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. 

Five Simple Things (February 11)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This Find.

On our recent trip to Olympia, Washington, we stopped in at the Olympia Food Co-op. I love visiting the different food co-ops throughout and seeing what their local items are. This caramel cashew bar is completely dairy-free and tastes amazing. Amy E's Bakery offers many dairy-free options, but I have to say, this caramel cashew bar is my favorite.

2. This Kid.

I just love him. He has turned into the most amazing human being I know. Kind-hearted, sweet, honest, and trustworthy. He has been working his first job over the past month and he has 

3. This Geocaching.

Jeff and I spent an afternoon together doing some geocaching around our city while Skylar was at work for a few hours. We got into geocaching several years ago and every once in awhile we like to go out and find a few. We also have a geocache in front of our house named, "For Whom the Bell Tolls."

4. This Box.

This was the last box from Yogi Secret that I received. I canceled this subscription box, because it wasn't quite what I was looking for. Although it didn't work for me, I will say this box offers a lot of great items if you're looking to start a new subscription box. You can check this box out here.

5. This Kitty.

She's been down lately and I think it has to do with the lack of sunshine around here. Humans suffer from seasonal depression and I am most certain that animals suffer, as well. I've been giving her all the love, because honestly, we both needed it to get through this week.

Positive affirmations this week:

I'm not sure where I found this "A Guide to How to Feel," or who to give the credit to, but I wanted to share it. It's a great guide on how to navigate through certain feelings and emotions.

Have a nice weekend.

Five Simple Things (February 4)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. These Snowflakes.

I removed our holiday snowflakes from the front door and window this week. This is the first year that I've used the washi paper snowflakes and we love them. You spray water on the window, place your snowflake and use a towel to remove the access water. You can snag these washi paper snowflakes here.

2. These Contacts.

Skylar got contacts for the first time this week and he is pretty pumped about being able to surf and be able to see better. He did great with them and so far so good.

3. This Surf.

  

The day started out great, but a storm rolled in in a short amount of time and put a damper on our surfing for the day. But, as the sun went down, even though the swells were choppy, the sun setting was a beautiful end to the day. Two hours of surfing is better than nothing.☻

4. This Closet.

Before and after. Still need to sort out the books and vinyl, but as of now, it's a lot more cohesive.

5. This Episode.

Our latest podcast episode is out and it's a sad one. Depends on what side of the truth you believe, but for us, this was the first one we've covered that we question everything about this case. The government either murdered these people, or these people were as they were hanged for. You be the judge. You can listen to this latest episode of Diabolic Evil and the podcast link at the top of the blog, or the Diabolic Evil website.

Positive affirmations this week:

There are many reasons someone acts "shy." There could be underlying issues that most people know nothing about. Most of the time my anxiety shoots up so high I end up talking a lot more than I planned to. I've been made fun of most of my life for being someone that "talks too much," or even worst "someone that doesn't shut up." Which, overall really hurt my feelings and actually hindered my self esteem about how bad my anxiety can get. I've even had someone tell me once when I wasn't talking a lot, "I'm not used to you being this quiet." It's really hard to navigate through anxiety and when it's going to get bad. Overall though, I'm not a talker. I actually don't like having conversations with people at all, no matter who they are. I would much rather stay quiet and in the shadows than even be spoken to. When I start talking to someone and talk fast, I falsely get labeled as a talker. But, supporting people with high levels of anxiety, especially when they are talking to you, don't discredit their words. A lot of people talk to talk, but you can definitely tell someone talking because of anxiety. Their speech is fast, their eyes look around, they're fidgeting, and at times you can even hear their voice tremble. But, there are also those that are shy and still talk. Here's why a lot of people with "shyness" seem to not talk as much as other times.

1. Their energy is already drained.
2. The people they are talking to have too much energy already.
3. They simply don't want to talk at that time, or to you.
4. Sometimes they just want to sit back and not engage.
5. They are interacting with someone that has previously pointed out their talking. 

All five of these are points that I have experienced. Everyone's presence is important. How you treat people that already have issues speaking to you or anyone else, matters. Be mindful of the things you say to those that are dealing with more issues than they show on the outside and by all means, stop telling people they talk too much, or too little. If you feel that way, don't interact with the person that YOU think, "talks too much," or "you're not used to being so quiet." It's rude and extremely disrespectful.

Have a nice weekend.