Thanksgiving 5k

For the past couple of years, I've participated in a Turkey Strut 5k sponsored by our local Fleet Feet store.  It's always a super fun time; supports a local food bank; and takes an hour or two away from food.  

This year, I'll be participating in a virtual 5k sponsored by  A Journey to Thin.  Click over to her website for details! 

What's been "pinned"?

I've talked about Pinterest many times on my blog - y'all (all 2 of my dedicated readers) are probably tired of hearing about it.  :)    However, it's my go-to for all sorts of things:  recipes, decorating ideas, healthy living inspiration, how-to!   While I have 1000s of pins,  I thought it would be great to start a board of Pins I've Completed!   I have a list a mile long of home projects to complete, but the next up will be our spare bathroom and found lots of design & inspiration ideas!

Do you ever try any of your pins?

PS - Remember when chevron was called zig-zag!  :)

Excuses, excuses!

As you may remember, I'm a huge fan of early morning exercise.  When super-son was in elementary school, I was up at 515am for boot camp three times a week.  Last year, he started middle school & our middle school starts at 7:25am!  There was no way to get to boot camp, home & shower, (oh & get him up too!) and make it to school on time.  

I came up with plan b & it consisted of walking/running after I dropped him off and showering at the work fitness center.  In December, I changed jobs & it wasn't feasible to do that anymore.  What's a girl to do?  Nothing - I've pretty much had zero exercise routine since earlier this year. 

Super husband works evenings, so it's difficult to do after work.  I feel guilty leaving super son at home any longer than I have to after school. The reality there is no reason I can't take advantage of Saturday & Sunday - yes, both days are super busy but it comes down to making excuses or getting it done.  

Yesterday, I got it done. Moved at a snails pace, but it was better than sitting on the couch!  What's your excuse?

Hello Sunshine!

It is a gorgeous day here in the south - slightly cooler temperatures, partly sunny, and on the verge of a long weekend.  What's not to love?  

Every now and again, I run into someone who is having a bad day or sad time.  I pondered across this idea on Pinterest a while back & it's amazing how such a small token of kindness can touch someone. 

-grab a box or bag

-fill with all things yellow

-add a note to cheer them

Viola!  You have your very own sunshine box!

Here is a picture of a few items I picked up this week for one.

How cheery - you have to smile!

Summer is Slipping Away!

How quickly time flies when you are having fun!  Five weeks from today school resumes - it seems like school just released for the summer. 

While I don't get any extra time off, I do enjoy the relaxed pace. No ridiculous early wake-up -- whose idea was it to start middle school at 7:20a!  The bus stops are scheduled as early as 6:20.  I hang-up my hat as homework police - it's not a job I enjoy but it's necessary to monitor at our house. 

Summer has been a bit different this year.  My in-laws have been forced to downsize due to health reasons.  While we had hoped they would move into assisted type living, they chose a small 2 bedroom condo. It was necessary & past time to make a move. Unfortunately, we've been blessed with the task of trying to empty their house of contents. We've spent 5 Saturdays in the garage alone. It's overwhelming to say the least.  I pray they will find a buyer who would like a true fixer-upper, so they don't have to worry with it anymore. 

How's your summer? 

Beach on a Budget

For the past few years, vacation funds have been very tight.  Last year, we opted for a "staycation".  It was great, but we really wanted to get back to the beach this year.  I know these options will not work for everyone, but I wanted to share what has worked for us. 

Accommodations: This will most likely be the most expensive part of your vacation.  If you know someone who has a timeshare, ask them if they have weeks they would like to sell.  You may not get your first choice destination, but if they have weeks they may lose - they will most likely take a reasonable offer from you.  Also, check craigslist vacation rentals in the area you would like to visit. If you find one, ask for references. 

Food:  We always look for a condo/hotel room with a kitchenette. We arrived last Sunday evening & left today. We ate dinner out once (the night we arrived) & breakfast out once (this AM). I realize the thought of cooking on vacation is appalling to some people, so do what works for you. It's worth it for us to save money!   

Breakfast ideas: bagels, cinnamon rolls, cereal, sausage biscuits

Lunch: always sandwich & chips for us

Dinner: BBQ, chicken pie, pasta bake, spaghetti, chicken legs, leftovers!

Attractions: We like the beach & we like to enjoy it. Between the ocean & the pool, we are content. I know some folks like to go-go-go!  Look for local attraction books, early bird specials, state parks, military discounts. 

Planning: Start a vacation savings club for next year. Contributing as little as $10 a week will give you over $500 next year!

Again, these are my opinions & what works for my family. I realize they may not work for all. 

Hello Arthur!

If you haven't heard the coast of NC & SC had a visitor today, Hurricane Arthur. The picture was taken early this AM before the winds were gusty & the rain was pouring. You can tell by the white caps that the ocean was getting rough. Fortunately, the storm has moved further up the coast & we are expecting sunny skies tomorrow.  We are sending prayers to those on the OBX where the eye is expected to make landfall tonight. 

Beach!

The beach is one of the many places on Earth that I am amazed by God's handiwork. The vastness of the ocean nearly takes my breath.  We are fortunate the condo is literally steps from the beach. I didn't get a lot of reading done in the sun today, but I plan to catch up tonight. We spent a lot of the day poolside catching up with some dear folks we see here once a year.  The salt air is wonderful to clear the mind & wash away the cares of the world (even if temporary). 

It's Time!

For the first time in 3 years, we have returned to our annual vacation location - Garden City Beach.  We've come here for the past 18 years (minus 3).  It's definitely changed a lot over the years. It has always been more commercialized and busy than I care for - but this week it seems more so.  Maybe I'm just getting older and have less tolerance for rude, self centered people. Regardless, I hope to enjoy the next few days & get a little reading done. 

I'll follow up with book reviews later this summer :-)

Life Update

In reviewing an old post, I realized I had not posted since October 2013!  Whoa!  Needless to say, a lot has happened. 

Here's the nutshell version:

-we survived super-son's first year of middle school! It was better than we anticipated, yet more exhausting than I ever imagined

-I accepted a new position at work. It was a big step out of my comfort zone. I had been in my previous position for 17 years. However, it's been the best professionally for me - very fulfilling & extremely rewarding

-I've lost my exercise routine! You may recall I was an early riser & loved getting it out of the way BUT the middle school schedule threw a kink in that - so I switched to lunch.  The new position (& location) has made that challenging. I miss my workouts! 

Let's see if I can blog more this summer!