Five Simple Things (June 26)

Hello.

This week was a bit better than the last. We had a small low-key Father's Day and drove over the pass to Bend to check out their "surfing" area. We didn't stop anywhere other than to get out and take a few pictures. We packed a small lunch and ate in the care while we were there. It was very calm and that's just how we liked it. We had a few milestones, I was able to get released to be able to take showers now and all of my bandages are off. I am really happy about this, so much so, when my surgeon told me, I started crying. My appointment checkups haven't been at the times that they are supposed to be because of the Coronavirus pandemic. But, my surgeon's office has done the best they can and I am extremely grateful for them and everything they have done for me to keep me safe and healthy during this time. On another note, the riots here in Portland, Salem, and even in our own city, are just getting to be too much. Parades of cars go driving through the city with flags and honking, and since I'm not sleeping that well anyway, it's starting to take a toll on me a bit. Jeff brought me some ear plugs, but it doesn't seem to help. People yelling and just the additional stress they are causing isn't okay. People are pissed, it's understandable, bit those not related to the issues are suffering, too. I just hope a compromise comes sooner than later. Over 200 people have died in the state of Oregon from the virus. Eviction notices were put on hold for tenants and landlords are able to apply for a relief package to help everyone. With people being laid off and furloughed, the world is weird right now. We've been getting some weird weather lately, too. Windy during the day and then getting darker than normal at night. I don't go outside much after 12:00 in the afternoon, because it's just too weird. I have been more tired than normal, but we must truck on. Jeff has been cooking dinner each evening to help keep us eating on a normal schedule. I took two showers this week, so things are looking up. Looking forward to my next checkup to see how things are progressing. And, one more thing, wear a mask. Don't be an asshole. 

1. This Bread.

Skylar and I have been doing some more quarantine baking this week. We are using some of our emergency stash of food to be able to make things. This week we made the banana bread recipe from the New York Times. I've found their recipes easy to follow and kind of "simple" for someone like me that hates cooking and tends to mess everything up. This banana bread was delicious!

2. This Surfing.

This is Whitewater Park in Bend where the Deschutes River flows through. The way the land and the bridge is laid out along the river it's created a surfing wave, of sorts, and is perfect for surfers to practice their surfing skills. It's a soft landing, too, if you happen to crash. It's one of the areas we are looking forward to trying in the future.

3. This Crabapple.

This was the first spring that it has bloomed. This is a Sugar Tyme Crabapple. It's blooms are pinkish white and flower in the spring to early summer. We got this at the Oregon State Fair when Skylar was about four years old and this is the first year we've seen blooms on it. We are going to try and replant it into a more stable container, and I hope we don't mess up the blooming. Fingers crossed we don't hurt it, because it is beautiful. 

4. This Giant Keg.

Not sure what this is going to be used for, display, beer, wine, who knows. But, we just loved it and turned around to just to snap a picture of it. I'd love to have a giant keg like this, but I'd fill it with lemonade, instead. 

5. This Walk.

Been doing a bit more getting out and about. Instead of running, I've been walking a bit. At the start of the week, as you can see, was less than half a mile, but on Thursday I decided to push myself a bit more and try to go longer. I'm hurting a bit today, but it was worth it. Hopefully, it will help me sleep better, too.

Positive affirmations this week: "What are some positives that you've added to your life?"

Well, as I've started to navigate myself more and shut out looking for validation from others I've found a few things that I love and can actually be thankful for. Of course, it took me 40 years to get to this point, I am the happiest I've been in a long time, mentally that is. Here are few things I've found to be a positive for me.

*1. Cooked new meals, or baked new things.

*2. Meditating on the deck in the sunshine.

*3. Practicing self love and better thoughts to myself.

*4. Dancing and ballet.

*5. Deep talks and connections with Skylar and Jeff. (they are my tribe)

*6. Taking time to look at the sky more. During the day when it's blue, or cloudy, and at night.

*7. Finding positives around me, even in people. Love actually is all around us, if we look.

*8. Telling people I love them, more. I try to tell Skylar that I love him every day, and I hug him. Same with Jeff. Showing appreciation for them makes them feel good and in turn makes me feel good.

*9. Holding onto the good things on the bad days, as much as I can.

*10. Knowing some good will come out of every struggle.

Have a nice weekend.

Foggy surfing

We spent the weekend at the coast learning how to do popups and getting a feel for our boards. There were a few times we were able to get up and try to balance, but overall we definitely need more practice. We are also looking into getting our own wetsuits and boards, but for now we will rent and see what boards we need exactly. It was a fun weekend, kind of foggy, but overall a lot of fun and we did get better with popups before the day was over, so success. 

Five Simple Things (June 19)

 Hello.

Another week of more progress. Got my stitches removed and there's pain with that, but overall it's nice to be able to move my arms without feeling a pulling and almost tearing sensation. My surgeron says everything is healing nicely, just slower than he would like. But, he says that's okay and to not rush it. I've had a slight pain on my right side, especially when I've been laying awhile and sit up. I have a pretty high pain tolerance, so the pain there is intense enough to make me cry. My surgeon thinks it's just tissue getting replaced inside my body and not to worry. I had to get a second mammogram this week to make sure that the tissue wasn't dead, and it's completely normal tissue, just not sure where it's supposed to go, so that is a bit alarming. Otherwise, I feel fine and I'm sleeping more than three hours at a time. Three hours at a time may not seem like much, but it's progress to me. We're still staying afloat here while everything with the pandemic gets worked out in the world. Slowly, but surely we are trying to keep everything on time, but we have had to dip into our savings a lot lately. I don't like that and I hope that stress ends sooner than later. My surgery bill has made its way to our door now and so that is another thing to add to the list of "things to figure out during a pandemic." It will all be okay. I keep telling myself that. It's fine, we're fine, it's going to be fine. Here are five things this week.

1. This Tree.

Just getting outside for a bit of fresh air and sunshine has really helped my mood. With everything else going on, I really am trying to keep my mind focused on positive things. Some days are harder than others, but I'm striving for progress not perfection. 

2. This View.

With having a lot of time on my hand right now, Skylar and I were able to sort through the homeschool papers and school things to get ready for the year coming up. Skylar will be in the eleventh grade this coming school year and we are wanting to hit it with our feet running. We have a lot of past grade information that either needs to be filed away, or thrown away, so we tackled a lot of it this past week. Still have a ways to go, but it's a start. 

3. These Brownies.

Skylar and I made the Olive Oil Brownies from the New York Times, this week. I will say, I mostly observed while he made, but they are delicious and well worth the time.

4. This Hook.

 

Was missing Baz a bit this week, but it's nice to be able to see our Free Little Library hook in is honor. It's even nicer to see people come to the little box, hook their dog's leash to the hook, and look through the books. It really does make me smile. Baz loved walks and he, Skylar, and I have covered ever inch of this city. I cry when I think about those memories, because I'm sad that he is gone, but I can't help but delight in those memories, too. I miss him terribly and I know that he is watching me every day and helping me get through my rough days, just like I helped him toward the end. My blog is dedicated to him and to my cat Meia and I will never ever forget them, or the mark they made on me and the world. They continue to leave that mark, even if it's through a small metal hook on the side of a wooden box.

5. This Sleepy Kitty.

The way she covers her face when she's napping just melts my heart. She's been a little sweetheart this week, too. It's almost like she knows when I am hurting more than normal and likes to comfort me. Reminds me so much of Meia and I just love that.

Positive affirmations this week: "When the seasons change, what do you focus on?"

With the change of seasons I tend to look at it like a fresh start. 

*Spring is about learning: (Learning what you did wrong the following year, or season, and make those changes.)

*Summer is about celebration: (Celebrate what you've accomplished and celebrate the fact that you've come along way since last summer.)

*Autumn is about preparation: (Preparing for the coming winter season and being able to be as prepared as you can for anything that is coming your way until the summer comes again.)

*Winter is about reflection: (I used this time to reflect on how far I've come and reflect on all the good I did throughout the year. I try my best not to focus on the negative or bad things, but sometimes they rear their ugly head and I deal with them head on. I am not a carpet sweeper. I handle things directly and the best way they suit me.) 

I hope these tips help you, too.

Have a nice weekend.

Five Simple Things (June 12)

 Hello.

Things are looking up here at our house. I was able to stand and help rinse the dishes without feeling pain too bad. Also, was able to ride to the store and sit for about an hour without getting out of breath. I didn't feel like walking around the store, but at least it's small accomplishments like that to just being able to sit and not feel horrible pain. I was able to sit and take a bath on my own, too. Still need help getting out, but overall I am getting better. It's been three months, so things are looking better every day now. My stitches come out soon, too, so that's all a big plus for me. Jeff informed me that the furloughed employees at his company were ultimately laid off. Which, is pretty bad given the situation with everything right now. I am just glad that he wasn't one of those people, but having his hours cut will definitely cut into our plans. It's okay, though, we can get through this. The statement of, "we're in this together" needs to stop. There are people literally going without food at night, while the people posting that online, or saying it, are eating a full-course meals. If you can give some of your time and money to help these people out, great, but as of right now, a lot of people can't even spare a dime. Life right now is literally survival of the fittest and will continue to be survival of the fittest until the day we die. We can do what we can, but overall, there is no, "in this together" when it comes to the world right now. The selfishness is growing and the only thing we can do is look after our own people. Here are five things this week.

1. This Tulip.

Excited to see the tulips blooming right now and hanging on until I could enjoy them. This one was a gift and I had no idea it would look like this, but I like it, a lot. I like it for the fact that it is not like the others and that makes me smile.

2. This Moment.

Skylar and I picked some of the yard daises and placed them on my desk in the classroom/office area and Eleven was very curious of them. She is such a wonderful cat. 

3. This Delivery. 

Due to the pandemic we've been trying to give more of our patronage to the local businesses here in our city. We chose to have a pizza delivered this week from Conversions Brewing and the delivery driver was amazing! We asked her if we could take a picture of the delivery limo and she was all about it. I mean...how is this not cool on every level?

4. These Hats.

My brother sent Skylar some period war hats and he had to get into character with them. The candy cigarettes really made the German hats come to life for the men that served during that time. Skylar had quite a collection of period clothing, thanks to his gifts from my brother. If you remember, our 2017 Christmas cards were also in period clothing, as well as period location. We love anything vintage and I love anything history-horror history mostly, so it's cool that we can share that passion with my brother.

5. These Two.

Happy duck loves Hardy and she loves hanging around him. Funny enough, anytime Hardy goes to the fence to bark at people getting too close to our property Happy duck is right there with him quacking at them, too. 

Positive affirmations this week: "What are some ways to practice mindfulness with family, especially during the holidays?"

Well, I like to use the word "relatives" over "family." Family to me involves those that support, love, and respect you unconditionally and most people, for me, that fall under the "relative" umbrella don't do that. So, in order to practice and maintain my own peace of mind and mindfulness with relatives, and even more so around the holidays are these five points. You can add, or take away, whichever ones suit your own situation, but these work for me.

*1. Don't engage in relative's drama: Just don't add your opinion, or insight, even if asked. Shrug your shoulders and excuse yourself. If you have to leave, do it. You aren't trapped there. If you are younger and can't escape, excuse yourself to a room where you can be alone, or with others that aren't engaging in the chaos. 

*2. Create some alone time: This applies to the statement before, as well. If it's getting to be too much, find a place you can be alone, or leave. Again, you aren't trapped there and creating boundaries for yourself is important. I have left relative's houses and gatherings many times. I suffer from social anxiety and leaving has never once made me feel guilty. I've been guilt-tripped for leaving, but honestly, when that happens it pushes me further away. Plus, being guilt-tripped is their issues, not mine. 

*3. Lean on the ones that love you: Be sure to talk to those in your life that understand and won't make you feel worse. Keeping that "family/tribe" close is always a plus. Voice your concerns and listen to them, as well. They are probably looking for the same, so support them, too.

*4. Never engage in conversations of race, sexual preference, politics, religion, and even what you or others identify as: Those are not the topics to be bringing up, or engaging in, during a relative's gathering. Those topics are sensitive, and being that there's already tension there with some, it could end up making your mental health worse, especially from being belittled and degraded from your own free choices. Abuse is never okay, so don't allow relatives, or others, to abuse your life choices.

*5. And lastly, just staying quiet: Sometimes the best response is no response, at all. I was at a relative's get together several years ago and at that time we had switched land line phone numbers due to a lot of random late night calls. Our phone company had suggested changing numbers to try and prevent this from happening. Oddly enough, we had that number for quite awhile and they just started coming in one night and lasted about three months before we had enough of it. A relative had asked why we changed our phone number and I didn't feel like explaining, but she pushed for me to explain. She said, "no, just tell me." So, I figured it would be less of a conflict with her if I just told her the reason. I began to tell her that for some reason we were now getting calls late at night, all hours of the early morning and we were tired of taking the phone off the hook so much. As I was telling her that the phone company suggested we change numbers, I could see she was not listening to what I was saying. I decided to test that theory and throw in some random things. I said, "Yeah, the phone exploded and my hair caught on fire, it was crazy." She nodded as she was looking in another direction at someone else, so I said nothing more and walked away. I gathered up Skylar and we walked home. It's not only rude to persist an answer from someone, but it's extremely rude to not listen to their answer to your question. You have the right to stand up for yourself and not give a response. If the person keeps persisting, leave. You are under no obligation to keep allowing others to disrespect your boundaries. 

Have a nice weekend.

Five Simple Things (June 5)

 Hello. 

Coronavirus cases seem to be going up, but they have slowed down a bit here, and people have been protesting a lot here because of the death George Floyd. Still angers me that the police seem to forget that we the citizens pay their salary. Without us working and paying taxes they wouldn't have an income. The amount of law enforcement that seem to forget their place, is disgusting. That aside, the county here has been approved to go into Phase 2 of reopening businesses and out numbers for the county seem to be leveled out. We go into wildfire season here now, today actually. We didn't get a lot of rain the past season, so I hope it doesn't affect us too bad. I've been able to get out of the house once this week. I went to the grocery store with Jeff and Skylar. It was kind of painful getting in and out of the car, but it was nice to be able to walk around somewhere besides the house and yard. Sun has been out, too, so I've had a chance to sit out and get some Vitamin D on my skin, which was nice. Hopefully, this weekend goes well and I can get out a bit more. Here are five things this week. 

1. This Gift.

Since I've been recovering from my surgery, I haven't been able to get out and do things I normally do and a friend of Jeff's from the fire department knew this. She placed this on our porch while we were out this week getting groceries and other items for our house. It was a nice surprise to come home to and very thoughtful of her.

2. This Planner/Calendar.

 

Best part about a new year is a new planner/calendar. I've really enjoyed using the Orange Circle Studios calendars and when the time to retire the previous year, it's always nice to get a fresh new planner for the coming year. This calendar goes from June to June, and if you click the images to the right (gray or pink), you can get the 2021 calendar and get started on your future road trip planning, household planning, or even write in your day to day activities.  

3. This Package. 

I had ordered these before my surgery and due to being backed up and having to send their supplies to frontline workers, our shipment came later than expected. Unfortunately, our shipment came damaged. But, Habitat Botanicals were amazing and replaced everything for us. I was really upset that the glass bottles were not only broken, but completely crushed and shattered. If you haven't heard of Habitat Botanicals, you should check them out. They are incredible. Their products are eco-friendly and packaged with the environment in mind. And, just like the incident above, they are on top of anything that doesn't meet your satisfaction.

4. This Paint Spill.

Someone lost an entire can of paint on one of the streets here and I couldn't help but snap a picture of it. As much as I am into horror, I thought it was pretty cool how the paint landed on the asphalt. Total horror movie vibes. 

5.  This Setup.

This is my setup in my room right now. I sit most days right there and do my work, or write up things I'd like to do when I am feeling better and less in pain. When I am done working, I have Skylar, or Jeff, move my work things to my desk in the other room and I get situated with all the pillows around me and sleep. It's a pretty comfortable setup, but there are days where I don't want to do anything, or even move and I give myself those days right now. Healing is at my own pace and I am not ashamed to take some "me" days. And, you shouldn't either. Selfcare is very important.

-We also watched the launch of SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Saturday, May 30, 2020. It was carrying the Crew Dragon and headed to the International Space Station and made its way into the history books.

Positive affirmations this week: "What are things you should stop expecting from others?"

This is always tough, but there are six things that I stop expecting from other people and it has helped my mental health and wellbeing a great deal.

1. Closure (With some people you will never get this, let it go.)

2. Apologies (Don't ever expect someone to apologize, it will save your sanity to just move on.)

3. Explanations (Don't seek explanations from people, if what they did is bad enough, drop them and move on.)

4. Understanding (Some people are not worth your time.)

5. Validation (This is a huge no no, don't ever seek validation from others. Make yourself happy.)

6. Belief (If you are in the company of others that don't believe you, seek better people. You deserve better.)

And, other people shouldn't expect any of these from you. If someone in your life falls under any of these six, it may be time to cut them out of your life. You are worth so much more than that. But, remember one last thing, forgiveness isn't for the person you're forgiving, it's for you. I've forgiven a lot of people in my life that don't deserve it, but I didn't do it for them-I did it for me and my worth. 

Have a nice weekend.

End of May 2020 (1 Second Every Day)

I started at the beginning of May with a 1 sec every day picture/video post. It's fun to look back on the previous month and see what great things happened throughout the month. I like to post them on Twitter, as well, just to share in the good vibes. I plan on sticking with it each month to help with my positive affirmations each month. This is the end of May 2020. You can get the app here and start recording your affirmations each month.