tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59452034709828723902024-03-04T20:36:13.379-08:0012x12x12Join me in 2022 on my adventure to tackle my "twelves".
What are "twelves" you ask?
Twelve months to tackle twelve lists of twelve things...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger842125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-53116079251014978722022-01-03T22:30:00.001-08:002022-01-03T22:30:00.188-08:00Monday<p>Yesterday I got up early and went for a 40 minute walk. Outside. It was 8 degrees. Sadly, this is just the start of the brutal Chicago winter ahead. <br /><br />As part of my desire and goal to get more active this year, I put on the wool socks and got outside and I wasn't sorry. Sure, I couldn't feel my face or thighs at times, but today was the first day in a long time that I was excited about the day ahead of me. Getting out and moving in nature helped along with avoiding the use of my phone or searching social media for the first 30 minutes+ of the morning. Little changes add up! <br /><br />After my walk, breakfast and a hot shower I set out to pamper myself a bit. Self care is not a shower alone, after all. I treated myself to a manicure and pedicure and was planning on calling it a day right afterwards, out of an imagined sense of obligation to return home and take care of the "household". Instead, I bought myself lunch, saw a movie and treated myself to two new pairs of ridiculous shoes. </p><p>I felt refreshed physically, mentally and emotionally and actually <i>energetic</i> for once. If you're reading this, this is your reminder to take the time for you. Whether it's a walk, spending time in silence pampering or treating yourself to some type of outing - just do it. I snapped the photo below on my walk and felt lucky to be a part of the sun's big day. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMXZ2mFznBQ7634ayscxEtJsOXDfIJoTManPcjxULZwsVnReqcDuiS4Pbgs8jT_Wp62NayXlv5HEs4QZoHJtNxakdUUcab5a6UZ6ylgOVZlwRfR2xiEPEvx2vKxDM4OQLD5s24LuFIQu6W9LsQX8heE3_1SrvRBG3gfVteEUz5G8MuwbSJzNorEYSy=s2502" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2502" data-original-width="1801" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMXZ2mFznBQ7634ayscxEtJsOXDfIJoTManPcjxULZwsVnReqcDuiS4Pbgs8jT_Wp62NayXlv5HEs4QZoHJtNxakdUUcab5a6UZ6ylgOVZlwRfR2xiEPEvx2vKxDM4OQLD5s24LuFIQu6W9LsQX8heE3_1SrvRBG3gfVteEUz5G8MuwbSJzNorEYSy=w288-h400" width="288" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-7785676998269930882022-01-03T15:54:00.002-08:002022-01-03T15:54:22.746-08:00Books! <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFsrLC8yQuvVWKRMQAMJTN2qdJCNjP-dgFhcvCXnQqcEYpFC66hWwI2LK-MUltwBLGvTysfV-RxiiIvxTJ0ZHugZvh_xL1mEFNzCiWnlyYvw4nj1ZXY0ULJNjsSBPEBfM4BoYTSNCnSusFuL_3wAthyUQoe1dzWwHD-4D6e9zpIa1PXOanZ7vym8gq=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFsrLC8yQuvVWKRMQAMJTN2qdJCNjP-dgFhcvCXnQqcEYpFC66hWwI2LK-MUltwBLGvTysfV-RxiiIvxTJ0ZHugZvh_xL1mEFNzCiWnlyYvw4nj1ZXY0ULJNjsSBPEBfM4BoYTSNCnSusFuL_3wAthyUQoe1dzWwHD-4D6e9zpIa1PXOanZ7vym8gq=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, I will have no problem finding 12 books to read throughout the year seeing as my own bedroom has supplied me with these 7 which I have either not start or not yet completed. Anyone else here just collect books? </div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-42190097648911825112022-01-02T10:25:00.005-08:002022-01-02T10:32:43.770-08:00New Year<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWZHDSwmVShaLEuaIR_-2MG33Mu-0kP9f0LRNEFlACM-DiJK7CNrBsec1yO_IWJFX9s_BdCJaI3cCyiLd1AsLHwcrrfq0q4s2i1AwkcGX-9mHnjbF7NzmuQ_VxAdi7vbh1E-rON4l10T2qZVTpQBambjC_DsycR9gVqwT8YDIAXp92EIm85APkxO3i=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWZHDSwmVShaLEuaIR_-2MG33Mu-0kP9f0LRNEFlACM-DiJK7CNrBsec1yO_IWJFX9s_BdCJaI3cCyiLd1AsLHwcrrfq0q4s2i1AwkcGX-9mHnjbF7NzmuQ_VxAdi7vbh1E-rON4l10T2qZVTpQBambjC_DsycR9gVqwT8YDIAXp92EIm85APkxO3i=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last night my husband suggested a date night out at a local steakhouse. Tired and feeling lazy I replied, "But I have chicken here to make for dinner". What was I thinking? Here's everything I wanted, my husband taking initiative to plan a date night out, an actual date night, and I'm turning it down to make chicken? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I quickly saw the error of my ways and hopped in the shower, got dressed - in a dress - and showed up! Part of life is getting dressed and showing up, and I did just that. Cheers!<br /><br />Get up.<br />Dress up.<br />Show up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Never give up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-64536103161760754492021-12-31T22:30:00.004-08:002021-12-31T22:30:00.192-08:00Happy New Year!<p></p><div style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year!<br /><br />Did I mention I enjoy making lists?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Check out my latest find.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Can't wait to use it, starting today.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrDasOl4pZbKEkzQVdyrgfDMjhzMN_TaVAyEM7KNcR03XUh9loB7jEl5aSQAozjAHp5B9D2wsFYjFwb8BJ1KUTP09T_J9SalD_Wh0nqj_eHg3NH3CLYHSp9mupbiFLZ9Ob4pxPQfWXABTsUXt4CM9f19ZWylftJiLPivCGd-4KhhvvWfUxd0AbQBAD=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrDasOl4pZbKEkzQVdyrgfDMjhzMN_TaVAyEM7KNcR03XUh9loB7jEl5aSQAozjAHp5B9D2wsFYjFwb8BJ1KUTP09T_J9SalD_Wh0nqj_eHg3NH3CLYHSp9mupbiFLZ9Ob4pxPQfWXABTsUXt4CM9f19ZWylftJiLPivCGd-4KhhvvWfUxd0AbQBAD=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-48171184105300572972021-12-30T23:00:00.013-08:002021-12-30T23:00:00.179-08:00The List<p>So here it is. My list of 12 things to do 12 times (or more) over the next 12 months. Anything sound fun or interesting to you? Any goals that you're setting for yourself? </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>1) Books<br /></b>Read twelve books before 12/31/22 (new or existing in my current library).</p><p><b>2) Adventures!</b><br />2021 felt overwhelming with responsibilities (real or imagined) and a lot of sacrifices of my free time were made. I am looking forward to 12 new, solo adventures! Whether it's a day at a museum, a weekend Jeep adventure or a silent yoga retreat with a friend, I know my adventures await! </p><p><b>3) Date Nights</b><br />Similar to #2 above, 2021 took a toll on my love life. I didn't feel like I had the energy to plan or focus on time for myself, much less time for my husband and I to reconnect. Planning a simple date night seemed overwhelming towards the end of the year and hence, it was sacrificed. I miss our fun nights out and plan to resurrect date nights - big or small!</p><p><b>4) Physical Self Care/Pampering</b><br />Yep. I'm investing in physical self care. You know, spa days. Massages. Facials. Whatever it is, I'm doing it this year. </p><p><b>5) Creative Outlet</b><br />I used to draw and draw well. I even craft, color, paint, and enjoy making things. I don't recall the last time I made anything besides dinner. Lets get back to fun! Whether its coloring a page in an adult coloring book, taking photos, drawing something from scratch, signing up for a new class/activity - time to get back to my artistic roots.</p><p><b>6) Girls!</b><br />I need time with my friends. We all do. My friends are available, again I have just felt too overwhelmed to spend the energy planning anything. Time to get back to the fun times! Go for a walk? Sure! Catch up over brunch? You got it. </p><p><b>7) The Ninja </b><br />This one just might kill me. I received a Ninja Foodi for Christmas of 2020 (yes, 2020!) and have been too intimidated to use it! Perhaps this year I can make 12 new dishes using it! Hey, it's a start!<br /><br /><b>8) Gratitude and Kindness</b><br />So this might be a hard goal to measure but I find myself getting mired down in my own complaints and negativity. I used to be a super positive person but feel like that dastards have torn me down over time and sadly, I've allowed for it. Perhaps 12 positive/feel good posts? Compliment 12 people? List twelve things I'm grateful for each month? In some way, I will honor and practice being grateful and kind.</p><p><b>9) Movies</b><br />Because this blog has morphed over time, you'll see there is a header page labeled "AFI Top 100" (go check it out!). I will dedicate this year to watching at least 12 more movies from the list.</p><p><b>10) Exercise</b><br />I miss it. I used to do it 6 times a week. I used to run. Injury and post injury depression that followed caused me to give up for most of 2021. It's time to get moving again. And while I cannot return to 9+ mile runs, I can walk. I can ride. I can hike. I will embrace what I can do. So, starting small - I'll dedicate each month to at least 12 workouts or some sort. Anything counts.<br /><br /><b>11) Learn</b><br />I'm a big fan of taking classes so I'm tasking myself to learn 12 new things. Online course for work? Language app for fun? Jeep mechanics? Anything's game!</p><p><b>12) Blog! </b><br />Maintain this blog. Post at least 12 times per month about my list of 12's over the next 12 months!</p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-33265799410671989792021-12-30T10:58:00.002-08:002021-12-30T11:03:12.884-08:0012 x 12 x 12 in 2022<p>It's December 30th and I'm already gearing up for the new year. I understand that many might be cautious about getting excited for the new year given our current Covid state of affairs, but I'm ready and hope you take this journey with me. 2021 was not a real treat for me, so I am happy to celebrate the sloughing off of the old and looking forward to making improvements in the new year ahead. <br /><br />In ramping up for 2022, I realized I like lists. I like to make them. I like to organize and highlight them. Most of all, I enjoy scratching things off of them. And just like that, I thought I could easily make a list of twelve themes, with twelve tasks to tackle over the next year. So here I am, revamping my blog which is something I thoroughly enjoy, and bringing you my "to do" lists for 2022.<br /><br />Stay tuned, more to come!<br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-1271318541273610392021-03-16T08:05:00.002-07:002021-03-16T08:05:23.570-07:00Day 366 <p><span style="font-family: arial;">20 years ago today, I lost my Dad. I was in my mid twenties then and the quote below, which my father stated often, held true. Coming across it today makes me giggle as I'm pretty sure he sent it my way just to remind me. if even just in hindsight, that he indeed was far smarter than I ever gave him credit for. While I don't think his genius was ever a question in my mind, I'm sure his "cool points" waned often. As I work to help raise two stepdaughters today, I'm sure he is laughing where ever he's at as I now realize I won't be smart or cool until they're probably in their 30's. Late 20's if I'm lucky. I miss you Dad.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTnEbhNPis55pCUvQ14y0JAFKfzFSV5Ss8p9mObAgAP4Rtxo9I9bX4onQPGoX74QJKCO07Sd3jpJF_0A8ea-xxyMLSMqHdN1Wz_www6lCD7uCBTolWtFqHQMJkYGCpYTkpsDeGakQy_E/s439/dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="439" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTnEbhNPis55pCUvQ14y0JAFKfzFSV5Ss8p9mObAgAP4Rtxo9I9bX4onQPGoX74QJKCO07Sd3jpJF_0A8ea-xxyMLSMqHdN1Wz_www6lCD7uCBTolWtFqHQMJkYGCpYTkpsDeGakQy_E/w541-h250/dad.jpg" width="541" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-85398134033407620552021-03-15T07:48:00.001-07:002021-03-16T07:58:08.653-07:00Day 365<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCoIC9XJ86MXJx8v9iYx3uDIwBidWH3Nk825uTOPD8lcNiGitUZOmIc_Qnna1zh2IsLOsjyVXuWz4qMaKMypGhroYd3PuBroaFWk81sxgHXUIciPhuU_Y70M_yvXCB-eBVFOSZXGvhHE/s354/annic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCoIC9XJ86MXJx8v9iYx3uDIwBidWH3Nk825uTOPD8lcNiGitUZOmIc_Qnna1zh2IsLOsjyVXuWz4qMaKMypGhroYd3PuBroaFWk81sxgHXUIciPhuU_Y70M_yvXCB-eBVFOSZXGvhHE/s320/annic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><p>It's officially been one year, 365 days, since COVID-19 broke out and changed the way we live, work and interact. I am no more used to wearing a mask than I was then. While the "lock down" has allowed me to slow down in some ways, I see the havoc it's consequences have brought upon other people and it's horrendous. Not that I am left unscathed by Corona Virus but I feel like I have, somehow, faired better than others. For that I am grateful, but still I grow weary of the enforced restrictions and long for some normalcy. Like, "old school" normalcy. I hope and pray that this summer brings some relief, if only in the way of sunshine and warmer days ahead. In the meantime, all we can do is just keep on hangin' on. Hang in there!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-67714731750018628922021-03-08T15:24:00.001-08:002021-03-08T15:24:33.519-08:00Day 358<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Yep, in case you're actually paying attention I just skipped a week of blogging. I worked in the office during the past week so time felt limited to do anything personal. Adding in 90 minutes of commuting time each day and feeling the need to rush out the door in the morning and rush home in the evening, isn't very blog-inspiring. Sure there was plenty of time left over in the evenings after I finished making, eating and cleaning up dinner. Sure there was an hour or so when I wasn't doing laundry, cleaning, watching TV with the family or doing my physical rehab exercises like a goofus in the middle of the living room (insert big yoga ball floating through your line of vision while trying to watch tv for giggles) but I just didn't. And. It's okay.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The past week seems like a blur now that I try to recall any of it in hopes of finding something inspiring to write here. But it just wasn't memorable. It was life. Sure, I did great things at work and felt "managerial". I know I cooked a dinner (or two) that got lots of "Yum!" reactions. I completed a lot of weekend warrior household tasks and even got a car wash. It was a very boring week and ya know what? I'll take it. Sometimes boring is best! There's a safety in being boring (at times), there's a routine to it. There are no surprises to deal with in "boring" and I appreciate that. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">With that said, I hope you had a "boring" week, too! Have a happy and mundane Monday! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GUU1neCqTGRjZmYeebu1tPpOs9cXt8wBKfQxMZx3aMcyVdjUnCzW_kRRgBHDhw8-crhuVBdbGlNyS1AldQaLbM2x8iSB0jEG6FdyiVTB7E9bhJS400Y5RD70lmnmL1XQytWDNfRldy4/s1000/boring-evenings-mean-life-is-good-quiet-house-image-source-pexels-kimenink.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="487" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GUU1neCqTGRjZmYeebu1tPpOs9cXt8wBKfQxMZx3aMcyVdjUnCzW_kRRgBHDhw8-crhuVBdbGlNyS1AldQaLbM2x8iSB0jEG6FdyiVTB7E9bhJS400Y5RD70lmnmL1XQytWDNfRldy4/w487-h487/boring-evenings-mean-life-is-good-quiet-house-image-source-pexels-kimenink.jpg" width="487" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-54893977158792190332021-03-01T07:49:00.001-08:002021-03-02T07:50:31.635-08:00Day 351 <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkSx3UR0GIRZZkvMomXkhuuE0VkEvmecZRWImS9Tau8nG0DjQHDnEqUgBPCBZBL4_A6xF1_ZS_FqMEoe9jo-sbweBX-tlxHUcIzNuYeU4zd7KpSQJM6q_t7JXARh4YgPbWqIAWTF1tSw/s487/Hello-March-Goodbye-February-Pics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="487" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkSx3UR0GIRZZkvMomXkhuuE0VkEvmecZRWImS9Tau8nG0DjQHDnEqUgBPCBZBL4_A6xF1_ZS_FqMEoe9jo-sbweBX-tlxHUcIzNuYeU4zd7KpSQJM6q_t7JXARh4YgPbWqIAWTF1tSw/w489-h310/Hello-March-Goodbye-February-Pics.jpg" width="489" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-51296427263140368292021-02-28T07:45:00.001-08:002021-03-02T07:47:50.687-08:00Day 350<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After a Saturday night of Rage Room smashing and hour long axe throwing, Sunday deserved a more relaxing theme. Wine, cheese and crackers in an outdoor, heated igloo seemed to do the trick. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lZgLpBhsCUkamI03WWHcY7nTO4dvXc2CY9eBWjClVxRSDY0UZwY9NBOOrvJ-KMjplLpenpB2CaXyCpBQnqWTcNkeNLwMTQQxofYp8KFyKhcWZAoDgBH2rzg9k8iw55MEi3JEPlJ_ZxA/s960/wine2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lZgLpBhsCUkamI03WWHcY7nTO4dvXc2CY9eBWjClVxRSDY0UZwY9NBOOrvJ-KMjplLpenpB2CaXyCpBQnqWTcNkeNLwMTQQxofYp8KFyKhcWZAoDgBH2rzg9k8iw55MEi3JEPlJ_ZxA/w411-h548/wine2.jpg" width="411" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-78841516193782392412021-02-27T07:06:00.001-08:002021-03-02T07:42:57.760-08:00Day 349<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Today we went to a "Rage Room" where you get to smash and beat up things with baseball bats and crowbars. We had thirty minutes in total, and were exhausted and full of sweat after just five minutes of beating the electronics to death. We carried on, however and made sure that every thing we could smash was thoroughly dismantled. If you need to get some exercise or blow off some steam, I highly recommend it! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFROkHtIc4ECeKt7VZVKDvO1f9osynW0qYWSZ2-SFVz-m6W6SWritV7kLlTD6weiYFixh-Fa1orqAvJd-ZF4uItq_Wqs6gqgllV70_N0ztpCQ639acaikTsYqoRHUJa9QrLv3Xb2euns/s1535/rageroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1200" height="635" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFROkHtIc4ECeKt7VZVKDvO1f9osynW0qYWSZ2-SFVz-m6W6SWritV7kLlTD6weiYFixh-Fa1orqAvJd-ZF4uItq_Wqs6gqgllV70_N0ztpCQ639acaikTsYqoRHUJa9QrLv3Xb2euns/w496-h635/rageroom.jpg" width="496" /></a></div> <br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-43642228493432544822021-02-26T10:25:00.002-08:002021-02-26T10:25:14.838-08:00Day 348<p><span style="font-family: arial;">When looking at the current Chicago-land forecast, I remind myself to not get too excited about the trending warm up. While I will surely do my best to take advantage of it, I remind myself that it's known to snow in April and the "good" weather truly doesn't start until June. I mean, after all there are more than four seasons to Chicago weather. I believe we're currently in Fool's Spring. Happy weekend my friends!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1LZrF4t47Fp-A4S3pbQt6xm8PPGAvG6x9-vrnXkvp02OvlW1dFgjqTpMi_mmMbmNb0j6xbkkHqGdHxK0umlYn-xZiYsfHdYfN0ifkVdjto_fNsw-Cx8bXJRgWJkOAL2QSxA1CEP-0XY/s494/spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="494" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1LZrF4t47Fp-A4S3pbQt6xm8PPGAvG6x9-vrnXkvp02OvlW1dFgjqTpMi_mmMbmNb0j6xbkkHqGdHxK0umlYn-xZiYsfHdYfN0ifkVdjto_fNsw-Cx8bXJRgWJkOAL2QSxA1CEP-0XY/w413-h408/spring.jpg" width="413" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-36376112532970024092021-02-25T05:59:00.001-08:002021-02-26T06:00:56.362-08:00Day 347<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Throwback Thursday.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;">Beaches of Bonaire, 2019</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwAsj1JrnSDSv9NbHHXVlmZlwZ8cxDJd1DuKlbCNtSwYC_TiCmjl7KHvj2QExywgJUQAYpOu27mgkYaHLVhFWP9ygfnWnb-tV_MdOjEZm0Pn4kGQpPmSXQof5YOcRmqAvLGr4_ThWNVw/s960/tbt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="605" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwAsj1JrnSDSv9NbHHXVlmZlwZ8cxDJd1DuKlbCNtSwYC_TiCmjl7KHvj2QExywgJUQAYpOu27mgkYaHLVhFWP9ygfnWnb-tV_MdOjEZm0Pn4kGQpPmSXQof5YOcRmqAvLGr4_ThWNVw/w453-h605/tbt.jpg" width="453" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-54016915359854848942021-02-24T12:48:00.000-08:002021-02-24T12:48:10.151-08:00Day 346<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Today I went outside in just a sweater. Yesterday I left the house in a long-sleeve t-shirt. It's a heatwave here in the Chicagoland area, it's in the 40s and even hit a low 50 degree temperature, sun included. Admittedly, it can and probably will still snow in April, but for today I'm enjoying the warm up!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFtnTctvxnEhGjuUkQIKAwzSvPDXSYqiV24dHvatE6WbV2MFkj3KXIRPKA8uzP9sfEPWNJP641r-aWdBOunHeJJnGkN5m9_aWBDLlS4SrIezfAfWT6lkNk6vkZn2flHeOaeK-AIy7zBs/s640/7d2d3ac3c0c0ef8505c02f2a97e69f47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFtnTctvxnEhGjuUkQIKAwzSvPDXSYqiV24dHvatE6WbV2MFkj3KXIRPKA8uzP9sfEPWNJP641r-aWdBOunHeJJnGkN5m9_aWBDLlS4SrIezfAfWT6lkNk6vkZn2flHeOaeK-AIy7zBs/w417-h556/7d2d3ac3c0c0ef8505c02f2a97e69f47.jpg" width="417" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-69627526737241230222021-02-23T12:30:00.001-08:002021-02-24T12:35:01.528-08:00Day 345<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Between weekend indoor skydiving and physical therapy yesterday my body, which is no longer used to working out daily, is beat. I feel like...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgGYCekZN-UapAns-2iBbiWYx0mEfNGfCfrWNkB1iUQ1CUuB6UjjOLRt2h7dw_CPhFak0h5cL4z5CjuyGG5JK6zlj9T6lP_FEH-28ukg_tLpNBEtK68uHNFnAInhnHXVo3a-srAP8XR8/s550/aa303d56a66bd4e825f63ccdf01287ef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="550" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgGYCekZN-UapAns-2iBbiWYx0mEfNGfCfrWNkB1iUQ1CUuB6UjjOLRt2h7dw_CPhFak0h5cL4z5CjuyGG5JK6zlj9T6lP_FEH-28ukg_tLpNBEtK68uHNFnAInhnHXVo3a-srAP8XR8/w475-h333/aa303d56a66bd4e825f63ccdf01287ef.jpg" width="475" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-79280288686089040822021-02-22T12:18:00.001-08:002021-02-24T12:30:16.180-08:00Day 344<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I woke up before 5am for an early 6:30am physical therapy session today.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;">They kicked my butt.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I came home, did two loads of laundry.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Unloaded the dishwasher.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tidied up the house.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Worked.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Took a real lunch break and got a pedicure.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Worked some more.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Attended conference calls.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cooked dinner.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cleaned up dinner (with some familial help).</div><div style="text-align: center;">Passed out on the couch.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tomorrow's plan looks about the same, minus the laundry.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Monday!</div></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBuEkrfSqX46Sb3F9LWUAbbWSDjN9DHuN7v-DPN4GHC1ejX2siSnbBvt5QARy7jhLwIzIjA9owqc-lmJb3IhIUbPkFn6SLvK5oi-1dZffyBnIQuyE_xGU7e8lQGN7tSHCH-H3uIlcYMw/s999/Dog-Tired-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="999" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBuEkrfSqX46Sb3F9LWUAbbWSDjN9DHuN7v-DPN4GHC1ejX2siSnbBvt5QARy7jhLwIzIjA9owqc-lmJb3IhIUbPkFn6SLvK5oi-1dZffyBnIQuyE_xGU7e8lQGN7tSHCH-H3uIlcYMw/w403-h302/Dog-Tired-21.jpg" width="403" /></a></div><br /><p><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-73969983897241509642021-02-21T13:31:00.006-08:002021-02-22T13:45:22.703-08:00Day 343<p><span style="font-family: arial;">We went indoor skydiving today (yes, bad SI joint and all - but it held up). As this is my second experience doing so, it was nice to relive the experience with and through the eyes of my two, teenage stepdaughters. They loved it and can't wait to go back for more, and of course they loved having something "awesome" to post on their social media pages. As I listened to them read comments others made about their flying experiences, they were all but disgusted at the fact that someone commented, "Nice.". </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Umm, I say the word "nice" all the time?! My emotions behind the word are enthusiastic and relay, if only in my head, that I think whatever I'm commenting on is amazing, awesome or very cool! When I defended the "nice" commenter, I was informed that I am old and that if I was a teen and used that expression "no one would talk to you". Wow, wake up call! As I continued to get schooled in all things and expressions that are currently acceptable in the teenage world of today, I found none of my current vocabulary cuts the mustard. I am not "lit". I would give you more examples of acceptable words or phrases here so you could be as cool as these kids but the words they shared were so ridiculous sounding I have apparently blocked them out of my mind! </span><span style="font-family: arial;">It's official. I've become my parents. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43y_sPboL11p_Hs1lXurqw7IigZ2LGxYbUS_kB1qzlDA6s5k85zCWw5ML3vDwKn_t2x6UnXZFl-C3xrxNGVZgPj3mdys5c7wOhd1v-SEdAp-WAq0Hd6XlzgJaUrxFpx8zhM6NQ-ZMjfE/s600/lawn.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="434" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43y_sPboL11p_Hs1lXurqw7IigZ2LGxYbUS_kB1qzlDA6s5k85zCWw5ML3vDwKn_t2x6UnXZFl-C3xrxNGVZgPj3mdys5c7wOhd1v-SEdAp-WAq0Hd6XlzgJaUrxFpx8zhM6NQ-ZMjfE/w308-h427/lawn.png" width="308" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-19950175785423204172021-02-20T13:18:00.001-08:002021-02-22T13:31:06.809-08:00Day 342<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOmC9LYwWGFSPV6Hu49cEdIgrL6ldXGBf2Bq0dzY9He1juYUWPVBBuFYCh5iSgVbxUiu294BNLQ695JgM9ESW7ZPZHbgcg_iwkkQ-xp2MxtVCc7THpvptFZe7c5_0ZJKeDt8T85eIDIs/s389/saturday.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOmC9LYwWGFSPV6Hu49cEdIgrL6ldXGBf2Bq0dzY9He1juYUWPVBBuFYCh5iSgVbxUiu294BNLQ695JgM9ESW7ZPZHbgcg_iwkkQ-xp2MxtVCc7THpvptFZe7c5_0ZJKeDt8T85eIDIs/s320/saturday.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>A quiet morning.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;">Coffee. Favorite breakfast.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Errands and a manicure.<br />Not a bad start to the weekend.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-43732593407623278482021-02-19T13:02:00.001-08:002021-02-22T13:18:14.735-08:00Day 341<p><span style="font-family: arial;">There's an end in sight! Today at physical therapy I was told that I have one more week of my current PT schedule before I can drop appointments down to just once per week. I still have SI joint issues when I sit "weird" so I don't know if I'll ever be 100% back to normal, but strengthening my muscles has helped to keep those issues limited and I've learned how/what stretches work best for my pain. Fingers crossed I can get back to the gym soon...in moderation with modifications of course. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2aKPe981oVYgBtQJPe4-wvk0_Yu39uAWbXknE8TclW2QcspcOjlBCRnjtNLo7mxWTirLnAAIv5lcr3wK18bzPIgAMDXiqCf2HR6OSy889IcUfUEo61QvE4WI38eh_cvb3QVW6JcM6fA/s500/fingers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2aKPe981oVYgBtQJPe4-wvk0_Yu39uAWbXknE8TclW2QcspcOjlBCRnjtNLo7mxWTirLnAAIv5lcr3wK18bzPIgAMDXiqCf2HR6OSy889IcUfUEo61QvE4WI38eh_cvb3QVW6JcM6fA/s320/fingers.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-73256071978298204322021-02-18T12:58:00.001-08:002021-02-22T13:02:03.901-08:00Day 340 <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HfUbzUCkYS4tdNsgj8hKIQaNqyHFngmF58TNEU11iPYIPzz872YK-wHmSbolx_jbIT8YczzptbxhEZfIfaWQh6Ibv5-Bl9fCvefmElTahWm6BY45kNHI8X9neBVEuYnyQc_Lf5GBZDw/s1042/christine_carter_thursday_thought_schweitzer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1042" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HfUbzUCkYS4tdNsgj8hKIQaNqyHFngmF58TNEU11iPYIPzz872YK-wHmSbolx_jbIT8YczzptbxhEZfIfaWQh6Ibv5-Bl9fCvefmElTahWm6BY45kNHI8X9neBVEuYnyQc_Lf5GBZDw/w476-h476/christine_carter_thursday_thought_schweitzer.png" width="476" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-69401924475284044762021-02-17T15:48:00.001-08:002021-02-18T15:52:23.987-08:00Day 339<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Seriously, just WHAT do I do in my sleep? I need to set up a video or go for a sleep study because today I woke up feeling like I had been "pulled through a knot-hole backwards"! Anyone else hear that expression growing up? No? Just me and my olden-days references? <br /><br />Today I woke up with a backache, shoulder ache, neck ache and headache, none of which I laid down in bed with. Man, whoever has a voodoo doll of me, give that thing a break please!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-Xaewacl-R3_q8n_0cvas7U3eyn52hR9wvhJhy5Gu3zJXiv68xfO2I_M42ZvTQoX_sVNuPKfmhFLfXvTn8U66I7IWLj52DCVz5YS83vdQWZeXVZPtpBMwrIxdGyvIPkolz63PeLNIaY/s1024/vddoll.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-Xaewacl-R3_q8n_0cvas7U3eyn52hR9wvhJhy5Gu3zJXiv68xfO2I_M42ZvTQoX_sVNuPKfmhFLfXvTn8U66I7IWLj52DCVz5YS83vdQWZeXVZPtpBMwrIxdGyvIPkolz63PeLNIaY/w357-h357/vddoll.webp" width="357" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-28031131366831654162021-02-16T15:42:00.001-08:002021-02-18T15:48:06.500-08:00Day 339<p><span style="font-family: arial;">What do you do when it's "Taco Tuesday" and <i>someone</i> in your household doesn't want tacos? I mean, first of all I don't understand how you can NOT want tacos, so that right there shows me I live in an abnormal environment of weirdos. But I digress. The night sadly ended with leftovers instead of tacos, and at least <i>one</i> person was happy that the tradition was skipped. Thankfully, there's nothing "wrong" with pasta-night Wednesday!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzUw9bOui-ieonX7sTglu8LPyMpraOwwsOTRCrbpEdQ0KaeBw_EA3VIrNEtVru5VfCQaYR0RGU3yNw2Nhs0oJG7W8Y4JzsM8VzDqqg4vHv-LchEnt38CgyG1n7M8JuBn1BuhhRT4e0AA/s630/taco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="630" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzUw9bOui-ieonX7sTglu8LPyMpraOwwsOTRCrbpEdQ0KaeBw_EA3VIrNEtVru5VfCQaYR0RGU3yNw2Nhs0oJG7W8Y4JzsM8VzDqqg4vHv-LchEnt38CgyG1n7M8JuBn1BuhhRT4e0AA/w432-h432/taco.jpg" width="432" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-75312621826974934202021-02-15T15:37:00.001-08:002021-02-18T15:42:09.199-08:00Day 338<p><span style="font-family: arial;">I was up at 5am something to head to physical therapy today before heading back to the office. While I don't like the earlier wake up schedule, or the fact there was more snow to deal with, it was nice to see a few co-workers within the building. I will admit, we probably spent more time talking about all the things we haven't been able to discuss in person than working, but perhaps tomorrow will be more productive? </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSH3X4_JKZrk_DhyoZ49JrFrbU3Wr74uTdpmlykoQ8DZm2FqEaFaaFGUgLMVWIl2AxVb7grBfJj3iUJSgEIhdYbbFghFjUEsNSjAzpw0hQiWYoYQ_vWpHTE1nKHV7cVLyLSYyqBzFcB3c/s1140/watecooler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="1140" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSH3X4_JKZrk_DhyoZ49JrFrbU3Wr74uTdpmlykoQ8DZm2FqEaFaaFGUgLMVWIl2AxVb7grBfJj3iUJSgEIhdYbbFghFjUEsNSjAzpw0hQiWYoYQ_vWpHTE1nKHV7cVLyLSYyqBzFcB3c/w444-h400/watecooler.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945203470982872390.post-78333579210805909782021-02-14T15:36:00.002-08:002021-02-18T15:37:26.830-08:00Day 337<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> What's Valentine's Day baking without a T-rex cookie? </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCsz0yzcBHZcOIr1k8NpRRinJKEFcj-r68yGixyG9Hme-E_B8NujTwZ1S4-PfCAT-S0h0fLaokI_FZZSYUNi6TpLJE07Npn_D7ALcaJInPA0f0FwMe31c5nag2N3u71wH4XCPiANYJ88/s1200/cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCsz0yzcBHZcOIr1k8NpRRinJKEFcj-r68yGixyG9Hme-E_B8NujTwZ1S4-PfCAT-S0h0fLaokI_FZZSYUNi6TpLJE07Npn_D7ALcaJInPA0f0FwMe31c5nag2N3u71wH4XCPiANYJ88/w503-h378/cookies.jpg" width="503" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0