Hello

 

 It has been a while, hasn’t it? I honestly didn’t think I’ll make it back here again. 2020 was a difficult year as I know it was for many; so the last thing on my mind was to blog. But yesterday, Sean said that he wishes I would blog again. He said he visited my blog and found himself disappointed that I stopped blogging. He said he enjoyed looking at it and seeing my updates and the way I’ve documented our lives happenings. He wants to know what we did in 2020 and now 2021 because he wants to see how we lived our lives during a rather difficult time.

   

 So it got me thinking about how I could possibly rewind a bit to document a few things that happened in 2020. For the first time in my blog’s life I did not do a recap year. And I’m most likely not going to do it but I hope that Sean’s comment from yesterday pushes me in the right direction. Also, a few weeks ago, a reader reached out to thank me for my Vegas recaps as she went to Vegas for the first time and used my Vegas blog posts as a guide. I have to say that it was such a nice thing to read and it did make me want to blog again; if only to be helpful to someone in some way. So this isn’t my declaration that I’ll be back to how it was … but I’m hoping this is my declaration that my blog won’t be abandoned like so many before me.

   

 Life has been difficult, very difficult. I’m in a very hard place right now and I’m trying my best to take it one day at a time. Maybe at a later time I’ll be able to come back and write down some of my feelings but until then I sincerely hope that you all are doing well. And Sean if you’re reading this … I’ll try my best 😊

The time for actions is now

I’ve missed my blog.

Admittedly a lot has been on my mind and although blogging has always been therapeutic to me it has been the last place I’ve wanted to be. I’m incredibly sad, frustrated and angry that this post I wrote in 2013 regarding Trayvon Martin still rings very true seven years later. I am hopeful because I am seeing a lot more people speak up against the injustice Black people have continued to face versus sitting quiet because let's be honest a lot of the issues that affect Black communities do not affect them at all. That has been the silver lining in all of this. I am truly trying to stay hopeful and do much more than just pray. Praying is great and all but Faith without works is dead. And don’t get me started on how churches have chosen to stay quiet about racism for centuries but I digress … I’ve been educating myself on these issues ever since Trayvon Martin and I’ll continue to do so. These issues are not a trend, these are issues that have plagued the Black community for way too many years and people who want to fight along with us are all welcomed. Be sure that when you join this fight you are all in. There is no what ifs ... with us, or against us.

I think that’s pretty simple and it should have been for centuries.
Black Lives Matter to me. And it should for you too.

Instant mood lifter

Flowers have always been appreciated by me but these days they seem even more valuable. I'm finding them to be an instant mood lifter as it's difficult not to crack a smile when I see them scattered around the house. And honestly, these days it seems I need all the smiles I can get. Since I currently can't get them as frequently as I use to, I'm treasuring them a lot more these days; doing all I can to extend their lives for just a few extra days.

The next time you go grocery shopping be sure to pick some up ... dare I say
that I find them to be very essential during this time.

I hope you all are well and safe. xoxo ♥

A drive to nowhere

A little over two weeks ago, Sean suggested that we go for a ride to nowhere and put on clothes as if we were going somewhere. I was a bit hesitant because I thought the suggestion was a little silly as I’m perfectly OK with wearing only lounge wear during this time. But also because being outside at any given time was making me incredibly anxious.

The thing is that I am fully aware that getting fresh air while practicing social distancing is perfectly fine but try convincing my worrisome self. It was difficult getting me to relax while I was outside even while I was doing all I could to be safe.

I told myself that I did not want this time in life to create a problem where I was afraid to go outside because I was finding myself making all sorts of excuses not to take our dogs for walks, etc. I reluctantly agreed.

And I’m glad I did because that day changed a bit of how I behave now. Just being in the car, listening to our favorite songs was enough to transport me to anxious free days. When we ended up by a river we got out of our car and took in the fresh air, feeling grateful for the moment. That day I found out that that fresh air is good for mind, body and soul; it's not just a cliché saying.

And well, dressing up to go nowhere … well that isn’t so bad either.
Funny thing is that I didn’t even notice that Sean didn’t exactly dress up until I reviewed these images, ha.











I've been saying this phrase a lot lately but really, what a time to be alive!

One day at a time

I'm thinking that Thursdays can serve as my weekly blog update as we ride out this storm.

Last week was rather rough. I suffer from seasonal allergies so you can just imagine that every symptom started to bring out the paranoia in me. And although I’ve limited the amount of news I consume, I still had the tightest chest and at times felt like I could not breathe. I was finding myself feeling extremely worried for Sean. Sean works for Amazon and is not a person that stresses or worries easily and well, if he says he’s a bit stressed that’s a major thing to hear. I’m proud of him for being the person who spoke up and for being the person who is now in charge of all the social distancing efforts at his job. He is stressed because with everything going on, he still has to do his job which is already demanding. But if there is anyone who can assist in the safety of his employees it is him because he does not play politics. He is honest and good luck trying to change his mind about something once it has been made up. We came up with a system that we both agreed to when he gets home from work so that has helped.

I’ve had to talk myself down more than I can count but I find that this scripture “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” said multiple times then taking a deep breath has helped to calm the anxiety.

Instead of us, I say me.

Hearing daily about friends being exposed and having to quarantine and knowing that a lot of them can’t quarantine properly doesn’t help. Hearing of health professionals who have lost their lives trying to save others breaks my heart. I’m praying hard and find myself with tears running down my face as I pray for everyone. For people I know, for people I don’t know; I just want us all to conquer COVID-19.

Something that has helped tremendously is to have worship music played all day. There’s nothing like worship music to take away some anxiety. As I navigate this new way of life, I am slowly figuring out what helps me and what does not help me. Reading articles surrounding COVID-19 and watching the news simply does not help me. But focusing on the things that I can control helps me. So, if that means, coming through the garage and throwing my clothes in the washer as soon as I get home from grocery shopping that’s what I’ll do. If that means wiping down everything we bought in the grocery store with sanitizing wipes that’s what I’ll do. If that means spraying disinfectant on my shoes or having packages sit outside for several days before bringing it into the house, that’s what I’ll do. If that means drinking an intense amount of tea with honey and lemon, that’s what I’ll do. You get the point, but focusing on what you can control versus what you can’t makes a huge difference.

I’ll bring this post to a close with a few things that has sparked joy in the last few weeks.


We finally purchased a snake plant to put in front of the large window in our sitting area.
I don’t think the yellow planter will stay but it’s good for now. A cheery, happy color.



The azalea bush in front of our house has bloomed. Although it’s bittersweet that they won’t be around for much longer and I haven’t really been able to enjoy them since I’m leaving our house less and less; it still sparked some joy and made me want to capture its beauty which is always a good sign for me.



My dog’s joy of having someone in the house 24/7. They are living their best life and are loving being let out a million times a day. I don’t know what they’re going to do when I go back to work but for now they are some happy pups. Izabella’s winter coat is already shedding and her black fur is turning brown which has always sparked happiness in me because I know that warmer weather is coming. Even if staying at home is extended we’ll soon be able to enjoy our backyard. I’m looking forward to eating out on our deck, sitting in my hammock while reading a book and possibly having the first picnic in our backyard.



John Krasinski’s ‘Some Good News’ has been an instant mood lifter and I’m finding myself looking forward to a new episode each week. Thank God for him finding a way to keep us all sane during this trying time. We don’t only want good news, we thrive on good news. If you haven’t yet watched, I highly recommend you YouTube it. There has only been two episodes thus far so there’s time to catch up.

This absolutely beautiful and inspiring book.



A sunny (and clean) kitchen



Being able to do laundry during the day. Game changer! :)

I will end this post to say that we’re all going through similar emotions but we are all handling it differently. Know that however way you’re handling it is OK as long as you’re not putting yourself or others at risk. Find what sparks joy in you and do that thing everyday. Please stay safe and well.

Craving sanity

I haven’t wanted to blog the last week and I know you all know why. My mind has been bogged down with all the information we are learning minute by minute. I don’t think I’ve ever seen information be updated as quickly as it has. It’s like each minute there’s a new positive, a new death … and it is just all so much. Sanity is completely all I’m craving at this moment.

The news has been on constantly and I realized how it was affecting my mood, my skin, my outlook … basically everything. I’ve never been so on edge. Wash your hands, wash your hands … the water so hot that I am literally burning my hands. I’m working from home and I’m still washing my hands and using sanitizer like an unhinged person. Thank God that I have a job that affords me to work from home because I know so many that do not have that luxury. Sean does not have that luxury and I am praying over his life so much harder these days. Reminding him to use the sanitizers I luckily had on hand because hygiene has always been a priority. Telling him to keep his distance but I know it’s difficult for the work he does. I’ve given him so much information that he has had a lot of things I’ve mentioned implemented at his work which gives me a sense of relief. But I’m not sure if relief is the word I’m looking for because relief is the last word I’ve been feeling.

Over the weekend, I had to turn off the news. I could not take it another minute. And guys, what a difference in my attitude. I felt so much better, the tightness in my chest gone. I know how important it is to stay in the know but even I know that all the information will be there when I return.

We did things around the house, finally filed all our rental paperwork that we’ve been putting off for YEARS, Sean grilled steak for dinner and it was so, so good. We binged ‘On the Block’ on Netflix, a show we both enjoy and took the dogs for long walks as we were blessed with sunny days. You don’t realize how much you crave the company of people until you must social distance. We were supposed to visit Colleen last weekend and of course we had to cancel … and it sucked because Colleen and I have been talking about this visit for months. But I’m reassuring myself that this too shall pass … and that soon enough I’m going to be craving these quiet weekends at home.

I’m not taking this time to do ALL the things. I’m just trying to do things that I have put off or procrastinated on because of things I felt had more priority. Granted, my weeks are the same, nothing has changed there. It’s my weekends that have. So, with the free time on the weekends I’m slowing down, cooking more (I know, how is that possible?) enjoying the fresh air when we walk the dogs, talking to my family and taking it day to day.

So this blog will be different during this time. I’ll pop up when I feel the need to write and pop out just as quickly. I just want you all to take care of yourselves during this time. This isn’t an easy time for anyone. I’ve always stressed the importance of enjoying the little things … and wow, is now that time more than ever. There is a silver lining in all of this … we now see how much we need each other to survive, to thrive and to live. Be kinder than you’ve ever had to be, be generous if you have the means, and be loving as for the one time in our lives, we really are in this together. We need each other now more than ever. I’m praying for all of us while remembering that this too shall pass; if there is one thing I’m certain of it is that. I love you all. Take care.

15 shows to binge on Netflix

Although, I started this year with goals of less Netflix, I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a bit of a whirlwind; and the crazier part is that it has only been 3 months! I've seen a few people jokingly apologize to 2019 for telling it, it was the worst year and that they were just being dramatic and if 2019 could forgive them and take them back. But I digress ...

The new and very dire phrase this year is social distancing so since we're all spending more time at home until things are less up in the air, I figured what better time than now to watch a few shows on Netflix? Hopefully things will be figured out soon since spring is right around the corner but for the time being we might as well get those last indoor activities out of our systems.

The below are a few of my favorite shows on Netflix in no particular order. If there is an asterisk next to it, it's a feel good show (in my opinion) and may just be what you want to watch during this time of social distancing.

The Office *
Scandal
How To Get Away With Murder
Atypical *
Greys Anatomy
Being Mary Jane
Criminal Minds
Wentworth
New Girl *
Call the Midwife
Dear White People
Schitt's Creek *
Stranger Things
Orange is the New Black
Sex Education *


Stay safe, stay home (if possible) and happy watching! ♥

Currently

feeling like I'm ready for Friday to get here.

disappointed that the 5K Sean and I were doing this Saturday was cancelled. I know it's better safe than sorry (COVID-19) but I was really looking forward to it.

craving nothing at the moment which is shocking as I feel like I'm always craving something.

needing to start spring cleaning.

thankful to have seen my family last weekend. It wasn't an easy visit either as it was our first time going through our mom's things since she passed away. A lot of memories were re-visited which made us equally sad and happy. We are not yet done (my mom had a lot of stuff!) but I think we are halfway there.

watching 'Love is Blind' but I'm not bingeing like I usually do. I'm watching one episode every other day or so. It's interesting but I'm not sure how much "Love is Blind" when you have only conventionally attractive people on the show.

listening to Lizzo ... pretty obsessed.

loving my fur-babies. Is it weird to think that your fur-babies are your best friends?

missing my mom, every single day.

wearing a blue cardigan over a blue and white striped maxi dress.

making orecchiette pasta with chicken sausage and broccoli and spicy mushroom rice on Sunday for our meals for next week.

wondering if my company would soon allow the option for us to work from home or if they'll close down. My sister lives in New Canaan and the schools have been closed for two weeks.

looking forward to COVID-19 being figured out.

Happy Thursday! Praying that we all stay safe and healthy during a time of uncertainty ♥

Tuesday morning random ramblings

Ahhh, tell me that you are seeing signs of Spring where you are. I sure am! Some are in the form of sneezing and the popping of Claritin pills and other signs are the fact that we have multiple days in the high 50s and low 60s ranges the entire week.

Daylight savings is this week (eek!) and I am so looking forward to longer days and nights.

I was surprised last week with a promotion at work. Next month will actually mark six years with my company and I’m grateful that I love it just as much (if not more) than when I was first hired. Sean and I are planning to wait until next month to celebrate that way we can possibly enjoy a rooftop dinner at Zest; which is where we went to celebrate Sean’s promotion last year.

If you followed my Instagram stories over the weekend you would have seen the building that Sean and I purchased. Deep breath. It’s a hot mess right now but I can see the vision which is all Sean wanted from me. We aren’t going to start any work for several months but there is a lot of work behind the scenes that we need to get on immediately. Hiring out the work, figuring out how long this renovation will take, and how much it is going to cost us to renovate nine apartments that basically don’t exist right now. This is definitely something we haven’t done before but we are optimistic and I’m looking forward to seeing all the changes that will eventually take place. Deep breath.

I know I said that I was going to dial back on Netflix but I enjoyed the movie ‘The Hundred Foot Journey’ and the show ‘I’m Not OK With This’ so I figured I could recommend both here in case you’re looking for a few things to watch before winter is officially over. Let’s just say that 'I’m Not OK With This' did not end at all as I expected. I also started 'Love is Blind' on Netflix with Sean's mom last weekend. I'm only on the second episode but um, what?! Mind blown all over the place.

Oh yes, we are getting an inground pool! Say it ain't so. Sean has been begging for a pool since we bought our house in 2014; and each time I’ve said absolutely freaking not. Well, this year Sean wasn’t taking no for an answer and listed all the pros (trust me, I already know all the cons, ha) that come with having a pool. Sean knows that I'm a big picture kinda person so he used that to his advantage, finally. The one pro that finally changed my mind was his insistence that now more of our friends and family will visit us which equates to less weekends spent on the road. He didn’t need to tell me twice. We should have the pool a few weeks before Memorial Day weekend and I cannot wait to have a true oasis at home. I'm already thinking of all the summer BBQs we will host!

What I’m looking forward to:

Longer days and nights
Seeing nature slowly coming back to life
Al fresco dining
Less clothing layers
Decorating the backyard once our pool is installed

What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
Happy Tuesday! ♥

No spend, no drink January

Happy New Year all! To start the new year off with a bang, Sean and I are doing a no spend, no drink January. We believe it will be the best way to detox after an indulgent and expensive December. We of course will buy the necessities (grocery shopping, unexpected expenses that may come up, birthday gift for our niece) but wants will not be entertained.

During this month, I intend to use gift cards that we got for Christmas for maybe a dinner out one night, cook and eat our meals at home, have movie and date nights at home, binge Netflix, exercise, cuddle up next to the fireplace (a favorite in winter), read a few books that I neglected last year and just hibernate. It all sounds really lovely to me after a busy holiday season.

Anyone else doing something similar? If yes, please share as I’ll love to know what you’re doing to slow down this month.

P.S. 10 years ago today I started this blog. I love that I am still blogging after all this time.

A me day

When we first moved to Pennsylvania I was unemployed and had no friends or family in the area. Sean was working so I was left to my devices which included a lot of walks with Izabella (we did not have Walker at that time). I remember that I use to do a lot of exploring by myself. I’d drive downtown to see whatever was going on and my camera was my trusty friend. It helped me feel less alone and that I had a reason to be somewhere. Almost a security blanket.

Fast forward to when Sean told me that he’d be at a real estate conference on this particular weekend; I recall wracking my brain trying to figure out what I’d do. I decided that I’d make it a day just for me to do the things I enjoy.

I started with making myself a breakfast sandwich, had coffee in a new festive mug (new mugs always make me happy!) and then went to the gym. When I got home I got ready to head to the farmers market to pick up some produce and some flowers. Of course I brought my camera along. After the farmers market (where I found my most favorite flower the gomphrena) I stopped at one of my favorite restaurants, 3rd and Ferry, to get lunch and then walked around before heading back home.

When I got home, I let the dogs out and contemplated whether I should take them for a walk but decided against it because it’s not easy to walk two big dogs on my own. Instead I gave them their favorite treats and told them that they’ll get a walk the following day when Sean got home. I then arranged the flowers I got at the farmer's market in a vase and proceeded to stare in awe about how beautiful they were. Yes, I'm not embarrassed to admit that I'm now obsessed and I just loved, loved seeing them on our dining table. The farmer was right and they did dry beautifully. I actually removed them the day before Thanksgiving which means they lasted from Oct 19th until Nov 27th. This won't be the last time these flowers make their way into our home.

That day I wondered if I should get a head start on meal prepping that way I could be free all of Sunday but decided against it. Instead, I watched a couple of my favorite movies and then started a new show on Netflix, "Living with Yourself". It was interesting and I'm curious to see how they are going to make this show work. I admit that I did feel a little guilt that I still hadn’t completed the book on my nightstand but decided that I’d get to it when I get to it.

The day was nothing grand. It was for the most part a rather simple day but I got to do it for me and it felt really good. I made a mental note to do more days just like this, as I'm learning that I am and should be, my favorite company.

Currently

feeling excited that Sean and I are hosting Thanksgiving at our house this year. I’m mostly excited that I don’t have to travel with a large turkey on my lap this year, ha!

craving my sister’s jollof and mac and cheese. Thankfully I get it in a few days!

needing to pick up flowers after work today.

thankful for my family. I don't know what I would do without them.



watching Atypical on Netflix. Cinthia recommended it to me and I don’t know what took me so long. It is so good!

listening to 90s grunge the last few days. I tend to get in different music moods each week. This week and last it's 90s grunge.

loving that the holidays are here!

missing my mom, every single day.

wearing a cream poncho, black pants and black shoes.



making the turkey on Thursday! I always try to push this task off to someone else each year and it never works. I think it is time to come to terms with the fact that I'll always be the sucker, ha.

realizing that I get to start decorating for Christmas this week. Crazy!

looking forward to the coming weeks. So many good things happening and it makes me happy to end this year on a high note.



Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving and I hope that you are spending it with the people you love. Also, sending an extra prayer to anyone who is grieving. It isn't easy when someone special is missing, especially during the holidays, but I hope that you are comforted and surrounded by those you love and with the ones that love you ♥