Five Simple Things (March 26)

Hello.

This week we did a few errand runs to different places in Portland that we've been putting off. We did a run to IKEA and to Gorge Performance to grab a few things we needed for surfing. We also got a strange burst of weather at the start of the week. It rained a bit and got colder, but then warmed back up and it sleeted for about 15 minutes. It was odd. Things are definitely changing here on the Pacific Coast. It's either too hot, too cold, or odd weather changes. People joke a lot about the weather here in Oregon, and other places of, if you don't like the weather just wait five minutes. That day it sleeted that statement definitely could have been applied. It was bizarre. Global warming is making itself be known here on the Pacific Coast. I've been here almost 17 years and I see the changes a lot within that time period. People that deny that something is happening, I'm not sure where they live, but it clearly isn't in areas that are seeing the effects. Here are five things this week.

1. This Rainbow.

Part of our errand runs took us to Portland to IKEA to pick up a few things for our house. We've been wanting to replace a few things that were not that great for the environment and IKEA had just what we wanted. During that time we also stopped at the golf store for Jeff and when we were leaving this beautiful rainbow made its appearance. Rainbows have become a comfort for us since the passing of Baz and we always think of him when we see him. The reason being, the day after he died we were all heartbroken and honestly devastated. The brightest rainbow we've ever seen was in the sky and it hadn't even rained. It comforted us knowing it was him letting us know he was okay and we will be okay, too. So, seeing it during our errands gave us a sense of happiness.

2. This Box.

The Fab Fit Fun summer box was loaded with great things this season. I am especially loving the Short Stories lighted growing pot. It's currently sitting on my window sill waiting for the basil seeds to sprout. I am also excited about the fitness band and ball. I've been doing more core work and this was perfect! You can sign up for the autumn box here.

3. This Ending.

I am honestly sad to see Yogi Surprise come to an end. I've been with them since the first box came out. It was one of the best subscription boxes I've ever had and they are the ones that got me started on monthly boxes. This month was the last box and it was packed full of great things. One of the main products I love from the box is the green tea face wash and the diffuser nose ring. I am really going to miss them, but I am so glad they were part of my yoga journey the whole time.

4. These Cupcakes.

We tried some vegan cupcakes from Elegant Elephant Baking Company in Eugene, Oregon. Their white icing on the chocolate cupcakes are amazing! 

5. This Weather.

This sleet fell this week and it was a bit alarming. It was sunny just 30 minutes before and then it got cold and sleeted. The last year here in Oregon has been weird.

Positive affirmations this week: "Envisioning your dream life what does it look like?"

Honestly, my dream life isn't conventional. I'd love to live in a Sprinter Van, traveling, and living day by day. It's a dream I've had for awhile. One of these days I plan to make that happen. Traveling and experiencing life is one of the dreams everyone should have.

Have a nice weekend.

Rocky Butte (Portland, Oregon)

We took another road trip up to Rocky Butte in Portland, Oregon. This time we invited Jeff to come along with us and it was a beautiful view just like the last time. Rocky Butte is a neat area and it's not frequented by a lot of people, so it's a nice private viewing of Portland.

Five Simple Things (March 19)

Hello.

This week we took a few trips to look at land options in central Oregon, as well as did some surfing and looked at land along the coast. We haven't quite decided exactly what we're looking for, but we have made a list of things we don't want, so that's a start. It was ridiculously windy at the coast, so we did more falling and waiting on our board than anything else. It was exhausting, but we all definitely got a good workout. We traveled all the way to Millican looking at land. Millican is a peaceful area and not a lot of houses around, and it's about 25 miles east of Bend, Oregon. It's mostly land for recreational purposes than residence, but along the recreational land there is a few plots sprinkled in that are approved for building. Hopefully, we can find something soon and can play a move from the Willamette Valley. I am definitely looking forward to that day. Here are five things this week.

1. These Flowers. 

A lot of people consider Wild Violet annoying, same with Dandelions, but I always like seeing these little, purple flowers, because it means spring has sprung. 

2. This Kitty.

We got her a new toy from Might Nest and she loves it. It's the Boba & Vespa Snake Cat Toy with Catnip. They also have a Stingray and Hemp Dog Bone. 

3. This Surfing.

 

The coast was windy, but we definitely had a great time and we love practicing our surfing.

4. This Tweet.

I posted this on Twitter back in December and it's still helping people. I'm so glad to read some of the replies and messages that reading that tweet made them feel better. This is how social media should be used instead of fighting over politics and other nonimportant factors.

5. This Episode. 

Our latest podcast episode is out and it's a mystery. You can listen to this newest episode here.

Positive affirmations this week: "What goal is next on your list?" 

To find suitable land in central Oregon and  move from the Willamette Valley. Really looking forward to that. We should have done this years ago, but the timing never lined up right for us and then Coronavirus hit and set us back a bit. But, now we're on it and hopefully will find something soon and be able to move within the year. We plan on being here another summer and really pulling all of the stops out to finding something before the end of the year. We aren't putting too much pressure on ourselves, and we are just letting it come when it comes.

Have a nice weekend.

Land Hunting in Central Oregon

This past weekend we took a trip over to Central Oregon to check out some land options. We've been wanting to get out of the Willamette Valley for quite sometime now and we are finally making it happen. It's been a slow process and with the Coronavirus pandemic it put us back a year. Things are finally on the right path, but it's still going to be a bit until we find the best location for us. We have enjoyed looking at different locations, though, and a lot of the land has been lowered in price because many are looking for a quick sell. We went from La Pine to Fort Rock and from Bend to Millican and above all, the quieter the better.

Five Simple Things (March 12)

Hello.

I'll admit, this week we didn't do anything. We figured having a week of just relaxing and nothing was just what we needed. We spent the week literally just doing everyday tasks, but we didn't stress about much at all. I'm coming up on my year after my surgery. My surgery was on March 19. It's weird to think it's already been a year and I am still recovering a bit. A few of my smaller scars are starting to fade, but the larger ones, which are the ones that were concerning, are still very much visible. But, overtime my surgeon said those will fade, as well. I've been using a scar gel that has been working, so I will continue to use it until I am satisfied with the results. This scar gel I am using is Derma-E Scar Gel. I apply it morning and night. It's a good product for newer and older scars. It takes a bit longer for older scar to see any results, but for newer scars, like mine, it's working great. Here are five things this week.

1. This Oil.

I've been using lavender oil on my pillow at night and doing tenting to relax. It's helping and it helps relax my anxiety, too. I love Pranarom oils. They are organic and have stewardships that protect the environment. 

2. This Kitty.

Enjoying the sunshine that's finally coming through the windows.

3. This Box.

Love when these boxes come. Yogi Surprise was my first subscription box and this week we got word that they are ending the subscription. I am quite upset, but I think the pandemic has hit a lot of small business pretty hard. We are getting one more box after this and it ends, but for now I am enjoying what I get.

4. These Boxes.

Other subscription boxes we enjoy is the Mully Box, Might Nest, and Kiwi Eco Box. These are three we look forward to getting each month. 

5. This Selfie.

Love the way this came out. It's a filter on my Samsung and it turns regular pictures into pictures from 1920. Definitely a filter I will be playing around with in the future.

Positive affirmations this week:

"When you worry you suffer twice." This quote has been my driving force lately and it's helped me get some of my anxiety under control. I worry about things that are out of my control, too. Things like, why people act a certain way, why they say the things they say, and why are some people so mean. Those are the things I am working on. I have since changed those worries to, people don't know any better, they say hateful things to bring others down to how they feel, and people are mean to others because they just don't love themselves. I get to thinking about those people and overall, I feel sorry for them. I don't treat people with disregard because I love who I am. I've done so many great things in my life and for people and certain people can't see that, how sad for them. I hope they find their way navigating through their own issues and struggles. I've started meditating more, Jeff has even joined in. I've also started creating a better routine in the morning that fulfills me. I write down things the night before that I would like to get done the next day and incorporate that into my daily routine. If I don't get it all done, it's okay. I am not striving for perfection, just a sense of accomplishment. I have also started reading more and staying in therapy. It's all been helping, so I don't plan on changing anything anytime soon. If you are stuck in the worry/anxiety/panic rut, I suggest giving some of these things a try. Start with one and move to another, or create your own process. If it's getting to be too overwhelming, give therapy a try. Talking to someone else and getting feedback may help you figure things out. I'm rooting for you!

Have a nice weekend.

Five Simple Things (March 5)

Hello.

We took a road trip once more to Cape Kiwanda to surf some of the waves there. There wasn't many large swells, but we got some practice in. Surfing is a very addicting sport and we have found ourselves wanting to go all the time. Most surfers will agree that surfing is about 50% success and 50% practicing once you get up and know your limits. You can fall 10 times before hitting that perfect ride. But, that perfect ride is what it's worth and it makes you want to keep chasing that high you get from it. I love it! Here are five things this week.

1. This View.

Our daytrip to Cape Kiwanda was a nice day to get out and about away from all the stressors of the Valley. We ended up walking along the beach and enjoying the sun setting.

2. This Kitty.

Sometimes cats are great. I just love how playful Eleven is. She may be four, but she's still a kitty a lot of times. 

3. This Plane.

On our way to Cape Kiwanda we got to see a Piper Cub being brought into the Tillamook Air Museum. It was an original plane that was going to be put on display inside the museum. I'll have to say, it may seen boring to watch an old war plane being transported, but it was pretty cool.

4. This Message.

During our trip to Cape Kiwanda I wrote this message in the sand. I posted about it on Instagram, and I do hope it helped someone feel better about their life and themselves. Because, no matter what, you are loved, regardless of what others may tell you.

5. This Episode.

Our latest episode of the podcast is out and live. You can listen to it under the podcast link at the top of the blog, or listen to it here. 

Positive affirmations this week: 

Working on stopping comparing my present self to my past self. Although, it's getting easier to do, it's other people that still think the past me is present me. It's unfortunate that you come such a long way when others still have you in the past bubble. It's not your fault, it's theirs. You grew, you moved on, and you learned. If they can't value that, then those are their issues, not yours. And, according to this poll from Selfcare is a Priority, I am not alone. It's an everyday struggle to get past, but it is doable. 

Have a nice weekend.

End of February 2021 (1 Second Every Day)