Five Simple Things (March 18)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This Business.

I first saw this company in Newport, Oregon, and thought their name and logos were right up my alley. It's nice to see them doing business in the Valley, too. 

2. This Game.

We love CLUE in our house and recently we found a vintage, original one at an antique store. We have been steady playing back to back games every since bringing it home. Our board game is circa 1963. You can get a similar one here.

3. This Breakfast.

Breakfast in bed is always my love language.

4. This Growler.

Jeff finally was able to break out his uKeg, which was his Christmas present, and get it filled. It's a pretty cool growler and it holds 128 ounces, comes with Co2 cartridges, and is made in Portland, Oregon, by GrowlerWerks. It's a great growler for alcohol, but it can be used with any carbonated drink. It definitely does what it says. You can read more about it here and snag one for yourself.

5. This Kitty.

 

Eleven is always a card. We are patiently awaiting for the new season of Stranger Things, Eleven's namesake. She is hoping Hopper is still alive and it will be an awesome season this coming June.

Positive affirmations this week:

Grieving is normal and no one is allowed to tell you exactly how much time YOUR own personal grief should take. Our beloved pets, which a few have been gone for over three years now, we still grieve their loss, and we will continue to grieve for them and loved ones when needed. We feel what we feel and we let out what our body needs in order to help us work through the pain. The loss of a pet, or a loved one never gets easy, or better, but we get to where we get stronger in handling that loss. Grieve for love, for loss, or even for breakups and bad days. Don't ever let anyone tell you that crying when you need to is wrong. No matter what you're feeling. Feel your emotions and let your body heal through your grief. It's not wrong. Humans are meant to grieve, cry, and feel what they feel for a reason, don't punish yourself for having emotions. You are only human.

Have a nice weekend.

Five Simple Things (March 11)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This Ducky.

We put Happy duck inside the bus to let her explore a bit. She was a bit unsure about it and was on guard the whole time, but with us there she seemed to know that she wasn't in danger. We're still trying to figure out how to keep the ducks on the bus when we do finally start traveling in it. As far as bus updates, you can keep up with our updates at the top of the blog under "No Rain" the bus conversion.

2. This Light.

After about 10 years we finally decided to replace our solar driveway light with a better one. Over the years the one we had has taken quite a beating. We are hoping to move the new one down a bit, so we can actually reach it and do maintenance if needed. The new one we went with is similar to this one.

3. This Garden.

Finally able to get outside and clean up the yard from the winter season. Glad to be able to get some sunshine while we cleaned out the garden boxes, too. Vitamin D is rare this time of year on the west coast of Oregon, but every bit helps when the sun does shine through the gray.

4. This Fix.

This month's Might Fix is a bamboo dish brush. We have really enjoyed these brushes since the first one we received came from Might Nest a couple of years ago. I love how environmentally friendly they are, and also love the fact that once they are at the end of their life you can compost them. You can get the April Might Fix here.

5. These Ducks.

Jeff sent me this picture while on his break at work this week. Now that we have our own mallards, it's always so strange seeing a few out in the wild and not "assume" they're like our ducks. Which, is not true, don't ever approach wild animals, or feed wild animals. Mallards in the wild do not have the same temperament as domesticated. 

Positive affirmations this week:

Routine is medicine.

Have a nice weekend.

Five Simple Things (March 4)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This Picture.

This pictures was taken this week and posted on Fog Pictures Instagram. I love foggy-type photos and this one is one of my favorites. I've been contemplating on creating an online shop to sell my photography, but I'm not sure just yet. Maybe one day.

2. These Boxes.

Kiwi Eco Box came this week and it did not disappoint. Also, I recently discovered Necessaire and I am loving it. Especially, the eucalyptus scent. You can get Kiwi Eco Box here, and try out Necessaire here.

3. This Store.

Skylar has been wanting to see the Star Wars Store in Portland and we finally got a chance to check it out. He found a lot of cool things, but overall he was bummed at their selection of Star Wars figures. 

4. This Display.

IKEA's in-store decorations are borderline horror-movie-like and I am really liking them.

5. This Moon.

March 1 brought about a new moon. Messier Objects are astronomical objects in space that are mostly star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies of stars, including the Milky Way. This week the Messier Objects that accompanied the New Moon were visible for a bit in the night sky.

Positive affirmations this week:

Since the pandemic's start a lot of schools, companies, medical facilities, as well as basic meetings are taking place virtually. I've even participated in several appointments and classes over the internet. At first I was worried it wouldn't be the same as in person, but as someone that is mostly an introvert and gets anxiety from face to face interaction as it is, I have embraced them. There was a learning period to get used to the virtual meetings, and now I prefer them for some meetings/appointments, especially for telehealth. Here are some tips for your counseling, telehealth, or therapy sessions: 

• Charge up your device, or plug in what you'll be using for your session.
• Find a quiet, well-lit area.
• Test your microphone and camera before your session to make sure everything is working correctly. I use this pre-call test each time.
• Shut off any other device, or application that could strain your connection during your call.
• If more than you face is needed, be sure to angle the camera so that your body, or legs, etc. can be seen in the camera, as well.
• Be sure to log on about five to ten minutes before your call, so you can get everything ready before you other party connects.
• Relax as much as you can. 
• Drink water so your throat doesn't get too dry.
• Breathe a few deep breathes before, during, and especially after.

Have a nice weekend.

End of February 2022 (1 Second Every Day)

Five Simple Things (February 25)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This Canvas.

We are huge Ghostbusters fans in our house, so finding this gem at an antique store felt like a solid. Vigo the Carpathian is probably one of the most interesting antagonist in the movie franchise. This canvas print was under $100 and for now he watches over our dinning room.

2. This Wreath.

After giving the poor Boxwood bush a hack job for the school bus, I decided to put those spent branches to good use and prolong their demise. For now, it's a plain green wreath, but maybe I'll dress it up a bit more when spring comes.

3. This Day.

Twos Day.

4. These Boxes.

Received some great boxes this week. Kinder Beauty, free samples from Orgain, and Merrick Fresh Kisses dog treats from Influenster. Although, Eleven seemed interesting in them, too. The Kinder Beauty box this month was a good one. Can't wait to try everything that came. The Orgain sample seemed to come out of nowhere. I love Orgain so much and these samples were perfect! The dog treats from Merrick via Influenster was awesome! I love being part of the Influenster community and get to try so many great things before they hit the market, or when they first hit the market. It's such an awesome experience. These Merrick Fresh Kisses dog treats are perfect for picky dogs. Our minpin, Hardy is the pickiest eater when it comes to treats and he absolutely loved these!

5. This Planter.

We recently took a trip to Home Depot looking for paint samples for a summer project and these cactus seemed to need a new home. Since moving to Oregon I have not had any luck keeping these guys alive. I hope I do a better job this go around, but we'll see.

Positive affirmations this week:

Have a nice weekend.

Five Simple Things (February 18)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This Purchase.

We are officially bus owners and have begun our journey in converting it. We are super excited and anxious, but eager. You can follow our entire journey at the link at the top of this blog "No Rain" The Bus-Conversion.

2. This Sunset.

After a surf session this week the sunset was on fire!

3. This Box.

Our haul this week from Misfit Market was fantastic and we made sure to only add items to our box that worked into our meal plan for the week. Of course, we always have to throw in a few treats, but overall I am super pleased with our box. You can sign up for this box shipment here and get $15 off your first shipment. 

4. This Corner.

Since Jeff "retired" from the fire department, we have since created a spot for his selfless dedication to a department that he valued more than anything. He applied to be lieutenant and was denied the position after more than 10 years of service. Sadly, the position he applied for went to someone that had only been there for less than six months. Although he was held back from progressing in the district, it doesn't take away the fact that he dedicated his all to them and all in all, they didn't deserve him. Now, he has moved on to another district that will value his skills, dedication, and commitment. He is holding his head high and taking what he learned with him. If I could tell the Lebanon Fire District one thing, losing Jeff is really a great loss to your department and I'm sure you've felt it on more than one occasion since he left. Jeff and I wish only the best the LFD and we hope in the future they take the time to consider others like Jeff, that give everything they have.

5. These Stars.

A nice cluster of red stars, perfect for Valentine's Day.

Positive affirmations this week:

Eating habits are a big thing for me right now. I've had an issue for a bit now, since I was about 38 years old I started cutting back calories, and cutting back on what I eat. I struggled for awhile with it and ended up losing about 68 pounds. I was a bit heavier when the eating issues started and losing 68 pounds right away pushed me even more to cut back. It got out of hand quick. I am now working with a counselor to get back on track with my eating. I am slowly recovering and on good track so far. Now I eat whatever my body feels like, but still try to keep it healthy. I crave sweets, but if I'm craving pizza I'll have pizza. My body still fluctuates a bit on the scale, but I don't let it control me anymore. Most of my holding back on eating was more of thinking it was the only thing I could control. I have a bit more weight on me at the moment, but now I don't let it control me, or think it's the only thing I can control in my life. Dealing with an eating disorder is harder and more complicated than people think. It's more than just restricting your body from calories, it's more about how our brain perceives what we're doing. We see a completely different body than what everyone else sees. Body dysmorphia is a huge issue with many people, but making progress with loving your body and, especially loving yourself is the first step to making progress.

Have a nice weekend.