The Easter Bunny Made Some Early Deliveries

Easter is still a couple of weeks away, but I pulled the trigger on the kids' care packages early so that they have the supplies they need in order to dye eggs. It's a family tradition that I want to see continued even when we can't all be together to do it. Plus, I love putting together the packages for the kids and I was too excited to wait to show off my latest finds.

So, what was in the boxes?

For the Man-Cub, I leaned heavily into the candy; he likes a lot of sweets in his Easter basket. I also sent a few fun things, including a Lego kit, a mini Simon Says game, and, a slime egg from which he'll have to extract dinosaur parts with which to create a mini relic from the Jurassic period.

Queen B and the Rodeo Princess got slightly less candy and more fun things including a large puzzle, two mini puzzles, two mini Forget-Me-Not growing kits, and a candy necklace making kit.

Both boxes included a mini egg maker and the ingredients necessary to make my Mom's deviled egg recipe, including the recipe, written in her handwriting. They also got a egg dying kit and plastic tongs for dipping the eggs, plus a few plastic eggs filled with money.

Both boxes were finished off with plastic Easter grass that smells like jelly beans (coolest find ever) and a specially created bunny butt, to decorate the box.

It was one of my finest care package efforts and the kids were more than pleased, as evidenced by the text messages thanking me. And, the social media post by Queen B.

I love these kids of mine and wish that we could be together for the holiday, but, since we can't; this was a fun Plan B.

Perimenopause Diaries: WTF Edition

You know the OSHA workplace safety counter signs that you see in some workplaces? Like 265 Days Incident Free...? Those signs? Well, prior to last week, my sign would have said 240 Period Free.

Y'all. 

I had to reset the counter to zero.

Eight months! I was eight months period free! Four more months and I could have put a period on the end of this whole perimenopause bullshit (pun intended) and declare myself fully menopausal (which, I know comes with it's own host of unpleasant side effects, but; at this point, I'm willing to trade insanity for osteoporosis)! 

I was so close!

Aaaaaarrrrrrrrrrggggg!

Now, I will have to live through the anxiety, sleeplessness, hot flashing, depression, rage, and moodiness that I dealt with for the past year or more for who knows how much longer.

So.

I have officially thrown in the towel when it comes to muddling through this bullshit on my own and I have scheduled an appointment with a functional medicine practice in Neighboring City. The doctor there specializes in bioidentical hormones and comes highly recommended by several of my friends. I am hopeful that he won't take one look at my family medical history and declare me ineligible for his services. 

If he accepts me as a patient, I am willing to risk the possibility that the HRT will drive up my chances of breast cancer and blood clots as long as it also provides even a modicum of relief from the symptoms that I have been experiencing since I started on this stupid journey about six years ago (average duration of perimenopause is four years; I am an overachiever in every possible way that one would wish to, you know, under-perform).  In addition to the possible risks associated with the treatment, I will also be paying out of pocket for the entire thing because the doctor does not accept insurance, which, sucks. But, again, if I get some relief and am able to return to being a fully functioning human being again; it will be well worth it.

In the meantime, I rearranged my office at New Job (soon to be rebranded as Not-So-New Job) to allow me to see this sign multiple times a day...

 Maybe. Maybe not. Some days, yes. Some days, no. But, I'm working on it, everyday.

10 Questions to Mark One Year of the Pandemic

Today I am linking up with The Queen's Chronicles to answer ten questions about my experience during the year of the pandemic. Truth be told; it wasn't a great year, but we weathered it, and, maybe we are all better for it? I don't know; jury's still out.

Anyhoodle, on to the questions!

What was life like in early 2020?

I had just started a new, highly challenging job. The learning curve was brutal; I was swallowing new information at the rate of water from a fire hose every single day, and, my emotions were all over the place. It was not an ideal time for the world to suddenly go cray. Not that there is ever a good time for the world to go cray, but, you get me.

What was the biggest change?

Obviously, the change in employment; the job wasn't just new, the entire industry was new to me, and, the challenges of the pandemic were new to the industry, so, it was every man for himself when it came to navigating the New World Order. 

Because my industry was deemed essential; there was no period of time when I was able to work from home (other than the odd day here or there), so I didn't ever have the forced isolation that a lot of other people had. I also didn't have kids in school, so I never had to navigate that particular challenge (I'm grateful for that; I don't know how parents did it).

What were your coping mechanisms?

Alcohol and food; I'm not too proud to admit it and, somehow, I don't think I was alone.

What did connection in your relationships look like?

Luckily, we were able to continue to spend time with the kids; the Man-Cub got shipped home from college early and Queen B was just down the road in Neighboring City. Unfortunately, Mom was in lockdown for the first couple of months, and I worried about what the isolation was doing to her; she made the choice to break quarantine early in the summer to come stay with us and I believe that was the best decision she could have made for both her mental and emotional well-being (it was good for us, too). The Girls and I utilized Zoom for Virtual Cocktail Hour as frequently as possible, and, while it didn't come anywhere  near close to replacing our annual Girls Weekend, it at least softened the blow.

What will you remember most?

The sheer frustration of not being able to navigate life the way that we, as Americans, are used to. Does that make us a spoiled, enabled bunch of brats? Possibly. Did it cement my appreciation for the freedoms that we are afforded? Absolutely. Aside from the frustration, I will remember the way that our community came together to support our small businesses and restaurants. I did more shopping locally than I had done previously and, as a result, discovered new favorite places to eat and shop. I'll also remember how well businesses adapted to the restrictions that they were suddenly faced with; take-out, curbside delivery, Door Dash; lots of adaptations that aren't going away anytime soon.

What was the biggest challenge?

Honestly? Not having a complete mental and emotional breakdown. There were days that I truly questioned my sanity and wondered what I could do to just disappear. I was in a very dark and unknown place. I realize now that a lot of my issues had to do with the roller coaster that my hormones were riding, but, at the time I really did think I was losing it. Thankfully, I had Kristi (one half of The Lesbians and one hell of a good therapist) to talk me through several of my worst episodes; I don't think I would have made it without her counsel.

What was a beautiful memory?

Yellow butterflies. Seriously, on days that I left New Job completely and totally worn out, discouraged, depressed, anxious, and broken; a yellow butterfly would appear and I would get an overwhelming feeling of peace. Yellow butterflies aren't common in our area, but they were amazingly abundant this past summer and I will be forever grateful to God for sending them.

What do you believe now that you didn't a year ago?

Our government is actually far more corrupt than I ever imagined or believed.

What would you do differently?

Honestly, I doubt I would have taken the new job if I'd known what the year would look like. Instead, I would have stayed at Day Job and enjoyed "working" from home for the next twelve months. After all, I didn't leave that job because I disliked my work, I left it because the culture of the office was incredibly toxic; a year-long break from it could have salvaged my desire to stay. Ok, probably not, but now we'll never know. 

What will you carry forward?

The knowledge that I am stronger than I knew I was; New Job tested me in every conceivable way and I am still standing. I'll also never forget who supported me when I was at my lowest, or, who should have and didn't; knowing who has your back is important.

What I don't intend to carry forward are the thirty-or-so pounds that I gained during the nightmare of 2020; those assholes are getting dumped ASAP. 

Friday Favorites, In No Particular Order

I felt pretty good this this week, whether that's due to the spring-like weather we have been having, a change in my hormones, or just general good luck, I do not know, but; I'll take it.

It started off on Monday, with the 90 minute massage that I mentioned in my last post; massages are always a favorite.

Then, on Tuesday night, I got to meet up with Phoebe and Jules at a basketball game that Phoebe's daughter was playing in; the game was against the Petticoat Junction team, which, made me feel just a wee bit traitorous, but, well worth the shame to see a couple of my Girls.

Speaking of The Girls; I just ordered the freakin' cutest mugs for us all...

....I can't wait until our next Girl's Weekend to give them to them (along with the hats I had made for Girls Weekend 2020: The Weekend That Wasn't).

In other news, we mailed care packages to the kids last week and were treated to the following email exchange the day they received them:

I love those kids of ours; they are so darn easy to please.

The Man-Cub is currently in heaven, due to the fact that he is dog-sitting for a friend. He will have this sweetie for a little over a month and he is beyond thrilled. Knowing he is this happy is a definite favorite.

The girls are doing well in Texas, and, in yet another example of the universe sending me messages to assure me that things are unfolding as they are meant to; I recently met with a new doctor and, while chatting, discovered that she is from the same area that the girls just moved to. This is the third time that I have had this kind of interaction with someone since Queen B started talking about moving. I get it, Universe. I get it.

When Jules and I were at Hobby Lobby last weekend, I purchased this cute little silicone egg poacher. It allows me to cook eggs to various levels of hardness, which is super handy. I used it recently for my breakfast sandwich and it worked out perfectly. I think I'm going to attempt a hollandaise sauce this weekend and will use this little guy to make a classic poached egg for Eggs Benedict (my most favorite of all breakfasts).

I logged six-out-of-seven days at the gym this week and I am two weeks into my sugar detox. I actually feel more myself than I have in a really, really long time. I also had a period, which hasn't happened in months and months. I have no doubt the two are connected; my hormones truly do dictate my physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This is unfortunate since I currently have zero control over them. Anyhoodle; feeling good (for now).

Last, but not least, I got this pallet while Jules and I were at Ulta last weekend and I am loving the soft, springtime pastels. They would look amazing with a tan, but, a girl can't have everything (until summer; a girl can totally have everything in the summer).

 

Recently, In Self-Care

I took today off to continue the self-care marathon that I started on Friday afternoon. I have yet to take a significant chunk of time off since starting New Job so these small breaks go a long way in keeping me sane.

Friday morning, I stepped on the scale for the first time in a long, long while; the number that greeted me is not one that I have ever seen before, like, ever. Not even when I was incubating a small human in my uterus. The shock that I felt at seeing that number has provided more than sufficient motivation to pull myself together, finally, and; the opportunity to start picking up the pieces with a three-and-a-half-day weekend was serendipitous, to be sure.

So, I started with a nice long walk in the park with Boomer Dog, followed by a jog on the treadmill at the gym. Once I got home, I cleaned the fridge out, showing absolutely no mercy to any item that could provide a temptation. I gave up sugar for Lent, so I was already a week and a half into my detox, which made tossing the sweet stuff that much easier. Then, I made a huge salad and gave myself a facial. Because, why not? My face has been almost as neglected as my ass.

Saturday morning, I drove to Neighboring City to meet Jules for some window shopping at a big furniture store; our living room furniture is fifteen years old and in need of replacement (mainly due to the Chelle-shaped divot that has been dug out of my side of the couch). Jules is in a new phase of her life and will also be in need of new furnishings for a new place, so, we had a good time debating the merits of recliners, built-in heat and massage features, and engaging in the leather vs fabric debate. It was fun; time with friends is so important to my mental health (how could I have forgotten this?).

Afterwards, we grabbed a healthy lunch at a local chain (gotta love the menus that include nutrition information so you can make informed decisions) and then hit Hobby Lobby, Ulta, and Sam's Club.

For the first time in over a year, I didn't leave Hobby Lobby empty handed! I actually found some inspiration in the home decor and kitchen aisles! It was a Pandemic miracle! I also scored the new Urban Decay Wild West pallet at Ulta, which is awesome since I had been debating ordering it from the Urban Decay website and was concerned about not liking the colors once it arrived.

Not to worry; the colors are AMAZING!

I also put a bit of a dent into my bank account at Sam's, but, the money was spent mainly on healthy staples, including lean meats, veggies, and nutritious snacks (plus a couple of bottles of my favorite Sauvignon Blanc because Sam's now sells wine! Who knew?).  I also bought a pair of exercise leggings that have pockets on the sides so I can more easily carry my phone with me when I walk in the park.

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, for the win!

Speaking of which, as soon as I got home and unloaded my purchases; I grabbed Boomer Dog and we headed back to the park for another walk. He is totally living his best life right now, y'all.

After the walk, I dropped Booms back at the house and went to the gym for another jog on the treadmill followed by a good stretching session. When I got home, I had another healthy dinner and was in bed by 9:00 (Hugh was out of town on assignment and didn't get home until late).

New running shoes!

It tasted better than it looks, I swear!

Sunday was a repeat of Saturday, in a lot of ways. After finishing my duties at the hardware store, I took Hugh and Boomer back to the park; I wanted Hugh to see the condition the park is in so he can bring it up at this week's Town Council meeting. He was just as dismayed by the condition of things as I am, and is going to ask the town finance director to look into grants specifically for upgrades for the park. Fingers crossed, because it is too great a community asset to be allowed to fall into ruin.

Today, I had a 90 minute massage that helped take the edge off the soreness that I am experiencing from all the walking I have done over the past week, and, now I am ready to eat a healthy dinner and possibly take a soak in the tub. Tomorrow starts another busy workweek for me, but, thanks to all the time that I spent on myself this weekend; I think I am mentally ready to tackle it.

Self-care for the win.

Take Me Back. Please

Two years ago today, we were on the lush tropical island of Maui, enjoying the beach, snorkeling, driving the road to Hana, whale watching and engaging in general vacation merriment.

This was the view from our condo on the beach...

Since my view lately has consisted of the street outside my office window, this makes me a wee bit melancholy; no one should go two years between vacations.

Anyhoodle, yesterday I took the afternoon off to use a meager amount of my copious PTO. I didn't have anything special planned; I just needed some downtime. Now, would I have enjoyed spending my downtime on a beach? Absolutely. What did I do instead? I went for a walk. In the park. With the dog.

That's not my ideal form of relaxation, but, I have to admit it beat working.

The day was quite lovely. The temperature was in the high 50's, which, may not sound terribly warm, but, with the Colorado sunshine, it was more than comfortable. Boomer dog was thrilled, of course; he doesn't get out with me as much as he used to.

We took a lap around the community park where I used to spend a lot of time walking the trails. I haven't been there in well over a year, and, was disappointed to see the condition it is in. There was apparently an issue with the sprinkler system and large portions of the grassy areas are dug up while work is being done. The ponds and marshy area have been burned for weed control, which, while completely necessary, looks like crap. And, the trails haven't been groomed in what looks like quite some time.

I really should make a formal complaint to the Town Councilmen. I wonder how to get a hold of them?  Oh, that's right; I live with one. Hugh is going to get an earful when he gets back from his latest officiating assignment.

On the bright side, once they get the water back on, and, once the reeds grow back around the ponds and marsh, the park will be reborn. I'm making it a goal to bear witness to it's rebirth because I really, really need to get my ass on the trails more often. I am also in need of a spring rebirth.

Or, you know, a Hawaiian vacation would work, too.

Just sayin'.

FabFitFun Spring 2021 Edition

 I have been a FabFitFun customer since 2018. After I received my very first box, I upgraded to an annual subscription; that’s how impressed I was with the company. Unfortunately, The Year That Shall Not be Named just about killed my love for the Triple F.

Every seasonal box that I received in that God-forsaken year arrived late, damaged, with contents in complete disarray, and, on one occasion, missing a couple of items. I originally blamed Covid, since; Covid appeared to be at fault for every other bad thing happening in our world, but, as the year wore on, it became clear that the blame belonged on FFF.

I almost cancelled my subscription, but decided to give it one more chance, and thankfully; the first box of 2021 is much improved.

The box arrived undamaged and the contents were packaged well, if not as attractively as they used to be (there used to be color-coordinated tissue paper encircling the contents, secured with a cute sticker).

The contents included things that will actually prove quite useful, including a cleansing bar and cleansing pads…

…a mesh market bag, for grocery shopping or tooling around the Farmer’s Market…

…a daily planner that doesn’t come with dates, so it can be used at any point in the year…

…a cute sunhat…

…brightening serum…

…and a fancy watch

Of course, there were a few items that are less useful (for me, at least), including a discount coupon for Hello Fresh (this is a standard item in the boxes; I don’t think I’ve ever received one that didn’t contain this coupon), a sheet of stickers (what am I, twelve?) and a rather interesting cup (again, am I twelve?).

Because I am an annual member, I also get a chance to purchase add-ons to my box, and this season I chose another product by Kate Somerville. It’s a moisturizer with retinol and vitamin C. I am a huge fan of Kate Somerville products and FFF delivers a great discount, which means I can actually afford them.

So, all in all, this season’s offerings were on point. If the summer box is as good; I will revisit my intention to cancel.

Well done, FabFitFun. Well done.