Don't want to be gone from here for too long so I'm swooping in for a quick pit-stop of my ramblings and then I'll be out.
Things that have either happened or are rolling around in my mind:
1. I noticed my kid gathering Popsicle sticks and asking me about the wood glue in the garage. I gave him instructions for use and said nothing more. He proudly emerged later from his room with this--a rubber band gun that cocks, has a trigger, and loads and shoots three rubber bands. Both my pride and horror swelled. Lol
Rubber band gun
2. Without even really knowing what they were, I ate tamales and Mexican street corn for the first time. Fortunately, they're great! I would try to make tamales myself but I've since learned how time-consuming and laborious they are to make so probably naaaaaaaht. :)
First tamales and Mexican street corn
3. We're two weeks into the new year and I'm already getting antsy for new projects. However, first things come first so I'll need to finish painting the trim and doors throughout the living room and hallway. I'll reward myself with a new project but it can't be too costly so I could...
paint another room in the house which is badly needed
build something. I really dig Ana White (website here), a woman online who makes building stuff look super doable. My kid's bed is broken and I think I could decently swing one or two of the plans on this site for a twin bed and headboard (and learn another thing or two along the way!). I also have my eye on building plans for a picnic table and/or some outdoor furniture made from cedar 2x4's for summer
tackle another small section of the landscaping plan. My backyard is literally still bare and it bugs me.
deep clean all the windows in the house
4. There's about six weeks until spring planting begins in the garden so its time to start making a plan for that. I've got to figure out what is going on with the soil and make corrections before that time comes as well so I might get a little kit or something to do some soil tests. Mmmm, chemistry gets me excited!!
So many more things still floating around in my mind but I need sleep so will go for now. Laters!!
Well...its that weird lull between Christmas and the new year. Kids are out of school and there's not as much work, if any. I have the drive to be super productive and at the same time know I should take advantage of this time to rest before the opportunity passes. I've been managing a little of both here and there, I guess, but this post will lean toward the resting side. Let's dive in!
I've been watching a movie called Equals on Netflix, on and off in the night, for a couple weeks now. I finally finished it tonight and WOW!! It hit me in ALL the right spots inside, will stick with me, and had an amazing soundtrack! Here's a trailer. Feel something for forbidden love? Relate to only showing true emotions in private? Love when movies say a lot with few words? Looking for some suspense? Then check this one out! 5/5 stars!
Also watched a movie today called Idiocracy. You can see the trailer below. This stars a lot of big names in comedy and made me laugh out loud a few times. I felt like I was "stupider" just from watching it! :) If you won't get offended by comedy that makes fun of humans and want to laugh a bit then check this one out!
Tomorrow, I will see the Bollywood movie, Simmba, at the theater and I'm REEEEEEALLLLLYYYYYYY EXXCITTEEDDDD!!! I love movies so much and rarely go to see them in the theater so to change that, this year I used some of the Christmas money I received to purchase enough in gift cards to see one movie a month for all of 2019. I've been scouting the releases lately for January but was kind of "blah" about most of them. I was browsing again today and saw that Ranveer Singh had a new one out. RANVEER SINGH!!!!! Ahem...enough said. I'm yet to see a Ranveer movie that I didn't like. Anyway, here's the trailer for this one. You can turn on the subtitles for the preview. Looks like he's got one crazy mustache going on in this one! lol Nice!!
Hmm, what else... I'm casually listening to the classic, Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley during commutes. What better time than the holidays, right?! Haha. I'm digging it so far and I'm not even to any gruesome parts yet.
Other than that, I tried my hand at making crepes for the first time today and have tried some new foods as well. All fun and good things that have now been added to who I am and are a part of my life. Have I mentioned in this blog that I love experiencing new things? ;) I do!
I've also wrapped up the main story-line in Assassin's Creed Odyssey which I've been playing since October, I think. What transpired was the worst available ending to the game, of any game I've played, in my opinion. Lol As mad, sad, hurt, and sick as I got over it just goes to show how great the game is. I became very attached to the characters and story over the last few months. Well done, Ubisoft! Definitely check this one out!
So...what movies, books, or games have you consumed lately?
Alrighty. I'm headed to bed but I'll leave you with a song from the soundtrack to Equals that I've been killing lately. It took me about an hour to find because they only play a certain part in the movie. Anyway, it's definitely a recent favorite for driving at night, falling asleep, or certain times in the gym. Basically, whenever I want to feel that same feeling I had watching that scene in the film. I always turn it up loud, skip to around 2:20, and listen to the end. Ah, it felt good...
Not really in the mood for writing here today. However, some things have come to an end, new things will begin, and I'll want to look back later. So here we go!
First up is the bathroom remodel, six years in the making!! Haha. Here are some before/after pics for remembering.
Before pic
Before pic
Then I lived with this for a few weeks
Demo Day
Coming back together
Coming back together
After pic (minus a few things lol)
After pic (minus a few things lol)
Those were the last pics I took so deal with it. Maybe I'll post another sometime later. Anyway, bathroom is completely done and wonderful. Hoping for another remodel project in 2019!
Remember when I talked about seeing a pelvic floor specialist for peeing during heavy (for me) deadlifts? Well, I've now been there, done that, learned tons, became a case study for my specialist, and successfully hit a deadlift PR without peeing a drop. Hooray!! I "graduated", but this will be something I continue to work on; though I probably won't talk about it here again.
As for books, I finished Gabby Union's book about a week ago. It was good; came out with a bang, hit a lull in the middle, but then finished strong. There is a lot of discussion and experiences of race and racism in the book, more than I expected and even more so than the experiences of being a woman, so if that's not your cup of tea than don't pick this one up. I'm currently hunting down my next audio book victim. Muahahaha.
I can't remember if I spoke about it here but I've been missing Bollywood movies!! They have a whole different vibe to them and I needed one in my life, dammit. Lol. I did some searching and found one that looked promising called Sultan. Here's the preview. No subtitles but you don't need them to know what's going on in the trailer.
I checked it out from the library and it was so good! Awww!!! (Bonus points that I got to watch it on the new, bigger TV! Yay!) Its underdog/great sports comeback/love story all in one big story. It was slightly corny and ridiculous in spots (which I secretly love and makes me giggle) but that story was there and it was solid! Plus, I love these two main actors. I feel like I learned life lessons, I laughed, I cried, and in the end I couldn't help but feel so happy for everyone involved. Bollywood fix--satisfied!!
There was a male and female version of a song in the movie that had me ALL up in my feelings! Lol I loved them both and will be killing them for the next few days so I'll leave them here to remember how I felt when I watched for the first time. Ah, a beautiful thing. :)
I found subtitles for the male one but not the female one, unfortunately. Chorus sounds the same though.
Other than that, Christmas is almost ready to go, crazy money stuff is set to go for the new year, and there will be a lot of hanging out, working out, gaming, and resting until 2018 wraps.
This week has been a great opportunity to test and challenge my patience and positive thinking muscles. I could make an entire post about my feelings of frustration and discouragement, my fears, feeling powerless and ashamed, and wanting things to just...SLOW DOWN!!
But I won't...
Instead, I'm going to vent a little and then try to turn that shit around. Watch me work!
I had to buy a dress and things to attend a semi-formal event this week. I adamantly insisted that I did not wish to attend and that with Christmas coming up so soon it would be horrible timing to have to take time and spend money on something that wasn't for the kids, friends, or family. Nevertheless, it is happening anyway and a lot of time and money went into it. Time and money that I planned to use elsewhere. I'm stressed, angry, discouraged, and resentful and having a hard time overcoming it....
At the same time I'll be wearing a beautiful dress and both my kids and I will experience something new. Someone will cook and serve me dinner instead of the other way around. Somebody's doing my makeup for me which I've never experienced before...and for free! I'll be able to make at least some of my money back by either returning or reselling the things I bought and may still be able to swing the purchase I would have rather been making instead. I'll be helping out and making my spouse happy which always makes for a more pleasant home environment. No one will die and life will continue on, no matter what, after its all said and done. See there? Positive muscles are getting pumped!
I've created some aggressive financial goals for 2019. Goals which require me to eliminate, cold turkey, somewhere between a quarter and a third of our annual income and devote it to hidden savings accounts and other things. Things are going to feel tight those first couple months and well...I'm worried and a little scared. My family looks to me to make sure their needs are met and I will be the one to take the blame when groceries and meal times aren't as fun and free as before or when some things will need to be sacrificed or purchases maybe held off on for a bit. After all, even though I've briefed everyone on "my plans", it was my decision to squeeze the accounts. They're not the only ones either. I won't lie, its nicer to live comfortably and not have to worry as much.
Nicer, yes, but also more wasteful. I've done the calculations and there is plenty of money to still live comfortably. This will (hopefully) force everyone to be more cognizant about spending. The kids will learn the value of a dollar and work better in an environment where everything isn't available, all the time. Less trips and going out means more time spent in...RESTING! Yes, please! Life will hopefully move at a slower pace where things like movie, show, and gaming marathons take place. Puzzles get built and board games get played. There will be less to interfere with the important things and people in my life. Instead, I can focus on my career, kicking ass in the gym, and spending time with/giving my time to my special people. There will be even more home-cooked meals, work done on little house projects, and time spent laying around reading books. And the whole time, those financial goals will be getting reached! No one will die, it will all be okay, and they won't fault me in the end! Feel those muscles burn! :)
Today got so hectic that I didn't even have time to take a shower after I left the gym. I grabbed a protein shake and ran out to run the 749 errands before making it back home for the kids. I was exhausted and still had dinner to get on the table and some cleaning to do. All the while, the kids were giggling, talking to me, rough housing, dragging things out while I was putting things away, and in general constantly moving and making loud noises. I was grumpy, stressed, and tired and they pointed it out to me. I was fussing at them, being short, and either being sarcastic or not talking or responding at all.
They were right so I sat my butt down and hung out with them for a bit and guess what? I got to get off my feet and they made me laugh! I still got that dinner on the table and finished my stuff. I got to hear about their little lives and listen to them giggle. That was one of the most important bits of my day and I know they liked it too! I love those little boogers. Plus, even though the day got hectic from the gym onward, my morning was spent working on little things around the house...alone...in total silence. It was marvelous.
What else went right today? I got my workout in, zoned out with music and shot hoops for a bit which is extremely relaxing, did everything I set out to do on my list and more, fit in a Southpark episode which made me laugh, spent time with my bestie, and put up the Christmas tree. The day was so damn positive I'm exhausted! ;)
Christmas tree 2018!
Ooookay, I'm tired and feeling a bit better so I'll leave you with a book and be on my way.
I mentioned Gabrielle Union in my last post because I'm now halfway through her audiobook, We're Going to Need More Wine and its great so far! I love listening to people's stories, especially women's stories. There's almost always something I walk away from them with that helps me in my own thoughts or feelings about life. I think they give me hope in a way.
Screw that. I'm leaving you with three songs I listened to in the gym today! :)
What a sweet, oldie but goodie.
Love to sing along with this one and had a hard time holding it in!
Today, I learned that I can watch 30 full episodes of South Park for free on Comedy Central's website (just finished the HUMANCENTiPAD episode--good stuff lol), that there is such a thing as a Christmas pickle which has been around much longer than Elf on the Shelf (here's a Wikipedia article for it if you're as curious as I was), and that Gabrielle Union (which I've always liked) was raped at gunpoint in her younger years. How is that for randomness!
Life is strange. All of us, and all living things for that matter, are each having our own days, day in and day out...and TONS of little random things can and usually do happen every single day. Learning new things, witnessing something, riding the waves of emotion, being reminded of things from our past, making new connections, facing our fears, meeting new people, stumbling into new ideas. Those are just the little things! In some ways, its amazing we can stay connected with each other at all. In other ways, of course we would! We may all be on our own journey but we're all still having the human experience. Still, its easy for people to slip away from each other slowly as the days pass. Too easy, and sometimes its in our control and sometimes its not. I accept that, fear it at the same time, and have experienced both as I'm sure everyone has at one point or another. For our own parts, I guess it boils down to this:
Who would you work hard for and fight for and who would you willingly let go and slip away? *Warning: Answers may get complicated!*
Long time, no see. This won't be long because I've been waiting around two weeks, I think, to play AC Odyssey again and I'm beyond ready to get to it!
The family trip back home has been completed and was another goal marked off the list for 2018. Saw both parents in the same year this time around! That almost never happens! I hadn't been home for four or five years and I was able to do, and watch my kids do, lots of things I used to do when I lived there. I'm fortunate to be able to get my city boys out of the city sometimes. They thrive out there and my oldest did a lot of thinking and talking about it. That kid may end up in the country someday. Anyway, saw lots of family, ate yummy food that I didn't have to cook or buy, and made it back in one piece.
Yummy homemade food everywhere!
Treasures found like some of the corrective shoes I was made to wear as a kid
Perhaps my very first pair of Adidas shell tops?! Not quite but close ;)
On the flip side, the stress and anxiety were insane, I feel like I lost a year off my life, and I was sick the entire time with a cold... Ah, that's life though. There will always be some good and some bad to everything. Right? Right! Moving on!!
Things coming down the pipeline:
I have my new 2019 planner in which will be written new goals for 2019. Hmm, what will I aim to crush this next year? ;)
I'm currently searching for a new book. Finished the zombie one and it was hilarious all the way to the end. Will let you know what I end up in.
Christmas tree and decorations will more than likely be going up this weekend.
Master bath renovation is coming to an end very soon and I'm excited to be able to mark this off the list of goals as well.
Still saving for a new TV but with Christmas around the corner and the way sales go, I think it might be best to buy after Christmas. Sitting on the money for now and adding little by little to my stash :)
I've, of course, run across some quotes I liked while gone and you're going to hear them!! ;)
"You will always be too much of something for someone: too big, too loud, too soft, too edgy. If you round out your edges, you lose your edge."
-Danielle LaPorte
"When it hurts--observe. Life is trying to teach you something."
-Anita Krizzan
Finally, three things I'm grateful for:
The strength I've gained from working out for I'm able to climb trees again!
Having enough money to live comfortably. I've come a long way from mustard sandwiches, $10/week grocery budgeting, and counting quarters to be able to get enough gas to get to work that day.
My best friend who is truly a jack-of-all-trades, one of a kind, and my MVP.
