Friday, September 28, 2018

What I'm Reading This Week #39

Happy Friday everyone!  It's been a long week so I am ready for the weekend fo' sho.  Anyone else?

Let's breeze right into...



I Wish Someone Had Told Me These 5 Tips Before I Started Lifting Weights  (Me too!)

Collagen Peptides: Everything You Need To Know About The Gut-Healing Protein That's Famous For Improving Skin, Too  (And also know that it may not work for you.  See Tuesday's post.)

4 Tiny Actions That Will Make You 10 Times Happier  (Might have to put some of these into practice)

Signs Your Family Member’s ‘Forgetfulness’ Is Actually Alzheimer’s Disease  (On the money)

Everything You Know About Obesity Is Wrong  (Courtesy of the Mr.  It's long so you'll want some time on your hands for this one.)

7 Social Media Habits That Can Be Harmful To Your Mental Health  (All of these)

9 Pumpkin Spice Products That Are Surprisingly Healthy  (I can vouch for the Halo Top one but must find this pumpkin pie hummus.  Or maybe not.  They probably don't mean snarfing a whole tub at once is healthy.)

11 Myths About Apple Cider Vinegar You Should Stop Believing Right Now

There's a reason you forget someone's name immediately after meeting them  (This has always been me.  Apparently it's because I don't give a crap??)

Unpacking Comparison, and How It Actually Steals Your Joy  (Always go into social media remembering this is someones' highlight reel, not their actual life!!  Except here.  You know I keep it ugly.)

Ex-Host Sues Hallmark Channel for Retaliation After Reporting Harassment  (Good for him!  Women need more male allies and the fact it appears he was fired for standing up with co-workers can't be tolerated.  I truly miss seeing him every day, and the new dude irritates me to no end.)

The Bill Murray Stories:  Life Lessons Learned from a Mythical Man  (I am so psyched for this.  If only we all lived life like Bill Murray and said yes more.)

The Mr has the potential to work this weekend but we're going to try not to let that stop us from being out and about.  I know he's got a football game to watch in there somewhere so I can get some work done then.  Funny, I was the big fanatic when we met and now I could give a rat's rump.  It's all commercials and flags and 15 minutes of actual play.  Beh.

What are y'all into this weekend?

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Thursday, September 27, 2018

Hip to release and playing catch up

Happy Thursday everyone!



It's been a rainy few days here so we haven't been able to get out and walk every day like we want to. I think we'll be three out of five days by tomorrow so I guess that's not too bad since we should be clearing up today. 

I got some good work done and will probably get on a little more after my chiro appointment today.  It'll be interesting to see what he has to say about my booty because I've been doing trigger point release on that area a few days this week with this track I got and these balls that go in it.  (affiliate links)  I'm hoping if I keep it up that these damn hips will release if not, I keep getting the jackhammer drill to the cheeks.

Last night we were catching up on the DVR and I swear someone is trying to tell us something.  The subject matter contained not one but two dire medical situations people we love are going through.  It is not a medical show and we have never seen these issues brought up anywhere before so I feel like we're being prepared for something not great.  (We already are but still, it was just very, very unsettling to have statistics presented in that format when we just wanted to decompress for the night.)  Survivor started last night.  I swear every season I say I'm done and we watch again but we usually watch in fast forward.  If the cast sucks, we watch challenges only then tribal council because everything in between is speculative and not true.  Hmm, I'm trying to think what other shows we've watched.  On the new show front, we watched Manifest which kind of felt like Stephen King's Langoliers to a degree.  I really like Josh Dallas from Once Upon a Time and he's good in it but we are wholly underwhelmed with the rest of the casting so I don't know how long this will remain on our DVR.  We give it two more episodes, well, I do.  If it doesn't pick up, my time is worth more.  We also watched I Feel Bad.  It was kind of cute but annoying in a lot of spots and again suffers on casting so I don't see that being on DVR long either if it doesn't get canceled.  Might give it one more shot.  We did tape Lethal Weapon to see how Seann William Scott did and we thought he did really well.  Not sure if I'm invested in it or not but we've always liked him.

I know, Thrillsville.  😀

What shows are you watching?  Give any new ones a go?

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Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Word of the Year...Is It Sticking?


The other night, I was looking over posts from last year around the holidays.  This year has been so just colossally bad that I can barely remember last week over last year.  It seems something new and not so great is on the horizon every day.  I was looking at my word for this year...reconnect. 

I thought about whether or not I felt like I'd done that the way I wanted to and I suppose I have to some degree as much as grief, discord, projects gone bad and illnesses have allowed.   I am very happy that I was able to see my one friend that I usually only see once or twice a year, three times this year.  Our last visit, in particular, talked about some very real issues we were both going through and it was good to know that someone else understood or in her case that she was now able to see someone else's point of view through my own similar one.  I got time with another friend and we had some hard discussions that probably wouldn't have happened if I hadn't opened up about our own struggles again and I think they were relieved they weren't alone in their boat.  I got to meet my bestie in person to kick off the year and see my other bestie from out of town so it was good to connect with them both in different ways even if they share the same name.  I have to refer to one by a nickname so the Mr knows who I'm talking about.  I do wish I was better about video chatting with her like I hoped to be but there's still time to rectify that.  A family member going through an incredibly hard time, found solace in our home as we let them cry, tried to make them laugh and gave them a place to vent.  I feel good about all of those reconnections being made.  The Mr and I refer to it as the relationship stock market.  You put in the time and effort and your stock goes up, you slack off and the stock goes down for either person.

That got me thinking about my reconnection with my dad last Christmas.  I was glad it happened and that I saw some of the people I did.  I'd been down that road before where promises were made and for me, it was nice to think it could be a new beginning for us.  I also knew from a lifetime of rejection that making nice and tears only go so far.  He's not someone I would feel comfortable calling on the phone but I'd be fine with emailing.  He knew about my grandma's situation and said he was really sorry and kept up on it through his brother.  He could tell how much I was hurting too when I talked about her.  When she passed, I thought for sure that he would either call or send a card.  I knew that his parents probably heard and would tell him.  I didn't hear anything from him.  We got an anniversary card (first one ever) before we left on our trip but no mention of Grandma passing.  I even gave it two months in case he was traveling for work and then I sent him a card thanking him for the anniversary card.  I enclosed a letter saying I wasn't sure if he'd heard but she passed away, I did the eulogy and if he wanted to email me, I gave him my address since it'd been 15 years.  I told him it was probably easier to keep in touch that way anyway.  Nothing.  I got a birthday card but still no mention.  Now the cards I got were super sappy and I guarantee you he didn't pick them because they didn't sound like him at all, they sounded like her.  Being a wife, I know the drill.   "Here, sign the card."  That's fine, I don't hold that against him but not mentioning the situation with Grandma at all just seems like a big missed opportunity to me.  Even if I didn't know what to say, after getting a letter about it, I might've said: "I'm sorry, I didn't know what to say and didn't want to say something in your anniversary or birthday card."  The thing is while it's disappointing, it's kind of par for the course where we're concerned and as I've told the Mr. many times over the years, "I won't force a relationship with someone who doesn't want one with me."  I'm not saying that with any animosity because I've forgiven him a long time ago for myself more so than him.  I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little disappointed but it's so minor on the scale of the crap we've dealt with and are dealing with that I just have to shrug and be happy for that good day we spent together.

All you can do is try to make a connection with people.  They either stick or they don't.  People make time for you or they don't.  Cherish the people who do and pray for and forgive the ones who don't and carry on.

Are you living your word of the year or need to remind yourself of your goal from January?

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Tuesday, September 25, 2018

My experience with collagen peptides

If you remotely pay attention to trends, you know that collagen is the hot thing right now.  I wrote it off because I don't really buy into fitness trends because if you've lived more than 20 years, you know these things are cyclical and what they tell you is awesome for you this year is caca the next.  You all know I have issues both with my digestive system and my joints and muscles from our intense workouts.  I admit I succumbed to peer pressure on this one after continually reading blogs raving about collagen from people whose opinions I trusted.  How much better they felt, their skin cleared up, their hair and nails were growing faster than they could maintain, their joints felt better, they pooped like champs, their dogs got well behaved, the bee population started coming back, their mothers in law treated them like their own, etc.

After doing a lot of research for something with the least amount of taste, highest protein with the least sodium and most water-soluble qualities, I went with a big ol' tub of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides(affiliate link)


It's Pasture-Raised, Grass-Fed, Non-GMO, Kosher, and all that jazz.  At 20 grams of protein per serving (2 scoops), it wasn't something I could ignore since I sometimes struggle to hit my protein target once or twice a week.

(Source)
My primary reason for giving this a go was we had started lifting heavier, and it was taking a toll on the bod.  Also playing a part was my horrible gut makeup on the quest to become a daily pooper and if I could get good skin, hair, and nails out of the deal, it sounded good to me!  Typically I would drink it in the morning with my tea on cardio days and with tea in the evening after strength training sessions to attempt to help repair immediately with the amino acids they all tout.

They claim it's tasteless, but there is a definite aftertaste and mouthfeel change to your drink.  I can't even tell you what the taste is, but I would say it tasted like plain gelatin smells if that makes any sense.  The mouthfeel is actually silky but being a person who is very sensitive to textures, it wasn't my favorite.  I'd usually try to chug it down because I didn't enjoy it much.  Again, it's not because it was nasty, but it made just enough difference in taste to my tea that I noticed, but you guys all know I'm weird anyway so take it with a grain of salt.

I took it pretty religiously for about 2 1/2 months waiting for the benefits to roll in.  I was going to feel 25 again!  I was going to have thick, gorgeous hair and nails!  I was going to come out of the bathroom every day with a cape on, my hair blowing in the wind with my hands on my hips and head held high!  What happened?

Well, I lost some weight...in the wallet.

I'm not saying it doesn't work because, with over 2000 reviews on their own website of 5-star ratings and 4-star ratings of almost 3000 reviews on Amazon, it's gotta be doing something for some people.  It just didn't for me.  😞

When someone else mentioned it did nothing for them (but they only used it 4x...come on, now!), the company responded it takes 2-6 weeks of consistent use to see the benefits.   Many people have noted recently the formula seems a little different and doesn't dissolve as well but I can't attest to that since I didn't do it for a long time.  Some suggest it's best for smoothies or oatmeal and not as much for tea and coffee so that it doesn't alter the flavor because despite it saying it's tasteless, there is a slight taste like I experienced.   I'll be honest though, the biggest deterrent for me was the price on this one.  While I appreciate all of the non-GMO, pasture raised, etc., it's a steep price to pay at over $1.50 per serving if you do not see any benefit from it.  I did see that Trader Joe's now carries Great Lakes Gelatin for $10 per 7 ounce can which means if you bought 3 of them to match the amount you were getting in the one I was buying, you'd still be saving $13.  Great Lakes is a very reputable brand, and if you don't have a Trader Joe's near you, you can buy it here on Amazon.  (affiliate link)  The only reason I didn't get it is a handful of people said they got constipated with it and I didn't need to tempt that vixen.

I will say that my nails seem to take forever to grow now that I'm not taking it anymore but I didn't feel like they grew so much faster while I was taking it if that makes sense.  So maybe I couldn't see that until after the fact.  To be fair though, I'm also not using the protein nail formula that helped my nails grow religiously anymore so I can't pinpoint the collagen for sure.  My joints are as sore as they've ever been, but lately, they seem to be slightly more sore.  But again, there were other contributing factors that changed at the same time, so I don't know that I can pinpoint the collagen as the tipping point.

Just because my experience wasn't Earth-shattering doesn't mean yours couldn't be.  I have read some pretty amazing things from people whose lives it has changed, but as even my chiro confirmed, my body is the exception to many a rule.  I may try the other brand in the future, but for now, I'm giving my body a chance to just do its thang on its own without any supplements and stuff like that.  I already eat a goodly amount of amino acids to help naturally rebuild my muscles and joints, and I suspect I just need to get more flexibility exercise to help with that stuff.

So I encourage you to take a look at these, read the reviews from people and see if they're right for you.  I don't find anything wrong in seeing if there are products out there that can help me feel better or recover quicker and if they work, great!  If they don't, at least there's one more opinion in the thousands out there that you can take into account.

Have you or would you try collagen peptides?  What has been your experience?

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Monday, September 24, 2018

First Weekend of Fall recap

Happy Monday everyone!

The first day of Fall did not disappoint.


Matter of fact, it was probably one of the better ways we've spent the first day of fall in a long time.  Some friends of ours were going to come over in the evening but he ended up getting wrangled into work.  I told her we were going to a craft fair she mentioned she was interested in so we went there.  It was a balmy 62 degrees down 30 degrees from the previous day.  Glorious.

There were some cute things but nothing I couldn't live without.


I did almost buy two white and gray buffalo check pillows for the couch but at $39 a piece and more than the ones I bought from Crate and Barrel that I waited for a YEAR to go on sale for 20% off, I passed them up.  Besides, I saw some similar ones online at Kirkland's.  We did see some friends of ours who closed their brick and mortar store but still do occasional shows.  It was so fun to watch them light up as they saw us coming over.  We grabbed some lunch there from one of the food trucks (meh) then decided to hit a nearby park.


We got in a little exercise (mostly vertical) so the phone never came out since I felt like I was dying on the way up.  HIIT ain't got nothing on 45-degree hills.  We enjoyed a deep conversation so it was nice taking the time to both laugh and empathize with each other about the things we were all going through.

When we got back, we sat out on the patio for a bit.  There was an occasional breeze so I got out our portable campfire for a bit of warmth and also because we were planning to do s'mores.   Let me tell you, mama knows how to do s'mores.


One of me and the Mr's favorites was the Biscoff cookies, with a Hershey's Gold fun size bar and half a marshmallow.  Soooo good.  The flat ice cream cone thingies are also awesome.  It was nice to chit chat by the fire, eat childhood favorites and see how many times I could reach for something without my boobs catching fire.

Unfortunately, I woke up with a pretty bad headache Sunday.  They claimed it was supposed to be sunny but it wasn't for a good part of the day.  I had zero motivation to do anything even though I planned on going to a clothing store and to check out those pillows.  I decided I didn't need either of them and with no umph to do anything with a headache hanging on, we sat out back on the patio.  Then the sun started peeking out and I figured I'd better get some work in while I had light and I resented having to do it.  I don't know if it was the headache or something else but I got it done despite myself.  The Mr was kind enough to do a produce run so I didn't have to get my raggedy butt dressed.  Then it was workout time  (you can imagine how happy I was for that) and dinner time. 

We had vegan Italian sausage over pumpkin risotto with mixed veggies then boom...weekend over.  Oh, we did watch this to round out the night. 

How was your weekend?

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Friday, September 21, 2018

What I'm Reading This Week #38

Happy Friday everyone!  Sorry I was absent yesterday, we've got some crap hitting the fan right now so posting could be erratic depending on the circumstances.  I'm glad it's the weekend though and ready to hopefully jump off the mental hamster wheel for a few days.

Let's get right to...


5 Unexpected Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes  (Lurve me some sweet potatoes!)

Your Weekly Checkup: New Dangers Found in a Common Pain Reliever  (Scary stuff.  I used to pop ibuprofen like candy as a kid due to headaches)

14 ways one type of exercise is the closest thing to a miracle drug we have  (If you don't start exercising regularly after reading this, you're askin' for it.)

10 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Bananas  (Five days a week baby!)

If Your Partner Has Anxiety, Read This  (Good tips to be supportive, for sure.)

This Regret-Filled Widower Has the Most Touching Relationship Advice Ever  (Grab the tissues)

Hip Flexor Pain Is Basically The Worst—But You CAN Fix It  (I can vouch, sitting screws up EVERYTHING!)

Eating Salad Every Day Keeps Your Brain 11 Years Younger  (*starts washing lettuce*)

The 10-Minute Daily Ritual That Will Revolutionize Your Relationship  (Seems so simple but you'd be surprised how often you don't do this!  John Gottman is the man.)

Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas Schedule  (I can't wait for Christmas at Graceland especially since I've been there for it!  I'm a little miffed they don't have Marrying Father Christmas on here though.  I've been waiting 8 months to find out when it's on!)

The weather is supposed to be a little less disgusting around these parts, so a friend is coming over to go to a craft show.  I wonder how drunk we'd be if we made a drinking game out of seeing the words "blessed," "thankful" or "grateful" in farmhouse font on everything in sight.  Probably sloshed under a tent 20 minutes later.

What are you guys into this weekend?

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Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Last Summer Fun Poll

Happy Hump Day everyone!

Fall finally gets here this weekend, and no one is happier about that than me.

(Source)

This has been a summer, y'all.  This was probably the worst summer to put a new habit of walking first thing in the morning into practice because every day I started off a sweaty beast with the humidity.  There were a few weeks it just was NOT going to happen.  You open the door and can't breathe, and it's like "nope!"  But I suppose the positive peeps would say "but you did it most days so that proves you can."  Mmm hmm.  As my favorite time of year approaches, I thought I'd look back on this summer and do a high and low of summer 2018.

High:  When the patio was FINALLY finished.  Not the first time it was finished, and they had to come back out.  The second time they were finished and had to rip half of it out because they suck.  Just being able to put everything back on the patio and know it was the last damn time we had to do it was not only exhausting but felt like we could finally exhale.  We'd moved that stuff THREE TIMES and some of it was not light.  So being able to look out back and see the finished product is just a relief.

Low:  Same project but I'll actually say the heat.  Even when we were done with the patio, it's not like we could go outside to enjoy it.  Too much humidity and blazing heat made it uncomfortable to be out there on a nice day but even cloudy days were awful.  Any rain we got was not that relieving rain that brought cooler temps, it just made everything more steamy and unbearable.  I felt like I had a sheen all season.  It was because of that heat that we also didn't paddle much this season which stinks.  Hopefully, fall will be more cooperative.

What were your highs and lows of this summer?

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Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Who Would You Invite?



There's been nothing shareworthy going on over this way so I'm going to yank out a random topic. 

You know how people ask you "if you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be?"  Well, I think just picking one person is kind of unfair so I'm going to pick three for a nice round number that would fill my dining table.

1)  Elvis Presley

Oh my Lord, the things I would want to say to him and ask him to sing Teddy Bear to me.  (I'll take any Elvis but especially 1957 Elvis if I have a choice.)  I just love how generous he was even though it was to a fault sometimes.  He could read the phone book and I would be a puddle.  Listening to him sing anything but especially gospel where he would go almost operatic...gimme da vapors. 

2)  Olivia Newton-John

I have had the biggest girl crush on her my entire life.  That woman is truly angelic.  Her voice can bring me to tears no matter what time of the month it is.  The way she smiles, her laugh, her genuine sweetness, her giving spirit, her philanthropy.  She just seems like an all-around wonderful person.  One of my favorite scenes from any movie she's been in is this one where at about the 2:50 mark, you can see her adorable goofy personality shine through.  I love that she seems to love to laugh and be silly.  I just want to sit next to her and soak in her awesome.

3)  My grandma

If she didn't mind whipping up some noodles to serve to Elvis and Olivia, I'd be more than happy to make them with her.  I'd give anything to see her smile as I went gaga for these people and watch her swoon as Elvis belted out a country tune since she loved country music.  To smell her White Rain and White Diamonds co-mingle as I put my cheek on her soft cheek and hear her say "you were my first grandbaby" just one more time.  Then when Elvis and Livvy left, she'd stay behind and we'd catch up and I'd lay my head on her shoulder until she had to go.

If you had to choose three people, dead or alive, to a dinner party who would you invite?

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Monday, September 17, 2018

Trader Joe's Pumpkinpalooza 2018

It's dropped y'all.  Pumpkin goodness abounds at Trader Joe's and I didn't even get all of it but here's a peep of what you can expect to see.

Pumpkin cheesecake and...


...pumpkin marble mousse!  Yes, please!

Pumpkin ginger cones.


If we weren't going to two other stores, we totally would've gotten those.  Must go back for them.

Then you have the mecca


Pumpkin waffles, Pumpkin Ice Cream, Pumpkin Bar and sweet potatoes and butternut squash items.

The beauty holy grail...


They nailed it..."as gourd as it gets."  Get a few tubs of this stuff.  Give it to whoever is hosting Thanksgiving, give it to your boss when you ask for a raise, give it to your stone hearted mother in law if you have one, it will make your life better.

Apple Cider foaming hand soap is available too.


Then you'll proceed to sniff your hands the rest of the day like Mary Catherine Gallagher.

The pups can get in on the act too. 

(SB, note the TFT rocketing over the pumpkin on the right box!)

Then in addition to pumpkin butter, they have this...


If you like carrot cake, this could be dangerous.  You and a spoon in a dark corner.

That's just a taste of what you'll find.  I'd be thrown out for being a paparazzi if I took any more pics. 

What's your favorite TJ's pumpkin product?

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Friday, September 14, 2018

What I'm Reading This Week #37

Happy Friday everyone!  You got your boogie shoes on?  I do!  Not that my boogie-ing would be too pretty right now.  Mama gots tendinitis in the hips.  (Thanks, squats!)  I got the full monty at the chiro yesterday.   Belt sander across the arse and lower back, thumping drill thing in my lower spine, hips and bootius maximus, lower back stretching, hip pops, pretzel twist, leg ultrasound, ankle yanks, lasered arm scar tissue with an end on the spine roller bed.

Groovy.

Let's hustle right into...




Curvy shoppers grill retail execs: 'Plus-size' applies to body shapes other than 'hourglass'  (It'd be nice if something good came from this summit.  Dear Execs...tall fat women exist.  We are not unicorns.)

These Small Habits Are Scientifically Proven to Help You Lose Weight   (I keep meaning to incorporate habit #2)

A Trainer's 6 Top Tips For How to Stop Overeating  (That lip stapling bit seems a bit extreme. 
Ha!  Made ya look!)

15 Beautiful Ways to Reclaim Your Life When You're Broken   (Now I won't be able to get the song Broken by lovelytheband out of my head.)

If Your Workouts Last Longer Than 13 Minutes, Science Says You're Wasting Your Time   (Interesting findings.  Then in 5 years they'll tell us something different, I'm sure.)

The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Apologizing  (#2 reminds me of the worst apology I ever heard when a family member told the Mr. "I'm sorry you feel I was X."  Not "I'm sorry I'm a flaming douchebag" but I'm sorry YOU feel that way" which is the same as saying eff you.)

A retailer is being called out for selling a fat-shaming sweatshirt — but the brand says 'it's the opposite of what it seems'  (Look, I get what they were trying to do but yeah, whoever thought that was a good idea to bring attention to trolling comments by making them a ridiculous priced sweatshirt needs to be flicked in the forehead.)

Vet Reveals What Happens in a Dying Pet's Final Moments, Breaks Hearts Around the World  (It's not what you think, it has nothing to do with the "process" of what is happening but as someone who has had to put two angel babies to sleep, it is imperative every pet owner reads this.  Do this last act of love for them, PLEASE.  Happy 11th rainbow anniversary to our angel baby.  Miss you, little girl.)

'The Candy Man' Gives Away 6,000 Hershey Bars in Decade-Long Act of Kindness  (What a sweet nugget.)

Putting Your Holiday Decorations Up Early Could Make You Happier, According to Experts  (*drags tree from basement*  Actually we are putting it up earlier this year so bring on November!)

Jeff Goldblum Says He Likes to Be Called Daddy While Eating Spicy Wings  (Video.  If you like Goldblum, you will love this video.)

It's grocery weekend and I think we're going to try to cram it all in today so we don't have to waste any time Saturday or Sunday.  We've got a date night planned Saturday and nothing will kill a mood quicker than a trip to Trader Joe's.  Speaking of which, I saw their pumpkin products are trickling in.  I will report back next week on what, if anything I spied with my little eye.

What are you up to this weekend?  What pumpkin product are you looking forward to from anywhere?

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Thursday, September 13, 2018

Mildon't and adventurous friends

It's Friday eve!

Yesterday I continued on my productive streak and planted some tulips we picked up a few weekends ago.  I couldn't find the trowel so I had to dig down with a gloved hand and my God I hate worms.  *barfing sound*  I really hope they grow in the spring because that spot has always been a crap shoot.  Actually, I saw my only peony plant (that only gave me ONE friggin' bloom this year) has powdery mildew.  It's been a VERY humid summer and that article basically implies I'm screwed.  It says how to treat it but I know me...that thing is coming out.  It'd be different if it gave me a ton of blooms but I'm mad at it so I'll just start over again next year.  Pffft.   I also hacked up our Japanese maple.  That thing looks like a McDonald's fry guy.  For those who can't bring up the imagery, here:

(Source)
  They're the blobs with eyes in the front row.

I ended up busting a blood vessel in my finger on the clippers.  I still want to thin it out a bit. 

I did a little work and a prototype for a Christmas craft, cleaned up a bit, brought out the fall decor or at least a good deal of it.  Then I called back a friend of mine who was flying out today to go run a marathon in Sydney, Australia!  Unfortunately, he has tendinitis so it will be an "interesting" race for him I'm sure.  He has many adventures planned and I'm so happy for him to do all of this awesome stuff.  I'm hoping I can talk him into a guest post about it at some point but I don't want to put more on his plate.  So think good thoughts for him on Sunday, if you please.

We did a killer leg workout that I put together and it was southern comfort food (shrimp and cheese grits) for sustenance.


We've both got doctors appointments today.  Him the dermatologist and me the chiropractor.  If he drills, sands, lasers and pops me like he did last week, I should be able to have even hips in a month.  :-| 

What flowers grow best in your garden?  Who was your favorite McDonald's character?

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Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Hump Day Poll: Feeling Crafty


Happy Hump Day everyone!  Can you see Friday from the top o' the hill?  

Me either.  LOL

What I can see is my new autumn "wreath" I made yesterday.  I have been looking for the past two weeks for the perfect thing to put on the front door.  For the longest time, I had a really sad twig wreath that I'd randomly tuck faux leaves in.  It looked like it belonged on a home in Sleepy Hollow at midnight.  (But if this Ichabod Crane answered the door, I'd be all over that...)


Sorry, I'm getting off track.

A search on every home goods site and store showed me that chintzy and cheap are the order this fall and the stuff on Etsy was pretty but more than I was willing to pay.  Oh screw it, I'll make what I want myself.  I thought I was going to make a traditional wreath but I just wasn't feeling it.  I wanted something more unique.  So I made this....


It's a tobacco basket with various fall accoutrements.   I like the way it turned out and that no one else has one like it.  It'll take me through mid-November when the tree goes up.  I was just glad it fit between the regular and storm doors without squishing much.  I kind of miss being crafty.  There's something calming about it...until it takes over a room which can easily happen depending on what it is.

What is the last craft you made?  How did it turn out?

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Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Sucked in again



Howdy do all.

Yesterday I got a little productive and got some work stuff done and wrapped the Mr's birthday presents even though it's not for a month.  In the background, I had on the show Insatiable.  I don't know if y'all have heard the backlash against this show or not but here's the short version.   Fat girl gets punched, has to have her mouth wired shut, gets skinny and wants revenge.

I really only wanted to watch because Dallas Roberts is in it and I love him but like most shows that get negative publicity, it just made me want to watch it more.  It does address some of the things that heavy people go through from disordered eating to the mental trauma still leftover once the weight is lost.  But it does it in an over the top fashion that I'm sure is one of the main reasons people weren't on board with this.  It reminds me of this one show that was on called GCB  (Good Christian B*tches) which was such a guilty pleasure show because it showed the backbiting, two-faced nature of people.  *Gasp, you mean that stuff doesn't only happen on the internet?*

(dripping with sarcasm)

I think the first part of the show was pretty good even if it was super satire but the second part felt like it was like season two.  Almost like they knew people would pitch a fit, so they tried to cram two seasons into one.  It also tackles sexuality both as a kid and adult.  I "watched" the whole season yesterday since I started early.  (I had it on in the background while I worked and got stuff done.)   When it comes down to it, I'm glad I saw it and made up my own mind.  There's nothing I hate more than people trying to censor a show.  If you don't like it, don't tune in.  There was quite the twist ending but I felt like it was a little desperate to make up for a string of crappy episodes.  But I will always watch a show or see a movie with bad press, and I will likely never watch a show that everyone else is talking about or saying I MUST see it.  (I've never seen a Harry Potter, Sex and the City, Game of Thrones or Walking Dead on purpose.)

Would I watch another season?  Meh.  If I watched whatever two or three shows we got our Netflix card for and had nothing else to watch.  I just don't know where it really has to go from here and kind of feel the same about Ozark.  I love Jason Bateman, but I don't know if I care what happens to this family anymore.  :-\   Ten hours is a long time to invest when you feel indifferent about a show, and we were both glad it was over.

Other than that it was the BFF workout and fish and polenta for dinner.



What shows have you purposely watched due to negative press or avoided due to hype?

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Monday, September 10, 2018

Quick Weekend Roundup

Good Monday morning all!

It was a pretty lazy weekend for us once we got back from going all over town looking for a fall wreath.  In the end, I decided I could do better than the crap I was seeing and I picked up some supplies.


I'll worry this week about turning the flowers into something.  (I decided against that basket though it would've been WAY easier to tuck them in there and be done.  Why start doing things the easy way now??)

Saturday I had the Mr grab a Netflix card so we could binge watch Ozark.  Does anyone else get more fun out of seeing what the symbols will mean over the episode and watch for them or is that just us?


We did five episodes Saturday until 2am and then finished the other five yesterday.  My Lord that show chips away at your soul!  LOL 

We met my mom for a belated birthday dinner and since we got in an early workout, we could chill last night.

Thrilling, I know!

How was your weekend?  What was the last show you binge-watched?

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Friday, September 7, 2018

What I'm Reading This Week #36

Happy Friday all!  Has it been hotter than hellfire for you all this week?  I'm so over this summer, so I started some fall baking just to proverbially moon the heat.  

Now that you've got that horrifying image in your head let's get to...


Do Collagen Supplements Help Skin, Hair, Nails and Joints?  (I'll weigh in on my experience soon.)

50 Ways To Lose 10 Pounds    (If I do all 50, can I lose 500 lbs and implode?)

Stress Was Destroying My Health — Here's How I Stopped It   (As I sit here with a clenched jaw)

No Longer Silent: 7 Signs of Ovarian Cancer  (Do NOT ignore them!  Two of these symptoms (and a cyst bursting) is how a family member found (and beat) hers!)

Why You Need Good Wrist Mobility  (Just talked about this with the chiro yesterday)

Your Weekly Checkup: Can Exercise Reduce Depression and Dementia?  (It may not help much on the dementia front once you already have it but do it NOW if you're predisposed or never want to have it!)

Why Your Brain Can't Let Go of a Grudge  (I've been reading a lot about this lately on my own.  This sums it up better than the brain melt I've been under with five books.)

30 Things No Wife Ever Wants to Hear  (Oh yeah and have heard a few.  Some of these he'd better run if he said them.)

Take Photos of Your Luggage Before You Travel (And basically everything else too.)

Freeform Just Announced Its '31 Nights of Halloween' Schedule, and It's Bigger and Better Than Last Year  (Am I the only one a little disappointed in this??  Though I must admit, Warm Bodies is a great movie and should be rented because no way can they show everything on Freeform!)

Fall Foliage Prediction Map  (I couldn't help but notice Niagara on the Lake is going to be at peak on the Mr's birthday weekend.)

Well, looks like we get to wait for the cable man this weekend.  An ant probably walked on the line and threw it out of whack.  *rolling eyes*

What are you doing this weekend?

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Thursday, September 6, 2018

What You Do, Matters



The Mr and I met as teenagers at a retail job.  My mom also worked at the same place right after her divorce.  As a single mom on a retail salary and getting a pittance in child support, she didn't have money for unexpected expenses.  When she would have trouble with her car, she'd take it to the auto department of the store to get an estimate to see if it was dire and how the heck she was going to come up with the money or if it was something she could skate by on.  The manager back there came to know her well and knew based on the things she would pass on that she couldn't afford things like nail holes in a tire (remember when that seemed to happen a LOT back in the 80's/90's??) or oil changes for an extra 500 - 1000 miles.  Soon he would start giving her tire plugs for free, and if her oil needed to be changed, he'd only charge her for the parts and no labor.  He was a gruff former Navy guy who always reminded me of that dude who showed his butt in NYPD Blue, but he had a heart of gold.  (The manager, I can't vouch for the NYPD Blue dude.)

When I got my first car, it was from an auction lot, and my grandpa fixed it up for me since that was his thing.  But once that initial fix-up period was over, he didn't do you any favors.  No free oil changes or anything like that, he expected you to be responsible, and I think to some degree, I also got some of that from him.  That car was okay at first, but it ended up having a lot of problems that actually gave our family mechanic WAY out in the boonies nightmares.  Literally.  He told me "I had dreams about your car last night, that's how bad this is!"  Comforting.  Anyhoo.  When things would come up with my car, the auto manager knew who I was through my mom.  He knew I worked part-time while going to school and couldn't afford much either.  So he would help me too with the little things like tire plugs for free, giving me basically a brand new tire one time and at cost oil changes off the books.  I think even if the store manager found out about all he did, he would've been too scared to confront him about it anyway.  LOL

He was a little different with dudes.  He didn't cut the same kind of breaks to them because he barely got the chance to get to know them.  The Mr worked in the automotive department for a bit and while it wouldn't go past more than a nod sometimes or him going out to ask him a question with short answers, he came to know him more than pretty much any of the other teenage guys there.  I admit, most of them were idiots and given retail's typically high turnover, I don't blame him for not getting close.  It was apparent he was more chivalrous toward the ladies.  Once he got to know the Mr and know that he was my boyfriend, he seemed to soften a bit.  His generosity of taking a look at things to give an estimate or cutting costs where he could extended to him as well.  One time the Mr took his car in after his speedometer in his muscle car broke.  He was getting a lot of tickets and his family wasn't in a position to help him get it fixed.  He asked the manager to look at it and give him an estimate because he knew a dealer would overcharge.  He told him to come back at the end of the day and he'd give him an estimate.

When he went to see what the damage was, he said: "your speedometer isn't broken."
"It is though" the Mr replied.
He turned on the car to see the speedometer fixed and the manager walking away with a little grin on his face.  That's just the kind of guy he was.  Whenever talk of our early dating comes up and the people at that place, he always fondly comes up in conversation.

I assumed I would never know what happened to him or that he'd passed.  While thinking of him last weekend, I laughed at the idea he could be on Facebook because that would so NOT be him but looked him up anyway...and there he was!  He still looked pretty much the same and had that same scary tattoo we both remembered.  I teared up seeing him and thinking of how his generosity had helped my entire family at one time or another and how he would never know what that meant.  But why not?  Because here he was...I could tell him even if he didn't remember me.

And so I did.

I told him he probably wouldn't remember me all these years later but what he did for each of us and how much we all still remember and appreciate how he helped us.  I told him we always knew everyone saw him as a tough guy but we knew he was a teddy bear, and for three broke people, his kindness meant everything.  I told him we still talk about how much he helped us out and how thankful we still are for that and just wanted him to know.  I don't know if he'll ever see it, honestly, because I don't know how often he gets on Facebook or if it was just something his grandkids helped him set up and the novelty passed.  But what if he does see it?  What would it mean to know things you did 25 years ago still resonated with a whole family, and they always appreciated you just being you?  We all need recognition that our life matters not only to the people close to us but that the way we choose to live our lives impacts others in a good way so that maybe one day they would do something nice by our influence.  I know what that would mean to me and I don't ever need him to respond if he does see it, it's not about that.  It's just about him knowing.

We are sometimes too embarrassed or shy to let people know what they mean to us or how they've impacted our lives if they're not family or close friends.  That needs to change.  We're all just struggling to make our way and to (hopefully) be the nicest version of ourselves in a world obsessed with tearing people down and judging others like they have a gavel in their hand.  Too many people are bogged down with not feeling good enough or like their lives don't matter much outside of their circle, but they do.  I'm glad I found him before it was too late to let him know what his kindness meant to all of us.

Who has had an impact on you that doesn't necessarily know it?  If they're still alive, will you tell them if you can find them?

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Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Hump Day Poll: Fall Edition


There are a lot of opinions on when the fall season begins.  Some say it's when the calendar turns to September and the stores and coffee shops start pelting you with pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin scones.  Some say it's when the weather is consistently in the upper 70's and chilly nights.  Others say when it's actually the first day of fall and not a second sooner, thankyouverymuch.

I've always been of the mindset that fall is when the calendar turns September because school had just started (back in the day it didn't start until the end of August not beginning or mid-month!) and it's my birthday.  So it was like my birthday kicked off my favorite season.  I'll admit, the douchebag weather has made it very hard to get into the apple cider and bonfire spirit, so it doesn't feel like fall to me.  I desperately want to put out fall decor, but when you practically incinerate upon exiting the house, sweater weather and fuzzy socks feel like distant dreams.

So how about you?  When does the fall season start for you?



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Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Birthday weekend round up

Happy Tuesday everyone!  I hope you enjoyed your holiday weekend if you got yesterday off.  It was my birthday weekend.  I started it feeling a little down in the dumps and I always seem to get that way around my birthday especially the last 4 years when Grandma was no longer able to do birthday gatherings anymore.  Even the few years prior, I felt like my birthday was an inconvenience to celebrate.  I can't quite explain it.  The Mr got me a birthday cake and I decided that I wanted my favorite copycat burger from a vacation restaurant so I was okay with cooking.  As you can see, we needed to unhinge our jaws to fit it in.



Sooooo good. 

I had some pampering stuff on my list this year after going on our retreat last month and wearing a robe that actually fit. 



So I got a fluffy robe, foot soak tub with salt (inspired from our trip to a foot spa in Maine), hot/cold eye mask, flowers, a scarf, and t-shirt.  That evening, he told me to get in my jammies and robe and he ran some hot water so I could soak my feet.  He turned on the diffuser and made me some tea and I sat with the eye mask on my eyes.  It was so nice.  Then afterward he gave me a little foot massage.  Yes, please! 



On my actual birthday, I packed up a picnic, we grabbed mini cakes and went to celebrate with Grandma.  We may not do birthday family dinners anymore but that doesn't mean I couldn't spend it with her.  I wish it hadn't been 90 degrees out but we were out there for about 30 minutes or so in our camping chairs and I know she was with me.  We went home and I opened my gifts from a friend that went overboard on me.  The Mr joked she made him look like a chump.  LOL  That night we played Boggle and UNO. 



I beat him at Boggle and he stuck me with two draw fours on the last hand of UNO after he had me draw two.  Dick. 

Yesterday was SUCH a lazy day.  Even after breakfast, we still felt tired and got sucked into Celebrity Ghost Stories and floated in and out of consciousness.  Then I colored in my Snoopy Christmas coloring book, we started reading some old journals from vacation and then figured we should probably get our workout in.  So we did that and I made turkey burgers and potato wedges for dinner.  That was that.

How was your weekend?

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Monday, September 3, 2018

Happy Labor Day!


I'm taking the day off with my honey to do just that...if I feel like it.  LOL

Hope the rest of you get the day off and if not, take a hooky day soon, you've earned it!

Any plans for the day?

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