Day 292

 

Day 291

"Wednesday first came to be known as hump day since at least the 1950s. The expression figures Wednesday, the middle of the workweek, as the hump people get over to coast into the weekend. Throughout the 20th century, Wednesday was especially referred to as hump day in an effort to liven up the drudgery of the workweek." - dictionary.com

Here's to us all getting over the last hump of 2020! 

Day 290

All expenses and viruses spared, where would you travel to right now and why? Personally, I'd book a ticket to Bora Bora. Once upon a decade or more ago, I saw pictures of what I believed to be the most beautiful place in the world and haven't stopped thinking about it since. The crystal blue waters and clear skies look so warm and inviting. Bora Bora just seems to be the type of place to truly relax in and find your forgotten zen. With views like the one below, wouldn't you forget everything going on in the world, if even for just a moment? 

Day 289

 82 days until Spring! 

Happy Monday!

Day 288

 And this is exactly what happened...

Day 287

How was your Christmas? Are you relieved that it's over? Sad it didn't last longer? Dreading the clean up and tearing down of holiday decor? I think I may feel a little bit of everything stated here. As we get older, the holiday magic seems to get replaced with holiday responsibilities of things to accomplish or provide.  

I made sure to take time to remember the reason for the season and paused numerous times to give thanks for all I've been provided with throughout the year and not just the pretty wrapped packages under the tree. Christmas time is a balancing act for me. While I want to provide the perfect, "Hallmark" experience for my loved ones, especially the teenagers in my life, I want to insure that they know why we celebrate the holiday. If they choose not to accept the religious value behind the 25th, I want them to at least be able to have some historical reference for it. It seems it gets harder and harder to impress upon the younger ones that Christmas isn't all about what comes from a store. As the Grinch would say, perhaps Christmas means a little bit more. Whether that "little bit more" is God, peace, family and togetherness or something else entirely I hope that with age, they will come to know and feel "a little bit more" in their hearts, at Christmastime and always.

Day 286

 Merry Christmas!

Day 285

It was faint, but I saw a rainbow the other day and took a moment to be thankful for all the glories in this world and thanked God for another day. Things like rainbows, bright colored birds visiting my back yard and even the neighborhood pooch running up to me to slobber me with kisses - all quick but fortuitous encounters that I take the time to appreciate. Little moments in time that don't seem like much to some, make me feel the wonders of the world again. What makes you pause in your tracks to give thanks? Do you notice the little miracles going on around you every day, if so what are they? 

Day 284

When you marry into an Italian family, the traditional Christmas dinner seems to change. The holiday ham or turkey is now replaced with mostaccioli and numerous seafood dishes. Can't say that I mind at all, however. And just to prove it, here's my contribution to this year's classic meal... 

Easy prep! 
Work smarter, not harder!

Day 283

A little pre-Christmas cheer...

Day 282

Do you ever feel like the shortest weeks at work end up feeling the longest? Speaking of the long and short of things, today is the shortest day of the year, the Winter Solstice. While I don't particularly enjoy this day, I take it a a sign that the tides are turning and the days begin their journey into longer sessions of light - if only by a minute each day. I count down the days until Spring and Summer each year and watch the sunset times adjust to a later time each day - its' just what I do. So, in case you were wondering, CHEERS to Spring being just 87 days away!

Day 281

As a person who "pays it forward" often, I was excited to find $20 on the floor of a restaurant establishment. There was no obvious owner nearby, so I treated myself and the hubs to a drink and cup of soup, each. It was nice to be the recipient of some extra good luck! 

Day 280

As a not new to running but new to being a habitual runner who actually craves the sport, I slowly racked up some impressive, for me, mileage this year. I've been sadly sidelined for most of this month due to SI joint issues because I mean, it's 2020 after all but I am happy with what I've accomplished.

83 days of running (mapped on GPS)

56 hours

243 miles

4,003 feet of elevation 

Day 278

 

Day 276

8 days until Christmas! Soooo much left to be done, primarily due to waiting on delayed packages to arrive - and then to be wrapped! Yikes! Any one else feeling the pressure? 

Day 275

Irony. You work out and your coach gives you a bag of peppermint-chocolate-chip cookies, which is your all time favorite seasonal flavor combo. Don't worry, I've already got the next workout booked. Until then, cookies and coffee it is!

Day 274

 Because I can relate...

Day 273

Do you dread Mondays or embrace them? Or, is it situational depending on what the week brings? Over all, I don't mind Mondays. Usually. The weekends are never long enough, of course, but I enjoy the fresh feel of the new beginning of a new week. Today I went for a run, have accomplished some household tasks and booked some new adventures for the upcoming year. I feel personally productive. Of course, the beaming sunshine helps boost both mood and motivation! 

Big or small, what great things are you up to today?

Day 272

 Sundays are for brunch! 

What are you doing today to relax and recharge?

Cheers!

Day 271

Ever have a gut feeling and not follow it? Only to kick yourself for it later?

Having one of those moments currently, but thankfully able to set it right.
Phew!

Day 270

 

Day 269

Do you have a favorite holiday decoration that you look forward to seeing every year? I do. Well, I have many. As a collector of vacation spot Christmas ornaments, I enjoy unwrapping my souvenirs and reliving the memories from each trip. 

One of my first vacation ornaments came from Door County, WI. Ok, so it's not an exotic vacation, but it's memorable as it was also my first Christopher Radko brand ornament. Additionally, as the ornament is a beautiful, multi-colored nutcracker it reminds me of Christmas seasons past having attended (or watched on TV) The Nutcracker. I look forward to giving this jolly old guy a prominent spot on the tree every year. He's usually next to my miniature, Wrigley Field ornament that lights up (which may be my second favorite decoration).

What about you? Any particular decoration that you love seeing every year? Or, do you prefer to be a minimalist and say bah-humbug to the idea of decorating?

Day 268

 

Day 267

 

Reruns. Always there for you. Pretty true sentiment in my household, for me at least. I admit my guilty pleasures are watching reruns of Roseanne, The Golden Girls and the Netflix series Grace and Frankie. There's something comforting about the story lines, most from the 80's and 90's which represent a simpler time along with not having to think about the unfolding plot. The story is familiar. The story is soothing as if it were a favorite childhood bedtime story. The repeated scenarios are background noise or welcomed friends depending on how much attention and effort you want to give them on any given day. They do not judge your level of involvement. They are just there for you whenever you need them.

Do you have a favorite television series you enjoy watching, or listening to, over and over?
Any guilty pleasure series you'd be afraid to admit watching elsewhere?

Day 266

 

Day 265

Today would be my typical Sunday-Runday but I am continuing to give my back the break it has requested. While I feel much recovered from my "pull" from this past Thursday, I am not yet 100% and will continue to hold off on the workouts and runs. It mentally pains me to not be outside and running but I know I need to hold off and think about the long game (full recovery) here. So, what does one do instead? Watch Sunday football and eat Buffalo Wild Wings, of course. In a house divided, I am glad the Bears and Packers are playing two separate games today!

Day 264

It's Saturday December 5th. I'm sitting outside of a local downtown wine shop next to an (ineffective) outdoor heater. I enjoy a bottle of wine with my significant other despite the fact the temps are in the low thirties. This arrangement is COVID induced of course, since indoor seating options are not available. I take a moment during the chilly-chill session to mention and appreciate that the temperature isn't any colder than what it is.  As I see shoppers and future diners wandering about, I wonder how much farther into the winter season we'll still be seeing people bustling about and staying active.

I reminisce and am reminded that a hiking guide once told me, during a -30* snowshoeing and dogsledding adventure, that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. Thankfully I've learned how to layer effectively since then so I can continue to enjoy outdoor activities such as running and (hopefully) snowshoeing. Do the dropping temperatures make you hunker down under the covers waiting for Spring to arrive? Or do you embrace the chill and find joys in the outdoor world despite the cold? What, if anything, is your outdoor winter activity of choice?

Day 263

It's been a week since Black Friday, a day that I happily stay home and relax versus shopping. Do you, or have you, ever participated in the shopping madness? What was the best deal you found? The one time I was convinced to partake in the early morning madness, I was disappointed with the "bargains", lines and crowds and came home empty handed. I've been shopping primarily on line ever since. 

How do you choose to get your holiday shopping done? Do you shop early, or are you a last minute gift finder?

 

Day 262

Nothing like the simple act of bending over to retrieve an item off the floor and feeling that dreaded twinge of electricity shoot through your back that lets you know you're heading to the chiropractor today. It's learned far too late in life that youth is indeed wasted on the young. I remember hearing that phrase as a kid and paying no mind to it, but now it indeed resonates. 

When did I become my parents? When did I become old? I remember my vision getting worse seemingly over night on my 40th birthday. I can't eat whatever I want without consequences these days and things that shouldn't creak and crack when they move do just that. I feel like the Tin Man in need of an oil can some days. I suppose the trade off to all the physical aches that come with age is that typically we're all better off mentally and financially by the time the physical woes start to set in. That counts for something, right? 

Cheers to another day above ground I suppose, and knowing that things could be worse! I mean, I can actually walk to the car to drive myself to the chiropractor so that's a good thing! What are you dealing with that makes you feel old? 

Day 261

 Wordless Wednesday

Day 260

It's been 18 days since I left for vacation and 18 days since my last blog post. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about blogging. Although it's been a nice break, I've missed blogging. Blogging helps me celebrate the good things occurring in 2020, helps keep me accountable to a routine and above all, makes it easy to track the days of the year instead of letting them all go by in a Covid induced blur. In the past 18 days I've done a few things...

- Visited Disney's Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom for the first time ever and Epcot for a second time. The warm Florida weather was refreshing as well as the get away from work and home. I most enjoyed riding The Tower of Terror and eating Mickey Mouse cupcakes!

- Found a new wine favorite at a near-ish by winery...

- Ran a personal best in a Thanksgiving day 5K Turkey Trot...

- Worked together with my sister-in-law to produce an edible, holiday dinner!

- Decorated, for the first time ever, two Christmas trees in one house...

- Continue to realize and appreciate, despite the struggles this year has brought, how truly blessed I am. Every day.

In true, social media fashion the above items are my highlights of the past 18 days. This doesn't mean there haven't been struggles to get out of bed in the mornings, wondering what it is I'm doing in my career as a manager because all my virtual team interactions seem less impactful or beneficial. My highlights don't change the fact I've gained 7 pounds due to stress and emotional eating, either or that I've been a virtual witness to those I care about losing loved ones who I can't even offer a hug of comfort to in person. 

There is life to be lived despite the extreme circumstances going on around us, it's just different these days of course. Focusing on our problems magnify them, or so I think - so I do my best (not always successfully) to not focus on them. I face and fix what is needed and focus on the positives the best I can. Highlights don't mean I'm perfect or that I don't have issues going on, I just choose to blog happy! I hope you can take a moment today to reflect on your positives and blessings, too.

Day 242

 New adventure underway!

Day 241

My favorite time of day is early morning. I love waking up with the sun and getting my tasks under way without interruption. I can run, I can do household chores and errands, I can read or relax all while appreciating the morning daylight and sounds of nature. Alone. I can accomplish more in the wee morning hours than most people do in a full day, or at least I feel like it! What's your favorite time of day?

Day 240

 Wordless Wednesday

Day 239

I believe mornings are the most beautiful aspect of nature. While I realize "morning" is a vague description, the fact is it's all encompassing. I appreciate the fresh start of a new day and the warmth of the sun's rays brightening up the sky. I enjoy the silence of people, yet appreciate the noises of the birds chirping and squirrels chattering. All the world is not yet awake and there's still quiet and peace in these wee morning hours for you to set your intentions for the new day.

Day 238

The gift I am grateful to have received is true friendship. While I think we can all say we know many people or have a lot of acquaintances, true friends are usually not as ample. I appreciate my small "tribe" of a few, close, best friends who see and accept the truest version of myself.  

Day 237

 My weekend view.

Day 236

I ran my first 15K race today! I definitely need to learn how to fuel up properly for longer runs so I am not out of energy in the last miles. Other than that, my legs and hips held up and I am happy to have this achievement run behind me! Bring on the Turkey Trot 5K later this month! 

Day 235

 A person I am grateful for...is anyone who truly takes the time to listen.

Day 234

 A TV show that continually makes me smile is The Golden Girls! I truly believe they were ahead of their time in addressing global subject matter and knew how to do it well, with sarcasm and wit.

Day 233

The type of food I am grateful for is anything homecooked by someone else! I appreciate the work, effort and love that goes into a big family dinner with olden days recipes. It's comfort food, no matter what is served, at it's best. Yum!

Day 232

While saying others have had it worse, or yet still have it worse than you does not minimize the trials you are going through, here is some comparison for thought. I share because sometimes I forget, I am not unique. Problems are not new. War and disease are not fairytales from the past, rather we've just been lucky to not be impacted by them on such a grand scale as those before us. Acknowledge your struggles, but don't get comfortable with them. When you can, pick yourself up and keep moving. Enjoy the life you were meant to live despite, or perhaps in spite of, the circumstances around you.

Imagine you were born in 1900.

When you're 14 World War I begins and ends at 18 years old with 22 million dead.

Shortly after, a global pandemic flu called 'Spanish' kills 50 million people. You come out alive and free, you are 20 years old.

Then, at 29, you survive the global economic crisis that started with the collapse of the New York Stock Exchange, causing inflation, unemployment, and hunger.

At 33, the Nazis come to power.

You turn 39 when World War II starts and ends at 45. During the Holocaust, 6 million Jews die.

There will be over 60 million deaths in total.

When you're 52, the Korean War begins.

At age 64, the Vietnam War begins and ends at age 75.

A boy born in 1985 thinks his grandparents have no idea how difficult life is, but they have survived several wars and disasters. A boy born in 1995 and now 25 years old thinks it's the end of the world when his Amazon package takes over three days to arrive or when he doesn't get more than 15 likes for her photo posted on Facebook or Instagram.

In 2020, many of us live comfortably, have access to different sources of home entertainment, and often have more than we need. People complain about everything however, they have electricity, phone, food, hot water, and a roof over their heads.

None of this existed before. But mankind survived far more disastrous circumstances and never lost the joy of living.

Day 231

                    Based on the prompts shown, a happy memory that I am grateful for is...

Cat purrs and snuggles. This may not be the most significant memory I have, however being without pets currently, I miss the warmth and unconditional love of one. The relaxing sound of a warm purr and silly, overly invasive whiskers tickling my face, those are some of my favorite, happy memories.

 

Day 230

It's November and that time of year where you, if you haven't already, tend to focus on what you're thankful and grateful for. While I do try to practice gratitude most nights before bedtime, it doesn't always happen so I don't mind the November "push". Besides reflecting upon the things I am thankful for, I also try to "pay it forward" on a normal basis. If you struggle with either, below are some ways you can not only take care of yourself this month, but perhaps a few others too.

Day 229

 Happy Halloween!

Day 228

They finally came! I ran these races a little while back and the medals were to be mailed. These were the first race events that I participated in and didn't have a medal waiting for me at the finish line or in the case of virtual races, at home. The delayed receipt of my bling was a little bit of a hollow victory, however pushing myself to run new distances was satisfying in it's own right. I've happily put these three newbies on my medal rack and can't wait to earn the next one. In four days I run my first 15K! Eek!

Day 227

 Throwback Thursday to the time I visited Ireland, with a stop in Dublin. 
Next to Hawaii, Ireland has been one of my all time favorite places to visit.

Slainte!

Day 226

 (Almost) Wordless Wednesday

Cheers!
Sometimes a good beer does solve all your problems.
If only for the time it takes you to drink it! 

Day 225

You know what is just the best thing ever? Ok, one of the best things ever? Receiving a random phone call from a friend who is not known to call you and although you miss the call, the voice message left behind is amazing. 

I met Linda on a, now annual, group scuba diving trip 3 years ago and spent a week with her. We don't dive, but we run, walk, shop and talk a lot while our significant others do their diving stuff. So far, we've met up on three such trips which means I've spent all of 21 days getting to know her over the past 3.5 years. Despite the short amount of interactions, we just click. She is a mother figure, mother Earth type of soul, inspirational, yet real and vulnerable woman not afraid to share her experience and strength so that I may learn and do well. She listens. She hears. She in a word is simply, amazing. She's a soul mate. Yes, I believe soul mates come in all forms, both friends and lovers and that you can indeed have more than one. She challenges me. She changes me. Best of all, I know she loves me - and that's an awesome thing to know and truly feel in these hard days. 

If you're anything like me, or a victim of being accustomed to the digital age, you may have lost your desire or even nerve to make or accept phone calls these days. We get stuck in the comfort of texting versus talking. Most of us are out of practice of having real, live conversations and text instead of call. Let me tell you though it's no substitute for a warm, live voice. I challenge you, as well as myself,  to pick up the phone like we used to and dial instead of text. You never know who needs to hear your voice, if even just in a voice mail. What are you waiting for? 

Day 224

The Kid went back to school today, in person, as part of a hybrid solution. It's been 224+ days since she procrastinated leaving the comfort of her bedroom to rush downstairs, scarf down a bowl of cereal (leaving parts of it to dry and stick to the sink) and run out the door. Despite her continued odd relationship with time and timing, she was quite excited to go back. While most of her enthusiasm surely comes from being a teen allowed to finally get out of the house and an opportunity to perhaps make friends, my enthusiasm blooms with the thought of her getting some "hands on" education. I hope both our enthusiasms last and that this one week at school followed by one week at home works out for all involved. I fear this program is at risk due to rising COVID numbers, but will bask in it's glory for now! If you're a teacher reading this - thanks for all you're doing and enduring.