I Am Thankful For:
Quick doctor appointments
Eating a healthy lunch
Napping with the dogs
Homemade oatmilk
Sleeping with the windows open
Homemade pizza
My daughter bringing the boys by for a visit
Dogwood winter
Extra lazy Sundays
Perogies
A good checkup
An after dinner walk
Planning a trip to the beach
A blue jay outside the window
I Am Thankful For:
Green grass
Fresh fruit
The neighbor kids playing in mud puddles
New skincare products
An afternoon nap
Not speaking out in anger
My husband picking up dinner when the power went out
My son's new car
A beautiful Saturday
Kindness
A long hot bath at the end of the day
Cupcakes
When my husband makes me laugh
Chatting with my daughter
I have a confession. I haven't been completely honest with you recently.
It's a known fact that I am a coffee lover. If you follow me on Instagram, every Monday you get a cute little reel of my coffee preparation process along with a little inspirational or funny video bit, or some music. I drink at least a few cups of coffee every single day.
But here's the thing... That's not entirely true.
Don't get me wrong. I most definitely am a coffee lover. And I did drink at least 2 to 3 cups a day. Until about a month or two ago.
You see, I've been having a lot of stomach issues. Heartburn - sometimes extremely painful, stomach aches, nausea, belching. I know - it paints a pretty picture, doesn't it? It reached a point where it was bothering me enough that I went to see my doctor who referred me to a GI specialist.
Based on my symptoms, they suspect it's gastritis or an ulcer. I tested negative for H Pylori, which is good news. We're trying to treat with medication to start. I go back next week, and depending on my progress (or lack of), they'll decide whether or not to schedule an endoscopy.
In the meantime, I have to be careful with my diet and avoid anything that upsets my stomach. Which is currently a long list. Including coffee. I admit that I have had a cup here and there. And if it's weak and has plenty of oatmilk, it usually goes ok. But, mostly I've been drinking tea and honey (sometimes also with oatmilk) for my caffeine fix.
And there you have it. As much as I enjoy my coffee - I've been forced to become a tea drinker.
I Am Thankful For:
When the storms have passed
Freshly laundered bedding
Games
Sushi
When a stranger compliments the sweater I made
Feeling cozy
The smell of rosemary
Cranberry muffins
My daughter's family stopping by
The pear tree in bloom
A drink of cool water
Dogwoods starting to bloom
Lilacs blooming
Book club day
Cardinals
Watching the eclipse
A return to Spring weather
My "baby" sister
Rainy days
New dog harnesses
I Am Thankful For:
A day at home
Comfort food
Long talks with my sister
The beauty of Spring
Dreams
Grocery shopping with husband
Fresh air
Four deer in the backyard
Hearing a mockingbird sing
Wild violets growing in the yard
New sandals
Easter
Warm, sunny days
A new month
Max feeling better
A cooling breeze
Azaleas blooming
Last night there were storms. We were more fortunate than some areas that were hit with severe storms, including tornadoes. It was a rough evening for many.
This morning I stepped outside to hear birds singing. There was a light, refreshing breeze. The sun was shining through the remaining clouds.
This reminded me that there may be storms in life. Some are loud and scary, but not severe. Some rip through feeling as if they are destroying everything and leaving us completely devastated.
But the storms always pass. Always. No storm, no matter how severe, lasts forever.
Yes, we may have to deal with the aftermath. There may still be grief. And we may have to rebuild, or completely start over.
But, after the storms pass, there is sunshine. And a brand new day.
Keep those affected by yesterday's storms in your prayers today. And if you are struggling through one (or more) of life's many storms - I pray that you may you see the sunshine soon. 🩵
March was a rough month, especially the last couple of weeks. I am happy to put it behind me and move on to April. Hopefully this month will be kinder and gentler than the previous 31 days.
Things are well and truly starting to warm up here in North Carolina. I am hoping to take advantage of the beautiful spring weather for some walking and a hike or two. Hopefully the pollen levels cooperate and don't make it too miserable to get outside.
My "baby" sister has a birthday this month. I probably won't be able to celebrate with her in person this year. That won't stop me from celebrating and appreciating her, though!
My reading list for April is still very much up in the air. I have already read the book club selection for the month (The Maid by Nita Prose). I will be completing Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross over the next day or two, and beginning Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward. After that, I may try to finally read a few of the books that are piled up on my nightstand.
April is going to be a month of doctor appointments. I have lab work scheduled and my yearly well check. My dog, Ziggy, is scheduled for a checkup this month.
In the last days of March, I completed the cardigan I had been crocheting. I'm working on a character hat for my daughter to wear to a comic convention this month. After that, I can't decide if I want to work on another sweater or try something completely different.
March saw mixed results for my goals. I did purge and reorganize my purses, and, as I already said - I completed my crochet project. I did not, however, walk three days per week. If I'm being completely honest - I don't know that I set a foot on my treadmill for the entire month. 🫤
My goals for April:
March felt like a month of extremes. From the roller coaster ride that the weather put us through (40's one day, 70's the next, then back to 50's with lows in the 20's), to situations and circumstances that had me struggling to find my peace at times. But I am making every effort to stay focused on the positive. So let's take a quick look at some of my favorite things from the month of March!
On the first weekend of the month, the Man of the House and I had a little date day. We started with breakfast/brunch then went to see "Dune". Afterwards, we went and picked up our new refrigerator.
My daughter and I took one day and went to Biltmore Estate together. We walked through the gardens and conservatory, had a nice lunch, and took my grandson to see the baby farm animals. Who can resist baby piglets, lambs, and chicks? Not me!
My Christmas cactus surprised me this month by blooming again. This has never happened before! I'm not sure what, if anything, I'm doing differently, ' but apparently the cactus likes it. Does this make it an Easter cactus?
The cherry blossoms bloomed this month. The tulips are now opening up. And there are tons on buds on my azalea and lilac bushes. I can also see the peonies popping up out of the ground. All the beautiful flowers are an added bonus of springtime.
I had a day this month when I had my feelings trampled and felt as if my heart had been broken. That was definitely NOT a favorite moment. But, it did remind me of the people in my life who love and care for me. They allowed me to vent and provided a shoulder or two to cry on. Does it take away all of the hurt? No. But it certainly helped ease the pain a bit. And those people are absolutely some of my favorites.
What are some of your favorite things from March?
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I Am Thankful For:
Sleep
Planning my next crochet project
Coffee and a good book
Textung with my cousin
Meeting my husband for lunch
Cherry bloasoms falling like snowflakes
Getting compliments from strangers about my hair
My appointment went well
Weekends
Trips to Sam's Club
Getting take-out for dinner
Tulips blooming
Getting back on track
Veterinary care
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I Am Thankful For:
Lunch with my dad
Spending time with my son
My husband's flight getting in on time
Blue skies
Springs-like breezes
Early morning thunderstorms
Listening to the birds sing
When the rain stops
Lunch with my husband
Big yellow and black butterfly
Falling cherry blossom petals
Bangers and mash
A morning cup of tea
A delicious St Patrick's Day dinner
People who actually care about my feelings
My husband bringing me flowers
My husband making dinner
Rest
The first day of Spring
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I Am Thankful For:
Spring/Easter decor
Almond butter
Hobbies
A phone call with my mom
A doggy GoPro vest
Getting an appointment sooner than expected
The cherry tree is starting to bloom
My grown kids doing things together
Listening to my son play his guitar
Moving on to the last phase of making my sweater
The breath in my lungs
A good book club meeting
Homemade Lo Mein
Having curly hair
Beautiful Spring flowers
Baby animals
Beautiful late winter days
January and February each brought their own busyness, challenges, and turmoils. So, when it came time to select a word of the month for March I knew exactly what that word would be. The thing my spirit was craving at that moment- Peace.
I'm talking about that sense of inner calm, despite the situations and circumstances surrounding you. It's not about living a life completely free of troubles or hardship. It's finding acceptance and tranquility amidst the storms.
Peace can't be found it in the house you live in, the car you drive, the job title you hold, or the amount in your bank account. It doesn't come from likes or follows.
Peace is found in acceptance and mindfulness. It's knowing who you are, what you believe in, and having a sense of purpose. It's found in the things and processes that quiet the mind and bring joy to the heart.
Peace also means a sense of control. Knowing the activities, people, and things that are hurtful to your inner peace and limiting or eliminating them. It is being aware of and capturing negative thoughts rather than dwelling on them. And cultivating the things, activities, relationships, and thoughts that nurture your inner peace.
I find my peace when I sit by the water or take a walk in nature. I find peace in the repetative process of my crochet. In a good book and a warm beverage. It's in the quiet mornings when I spend time in prayer and gratitude. In the calm of holding my baby grandson as he sleeps. In the warm touch of holding my husband's hand.
What nurtures your sense of peace?
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I Am Thankful For:
When it sounds as if ALL the birds are singing at once
Hot tea
Getting a "bonus day" this year
Rainy days
Having love in my life
Quiet time
Movie date with my husband
Going out for breakfast
A new refrigerator
My daughter and the grandsons coming over
Front door is repainted
Sunny spring-like days
Buds on the cherry tree
My mom celebrating another birthday
The tulips are coming up
Happy March, y'all!! This is going to be a good month. I can feel it in my soul. The blog has a new name and I have some new ideas be brewing for the next few weeks. Spring is right around the corner, and Easter is coming in early this year.
My mother is celebrating a big milestone birthday this month. It can be challenging to see our parents age, especially if they have health challenges. But I know that I am incredibly blessed to still have mine here with us! Happy early birthday, Mom!
I had high hopes that our renovations on the exterior of the house would finally be completed in February. They were not. In fact, there was no new progress. This month marks a year since we started this process. And, to be honest, it's starting to get a little tiresome.
My dachshund, Max, needs to be scheduled for his semiannual exam with the veterinarian this month. And I am extremely nervous about it. He's due for a rabies vaccine. The last time he had one, it didn't go well. He had a reaction - vomiting, hives and his little eyes swelled up. We ended up at the emergency vet for a steroid shot and left with a round of prednisone. So... Yeh, I am so worried about him having to get another!
My reading list for the month starts off with Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros. I also need to read Incredibly Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt by the 11th for book club. Other than that, well - who knows. Maybe I'll look through my TBR list for a book set in Ireland in honor of St Patrick's Day.
I am crocheting a new cardigan for myself and looking at a couple of more projects to start when this is done. I started playing with my embroidery machine in February and plan to create a few more items in March.
I had mixed results for my February goals. I did get the bedroom closet cleaned out and reorganized, but I didn't get to the closet in the craft room at all. That one will have to wait for another month. I attended my first book club and enjoyed it very much. I did not exercise three times a week. In fact, I exercised less than I did in January. I'm not proud of that, but it is what it is.
My goals for March:
I Am Thankful For:
Having people in my life who truly care about me and my feelings
There are always new books to read
Productive days
A healthy lunch
Embroidery projects
A bunny hopping around in the driveway
Seeing my husband's creative side
Oatmeal with peaches and walnuts
Friday evenings at home
Being silly
Warm chili on a cold evening
Dreams
Good morning kisses
My husband offered to prepare dinner
A day without reflux
Daffodils in bloom
A good heating pad
Dark, cloudy days
Receiving videos of my grandsons
Even with Leap Day added into it this year, February is still the shortest month of the year. Maybe that's why it feels like so much packed into it, even though it's really not any more or less than most other months.
February did bring some stress and struggles. What month doesn't? But I am choosing not to focus on any negatives and instead I'm thinking about my favorite things from the past few weeks.
Valentine's Day: We didn't have a special date night or anything this year. I did make a nice dinner that night. My husband brought me chocolates and a lovely bouquet of flowers. Those flowers were still looking beautiful more than a week after Valentine's Day!
First Birthday: Our youngest grandson turned one this month.. His party had a cowboy theme and my daughter made the cutest little cupcakes with edible cowboy hats on top!
Book Club: I attended my first book club at the local library this month. The book of the month wasn't great. But I enjoyed meeting some new people and talking about one of my favorite things.
All in all, I would say that February was a pretty good month. What were the highlights of your February?
March is almost here. And with it - a new look is coming to the blog. As my seasons of life have shifted and changed - the blog has stayed mostly the same. But now, it's time to spring into a new look.
Starting on Friday (March 1) you'll be seeing changes to the blog - starting with the name. "My Really Real Reality" is becoming "Making the Most of Midlife".
Much of the content will remain the same -because that's what I like to write about. I'll still be sharing inspirational quotes, and sharing what I am grateful for each week through my Thankful Thursday posts. However, I feel that the new name better expresses who I am and what my focus is at this point in my life. I just felt like things needed a bit of an update and a refresh.
The URL will probably be changing in the coming weeks - but I'll give everyone a heads-up before that change happens so you can adjust accordingly.
I hope you'll stick with me as these changes occur. And that you'll continue to enjoy what I have to share through my posts.
Thank you for being here!
I Am Thankful For:
Half-price Valentine candy
Getting things done despite the pain in my back
Finally completing the finishing touches
The pain in my back went away
Early signs of Spring
Having the cutest little dogs
Attending my grandson's birthday party
Cute little cupcakes
Wearing something I made
Roast chicken dinner
The laziest of Sundays
Turning off the phone and walking away from the argument
A beautiful sunset
Three day weekends
Early morning quiet
Feeling supported
My grandson turning a year old
My daughter stopping by for a quick visit
I Am Thankful For:
Snuggling with my grandbaby
His mischievous little grin
Days when I feel like I have my act together
Books
Effortless cleaning
Early morning phone calls from my daughter
Finishing a crochet project
Friday evenings
Warm February mornings
Homemade ramen
A good week
Superbowl Sunday
Sleep
Book Club
My home
A day out with my daughter
How I feel when I wear pink
Love
My forever Valentine
I Am Thankful For:
February
Cute outfits from my closet
My little dogs
Lunch date with my husband
A midday margarita
Warm February days
Croissants and fresh berries
My grown kids spending time together
A little self care
My new "robot" vacuum
Music
Making the most of my wait time
When my husband comes home sooner than expected
The pattern of sunlight through the blinds
Cats with blue eyes
Clean floors
What are you thankful for this week? Leave a comment and let me know!
Chances are you're familiar with Mardi Gras - or Fat Tuesday. You may know all about Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday). But what about Tlusty Czwartek, or Fat Thursday - also known as Paczki Day?
As you may recall, I have been exploring more of my Polish heritage since connecting with my father's birth family last year. And learning about " Fat Thursday", or "Paczki Day", from my cousin was a pleasant surprise!
Tlusty Czwartek is observed on the last Thursday before the beginning of Lent. Much like Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday, it is an opportunity to indulge (over indulge?) before the abstinence and fasting of the Lenten season.
In Poland, this day of indulgence includes 'paczki", a Polish dessert which is very similar to a jelly or custard filled donut. Hence, "Paczki Day". Cooking (and then consuming) large batches of Panczki was a good way to use up your supply of butter and sugar so they didn't go bad during Lent. Much like the English tradition of consuming pancakes on Shrove Tuesday.
Speaking just for myself, I can't pass up an opportunity to treat myself to a donut-like treat. I'm not having any luck finding paczki near where I live, and I'm not feeling quite braveenoughto try making my own. But, I think my Polish grandmother would understand if I substitute them with some Krispy Kreme.
Have you ever heard of Fat Thursday or Paczki Day?
Everyone likes to hear nice things, especially about themselves. (I know that I do!) And today just happens to be - "Pay Someone A Compliment Day".
Giving someone a compliment is a nice way to show your appreciation, spread a little positivity and kindness, and make someone's day.
Studies show that when we receive a compliment, it activates reward centers in the brain and releases dopamine. Dopamine helps increase our levels of motivation, focus, and happiness. So, when we receive a compliment - we also get a little burst of feel good brain chemicals!
While there's nothing wrong with simple, general compliments (" I like your shirt") - try to be a little more specific with your compliments ("Your blouse is beautiful. The colors make me think of springtime.").
Focus on something you genuinely like or admire about the other person - not just their appearance. Complimenting an accomplishment, personality trait, or habit you admire can mean a lot to someone, and let's them know you really see them and don't take them for granted.
Today, I challenge you to pay as many compliments as possible. To your spouse or partner, other family members, friends, co-workers - or even a random stranger.
Who will you compliment today? What's the nicest compliment you ever received?
In 2024 I chose to skip my usual One Word for this year in favor of a Word of the Month. This came about after last year's experiment with doing both. I found that I liked the freshness of a new word to focus on for each month. My word for February is "Connect".
As we all know - the big "holiday" for this month is Valentine's Day. Which is all about love. And to love someone, you need to make time to connect with them and build the relationship.
In the month of February, I plan to make Connections a priority.
Connections are important. With spouses or partners, our family, friends and other loved ones. We even need to make time and space to (re)connect with ourselves.
For me this will look like:
- Connecting with my husband.
Prioritizing spending more time together. This doesn't mean sitting side by side while we watch television or mindlessly scroll on our phones. It means engaging in some good conversations. Maybe taking some long walks or hikes together (if the weather cooperates). Holding hands more. Kissing more. Trying to remember to stop what I'm doing to really listen and give him my full attention when he has something to say. Making time for a date night or two - or even a date lunch during the week to give him a break during the work day.
- Connecting with family.
Sending more texts or phone calls just to say hello and check in with my adult children, parents, sister, and cousins.
- Connecting with myself.
Spending some time in meditation and doing more journaling. Doing some self evaluation to determine what I want to do with the next season in my life. Writing more for the blog. And participating in more activities that bring me joy.
- Connecting with others
As part of "participating in activities that bring me joy", I am looking into attending a book club at the local library as well as a knitting and crochet group. This could help me to meet some new people and connect with others that share the same hobbies.
Throughout the month I will be thinking about and looking for additional ways to make connections.
Do you make it a priority to connect with other or yourself on a regular basis?
Did you know that the first Saturday of February is National 'Take Your Child to the Library" Day?
This is the perfect day for you and your child to explore all the library has to offer!
Of course there are the books. So many books! You and your little one are sure to find something you'll enjoy reading. But there's more. Many (most?) libraries also offer magazines, games, and movies. There are story times, as well as other entertaining and educational programs. They may even have something special planned for "Take Your Child to the Library" day!
Can't make it to the library today? Many libraries also provide access to books, audio books , and more through a digital (or virtual) library. All you need is a library card and whatever app your library uses. If that's not an option - maybe you can find something for you and your child to read at home!
Do you regularly use your library?
After a January that went by in a complete blur - we have arrived at the month of all things love-related. February is upon us and Valentine's Day is just a few weeks away. (If you're not feeling the love, be sure to check out my post "Love Someone" from Valentine's past.)
At the moment, February is looking to be another quiet month. Actually, less than January turned out to be.
Today is Groundhog Day. I know that many of you are hoping that the fuzzy little creature does not see its shadow, forecasting an early spring. At my house, we have seen no measurable snowfall this year. So, I'm kind of hoping for at least one good winter storm before warm weather arrives.
I'm not sure what - if anything - the Man of the House and I will be doing for Valentine's Day. We usually try to have a little date night on a day other than February 14th to avoid the crowds and long waits at all the restaurants. I usually plan a nice dinner at home for the actual day of Valentine's.
This month our youngest grandson is going to be a whole year old! Watching him grow and learn new things over the past year has been so much fun. His mom is planning a cowboy-themed party, and I can't wait to celebrate his birthday with the family!
The new gutters were finally installed in January, but thanks to a delay on an order and uncooperative weather conditions - we're still waiting for the trim on the front door to be completed. Fingers crossed that February is the month this project finally gets put to rest.
I don't have a clear idea about my reading list for February. I am currently reading The Housemaid by Freida McFadden, and plan to read the sequel The Housemaid's Secret next. I have a couple of holds at the library that I'm hoping will become available this month. If not, I'll just read whatever strikes my fancy from my incredibly long To Be Read list.
I did well on my January goals. The home office has mostly been cleared up and is a workable craft/guest room now. There are still a few things to take care of. I'd like to come up with a better guest bed than the current inflatable, but that's pretty low on the list. And I need to clear out and reorganize the closet. I purged my dresser drawers and have them all nice and organized. I'm still working on being more consistent about getting in some sort of exercise every day. But I am doing better than I was - even if it's just a short session on the treadmill a couple of times a week. It's all about progress.
My goals for February include:
I Am Thankful For:
Walking dogs in the rain
Meatless meals
Celebrating our oldest grandson's 12th birthday
Playing peek-a-boo with youngest grandson
Organized drawers
Fridays
Company for the drive
Birthday dinner
A cozy bathrobe
Clean dogs
A Saturday with nowhere to go
Football championship games
Funny dog pictures
Feeling loved
Starting the last step of the crochet project
French press coffee
A good month
The shining sun
I Am Thankful For:
The craft room finally coming together
A slight warm up before the bitter cold sets in
Cute little coffee cups
Snow falling
My sister coming to visit
Noodle bowls
Laughing with family
Time with my grandsons
Peaceful mornings
The smell of gumbo cooking
Sunday evening
Staying up late to hang out with my sister
A quick and delicious dinner
Hugs goodbye
A warmer day
Holding hands with my husband
Comfy pajamas
I Am Thankful For:
Cute dog videos
Podcasts I can listen to while cleaning
Comfy clothes
Feeling good about myself
Getting my errands done early
Better than take-out dinner
Cozy evenings in
Family playoffs watch party
Family heirloom being used by a new generation
Cupcakes
A good haircut
A delicious stew in the crockpot
Kissing my husband
A very productive day
A warm house on a cold day
My husband offering to help fix dinner
When my daughter calls just to talk
A quick vet appointment
A clean fridge
I Am Thankful For:
Beautiful yarn
Finding a soft, pretty sweater on clearance
Grapes
A trip to the craft store to use my gift card
Kitten cuteness
It wasn't an icy morning after all
My husband making me laugh
Pictures of my grandkids
My beautiful poncho
My husband
Delicious recipes for Meatless Mondays
Salsa Verde chicken
The rain finally stopped
It has become common for many people to select a word for the year. A word to set the tone or to be the focus for the year. I have done this for many years.
Not this year.
Here's the thing....
Last year, my one word was Explore. In that spirit, I decided to select a different word to explore for each month. And I enjoyed that. A lot. I liked having a new focus for each month of the year. It kept things fresh and interesting. Which is why as 2023 rolled to its conclusion, I decided rather than having one word for the entire year, I would have One Word for each month of 2024!
My One Word for January is Begin.
It almost feels a little too obvious. But, it also feels incredibly appropriate. January is the start of a whole new year. It's a month meant for new beginnings and fresh starts.
After having my Etsy shop on vacation for the final quarter of the year, I made the difficult decision to leave it there. So, business-wise, this year is a new beginning for me. I'm not entirely sure where this new path is going to lead, but I'm ready for wherever it takes me.
In light of that upcoming new beginning, I have begun to sort through my home office. I am slowly transitioning from office to a craft room.
I am beginning a new focus on my health. I am dedicated to moving more often. In January, I begin to work my way up to doing some exercise/movement five days a week. I am beginning to pay less attention to the numbers in the scale and more to the numbers on my lab results. I am especially beginning to pay closer attention to how I feel. I know that I am now at an age where it's more important than ever to take care of my body so that I can keep doing the things I want to do for years to come.
This year I plan to begin actively cultivate even more joy in my life. I will seek out activities, situations, and people that enrich my life and bring me happiness. I will probably also need to begin eliminating some things that cause stress, anxiety, or unhappiness.
So, there it is. January is my month to Begin.
What about you? Do you have a word for 2024, or for the month of January?
I Am Thankful For:
Getting out of the house for a little while
No more leftovers
Planning for the new year
Being able to vent to my sister
Breakfast for dinner
Browns are going to the playoffs!
Christmas is put away for another year
Chocolate Bailey's
First part of a project completed
Orange juice
Nyquil
A quiet New Year's Eve at home
Sleep
A windy, cold New Year's Day
A simple, one pot spaghetti and meatballs meal
Feeling much better as I get over head cold
A return to normal
New gutters are finally installed
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