Friday, June 30, 2023

So Long, June

 Since I never got around to writing a June post at the beginning of the month, I thought I would take a brief moment to recap the month as it winds to a close. It's been a busy month. Certainly busier than I anticipated when it started.  


June was a month of birthdays, Father's Day, and fun.  We took walks. We cooked out (ok... the Man of the House cooked out - I enjoyed what he cooked). We planned a trip for later this summer.

We got some bumps and bruises.  The Man has been bee-stung every single weekend as he mowed.  For some reason the ground nesting bees are loving our yard this year!  I ended up with marks where the dogs were playing in their walk and ran around me - essentially leash whipping my ankles. I bruised my bicep when I managed to hit myself with the refrigerator door. And I gave myself a rash of lovely petechiae inside my elbow from trying to carry too many heavy shopping bags in from the car.

I finally finished storing away my winter clothes. They've been out of the closet sitting in a pile in the bedroom since May, but every time I thought about packing them up - it would get chilly again. Or I would forget. 

I didn't have a set reading list for June. I decided that for this month, I would must read whatever struck my fancy. Or whatever hold became available at the library.  I ended up reading "Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus, "King's Mountain" by Sharon McCrumb, and "Dust" by Kara Swanson. I've also been reading "The Menopause Manifesto" by Dr Jen Gunter in bits here and there.

So, that was June. A lot of good. A little bit frustrating at times. A little surprising. But over all, a good month.

How was your June? Are you ready for the second half of 2023?

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Thankful Thursday: June 29, 2023

 


I Am Thankful For:

A completed to-do list

Boho skirts

Learning something new

A day at home

Coffee and a book on a rainy day

Good conversations with my dad

S'mores oat creamer

The dog's poop is back to normal

An unexpected chance to see the grandsons

My husband making breakfast on the weekends

Good skincare tips

Productive weekends

When we make each other laugh

Early morning thunderstorms

Oatmeal cookies

A stroll around the craft store



Monday, June 26, 2023

Healthy

My One Word for 2023 is Explore. In the spirit of exploration, I made the decision not to stop at one word this year - but to also have a word for each month.

My word for June has been Healthy.

When I went for my yearly physical exam and labs in April, my numbers weren't great.  The good news is that they haven't gotten any worse. But, there wasn't much improvement either. This got me thinking about my overall health.

I'm not getting any younger. But I want to be around for as long as possible. I want to see my grandkids grow up. And maybe get the chance to meet my great grandkids. 

That's not going to happen if I don't take better care of myself.

It's not about being slimmer.  That would be nice, but it wasn't the focus.  It was about improving my cholesterol and blood sugar. It was about improving my energy levels.  It was about improving the quality of my sleep.  It was about how I feel and how I feel about myself. 

I ate more lean proteins, whole grains, and vegetables. I tried to snack more on fruit and less processed snacks. I cut back on the zero sugar soft drinks and drank more water. 

I made time to care for myself. Revamping my skincare routine.  Doing face masks, conditioning hair treatments, and giving myself regular mani/ pedis. 

I took the opportunity to meditate a couple of times a week.  I made time for prayer along with my morning devotional times. I read more and watched the television (especially the news) less. I stood outside and felt the sun on my face.

I know there's still plenty of room for improvement. I didn't exercise as much as I had hoped to do. Or drink as much water.

But right I'm choosing not to focus on what else I could have done. I'm choosing to be proud of what progress I did make, to continue with these healthier habits and to build from there.


Thursday, June 22, 2023

Thankful Thursday: June 22, 2023

 


I Am Thankful For:

An evening walk with my husband and the dogs

My husband helping to fix dinner

Swordfish

Peaceful mornings

Things that make me laugh

New notebooks

Finding a great deal

Endless books to read

A little pool for the dogs

Benadryl ointment

All the amazing dads I know

Bbq ribs

Banana pudding

Rainy days

Time with my grandsons

Coffee

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Thankful Thursday: June 15, 2023

 


I Am Thankful For:

Waking up early

Being one step closer to a solution

Facial masks

Lazy days

Sunshine

When my daughter stops by with the grand baby

First Sunday morning walk in a long time

Family pictures

Nail polish

Not having to cook dinner

Feeling pretty

Decongestants

Meal plans

The bee stings weren't worse

Lemon pie

Tired dogs

Getting home before the rain starts

Rainy nights that turn into beautiful mornings

Panera mac and cheese

A task completed


Thursday, June 8, 2023

Thankful Thursday: June 8, 2023

 


I Am Thankful For:

Cherries

Dog smirks

June

Building clouds in the distance

Clearing skin

Fridays

Getting my errands done early in the day

Getting my hairs cut

Having a cry in the bathroom

Dessert

Clean doggies

Family

A long search ended

Time to think

Sharing big news

Neighbors dropping off a plate of cookies

Waking up early


Thursday, June 1, 2023

Thankful Thursday: June 1, 2023

 


I Am Thankful For:

Lunch with my husband and daughter

New books

A refreshing breeze

Etsy issue resolved

Weekend plans

Laughter

Cookies

My husband fixed the patio door

Family cook outs

Delicious desserts

My grandsons

Finally falling asleep

Grilled burgers

Birthday celebrations

A healthy meal plan

My son

Fruit