What the week holds, and prepping myself

This week has all the potential to be a booger and I am going to resist the negative bias of my brain and instead, look for ways to move through it gracefully with more positivity.  On the schedule are:

*mowing, edging, trimming of shrubs, cleaning up the patio area

*a dental appointment 

*Two physical therapy appointments

*on-call hours

*a somber anniversary

*a mammogram

*a Drop-In concert

*extra hours at work, followed by

*a full weekend shift

Somewhere in there I also want to add a mani/pedi, reading and puzzle time, and walking - full on self-care.  And of course I will feed myself well, hydrate, and get good sleep. I've got my planner filled out and I'm ready to go!

How do you tackle those full weeks without feeling the burn?

Gina

5 thing Friday - crockpot pork, new ladder, daylight bulbs, sewing, gin

 Its been a long week.

On Wednesday, I bought a few groceries, and as per usual, I looked at the marked downs in the meat department.  I found some boneless seasoned pork ribs for $3.91 after markdown and partner card (thanks, Scout!)  Popped them into my crockpot for about 7 hours yesterday - no need to add liquid.

They came out tender and juicy and I managed to get 5 meals' worth out of them, plus the stock they created.  Boneless pork in the crockpot is one of those good things in life. With the shredded meat you can do tacos, sammies, soup, a dinner salad...the meat is so tender and delicious!

Said pork on a salad of romaine and avocado with balsamic dressing.

I grew soooo weary of trying to use the heavy as crap giant ladder that Mark bought just before he died.  So, I finally bought my own ladder. (no idea what I will do with the other one)  This one has two top step platforms and a task tray you can hook on.  I already love it and have many projects in mind where it will come in handy. 

Yes I did try it out to see if I could use it to paint in the front rooms and den. I just need to work on that fear of heights I have.

While I was in Home Depot I found some small daylight bulbs for the fan fixture in the sewing room.  How did light bulbs become so expensive?!  These were $6 APIECE. But I can tell the difference in visibility.

They add much needed light on sewing and craft projects.

Like these bookmarks I made for the reading library in our work breakroom.  "Leave a book, take a bookmark".  The last batch lasted about 2 weeks.  I spent $4 on interfacing and 74 cents on ribbon.  It will take me quite some time to use up all the fabric scraps I have.

Yesterday evening I went to a gin tasting featuring Hendricks Gin at Total Wine that was actually quite fun.  We got a welcome cocktail, then got to mix two of our own.  They also had fruit and cheese trays with my current obsession - Manchego.

The woman seated in front of me was solo, too, and very fun and friendly.  I was kicking myself for not hanging out with her for a bit. She looked about 10 years older and maybe a widow, too.  Note to self: getting out there requires that you put some effort in!  There's always next time.  First day of PT today for my shoulder - wish me luck!

Gina

Big project: painting the sewing room

Last week I spiffed up the walls in the sewing room, kinda like I did for the office.  Not using a terribly different color, just giving it a refresh. After a few years, all of my paint for touch ups had bit the dust.  But I wanted to keep a neutral color.

I settled on "Spiced Vinegar" by Glidden.  It didn't look all that different in the can, but it did dry a shade or so darker than the previous sandy color. Since my dental office rescheduled me, I figured no time like the present. 

 Within an hour I had the paint bought and the room as empty as it needed to be for the task.  One wall down and I was starting to question the color! (to the left is the new one)

As it dried it looked super blotchy, but I ignored that and pressed on!  I only put one coat of paint on since the color was so similar.  I used a roller for textured walls and got good coverage.

(I really need some daylight bulbs in here!)

The darker areas in this photo show the true color.

It evened out, but took a bit longer to dry for some reason.  Could be the high humidity we've been having.  But when it was mostly dry to the touch I went ahead and put the outlet covers back on, and moved furniture back in place.

I think it only looks like it has a yellow tint because of the lighting.  I could be wrong.  In any case, it took me less than 3 hours start to finish and around $40 and it's DONE.  No more nail holes or scuff marks.  Before I get the carpet replaced, I will go around in each room and spiff up the trim and baseboards.

With the overhead lights off, the walls are a soothing light brown.  This room looks fairly empty but it is the perfect space for creative projects!

Gina 

5 thing Friday - concert, deck, pastimes, music, paint plans

 At the end of June I went to another concert:

All three acts were so good!

{The Hip Abduction, Stephen Marley, Stick Figure}

The music had everyone dancing and singling along the whole time!

It was hot out, but we haven't hit those 100 degree days yet, so it was tolerably in the low 90s.  The Girl took me there AND picked me up with a snack and a bottle of water.  I still ended up walking what felt like miles and was on my feet most of the time.  I was pretty tired the next day but it was worth it!

This deck is the source of some aggravated shoulder issues recently.  I should have just power-washed it to begin with, but no, I scrubbed it TWICE with some deck cleaner, then sealed it.  It came out looking blotchy, even though it is clean.  Next June: power-washing, not scrubbing.  I gave the chairs and table a spiff with black spray paint, and called it done.  I am literally the only person who sees this.

Learning something new, too.  I've been catching up on my reading and focusing on eating more healthily.

Multiple attempts at getting the turntable hooked up just left me frustrated, so I scrapped that idea and bought something to listen to tapes and albums with.  {it also has a radio and CD player, but I will rarely use those} This is where the TV used to live - there are assorted stereo components down below.

I added a tap light on an auto shut-off timer, some command hooks for the album cover of what is playing, and some small baskets for 45s and record-cleaning supplies.

The sound quality is just OK, but I having fun tripping down memory lane with some of my old vinyl.  I just close up the cabinet when I'm done.  The TV went to live in a closet until I decide to get rid of it forever - I literally never watch TV.

I finished up puzzle #2 and am diligently working on #3 and meanwhile, found another three puzzles at Half Price Books. Its a nice calm activity while I listen to music and enjoy the A/C.

The next big project is painting the sewing room.  It should take me about 4 hours total, including moving things, painting, spiffing up the trim, and moving everything back.  The color I chose is about one shade darker than it is now, called Spiced Vinegar.  I also put up the memo board you see.  Its been a lovely space to craft some things lately.  The long hot afternoons were made for creative pursuits!

Gina

Random thoughts #2

Another booger of a week and I'm blaming this one on the heat, and shoulder pain.

a win this week: getting a Kenalog shot in my shoulder

This week I have discovered that I cannot work at the same intensity and for the same amount of time as I used to be able to in the summer.  The last four years has made a big dent in my stamina and overall health.  Where I felt capable and strong physically, I now feel like I need to be very mindful of the way I approach big projects and heavy lifting. I always have felt like a strong person, but there are limits that come with aging.  To help with that, I will be seeing a physical therapist and working on building some shoulder and upper arm strength.

All that to say: I don't have a 5 thing Friday post.  Just some random thoughts about dealing with ricketty A/C joints, and Central Texas summer heat, which is kicking my rear.

Just another reminder to me to sloooowww dowwwnnn.

Happy Independence Day Weekend,

Gina