Day 323

Thankfully, pre-snow this weekend we got out to see a movie at the now reopened theaters and had a lunch date with friends. It was so refreshing to get out and do "normal" stuff!  Enjoying a date night and tasting real movie theater popcorn was amazing. I even said, "movie theater microwave popcorn just doesn't hold a candle to theater popcorn"!  It was so good! If you're local, did you make it out before the storm? If so, what did ya do? 

What, if anything, are you missing from your previous "normal" routine? 

Day 322

It's snowing.
Alot.
Are you shoveling?
Snowblowing?
Making snowmen?
Hunkering down inside?
How do you do snow?

Day 321

Caught the moon this morning on my way to physical therapy...

Day 320

 

Day 319

You know you miss working out when you voluntarily shovel your own driveway and sidewalk (three times throughout the day), go shovel the community mailbox area and then shovel a neighbor's driveway and sidewalk just for fun! And yes, I was overly careful when doing so because heaven forbid I report back to my physical therapists this coming Friday that I've hurt myself shoveling - pretty sure they'd kill me! If the snow sticks around for the weekend, I'm strapping on my snowshoes for some weekend walking! (Yes, I was cleared to snowshoe since it's basically exaggerated walking). 

Day 318

Bridges, clamshells, leg lifts, exercise bands - oh my! Let me tell you, this physical therapy is kicking my butt! It's been 6 weeks since I last worked out but despite that I'm still feeling a burn having started week two of SI joint rehab! Muscle soreness "burn" that is, which is ironically, a welcomed feeling. It's a feeling that I enjoy and associate with having accomplished a great workout.

Thankfully I've been without SI joint or back pain for going on two weeks now (ever since I started physical therapy) and I continue to trend in a stronger, healthier direction. My physical rehab is all about targeting muscle imbalances in my glutes and core in order to stabilize the SI joint. These muscles are all currently under or wrongly utilized and let me tell you, a repeated 3 second "butt squeeze" to correct that sure feels like a lot more work than it should be! 

I have pages of "homework" to accomplish every day and while I can't say I enjoy the exercises, I gladly follow directions and know that by doing so I will be able to correct my strength issues and hopefully, return to my favorite activities soon. I still have anywhere from another 2-4 weeks of rehab before I get "released" but time will pass anyways. At least I'll be stronger and better by the end of it!

Day 317

No matter what happened over the weekend or how much you loathe Mondays, today is a new day! It doesn't matter if you magically gained 3 pounds overnight. It doesn't matter that your household's favorite team lost all chances of going to the Superbowl. It doesn't matter if you went to bed early just to end the day's misery. Today is a fresh start! Make the week great my friends! 

Day 316

 All is not well in my household today.

The Packers lost. 

Day 315

A Saturday morning massage, seeing a few friends and a stop for two new pair of shoes - I'd say my weekend is starting off well. It's been a while since the last time for all of those things (friends, massage, new anything) so it felt good to run errands alone, in peace and self-indulge just a little bit. 

What are you doing to take care of yourself this weekend? Are you able to scratch off any of the Bingo boxes below? I hope so!

Day 314

 

Day 313

 We all know where the Big Apple is but does anyone know where the...Minneapolis? 

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Day 312

This knobby and gnarled tree, although not really pretty to look at most days, not even on a Spring budding day, provides a lot of entertainment for me. It plays host to a multitude of birds and squirrels at any given time. While I find the squirrels nothing more than pests (digging up my plants and nesting in car engines), the birds are amazing. At any given time, this tree provides forging space for a Downy Woodpecker, a lone Blue Jay, a couple of Cardinals and multiple little Sparrow and Juncos (I think). Today, most birds blend in with the grey limbs only making their presence known by the snow they knock off the branches as they hop to and from. 

What's the view from where you're sitting? Does it take a second look to discover all that it really beholds? 

Day 311

Never have I been so excited to go to an eye doctor appointment (tomorrow)! I am a year over-due for an annual eye exam since the COVID outbreak cancelled my 2020 appointment (which I never got around to rescheduling). So, between the scuffs and scratches on my current lenses and my new habit of squinting, I can't wait for new eyewear.

This is quite the drastic change from when I first got glasses. I remember attending school in shame with my new glasses many decades ago. I was in first grade when the name four-eyes began. I walked to school in angst, knowing I'd be teased and I never lifted my head while in the classroom, hoping to hide my new facial accessory. I am pretty sure I remember crying, and even putting my head IN my desk to try to hide my new spectacles. Back then, schools had the open top desks that allowed for storage, I was hoping to store my whole head in there along with my feelings (because THAT didn't make it more obvious for others to look at me!). I hated my glasses. They were big and red and took up most of my face, as did most of the eyewear trends of that year. 

It's amazing that we are now in a time where kids actually want glasses (and braces) so they can be "cool". And more so, the bigger and more obnoxious the frames, the better. The nerdy-girl look is "in" and no one would dream of calling you "four eyes". Kids of this decade will never know the old school battles us goggle-wearing nerds faced. You know, the name calling, the getting into a snowball fight and having one land in your face, resulting in the snow being stuck between your frames and face? The pranks where kids licked their fingers and then smeared them all over your lenses? Yep, I experienced it all. Thankfully I survived my childhood trauma and actually embrace wearing glasses today - what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?

What, if any, childhood growing pain did you experience and survive - even if you thought at the time you wouldn't? 

                

Day 310

Today was my first day of physical therapy for my non compliant SI joint. That's what I refer to it as since it doesn't allow me to do the things I desire. You know like run, exercise or sleep more than 45 minutes at a time. To date I've been resting it, icing, heating, stretching, applying topical ointments (BenGay, BioFreeze, etc) and receiving chiropractic care with only some improvement. Some days, or I should say moments, I feel perfectly fine and others I feel like there are knuckles grinding on the back of my pelvis. It's been a month of these bodily shenanigans and I'm growing impatient. 

During my physical rehab session I performed and received exercises and stretches to practice at home three times a day until my next appointment. These limited movements and about 20 minutes of walking is all I'm prescribed (allowed) to do as of the moment. I hope they help. This activity is a far cry from the amount of running and working out I was happily doing prior to injury. 

If things don't physically improve over the next two weeks I will be getting an MRI to see if something more is going on than just inflamed tissue around the SI joint and general SI dysfunction. While I don't think or feel like it's more than an SI joint issue, I want to be able to rule out more complex issues if the pain continues. 

All whining aside, all I can think is - what is this teaching me? If 2020 in general didn't teach us to slow down and give your life some introspection I can sure tell you a limiting physical injury will. As I wonder what my future holds I think about the condition of my body and will it last me until old age. Perhaps this is my sign to slow down physically and try something "kinder" to my body? Stretch more? I don't know. I am doing my best to follow doctor's orders and behave myself but darn is it hard. I am grateful however, if this had to happen at least it's over the winter during a time that I am not missing outdoor activities (if there are any to enjoy due to  COVID) - so I have that going for me at least! Hopefully by the time the weather warms, I'll find my stride and be able to swing my golf clubs. Fingers crossed! 

Day 309

Ok, indulge me for a moment. I'm a Golden Girls and Betty White fanatic and today is Betty's 99th birthday! While we don't see much of her these days, she has built a legacy of comedic relief since 1939! From The Golden Girls to The Mary Tyler Moore show, Snickers candy bar commercials, numerous movies and even hosting Saturday Night Live Betty proves she can adapt to the ages and has staying power! I hope she, as she is known to traditionally do,  enjoyed a hotdog and fries on her big day! Happy birthday Betty! You may only be 99, but I think you're 100% awesome! 

Day 308

As a new Jeep owner, I am loving the "Jeep Wave". Sure, it's a little silly and not always reciprocal, but I enjoy it nonetheless. Not sure what I'm talking about? The Jeep Wave is pretty straightforward. All Jeepers are responsible for upholding the tradition of the wave. If a fellow Jeeper waves, you are required to return the wave; it’s as simple as that.The Jeep Wave can consist of a vigorous side-to-side motion of one or both hands, a raised hand waving, or two or four fingers extended upward from the steering wheel. However, my favorite and the most seen version of the wave is two fingers raised from the steering wheel. An homage to the peace sign. 

Owning a Jeep doesn’t just open up the opportunity for me to explore the road less traveled, I have also gained an immediate kinship among all other Jeep owners! This camaraderie is on display every time I pass another person driving a Jeep in the form of a wave and it makes me smile. Big time. It's the little things like this that make cold grey days a little better! 

Day 307

As a nation, there seems to be little we can agree on. Except perhaps that Carole Baskin killed her husband. Not sure whether to laugh or just shake my head in shame. Happy Friday my friends!

Day 306

 

What are you thankful for? Me? Specifically today? Some days it's harder to think about or find what there is to be thankful for. Some days there are big things that you can't help to notice. Other days, you have to dig deep like me, today. 

Today I'm thankful for text messages from friends, random dinner invites (even if I can't attend) and compliments and good conversations - if even from a stranger. Maybe tomorrow will hold bolder blessings - but there's always something to be thankful for! Big or small! 

Day 305

In case you were wondering like I was, there are...

61 days until it's been a full year of dealing with COVID-19 induced working from home, 

66 days until Spring,

78 days until the Cubs home opener

and...

Day 304

One of my recently acquired and newly favorite phrases is... 'Play stupid games, win stupid prizes' which basically means if you are going to knowingly do something stupid, illegal, or out of regulations, you need to be prepared to accept the consequences. I'm amazed however, at the lack of ownership people take for the things they say and do. 

Day 303

 If only in my mind...

Day 302

 Not the greatest picture (from the car) but I am grateful for the sun today. 
Sunlight makes even the coldest days feel better.

Day 301

I finally watched the original Psycho movie, marking another of the American Film Institute's top 100 American movies off my "to watch" list. Sure, I knew the story and even saw the more recent Vince Vaugh remake, but I had never watched the original. Hitchcock did not disappoint. Well, except for the fact he did remain elusive for me during the film and I had to Google afterwards where to find him to see his signature cameo role! 

I found the low-budget movie to be pretty cutting edge. Between the storyline itself and the many unique camera angles (directly under the shower head, the ceiling angles in the Bates' house), I feel this movie was far ahead of it's time. 

Have you seen it? 
What do you think of it? 

Day 300

I went for my first, 20 minute walk at lunch time yesterday. It didn't completely suck. It was good to get out of the house at least. And, since the husband joined me it was a nice time to just chat and catch up. Even if most of the conversation was about current politics. 

Day 299

Current read = impulse buy based on a friend's recommendation.

I saw Tina Turner in concert once, decades ago, and was inspired by her energy and showmanship, to say the least. Knowing her general story and seeing her in previous Hollywood interviews, she seems to have a grace and wisdom beyond her years. 

Here's to my first, hopefully, inspirational read of 2021.

Day 298

The latest trip to the chiropractor for a non-conforming SI joint predicts nothing but walking (for exercise) for quite some time to come. And, for only 15-20 minutes at a time. While this feels like a sucker punch to the gut, I will do what I can and am truly just grateful to be out of immediate pain. So walking it is. Ugh. It's times like this I wish I had a dog! 

Day 297

Breathe in and breathe out. Exhale the negative and let it go. Push it out of your very being. Force the air out of your lungs and envision any negativity being blown away, far away from you. Get your mind set with good intentions. Pray. Be grateful. Repeat.

Day 296

It's Monday yet I haven't returned to work in the new year, I took today off to continue the weekend celebration and to allow for the 5 hour drive home to the Chicagoland area (from the Bourbon Trail weekend trip). Tomorrow is my "first" day of the new year, officially. Or so, that's what I'm calling it. The 5th is my 1st! It's my day to start fresh with new intent for 2021. I figured I would allow myself the grace needed to enjoy the weekend festivities and start fresh when I returned to my home-state. How are you doing with any resolutions you've made so far? 5 days down and 360 to go! That's a full circle, you got this!

 

Day 295

A few views from the latest adventure on the Bourbon Trail. A quick weekend getaway to Louisville allowed us to check out the historically famous Seelbach Hotel, Maker's Mark and Old Forester (to name just a few of our stops). The 10 degree warmer weather and lack of snow made for a comfortable January outdoorsy touring trip. 

What adventures are you up to in 2021? 

Day 294

 Cheers to the weekend!

Day 293

It's day 293 of me, COVID-19 induced, working from home yet it's day 1 of the new year. What are your plans or goals for 2021? Are your resolutions, if you make them, different this year than those past due to COVID restrictions? Stuck on things to "resolve" for the new year? Below are the most common resolutions that people tend to make at midnight, do any of yours fall into these categories? 

Me personally, I'll be continuing to work on rehabilitating my SI joint so I can return full force to the gym and continue with exercise and running goals. People have suggested I run a marathon in 2021 however I don't think I want to put my body through that. I'm good with fun runs and enjoying nature...

I need to work on having more positivity with certain people. Ever have a person in your life that just triggers snarkiness from you, no matter what? I have one of those people in my life and I need to work on taking a deep breath and think about how I respond when approached by them. After all, we've been told if we can't control the situation we can control how we respond, right? So that's a self-given task to work on for 2021 in efforts to build a better relationship with said person...

And, per my usual routine I will be working on daily gratitude. It's not a big performance, rather as I fall asleep at night I give thanks and try to list off in my head at least 3 things that I am grateful for that occurred that day. Some days it's hard to find the silver linings, but they never seem to run short.

Whether you're one to share your resolutions, keep them close to the vest or make none at all, I wish you much success, health and happiness in the new year!

                                         Most Common New Year's Resolutions

Exercise more

Lose weight

Get organized

Learn a new skill or hobby 

Live life to the fullest

Save more money / spend less money

Quit smoking

Spend more time with family and friends

Travel more

Read more