfast back to mix.  When I first clean up my diet, I'm not hungry in the morning so I've been doing a smidge of intermittent fasting.  If I have a potato or fruit heavy day, I'm fine with only lunch and dinner.  The last couple of days have been lean days and that caught up with me too.

Tomorrow will be a bigger eating day.  I'm doing a pasta, meatball, ricotta bake for hubby.  I'll try the hearts of palm "pasta" and let you know the verdict (!!)  Even without regular pasta (for me -- hubby would die if I tried to serve him the hearts of palm LOL), it'll be hardy.  Now I'm laughing at the idea of giving him the alternative pasta -- that man HATES vegetables.

We had an extremely short walk this morning.  Duke got stung by something when he stuck his head in a bush.  I hope it was a sting, not a poisonous bite.  He's very emotional about everything so we are back home cuddling on the bed.  I gave him a Benadryl and he can sleep it off.  No signs of anything horrible.

Have a good weekend.  I might sign off until next week depending on how long hubby sleeps in the morning.  Next week is another goodie post -- I got some fun stuff because why not :)  Stay well.  Later gators.

All Fixed

Turns out there was an electrical problem.  I got to see the eroded wire and casing.  The crew who came (10 men, 5 trucks -- Electric SWAT) was on it and I only had power out for 10 minutes (hence the generator).  The first crew had no idea what they were saying or explaining.  I'm grateful because that could've been a nightmare.  About 2 1/2 hours worth of work.  Landscaping crew is coming to fix up the yard.

I ran the grill yesterday (that's usually hubby's domaine) and cooked MASSIVE amounts of chicken tenders.  I have well enough cooked chicken -- who would think I could say that.  Guess when it's mostly ONLY me eating, I don't need as much.

I also had an active rest 3.5 mile power-ish walk.  Not sure if that was too much for a rest day, but I felt like doing something.  Today starts over (after a rest day).  Either OBE or a treadmill interval run.  I need to see how my heel and back feel after I warm up.  Both are holding up, but teetering on a problem.  I'm leaning toward a run.

Birds are in full glory this year and pooping like crazy on our porches.  I had to clean both porches and the garage doors and the driveway (!!)  It was crazy town of poop, but the birds are beautiful and I love seeing them.

Yesterday felt LONG.  Even though I was busy enough, the afternoon dragged on and on.  I've been really good with keeping an eating routine and a morning routine, but that afternoon change up is hit or miss.  Honestly, I forget to do something some days.  I stopped my phone alarm because my little Duke think that means we're going out.  Not sure why that connection, but it was annoying LOL.  Still working on it.

I also think it felt long because I read a number of reports that this is just the beginning of the crisis in the US unless we start wearing masks and following restrictions.  The quarantine is looming long and longer.  It's also the back end of being home alone for 2 weeks.  Hubby comes back Friday night and that will probably restore my tanks.

AND, the one girlfriend I see on the regular is MIA since her granddaughter was born and she is being SUPER strict so she can be with them.  Kids are isolating from coworker exposure and they are off my list too.  It's lonely this week.

BTW ... The Giver of Stars (Jojo Moyes) is good.  It's a story -- straight forward in time.  No back and forth, no switching narrators.  The book is so dang big though, but the large print is nice.  Guess I need to watch that I don't order large print again.

Today has very little on the agenda.  Food Saving the chicken, workout and that's it.  I think I'll treat us all to a Starbucks run.  Car ride, pup cup and a decaf Americano for me.  We need SOMETHING today -- something safe though.  It's too hot for any outdoor activities with little dogs.

Hope you have a great day.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Bizarre Electrical Issues

I came home from Trader Joe's (FABULOUS safety measure and my new go-to supermarket), washed everything, took a shower, just finished getting dressed ... and a "knock" at the door.

Ring door bell didn't activate.  I checked the front door -- no one.  I checked the side door -- no one.  I went into the garage to look for the noise source and the power went out.  Alarms, emergency lighting -- hubby has the entire house rigged.

There was a big utility truck next door -- they were on the side of my house and cut the power.  "Your smart meter let us know there's a bad line and that's why you have no AC and no power to half your house."  Except I HAD FULL power.  I told them that -- they said that was impossible.  Also, I they said they "tapped" on the door to let me know they were outside.  What?!?!  Feels like they might have the wrong house.

Long story short -- electric off for an hour while they hooked my house to a portable generator (within 15 minutes you knew the ac was off).  What?!?!  Another crew will be back sometime this week to run a new line -- no power for about 3 hours and NO ADVANCED NOTICE.  Well, that's nice.

I don't know whether to be super duper happy they proactively came to help me or wonder if they are totally creating a problem where there is none.  The first choice feels better ... but I'm still skeptical.

That was my excitement yesterday.  Now I can't stop worrying about my electric going off.  They said if the main wire goes, I'll lose power with or without the generator.

Anyway ...

Today is a rest day from working out, but a busy day (assuming I have power).  Cleaning as much as my back with take -- first up vacuuming.  I have 2 Costco packs of chicken to grill.  Seems I went a bit overboard with meat.  I'll deliver some to the kids next week.  My freezer is PACKED.  (Which makes this power thing a bit unnerving.)  Also, rescue computer work to help out a fellow foster.

My girlfriend's daughter had her baby yesterday (perfect little girl) so our park chat is postponed.  So happy for this family :)

Remember the yogurt dip I make for the chickpea dish?  I used the leftovers last night with artichoke hearts.  Another Instagramer tip -- frozen bag of artichoke hearts from TJs, olive oil, salt, pepper.  Mix and roast on high heat on a pan with a rack.  Roast until brown and crispy.  Dip in a creamy dip (she makes a similar one).  WOW!!  It was so delicious.  I'm absolutely using that as an appetizer (if we ever get to entertain again).  Another Trader Joe's favorite to add to the list.

Next week I'll do another GOODIES post.  Stuff is arriving and it's FUN!!  Stay tuned.

Stay well.  Later gators.

Happy Day

Easier said than done, but worth the effort to try.  I'm expecting Trader Joe's to help me with this today.  I might even buy fresh flowers like I'm having company.  Remember those days?

I'm also able to choose more HAPPY because youngest thinks his chest sensations are from extra pushups and an anxiety overreaction.  He's feeling completely normal.  This mama is relieved.

HAPPY also comes from feeling the low feelings and letting them pass.  It's nuanced and tricky, but when I get it right, I feel better.  Actually better, not a fake better.  It's hard to describe and even harder to do it.

HAPPIER is also coming from wearing NEW PAJAMAS -- finally.  They fit better and that means progress is happening.  They don't LOOK fantastic yet, but I'm comfortable wearing them.  Next week I'll try another set.

HAPPY comes from choosing to take care of myself too.  Cliche, but true.  I needed to step away from some of the world drama that isn't directly related to me.  I need a break to regroup.  Absorbing that much anger, sadness, anxiety, hate was hurting.  Most of it isn't MY hurt to feel.  It's nuanced too.  I want to understand, help, be a good person ... but I can't act like it's MINE when it isn't.  I need to process enough that I take the right action, but not so much it drives me into the ground.

Funny enough, I decided to rent the Enneagram videos yesterday and it's some kind of payment that I need to download to my computer, etc.  Nope.  Don't trust that, so AFTER ALL THE TALK, I'm not getting them.  I bought a book instead ... oh well.  I checked YouTube for them, but no luck.  They have some other videos that I might watch once I've read the book.

I had the BEST dinner last night.  I realized I had nothing thawed and figured I'd eat eggs.  I'm newly following a recipe Instagram account ... her website is smitten kitchen.com.  She posted a new recipe -- pan fried chickpeas and zucchini with yogurt sauce.  I happened to have all the ingredients.  She promised the whole taste was greater than the sum of the parts and WOW, she was right.  Lemon, fresh herbs, red pepper flakes, garlic.  I have leftovers chick peas so I'll make it again for lunch -- can't wait.  On the lunch note, I finished Pete's Paleo meals -- that feels like a big WIN.

On the less-happy news front, my DIL had COVID exposure from a colleague at work.  They think the coworker got it from socializing, not at work (so frustrating).  DIL is isolating so no family gathering for the time being.  We haven't seen them since July 2 and I wonder if we'll see them at all this month.  Quarantine is in FULL FORCE.

Looks like just hubby and me and the dogs this weekend.  I'll make a fun dinner from the new cookbook my girlfriend gave me and we'll hang out.  Maybe even take the dogs out on a park walk if the weather isn't too hot.

Have a great day.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Goodies and Such (PICTURES)

Finally ... of course, now this feels like so much build up, it might disappoint.  Here's some of my "stuff."


Books.  Serious and fun.  Committed to continue learning about social injustices and racial inequality and white supremacy.

Ibram Kendi is on Brene Brown's podcast.  I'll listen to it before I read his book.

I read I'm Still Here.
Lies My Teacher Told Me looks long and a bit boring
so that's LAST and maybe skimmed.

"Noodles."  Hearts of palm -- influenced on this.  I haven't tried it yet.  Fully cooked, shelf stable, heat and eat -- get a 4 pack on Amazon.  Each pack is 70 calories.  HealthyLittlePeach says it's better than zoodles.  I'm curious how this tastes with meatballs and sauce.

HOKA to the rescue.  Walking shoe with high cushioning is the front shoe.  Running is the back with less cushioning and a bit of stability.

And they're cute!

Summers in GA.  Also influenced.  $20 on amazon.  Rechargeable, works super well, great for being outside.  3 speeds, adjustable fan arms.

Lights up too.

Minky Couture Blanket.  I bought a second one in neutral with a discount code.  These are INCREDIBLE.

BEST dish towels.  Also influenced with a discount code.  Perfect material and fun patterns.  DIL loves them too.  Wash like a dream and work so well.  Big with a hook in the middle for hanging.

Joggers.  Also influenced -- American Eagle.  Turns out they're PJs.  Material is light weight but not clingy.  You can hike them up for capri length.  I'd have no problem wearing them out of the house.  Great for summer when you don't want shorts, but want something cool.  Pockets, high waist with fold down option.  Not bulky at all, drapes well.

There you have it.  I have a few more things on order -- kitchen addition.  Stay tuned.  When there is nothing to do, online shopping to the rescue (!!)

New Week, Same Deal

Groundhog week begins again.

Sort of ... not quite that dramatic, but pretty close.

I STILL haven't downloaded the Enneagram videos.  It's not as procrastinating as it appears.  Since you only get to view for a few days, I want to make sure I'm in the frame of mind to enjoy it (not task master it) -- and my "frame" has been all over the map.

First, it seems I can upload pictures if I go back to the old blog format, so that's something I'll do this week.  Good news.  Problem solving.

Next, my youngest thinks he has COVID.  His breathing feels "strange" -- all weekend, but he waits to tell me until Sunday night.  I slept horribly worrying about what was going on with him.  He's had no exposure and taken no risk beyond grocery stores, but he's worried so I'm worried.  He also gets some anxiety flare ups and this might be that -- seems like he doesn't feel too unwell, more concerned than sick.  No testing sights have available appointments.  Ugh.  Stay tuned.

Zoom baby shower was sweet.  Not fun, but what can you do in these times.  I was glad to be invited and I put on a real shirt for the day -- there's a win.

My habits are going well.  Routine feels okay.  Mood is ALL OVER THE PLACE.  One minute, I've got this, working the plan, doing the thing ... next minute I feel like I could cry and want to bury under the covers.  Maybe we all feel this way?!?!

Tomorrow is my FIRST Trader Joe's run since this started.  Rumor has it, masks are still required.  I'll go as they open at 9 o'clock.  I planned to go today, but Sunday evening went to hell after the phone call from my son and I didn't get my plan together (I want to go over a few recipes).

Other good news ... exactly ONE more Pete's Paleo to finish.  I'm ready to be done.  Big check off my list.

Things are ugly down here in GA.  Very, very few people are taking any kind of precautions.  Sports tournaments, crowded festivals, vacations, big parties, eating inside at crowded restaurants, travel on airlines for social trips.  You name it, they are doing it down here -- all without masks or distancing.  All this happening as schools begin talk of opening.  I have no kids in school and I need to drop this off my "worry-bitch" list.  Not my problem.  People are prioritizing sports, vacations and parties.  THEY can figure out how to put THEIR kids back to school.  Doesn't seem to bother them. It's weighing me down too heavily though.

I'm cautiously working out.  My back and heel are teetering on the edge, but I'm moving slowly forward.  Say a little prayer I can continue -- it's what's keeping me sane right now.  LOVE my new Hoka walking shoes.  I took a 5 mile power walk yesterday and they showed up!!  Well done, Hoka.  OBE is okay -- still finding what works for all my modification needs and total lack of coordination.  They changed their search engine (of course they did, ugh) and I can't search for low impact circuit anymore.  I can still find some classes by instructor though.

Stay well.  Pictures coming later today (unless my youngest needs help).  Later gators.

Happy Weekend

Still not able to upload photos.  Error and closes application.  Strange.  It's either the blog or my computer.  I'll give it a bit to see if I can it to work before I type everything out.  Much more fun with pictures.

I finished Austin Channing Brown's book -- I'm Still Here.  Very good, quick read, eye opening.  I have another couple of books on white supremacy and racism on order.  More to come.  This is my continued commitment to educate myself on how to be a better person -- it's starts with learning what you don't know you don't know.

Next up ... The Giver of Stars (Jojo Moyes).  I ordered in large print by mistake and the book is HUGE.  It's hard to hold it LOL.  Guess my muscles have atrophied in quarantine (!!)  

I tried the Hoka running shoes on the treadmill yesterday and I really like them.  We'll see how they hold up as I start back to running (fingers crossed on both).  I'm going to do another low impact cardio workout on OBE today.  

Having a ROUTINE in quarantine is helping.  The exponential growth is extremely concerning here in GA and my butt is STAYING HOME.  I'm super limited with things to do and I fight the blues on the regular.  This weekend, I'm starting the videos for Enneagram -- that's something I'm looking forward to watching. I've been "saving" them and I hope they're as good as I expect.  Expectations can be dangerous haha!

My back has "recovered" from the long walk (good lord) and I want to continue adding that into my weekly rotation.  Being outside feels good.  Maybe tomorrow, definitely next week as the new podcasts drops.

I have FOUR Pete's Paleo meals to finish up.  I'm ready to be finished with them.  They're the "loser" ones I keep pushing to the back.  Since I don't have much to do, I'm enjoying cooking for myself, getting creative with last bits to use up.  I had 2 medium yukon gold potatoes to finish so I mandolined them super thin, soaked them for 4 hours and oven cooked them until they were like potato chips.  Ketchup and sriracha mixed for a dip and WOW -- so so so good!!

I've been having an afternoon smoothy with frozen Costco organic berry mix, leftover bananas I sliced and froze and leftover veggies.  The vitamix purees anything and everything.  Other than a funky color, you'd never know there were veggies too (spinach, zucchini). 

Hope you have a happy weekend -- safe and well.  Later gators.