10 Days

I have a way fuller-than-normal next 10 days. I've done pretty well managing my mind around this, but I'm having a bit of a panic this morning. Woke up with nasty nightmares (including water dreams that always are a sign of stress) and those disturbed feelings are lingering this morning.

Here's what I've been telling myself. THIS IS FUN. You chose this. You worked toward this. This is a full life. Adding life to your years. Nothing has to be perfect. Take pressure off yourself. One thing at a time.

And I'm filled with dread. 

Here are the intrusive thoughts. You won't have any sleep. You'll feel horrible because of sleep/eating irregularities. Just get through these days. Maybe you'll get lucky and something will cancel. Maybe you'll get lucky and get sick. Someone will probably get you sick. Never do this again. Clear everything for April and rest. 

See the problem? Of course I don't want to be sick or have something cancel or need to stop everything and rest. 

I have a coaching call this morning and I'm debating talking about this (I'll see how I feel when the call comes around). I planned a talk about my reluctance to make real progress with Spanish. BTW, those 2 little goals that I wanted to do for 6 months?? Basically not doing it anymore -- Spanish and no dessert. I still do them sometimes, but not daily. I meant to mention that when I "bragged" about the other goals I'm doing well, but I forgot. I'm sure the reason is in chapter 2 of some psych book lol.

It's almost like I have travel anxiety today. Hmmmm. A lot might have to do with not feeling packed and ready for this first trip. I need to bring SO MUCH. Rock painting supplies, hiking gear, rain gear, hostess gifts, food to share, food for myself (most meals I won't be able to eat), drinks for myself (I'm bringing wine too, but I won't drink). Everything is in a partial state of ready. Lunch was canceled today, but now I'm visiting my grandson (and maybe a little babysitting) -- which I'm thrilled about :) But I thought I had today opened up for getting ready. Last night I found out I'm loosing the afternoon.

I also got my monthly. Cramps all night and still going this morning. It's not helping things, but at least the worst will be moving behind as this stretch starts. That was a lingering worry too -- I knew it was on the way ... but when?!?!?

Lots of unnecessary stress. Why do I do this to myself? I'll have fun or I won't. It's not the end of the world either way. And I'm in control about feeling like I'm having fun. It's less about circumstances and more about my thinking.

I've been collecting "feel-good" messages to read over and over. Good lord.

Anyway, I need to get moving. Hope you have a good day. Later gators.

Germs (!!)

Germs are everywhere again! I needed to visit a daycare for my volunteer position yesterday and the flu is going around the school. I wore a mask and stayed the bare minimum of time. Fingers crossed.

Lunch with my HS friend (for her birthday) got cancelled for Thursday - she has the flu. I'm very grateful she canceled.

BUT ... the outside walk and outside lunch with my friend today moved inside. She's my fair weather walker and I had a feeling this would happen. It's going to be in the 40s warming to the 50s but it's too cold for her. I'm concerned about getting sick ahead of my upcoming trips. If it wasn't for the fact that I canceled last week because I was sick and we haven't gotten together in 2 months, I would've rescheduled. I wish we would walk and have a quick lunch inside. Now we're having a long lunch inside -- eek.

And, it looks like BIG rain storms for the weekend in the mountains. Dang. All the plans might go down the tubes or look radically different. Plus a weekend with 6 people -- what are the chances no one shows up sick? ("Oh, it's just allergies ... or oops, the flu.")

Seems to be a sudden theme of the week. Do you believe in themes?!? So often, one canceled plan for me starts the domino of canceling/changing out most everything. I guess I'll see. Going with the flow because I have no choice. I guess it'll all be okay as long as I don't get sick myself. I feel the flu knocking at my door -- I'd love nothing more than to quarantine for the rest of the week so my big plans hold. The only thing that won't get rescheduled is this weekend for the Chimp event. I can always revert back to my original plans and just do the hike and tour (both outside so I can go even if I'm under-the-weather). 

I would not have expected this to be another wave of sickness this late in March (for the south). Numbers are up though and my full protective mode is activated. The cold was plenty enough for me.

Switching to something less "complain-y" ...

I looked over my 24 for 2024 list and my little goal list (that I write down most days) and I've cleared a chunk of both. I'm really showing up this 1st quarter. I have a few more (hopefully) happening next month. It's motivating me to focus on the other ones -- get planning things. I have 3 open slots on my daily goal reminder list (10 in total). I might transfer some of the 24 list over and make it happen -- I'll look it over again this morning. 

Here's what I got from the Christmas gift card from my youngest.

The wax thread is for making easy notebooks (maybe) -- I got card stock and the needle from Amazon. The straight edge is already coming in handy cutting some gift tags from old cards. I have to play with the punch -- it makes boxes and envelopes. It's a fun way to personalize a gift. I have a craft idea for Easter wrapping so now I need to find an Easter gift to wrap lol. Hostess gift for my aunt and something little for the kids.

Speaking of crafting, I want to play around with rocks this morning. She STILL wants me to do a rock painting class on Saturday. I don't think we'll have time, but she's quite insistent (in a good way). My morning opened up :) so I'm going to prep a bunch of rocks and try my hand at painting a chimp.

I ran at the park with Duke yesterday and now I can barely walk (all muscle soreness). Rest day today for another run tomorrow. Spring is the best time for morning runs.

Hope you stay well. Later gators.

Hello, Monday

Oh man, the garden is happening. It took EXACTLY the amount of soil I ordered -- phew. When it gets wet and sits a bit, it'll compact a few inches and be the right height. It took 3 men, 2 wheelbarrows, fence removal and 2 hours to finish. It was money well spent. 

Hubby said I ordered way too much soil. The landscapers thought it was way too little. Math for the win.

Finished!

3 Bags of Soil3 for vegetables

Helper Mario -- 14 years old

So much soil

Took down the fence for easier access

The utility companies are coming to mark this week and an irrigation line should be installed the following week (or so). It's exciting.

The landscapers also dug up dead hydrangeas that I returned for a full refund (store credit). It was really easy -- Pike's Nursery. One of the plants is doing well, but these didn't make it.

As I mentioned, this is a full week. Lots of scheduled things that are complicating what I need to do for the upcoming trips (GA mountains and Asheville). Does that make sense? I have odd blocks of time that aren't enough to do things on my list. It's not like every minute is busy, but I somehow feel like I don't have a lot of time. I heard it called DEAD TIME and that feels right.

My best solution -- yep, a to-do list. If I map it out I know it'll get it finished and I (hopefully) won't forget anything.

Have a good week. Later gators.

Granny Time

I had such a good visit with the baby (and kids). It felt like I actually got to spend real time with him. He's noticeably bigger -- already rolling over front to back. It was awesome.

We thought he was looking more like my DIL (especially head shape), but I looked at my son's baby book and they're twins at this age. It's crazy! Genetics are mind-boggling. My son got a huge kick out of it.

Dang bots or I'd post pictures. His picture is on social media (it's not the kids' rule), but I feel strange knowing so many "robot" eyes are watching. Just know he's adorable (and that's said with ZERO bias lol).

I secured a dog sitter for our May vacation -- huge relief. 

Garden gets soil today. I can't plant until Tuesday or Wednesday because we're having a drop in temps, but very, very soon. I'm watching the Farmer's Almanac weather app.

I have more library books to pickup today. I have a problem. It's this new podcast (The Currently Reading Podcast) -- so many great suggestions. If a book has no hold, I can't delay the request. I could keep a wish list (I think you can do that on the site too), but I didn't. It's not a big deal, but the longer my TBR pile sits, the less excited I get about reading those books. I need to start alternating -- one current, one TBR.

I'm also suppose to have a catch up call with a high school friend today. Last 2 were canceled, so I'll have to wait and see. Chill day ahead of a full week leading to a HUGE weekend. Breathe.

Have a relaxing Sunday. Later gators.

More Gardening ...

I planted the grow room. Cherry tomatoes, peppers, basil, cucumbers and parsley. Fingers crossed. The rest of the seeds are direct sow so I'll wait until summer planting season. There's a bit of a learning curve on the grow room setup so I'm not sure what will succeed this first go-around. That's the fun of gardening ... right?!?! Learning, failing, succeeding (a little).

I got a first quote on the irrigation installation -- we need a separate line and wiring for a different zone. The utility companies are coming to mark next week. The garden list is almost complete. Did anyone think I'd get this done after the 3+ year LFL paint and install?!?!? Not me lol. Now, pretty please, let there be enough sun.

Next up is wild flower seeds. I'll tackle (sprinkle) that (those) on Sunday.

I mentioned a book update. Here we go ...

Suspense with a crazy twist.

Just started ... about a walking
journey across England (I think)

Loved it. Funny little
English mystery.

Interesting idea. Didn't love
the execution. Never rooting
for characters and the plot
was a bit too over-the-top

Today I'm visiting my grandson and going out for a patio lunch. He's too young to be inside, but the kids like to take him to outdoor lunches. 

I have more plant stuff to work on this afternoon -- indoor guys need some attention. 

I used a Christmas gift certificate from Micheals (from my youngest). Free shipping and a sale. I got tools for making little journals (using only paper, not book covers), a paper cutter (this will come in handy more for lots of things) and a 1-2-3 Cutter for making envelopes, etc out of recycled paper. 

That's all from here. Waiting to hear that hubby landed in France. Just me and the boys for the week. Have a happy Saturday. Later gators.

Raised Garden Bed

It's happening. And I'm a little nervous. I know it's only mid-March and the sun line will change, but I hope this garden gets enough sun. Right now -- nope. I checked it out last year and planned where to place it, so I need to trust myself. Dang, anxiety.

Pictures that will load backwards ... geez.

Base is cardboard and hay
from the farm -- free filler.

Monti - always a helper

We have a landscaper helping with the soil on Sunday morning. I think I way over ordered though. No going back. I'll offer it to neighbors if I have too much left over. Spring plants going in by Monday (!!) 

I'm seeding the grow room today. I'm also working on some setup for the kids and their little gardens. It's a lot of fun. But how, you ask, can I be anxious even more? Let me tell you. 2 long trips over the spring/summer grow and we don't have irrigation set up. This could all be for naught. Hello, anxiety.

Speaking of anxiety -- I have a week of LOTS and LOTS coming up. Two night girls' weekend in the mountains with mostly women I've never met (and sharing a room). Home for a day and a 3 day trip to Asheville with my aunt. Home for a day and an all day trip to Noah's Ark with the hiking club (2 hours away). Next day is Easter -- park with the kids and Easter dinner at my aunt's (relatives are in town). 

So much in a little window.

All these thoughts kept me up last night. I kept telling myself I can worry all I want, but it has to wait until morning. That helped a little.

Full life. But I might need a break. Or is this just old patterning telling me it's too much. It's hard after being sick and still convelescing. My monthly is late so that means I have no idea when it's coming but I feel hormonal. Neither is helping my confidence to handle "so many things" in a row. Not lost on me -- every single thing is something FUN. Makes it all the more crazy.

I've been reading a book-a-day. I'll catch you up tomorrow. That'll slow down now based on the library books left, but it's been a good reading run over that last month. After this stack of library books, I need to tackle some TBR. It's out of control and no more room on the TBR shelf. I like to buy some used books for the LFL. (Hopefully, it gets some better use -- still hardly used.) That said, I've been reading a really interesting variety and it's been good.

Happy Friday. Hope you're set for a good weekend. Later gators.

Tis' the Season

Heading home and plan to hit the gardening ground running. So much gardening and plant stuff to do. Tis' the season. Let's do this!

Not much else to report. I finished this little book and I expected to like it a lot more. It was okay. The writing is good, but the story seemed very basic. No overwhelming wow or emotional or much of anything. I've come across recommendations for this book from a few places -- all say it's amazing. I must not connect with the story in the same way. It's only 130 pages -- that's a plus lol.

I rode the Peloton yesterday and that was a push. I'm still not sure about a mountain walk this morning. It's really cool out (doesn't work well with my sinuses right now) and I'm focused on getting home to work on gardening. That's probably the answer right there -- best to get packed up and on the road.

It feels really good to feel (mostly) better. I need my energy up and I'll be a super happy camper. Spring is here and it's such a perfect time to be outside. 

Short and sweet this morning. Later gators.