Five Simple Things (February 19)

Hello. ♥

On Valentine's Day this week we took a road trip up to Tombstone Pass to enjoy the snow. It gave us a chance to get out of the Willamette Valley for awhile and escape. The snow up on the pass was deeper than we expected, but it was a lot of fun playing in it and enjoying the day. We also took a short road trip to Cape Kiwanda to have lunch and enjoy the coastline. We didn't do any surfing, but we did walk along the beach and took in the moment. I have started being more present in what we do and I'm glad at how far I've come in the last few years. Self love is becoming more easily for me and I am liking how I feel. I still get tired easier than I used to, but I think it's because I need the rest. I read a quote online a few months ago that read, "Instead of wondering why you're so tired, start asking, why does my body need so much rest and listen to it." I find that interesting and truthful. You aren't tired for no reason. You're tired because you need the rest. It's the positives like that, turning statements around, that has helped me stay the course into a better state of mental health. Here are five things this week.

1. These Pineapples.

On these cold and winter days I like to gather things that make me think of summertime, or look at pictures and it gets me through the winter months. The blahs of the winter season can take a toll on mental health and bits of positives are s helpful and remind you that better days are ahead and will soon be here.

2. These Hearts.

My cheese puffs this week reminded me that love is actually all around us if we just look.

3. This Lunch.

After our lunch in Cape Kiwanda we took a short stroll on the beach front before heading back home. I was a nice getaway and gave us a chance to enjoy some ocean views outside the valley views.

4. This Moment.

I had a panic attack this week and decided to document my face and neck on what happens during a panic episode. I get light headed and break out in hives or a red rash all over my body. This was about 10 minutes after it happened. The redness takes awhile to go away, but at least I didn't have to call and ambulance, or go to the hospital. This isn't the best picture of me, but at least it gives a bit of visual to what people experience during a high anxiety, or panic issue. 

5. This Episode.

Our latest episode of the podcast is out and live. It's a story of a group of men named The Bloody Espinosas that took revenge of the treatment of Spanish settlers during the 1800s. You can listen to this episode for free at the podcast link at the top of the blog, or at the Diabolic Evil site here. 

Positive affirmations this week:

Even on your worst days, remember to be grateful for what you do have and how far you've come. 

Have a nice weekend.

Valentine's Day on Tombstone Pass

We spent Valentine's Day this year up on the Cascade Mountains and at an area named Tombstone Pass. The snow was a nice change from all the wildfires from the previous six months and we enjoyed playing in it. We also took a short hike on one of the trails from Tombstone Pass and with everything covered in snow it was a beautiful view.

Ice Storm

After a summer of wildfires last year to an ice storm and freezing rain it seems we are getting both sides of the climate changes here in the Willamette Valley. At least with the ice and freezing rain you don't have the anxiety that goes with wondering if you're going to be evacuated from your home and have to leave everything you own behind. Skylar and I went out and got a few pictures of the ice that incased everything throughout the county. It was actually a beautiful sight for some things and oddly enough, the freezing rain looked as though everything was behind a thin layer of glass. 

 

Five Simple Things (February 12)

Hello.

We went from just rain to sleet and more rain, and then it all froze. Shortly after it froze freezing rain fell and covered everything in a shell of ice. It looked as though everything, literally everything, was incased in ice. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) was on top of it and laid a layer of lava rock on the highways and roads. Traction wasn't an issue once daylight came, but before that it was slick. Jeff leaves for work at around 4:30-5:00 a.m. and he said he expected it to be slick, but it wasn't as bad as he feared. Of course, he did say that ODOT was working away to keep everything safe. With this weather we didn't do much this week, so we focused on getting a few rooms cleaned. Skylar worked on his school work for the year and I gave the bathroom and kitchen a good scrub down. With the Coronavirus pandemic and us shopping outside the home, I like to stay on top of cleaning and keeping germs at bay. I found some germicidal bleach before the pandemic hit to use while recovering from my surgery and I'm glad I did. I've been using a small amount to clean the floors, doors, walls, and even sinks and anything that gets touched frequently. Here are five things this week.

1. These Blackboards.

Going through things in our house we found these blackboard signs we used for the cotton candy during Halloween. These were part of the Brit Kit co-op I participated in several years ago, and I was happy they reappeared. They are pretty cool and I plan on using them for random things in the future.

2. This CBD.

CBD has become a staple in our house. This tincture does wonders on aches and pains, and actually helps with sleep and anxiety, too. It's organic and tastes like a candy cane. You can pick some up here. You can learn more about the benefits of CBD here.

3. This Tree.

These trees are at Jeff's work and cast the best shadows during his lunch break. Skylar and I drove out to have lunch with him this week and enjoyed the sun finally out and had a nice day.

4. These Boxes.

Mully Box used my picture for their ad on Instagram and I was extremely honored. You can follow them on Instagram here, or follow me on Instagram here.

A few of the subscription boxes that came this week were Yogi Surprise, Mully, and Mighty Nest. Of course Yogi Surprise is ending soon, so it won't be available to subscribe, but Mully and Mighty Nest are awesome. You can sign up for Mully here, and Might Nest here.

5. This Episode.

Our latest episode of the podcast is up and live now. It's an episode of a man that was considered a genius, but lacked a lot of abilities to be a decent human being. You can listen to this episode here.

Positive affirmations this week:

Have a nice weekend.

Five Simple Things (February 5)

Hello.

This week we did a bit of "ad" spot with the Velveeta Fresh Packs I received a few weeks ago from Influenster. We created some dishes with the packs and enjoyed them during our game night. We also had some storms roll through. As much as I get tired of the rain this season it was welcomed because of how rough last summer was for us all here. The storm clouds were actually a pretty sight and after the rain moved through a huge complete rainbow came. We did a bit of baking and also took two loads of clothing donations to the clothing bins. We are slowly seeing the light at the end of the tunnel with our minimizing and downsizing. I am pleased with where we are right now, but honestly, keeping things in check is an ongoing process. Not bringing in things and keeping a constant eye on when things start getting out of hand. Minimalism is something that isn't just a one time thing, it's literally you being on your toes and being fully aware of the items that don't earn their place in your house anymore, and preventing new items from coming through the door. I actually feel happier and sleep better without all the things taking up space. Here are five things this week.

1. This Sky.

Sometimes the rain is a good thing and you can't get rainbows without rain.

Jeff sent me this view of the rainbow today from his work parking lot. It seems all of us got a dose of good today.

2. This Eagle.

Eagles tend to frequent the Valley recently. I don't remember them being as prominent when I first moved here, but the last few years they have populated the Valley floor. It's interesting to see them around, and one thing I didn't realize is how big their wingspan is when they take flight. This eagle was seen near Halsey, Oregon. I got as close as I could, but he definitely was watching me the whole time. I got the pictures I wanted and left without disturbing him. My anxiety was pretty high the entire time because it was scary to some degree being this close to an amazing bird of prey.

3. This Bread.

Made some banana bread this week and we enjoyed it literally every day for breakfast all week. I use a basic banana recipe and sometimes I use pureed pumpkin to make the same recipe. Both are delicious!

4. These Boys.

They were loading the back of the car while I was watching on the reverse camera and caught them at just the right moment.

5. This Ad.

I was sent a full sized Velveeta Fresh Packs to try out in my own home and create something delicious with. I'm not the greatest cook, but I whipped up a cheese dip worthy of praise. Jeff and Skylar enjoyed it during our game night this week and they loved my version of it. I used two of the Velveeta Fresh Packs, one can of green chilies, and two tomatoes diced. I added a bit of cayenne pepper to give it a little kick. And, although we don't purchase Velveeta products frequently, this dip was amazing! I've linked all of the products I used in this recipe, so you can create it yourself! I received this as part of an influencer campaign with Influenster and Velveeta. 

Positive affirmations this week:

Have a nice weekend.

End of January 2021 (1 Second Every Day)