Guess What? More Shower Stuff

One more week. 

I'm trying to do every single thing possible ahead of Thursday (when shit hits the fan). I trialed runners for the buffet. I needed to iron whatever one I chose and I had the iron out to press the baby clothes decor. The full blue one was the winner. Showed off the plates (food) better even though it isn't as long or wide. The other one seemed a little washed out against the white. It took a bit of time to try both and iron the runner. I'm very glad to have it off my list for this week -- every bit counts.

 

I have a bunch of cooking on the schedule today, but now I'm not sure I can get it finished (I need a stretch of time). I forgot I have a HS zoom call (lasts at least an hour), followed by a bakery pickup for GF rolls. This kills my day until 2 o'clock. I might swap some Monday things with today -- I'll have to wait and see.

I took Benadryl before bed so I could sleep a little better. It doesn't give me the best quality sleep, but I needed something since my mind is going bonkers. It worked to keep me asleep all night, but back to natural sleep tonight so I get more REM and deep sleep.

Game (activity) is almost finalized. Should be able to do that today. 

I am absolutely rewarding myself after this shower. Not sure what yet, but it's going to be the ALL ME channel until the end of January. Hikes, walks, mani-pedi, maybe a massage in Asheville, craft projects, reading, catching up with friends, etc. Sounds like a dream from where I sit this morning. February brings the baby (with dog sitting for us) and the trip to Puerto Rico. But first a stay-cation (with a little Asheville trip too) -- taking it as my payment for a big job well done.

Later gators.

Flat Tire

Plans went sideways with a flat tire in my garage. Hubby canceled golf plans and took care of the repair (nail) at Costco while I stayed home and worked on shower stuff -- thankful for him. I got the afternoon to run a few errands, but stayed clear of the grocery stores.

I switched things up like a champ and now this morning is the early Costco and first of many grocery store runs. I need to get cooking what I can and purchasing as much as I can so the final shopping is as easy as possible.

I was feeling okay with everything yesterday, but woke in the middle of the night with panics again. Tough night's sleep. There is SO MUCH to do! Even though I've been working diligently. I hope to have some big things off the list by Monday and that should help again. Fingers crossed. 

The panic isn't that it won't get finished, it's that I'll be a hot mess with back, etc for the shower. I want most of the work and the crazy over by Saturday and that feels a little impossible.

I was also a bit upset because I had to decline plans with my extended family who are passing through the area this weekend. They invited us out to eat and that's a no-go for me right now. I'll see them on their way back in March, but I was disappointed. That feeling that I'm the only one NOT having fun is back. No one else is isolating for this shower. I'm on the second week of no socializing or going out -- even hiking with my hiking group felt like a risk. Good thing I'm invited to my daily pity party lol.

That's all from party central today. Prepare your hearts for a lot of the same-same this week. 

Later gators and bots.

Hello From Never-Ending Baby Shower Land

Good morning. I set an alarm this morning because I wanted to make sure I was up early -- usually I wake up on my own, but this was a just-in-case alarm. It woke me in a deep dream (REM) and now I'm really groggy. There's something to be said for waking up naturally, but I probably would've slept later. I have errands I want to finish early because people and GERMS.

I worked on more baby shower stuff. My DIL's mother dropped the pictures off and we had a nice conversation, but didn't actually do any work. She's going to "think" on the activity questions. I'm going to do them this weekend. No more time to kick things down the road. 

Extras found a spot too.

Needs to be ironed and I'll
clip some photos in-between
the outfits.

I had the coaching on the shower and how I can enjoy myself too. We talked about redefining "fun" to include other things that make me happy. Biggest takeaway was the thing standing the most in my way was being concerned about the timeline (holy wordy sentence -- did you follow along lol). Letting the timeline happen more organically will give me time to enjoy myself too. There IS no rush in this case.

The best news is it's all in my control. And it's still hard in the moment. I'm practicing visualizing and getting as organized as I can to help relax the actual day.

Pictures are hung from my other aunt (framed in Asheville). I love them on this wall, but something is off in the balance of pictures and blank space in the surrounding rooms. I might need to relocate the mirror that's in the living room. Problem for another day though. 

Today is a Costco run and a whirl around the antique market. I'm looking for 2 vintage dinner plates for mini cheese boards. I think this'll look more feminine. I saw a table set with something similar and it seemed really perfect for shower. That said, I won't spend $$ on plates so we'll see what I find. It's my FUN little add-on for today.

This book was really enjoyable. Second in the series coming in 2025. I requested another of her books from the library.

Started a book from my stack last night. It's short and a quick read. I'm already halfway and it's a fun read. Quirky and sweet, but there's enough depth to like the story. I have no idea where I got the recommendation. I need to write it down because it helps to know whose taste I also enjoy. There's a podcast I listen to and she does a favorite reads episode sometimes. I never like her recommendations -- it's a bummer, but now I know. I enjoy the ones from the Popcast (Jamie) -- can't think of one I read that wasn't really good.

24 for 2024 list is finished and I'm very happy about it. I start off every year having trouble filling the list, adding things that are blah (just to fill it), wondering if I'll get any inspiration. And, voila, it suddenly gets so full I have to make choices. More on review and new list coming soon. For some reason I'm extra excited about this list. 

That is all friends and bots. Have a good Friday. Later gators.

Drum Roll ...

Well, I guess ANYTHING is possible lol. Finally. After 2-1/2 years she's up. Books will wait until I go in January, but this counts. Excited and a little worried we'll get dinged by the historical review, but it is what it is at this point.

I have coaching this morning. I plan to talk about the baby shower -- get a pep talk so to speak. After coaching my DIL's mother is coming over to do a little shower prep. Not sure how this will go -- glad I'm getting some coaching to be in a more confident frame of mind. I'm not worried about her, I'm worried I'll be all wishy-washy. I need to show up as myself. 

I had a difficult conversation with my mother yesterday. It was a long time coming and while it needed to happen, I feel emotionally drained and not particularly happy. It's hard to interact with someone who is mentally ill and unwilling to get help. I'm considering coaching on this instead, but I wonder if that will leave me in a difficult mood for the shower prep.

The coaching is a little bit of a test too. Is this worth staying in the program? Do I get something from the coaching? Brooke's changed many things this year, I wonder who's doing individual coaching. I need someone to coach a little deeper than the basics (that I can do myself). The experienced coaches I've had have all left. 

Anyway ...

I switched the ribbon for the shower favors. Much better. Just did one -- I have 2 other colors of gingham arriving this week. Maybe I'll do a mix.

In the meantime, I have a nice long morning ahead. Peloton ride, journaling, reflecting. I need all of this today.

I hope this first week of 2024 is going well -- mine is a mixed bag, but probably all for the better good even though it doesn't feel particularly good in this moment. Later gators.

A Little Box (Craft)

Library to the rescue for the next book selection. One of my suspended holds came off. It's a good one. Turns out she's the author of the Rizzoli and Isles books that were made into the TV show. I'm halfway and really enjoying it.

I checked to see if my painted rock was still in the library poetry garden. It is but it's looking a little rough on the side. Guess I need to 2 coat seal the rocks.

The lion -- looks little because
the other rocks are huge!

A friend sent me a pretty thank you card and I made it into a little box (thanks, IG). I like simple crafts, especially ones that reuse items.

The table and chairs delivery for the shower is all paid and confirmed. Check another thing off the list. 

I registered for a seed starter program through the farm I join for the summer. This is the community that's going to give me the most help with my garden. They have a lot of classes ahead of spring planting. I'm not re-joining the local garden club because it turned out to be more of a social club than a garden club.

In this moment of focus on so many other people, I'm trying to remember to take time and effort for the things I enjoy too. It's too easy to take that off my to-do list or simply not think about these kind of things.

Also working on the Puerto Rico trip. Booked a food tour in Old San Juan. I'm really excited for this trip. 

Cleaning crew asked to come early today (8 o'clock) so I'm heading on a Trader Joe's run for a few speciality items for the shower. I don't want to be here with them because I'm hiding from the public before the shower. I'm masking EVERYWHERE again. 

Have a good day. Later gators.

Starting 2024 With a Book Flop

I'm feeling better -- back to focusing on good stuff. Rollercoaster of emotions. Normal or hormones?!?! I have no idea since this I started feelings work around the time of peri. Glad to have a happier perspective again though.

Here's a little book catch up.

This one is from my aunt -- lots of Atlanta history, including the fact that the Swan House exists and is available for historical tour. The interesting thing reading this book now is I know a little better. The tone and white hero stuff doesn't sit well. I see that now. I don't recommend the book for that reason, but I'm totally into the historical house.

I started listening to a new podcast "You Are What You Read" (Adriana Trigiani) and I really like it and like her. She's an accomplished author as well as TV/movie writer, producer, etc. Lives in NY and is one of those connected New York artists. She said this was one of her favorite books to write. I didn't like it at all. Not clever, not funny, boring characters, blah and strange story. Geez. Guess I'll stick to her podcast.

Two strikes on books. This was the first of the year and not off to a strong start. Next pick today and I'm hoping for something better.

I saw this yesterday and it's a nice summary of intention. Am I onboard with a trend or is this confirmation bias from the things I source? Seems like this messaging is everywhere. Maybe I'm not having the idiosyncratic moment I imagine lol.

Still on the baby shower mouse wheel. Lots of small details work and menu planning. Crunch time begins on Thursday and doesn't stop until the grand finale a week from Saturday. How do people do this kind of thing on the regular?

Nothing I need to do will take a lot of energy today so it's another ME-time kind of day. Filling up a little before this final big run to the end. I have a few options and I'll see what inspires. 

Hope you are off to a good start. Later gators.

Happy New Year!

The extent of my celebration is a little pity party. Maybe hormones??

I'm feeling like I'm doing for "everyone" at my own expense. Glad to make everything easier for my family but who is looking to bring me a little happy or ease? No one right now.

That was yesterday. There were very nice parts to the day, but I had an overwhelming feeling of being left out of the fun while I worked at celebrating all of them. It's not completely true, of course, but I couldn't shake the feeling.

And I felt that what was being noticed was little criticisms. Little remarks and digs. Little favors being asked too. Can you do XYZ for me because *insert some problem*? 

What is at my expense? Nothing that is anyone's doing but in my "giving" I've taken away from me. Back has limited reach and so no workout yesterday so I could do more shower prep and food cooking. I cut my finger badly cooking on Christmas (slicing bread I can't eat, but would've loved to) so no manicure this week. I wanted to shape my nails ahead of the baby shower. No pedicure either because my chilblains got activated taking care of the dogs (long story) so now I have sores on my toes. That's limiting outdoor walks too because the temps are cold and my feet are sensitive.

As I type this, I guess I can get a manicure -- 9 fingers instead of 10, but that's better than nothing. That makes me feel better. I'll call tomorrow.

The lesson is STILL and ALWAYS to take care of myself (first, if possible). These feelings remind me I'm not doing that enough. 

As I said, lots of good too and I don't want to focus too heavily on the other, but right now I am. That's part of taking care of myself, not judging my feelings -- so I'm learning.

I'm letting today be a lot about me -- at least I'm going to try. Finding some fun (harder on a holiday). Adding fun to this week. Saying no. 

Timely book from the library.

Last little mention. I found a place for the citrus from the Christmas tree. Not sure how long they'll last, but I like the little pop behind the stove.

2024. It's a big year for me (so was 2020) -- not shouting too loudly this time around though. There are wonderful things heading my way, but potential challenges too. Lots of continued learning to handle the highs, lows and days in-between. 

Hope 2024 is a good year for us all.

Later gators.