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)

 

Five Simple Things (February 26)

Hello.

This past week we took a trip to an area of Oregon named Deadwood and took in the sights along the way. We ended up at the Deadwood Cemetery, which has gravesites dating back to 1883 and listed with the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries. We walked through the grave markers and sadly there's a lot of children and mothers to those children. A lot of them had been buried together and there isn't a lot of things with the dead that get to me enough to bring tears, but the ones with mothers that die in childbirth and people that died at my age. We paid our respects at the cemetery and continued on our road trip. We stopped at the Deadwood Fire Department, and on our way there we passed through Shedd, Oregon, and Skylar got to try out a pay phone for the first time. Unfortunately, the two pay phones in Shedd weren't working, but it was still nostalgic to pretend. Here are five things this week.

1. These ☏ Booths.

First time Skylar got to use a pay phone and unfortunately neither one of them worked. We were kind of bummed about that, but it was still fun to play around with them for awhile.

2. This Kombucha. 

This is the best kombucha, in my opinion. We have stopped drinking regular sodas and switched to sparkling waters and kombucha as a treat. We enjoy this brand's flavors, as well as Clear Mind from Brew Doctor's Kombucha. If you are trying to quit sodas and love the taste of Dr. Pepper, I suggest them one highly. You can try them here.

3. This Daytrip. 

Such a great little day trip through the area. I haven't seen this area of Oregon before and it was a beautiful view and a nice trip overall. 

4. This Drawing.

My therapist this week had me draw how I see myself when I'm around most people that I consider "relatives," or "family." Being someone that suffers from social and generalized anxiety a lot of people always say I talk a lot, but mostly my talking is because of my anxiety, people pleasing, and also a bit of validation seeking. The rambling is from my habit of trying to always fit as much as I can in so the person I'm talking to will like me. It comes from not being taught how to handle myself around other correctly and never being told that it's okay to feel my feelings. I grew up in a house where your feelings were not validated and everything you felt, be is a sickness, or sadness, or even mad, was just for attention. It's really sad that I wasn't allowed to feel what I felt and talked to about that in order to process them better as an adult, but I'm learning how to cope with those issues. Therapy has helped a great deal with being able to express myself and not have to feel like I always need to people please, or hide my emotions and feelings. Being told that you are seeking attention, no matter what you're going through as a child and into your teen years does take a toll on you as an adult. It's a hard place to come out of and this drawing is how I felt most of the time around those people. I still feel this way around some of them and even talking to them on the phone. I am stuck in a hole asking for help and all of them are walking by, talking about me negatively, or ignoring me. The fingernail marks on the side of the hole are definitely there for a reason, too. I am so pleased with the progress I've made and how far I've come from that toxic and dysfunctional behavior of others. 

5. This Calligraphy. 

While working on the podcast I've taken up calligraphy and enjoy writing the person's name we are on for that week. This week it is Wild Bill Longley and writing their names in calligraphy makes me think it could possibly be a signature from the 1800s. The calligraphy pens I use are here and I've found it quite relaxing, too. You can listen to our latest podcast episode here. 

Positive affirmations this week: 

Along with taking care of yourself taking care of the environment should also be an important aspect. Plastic is not for the environment, especially single-use plastics. There are ways around plastics and slowly making those changes can help not only the planet, but also yourself. Take care in the items and materials you bring into your home and life. If you can find an alternative to plastic, make those changes for the better.

Have a nice weekend.

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.