Rainy Week

The weather isn't cooperating for anything outdoors. First a couple very cold weeks (not okay for my chilblains), now steady rain and storms (temps are fine), and rain moves out to welcome another cold front.

Looks like my first hike of 2024 is a no-go for tomorrow morning. We need both -- freezing temps (helps with summer bugs) and rain (we were in a deficit), but I'm bummed. I miss walking and being outside. Maybe I'll chance the colder temps next week and do something in the afternoon. 72 hours later, I'll regret it when the chilblains sores start though. 

It's rare to have this many weeks be indoor for winter in Atlanta. 

I have an indoor seed planting class tonight. Can't say I'm looking forward to going out in this gloom, at night, to a muddy farm with people inside in a small grow room. Flu and crud is everywhere still. But, it's a future self thing. I want to learn more about gardening and this is a good class. It's a 2 parter -- next class is in February. It comes with supplies so it was pricey compared to the other classes.

I have 3 indoor social things this week and I'm a little nervous. I can wear my mask tonight if someone seems ill. The other two are lunch. Hike gets canceled, one friend is sick, one friend is out of town and I suddenly "worry" doom is the theme for the week. Dang, this anxiety is really annoying. 

I'll leave you with some final pictures of the LFL (that hasn't had one visitor yet - geez). I'm working on typed quotes to add to the jar. There's another LFL in town that has a bowl of quotes and I like it. I'm not rushing, just typing quotes into a document as I find them.

She's so cute!

Thinking of a BOGO sale
for her opening lol :)

I'm trying to remember and rally the vibes from yesterday. Happy, relaxed, ready to start 2024. Coming home was a little kick in the pants. Can you tell? This chat is a bit moody -- sorry.

Hope your week is going well. Later gators.

Expect to be Delighted

I had a good day yesterday and a much better night's sleep. Here's a little recap.

Coaching was okay -- usual issue. Judging myself for my feelings. That sneaks in far too much. Maybe one day I'll be able to recognize it on my own. Moral of the story -- let myself feel the feelings (in this case resentment), be compassionate (of course I feel this way), stay in feelings and out of thinking (keeps me from ruminating) and I'll move on much more easily and quickly.

I wore my vintage find out and about. The weather is much warmer again.

First stop to buy the painting for the primary bedroom. It's old and very delicate (no backing on the oil canvas). There was another lady buying another of this venders pieces and she said she almost got the one I was buying. We had a nice conversation about art. Phew -- that was close. I really like it.

Brought it back to the house (I'm scared I'll poke something through the canvas) and took a little drive to see my niece's new house 15 minutes away. Did I mention my sister and her family are moving to Asheville area? It's an adorable house across from the prettiest white steepled church. They'll move in late April.

Teahouse, reading. My favorite little Asheville habit. 

Some googling brought me to the "best" Goodwill store outside of town. What a haul -- all for $19.

3 hardback books, planter,
2 picture frames.

Solid wood base. $1

Here are the other grabs from yesterday. Very different price point from "vintage" store and "thrift" store. I need to do more thrifting.

For farmer's market runs
in the summer.

I decided to leave this in Asheville.

I'll pot something hardy
in the spring.

Final stop was the framing store for my new print. I love, love, love this art. Forgot to take a picture -- stay tuned. I decided this was my retirement gift to myself and the retirement adventure was a trip for spring wildflowers at Pigeon Mountain in GA. I like this celebration idea. Framing was $$$, but worth it. It might be my favorite piece of artwork. I had this art screenshot from about a year ago -- just to have the screenshot on my phone. Now it'll hang in my office. I'll tell you all about it when I get it back from the framers.

The woman helping me was the new owner who bought the shop in her retirement as a surgical PA. She had an interesting story. I mentioned how much I liked a little painting on the table -- turns out it was hers. Got a tour of her art and her methods and she had a fun suggestion for my rock painting. I'll try it this week -- stay tuned. Another cliff hanger lol.

Came home to the food I brought with me -- no eating out this trip. Had a 2 hour catchup call with a friend we're traveling with next month while I cleaned some more. Bed early (with a little Benadryl help -- taking no chances) after some more reading. 

It was a nice balance of a day. I had some "mood" flare up (anxiety) and I walked my way through it and had the day I planned. Well, sort of -- didn't go into Historical Hendersonville. Saving it for nicer weather and more time. I liked the Goodwill idea more.

Back to GA today. Feeling refreshed. Now it feels like the start of 2024. I'm expecting a good year of being me ("expect to be delighted").

Later gators.

Nice Day, Horrible Night

I slept like poop. Insomnia -- easily worse 5 of my lifetime (that I can remember lol). Nothing out of the ordinary and usually I can work through anxiety flareup enough to go to sleep. When I did sleep, I had really disturbing nightmares. I didn't fall asleep until 1 o'clock and it was fitful. I woke up wide awake at 5:30.

Strange night, but I had a nice day.

Stocked up the LFL for its virgin debut. There were lots and lots of walkers past last night. I didn't notice anyone stop -- bummer. But I'm having fun with it. It's a tiny eyesore coming up the street as it blocks a view of the house a bit. I hope I don't get a nasty-gram from the historical committee. 

It feels tall as you go by
but it's a nice height to look.

Good books ONLY

At least, good that I stock.
I hope it gets used.

I did a quick Christmas undo and headed to the teahouse. Cold day + hot tea was very nice. Usually, I'm so warm drinking it -- I rarely get a hot drink out and about except there. The warm felt good yesterday though. 

I went to the vintage clothing store and got a really fun sweatshirt. Picture to come. It's the kind of vintage "cool" that I've wanted. Like those cool vintage t-shirt I can never find.

Took a swing by an antique store and got a few things. A wide bottom woven bag for the farmer's market so my produce doesn't get smooshed. A little rabbit planter to take to GA and a rabbit for the side porch table here. Guess rabbit was the theme -- unintentionally. 

She's cute and extremely heavy.
Table is dirty lol.

I found a reasonably priced picture for over the primary bed here in Asheville. I wasn't sure if it could take the height though so I needed to go home and measure again. Oil painting by a local artist. The frame goes with the gold mirrors and lamps in the room. Hopefully it's still available. I'll swing by today.

The one on the bottom.
People in a park.

I finished this quick book ahead of our trip to Puerto Rico. I wished there was a little more about the culture and the island, but it was a sweet little story. I'd recommend it. Spanish words intermixed so I had a little lesson too.

I debated starting the other book I brought. It's long with tight print. I have the library book waiting and wasn't sure if this would clog the works. I decided to start it and see what I think. It's slow reading, but I really like it so far (7 chapters in). Glad I decided to read it now.

It's sort of a classic.

Final picture was the baby shower flowers I saved from the dying arrangements. I had to bring vases back anyway, so I took a minute to bring the flowers too. Flowers and plants always warm a space -- even for a quick visit.

I had a long text list of "half" plans (i.e. "let's get together in January") so I reached out and solidified most of them. Future self kind of thing. Waiting to hear back from one other person. Time to get out of hibernation after Christmas and the baby shower.

I realized that it's okay that I drive the "plans" bus -- I won't chase and I won't beg, but I'm happy to set things up. That's one of my contributions to the friendships. That shift in thinking has served my social life well and taken away a lot of resentment about making plans.

Today is a full day -- with some cleaning mixed in. Workout and coaching call first. Then a bunch of little fun things in and around Asheville. Teahouse too -- of course. I don't think I'll eat out this trip. I brought some good prepped food and I have enough for today too. I plan to check out historical Hendersonville so if something's enticing (or I'm really hungry), I'll give it a go. None of the restaurants I looked at were of great interest though. More on today, tomorrow :)

I'm excited for a good week. It's full of a nice mix of things for me. If I can add some sleep tonight, all the better. Later gators.

Asheville Bound

Freezing temps, snow -- heading to Asheville this morning. I'm looking forward to being there. Less looking forward to the drive. I'm not sure why. I haven't been sleeping well and I think that's contributing.

I got my monthly yesterday. Maybe that's why recovery and sleep stats are tanked. Also, Duke had the trots (inside on the carpet) all day so I was up every time he stirred during the night. Fun times.

I painted and read ... as planned. Both felt good.

Cow

Finished "The Kitchen House" -- it was good. I bought it used and someone took notes inside. Either writing a paper or leading a bookclub discussion. They were actually helpful notes, but I wish the book was a little cleaner.

I have a library book I'm holding off reading and taking one of my TBR books for Asheville. I'll pick this morning. It's easier to tote along a book I don't need to be super careful about and a paperback. The library book is older so I have renewals if I need it.

I have a list of fun stuff for Asheville. I got a print from a GA artist and in came in time to take to Asheville for framing. Adding that to my running around plans. More on all that later.

This is a quick trip. Heading home Tuesday morning. Hope your weekend is going well. Later gators.

Saturday Updates

I'm heading to Asheville tomorrow. I thought about going today instead, but the weather is tricky. Super cold, windy and some snow. Why push things. I'll leave early tomorrow and that'll be fine. This trip will lean more toward the work side than the leisure side now because of the weather. My toes won't allow mountain walks or such so it's limiting for the visit. I'll have plans for a few fun things though.

My retirement celebration will happen in GA, I guess. STILL thinking about it and coming up short. I want to mark the day in a special way. That doesn't mean expensive or pampering (necessarily) -- just meaningful to me. I think the biggest hurdle is the weather. Most of my ideas are outside and the weather isn't cooperating. I still have another 10 days so fingers crossed. 

Of course, I could decide to hold off and celebrate when I can do outside easily and enjoyably -- maybe that's the best answer. Make a PLAN on retirement day ... for an upcoming date. That might work.

I'm dabbling in rocks again. I missed it. Cow, zebra and giraffe coming up. I also have some rocks prepped for Happy Rocks for the LFL. 

Donkey

I think I'll get my monthly today. All signs point to it, but these days you never know. It'll be a chill day (on a bitter cold day). Reading, painting -- low key but lots of me time. I need to use it wisely. Wasn't I just complaining I had no time for the things I enjoy? Then I get time and I waste it. It's interesting and confusing being me -- geez.

Here's what I'm reading.

I had a volunteer meeting yesterday. I had to skip the lunch (nothing I could eat), but I got some good networking and that's why I attended. No jeans allowed in court and it was cold for a dress. I found a pair of black slacks in my closet. The dry cleaning tag was from 11 years ago. They fit --  just barely. I think they were loose at one point. Still, I'll take it. I also wore a wool coat that has to be 15 years old now. Vintage shopping in my own closet. 

And something potentially interesting. If I get this volunteer assignment, I'll be working with a new supervisor (the one now is heading on maternity leave). I was disappointed at first, BUT I read her bio and she has a minor in Spanish. Hmmmm. Could she be my Spanish partner or lead me to a Spanish partner? Someone to practice basic conversation? My 24 for 2024 list might be cranking up quickly this year.

Hope you're staying warm. Later gators.

Little By Little Goals

I'm a little late to the January implementation of Little By Little Goals, but I was a bit distracted at the beginning of the year (remember that baby shower lol!). 

Anyway ... I didn't do those goals last year because I didn't have anything that felt inspiring or hit the mark. It has to be something I can easily do (most days -- as close to every day as possible). That means do from anywhere, no matter the day, etc. It needs to be little things that add up to help a larger goal.

And were these birthday year goals? Maybe, now that I'm thinking about it, they were never January goals. My birthday is midyear -- such a good time to have another goal setting moment. More on this in a minute.

I decided on 2 this year when I was thinking about this question. What is something I can easily do that will have a big impact on my broader goals?

For the first time, one is an elimination goal -- i.e. will take exactly ZERO seconds each day. Sweets. Let's see how I feel taking away desserts. This is not about dieting -- it's about my recovery and sleep stats when I have desserts. It tanks EVERY SINGLE TIME. My body doesn't like to consume that during this hormonal time. Why am I doing something that's so detrimental to my overall day? 

This doesn't mean I don't try bites of special things occasionally. I'm thinking ahead to our Europe trip. I will have some tastes of special things. Occasionally doesn't matter. My issue is all the days in-between occasionally.

That's #1. (Goal is HRV>50 consistently)

#2 is 15 minutes of Spanish every (most) days. (Goal is learning Spanish, obviously lol)

It doesn't matter what. It can be reading (the same thing over and over), listening to the Spanish podcast (over and over), reviewing the same materials (over and over). You get the idea. I think I get clogged in Spanish study because I don't know WHAT to do everyday. This takes that pressure off.

Is this enough to improve on Spanish? We'll see and that's the point of these goals. Will a little effort, repeated over time make a big impact? And if it doesn't, it's 15 minutes ... no big deal, costs nothing, takes away from nothing.

I will add new study to my Spanish, but being able to do ANYTHING takes the pressure off busy weeks, or blah days or lazy moments. But repetition in language learning isn't without value too.

I also decided to revisit these goals on my birthday -- 5ish months from now. Are they working? Did this make an impact? A year feels long to see if this is working. I want to check in on the results and make adjustments, if necessary. 

But ... I think both will make HUGE impacts. 

And, both feel exciting and feel "right." 

A lingering question is do I need to set a time of day for the Spanish study? This will probably help, but it's been prickly to do this in the past. The most logical time is an addition to my morning routine, but when I have a rushed morning, that 15 means is actually a nuisance. So could I have a "regular" time and a backup option when I have a rushed morning? I like this idea. I need to think on it. Maybe before bed? But does that wake me up too much "thinking" when I'm trying to wind down. Maybe right before I change into my pjs? That might work. Maybe that should be the all-the-time time?? Stay tuned. I need trial some options.

Thanks for joining me as I spitfire these new LBL goals -- they started yesterday.

Bird Houses

The birdhouse class was fun. The farm grows and dries the gourds and leaves the insides for the birds who use it to build their nests. I picked this one because I love the stains from the outer mold-like substance that forms while it's drying. 

Probably should have used different
colors for the gnome to go with natural look.

We used these pens -- simple to do (since the farm did all the hard work), but hard to draw details.

I hope we get a bird family. Maybe Asheville is best because I have more trees to hang it.

We grabbed a quick lunch at a new-to-me coffee shop -- nice little catchup with my girlfriend after all.

Infant CPR class. This kind of thing seems to always be in the evening -- my foggiest time. I've been a morning person since I can remember. Where are the midday classes? I have 2 garden classes coming up in the evening too. I'm old before my time.

It was a good class and good reminders.

We got a wedding save-the-date for another wedding in October -- luckily different weekends. I'm so excited, but this probably means I'm not going to Belgium as a tag along for hubby's board meeting. We'll need to figure another trip. I don't want to miss this wedding. It's my son's close friend and a family that we have a long history. It's such an honor to get invited. One Boston wedding, one NY wedding. So fun and I can wear the same dress because there's no guest overlap.

I was suppose to have a court hearing for the volunteer assignment but it got postponed. I wonder if this will mess up my trip to Asheville? I had already rescheduled my dentist appointment so today is an unexpected free day. It worked out though because I woke to a mouth full of cold sores on my gum line -- not ideal for a dentist visit. And my recovery is the lowest it's EVER been -- maybe I'm cooking a little cold?? Or my monthly is coming? Or I'm rundown. No matter -- I need to have a restful, healthy day. 

If I didn't have a volunteer meeting tomorrow, I'd go to Asheville today. (Of course, if I end up sick, I won't go to the meeting.) It was extremely frustrating that one of the pregnant women at the class was obviously sick. Sneezing, coughing. People piss me off. There were a lot of pregnant women that she exposed to something. Not cool. Hope that doesn't come for me either. 

Later gators.