A Quarantine Tale

I hope everyone, is hanging in there. I'm doing okay over here, just trying to adjust to life's changes.

I have not been grocery shopping for over a week and it was time. I haven't done curbside pickup yet, because I haven't been able to work out the timing. I tried a few times, but the dates for pickup were a week or so out, and I needed my stuff this week, not next.

I did recently sign up for Imperfect Foods, and got my first box today. Google it and read all about it. It's a cool thing, and I'm happy with what came in my box. Sorry, I forgot to take a picture. I'll try to next time.

While waiting for my box, I had to go shopping for things that they don't sell. Eastern Orthodox Easter is this Sunday, and one of my Greek friends told me about lamb rib racks at Costco. I also needed usual food and grocery items that Costco doesn't sell in normal household quantities; so, I planned on a stop at the Super Target right next door. I had to return some vitamins and exchange for the right ones at Walmart; so, to say that I had a full morning is an understatement. Since I'm a WOACA, I was able to go early. I chose to be happy about that because I've been trying to stay positive and find joy daily.

So, I went to Costco. I did see three 24-roll packages of toilet paper just past the door, but I didn't need any so, I walked on by.  I grabbed my lamb racks and took off for Target. I am happy to report that I saw name brand and generic toilet paper there, as well as tons of paper towels and other paper products. I found a few of the items on my list, paid and headed to Walmart. On the way, I saw Trader Joe's and remembered that we are almost out 


of The Husb's favorite almonds; so, I stopped. Grabbed the almonds and a few other things from my list and got back on the road. 

I got to Walmart and found the rest of the items on my list. I did forget to bring the wrong vitamins in to exchange, and made the executive decision to take care of that little job next time.

In all the places I visited today, none had hand soap, hand sanitizer, Clorox wipes, Lysol spray or Lysol all purpose cleaner. I did find a small bottle of Clorox at Walmart; so, there's that.

I also saw this sight at Walmart:

There hasn't been toilet paper long enough to spend time on the shelves at Walmart for three weeks! The neighbors have kept me informed.

And here are the goodies that took two and a half hours to procure today:

MK out.

Monthly Check In 2/2/2020

Month One in my journey to simplify and to live my best life has passed. I didn't accomplish everything I had on my list, but I did get some things right. I made movement towards goals. It wasn't a bad effort overall. I think I will try to check in with myself weekly from now on, because a little accountability goes a long way. I may or may not share those weekly checks. We will see.

On the decrapification front, the garage was my January focus. I managed to clear out one corner and I intend to work on it some every month until it's complete. No pictures at this time. It's a sore subject around here...

In the home maintenance department, I was getting tired of keeping the open shelving in my closet picture perfect. They looked great when we first moved in,

 

 

but over time, they got cluttered. Plus, there was the dust issue. Dust mites are a major allergy trigger for me. And who likes dusting the closet anyway?

I had doors retrofitted on the existing shelf units, plus, I had them make me a small drawer 
unit. I kept a few shelves open for my shoe boxes.

 

The closet needs some more decrapification and organization, I will work on that this month. 

For nutrition and fitness, my goal was to eat out less. (It's so easy, but so bad!) I've cooked more, incorporating more plant based meals, or at least more veggies. I also started working out at the club. There's a machine there that's sort of an elliptical, but you also work your arms. For January, the goal was to go twice a week and work out on that machine, while maintaining a Monday through Friday schedule of doing some kind of exercise.

I incorporated meditation and a gratitude practice to start every day. It's been a nice way to 
start the day and to center myself. I've also been better about going to bed at a decent hour. I've learned that I have a much better day if I get 7-8 hours of sleep the night before. 

I feel motivated to continue for now. 

MK out.

Book Chat - 1/2/2020

I've read books, Y'all!

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

In which we get the rest of the story of The Handmaid's Tale. It was a fitting end. I loved it.

The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms

After not seeing him since he left for a business trip and never returned three years prior, Amy runs into her ex-husband at the grocery store. Will she take him back into her life? I really liked this book.

The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman

Nina prefers books to people. She grows up as an only child and leads a fairly structured life. One day, attorney enters the bookstore where she works and gives her news that changes her world. It was very good.

Room to Breathe by Liz Talley 

A divorced mother of a grown daughter has designs on one of her daughter's former boyfriends. There's a little more than face value here, but it was a delightful and light rom-com.

Enjoy!

MK out.

Happy New Year!

Another new year! Another bright and shiny clean page in the book of life!

I don't know about you, but I can't start my year without reflecting on the past year. On the whole, it was a good year for the Merry Karma. I celebrated a milestone birthday in October and there were many other blessings bestowed throughout the 365 days.  

One of the past year's blessings is that The Kid graduated from college. It has been a long time coming, but we are beyond thrilled and proud of him. Another blessing is our grandson's graduation from high school. And still another, I became a great grandmother. Of course, I also count my health, my family and friends, the roof over my head, the clothes on my back, the food in my stomach, and all kinds of things as incredible blessings for which I am humbled and grateful.

However, and I know y'all knew there had to be a "however," it had some bumps. I suppose the overriding, or under riding, theme of the past year was and still is to some extent, I've lost my place. I'm not really sure what I want to be or who I am right now. Having that milestone birthday made me reflect on the whole of my life thus far, and while I have more blessings than I can count and a heart full of gratitude, there is a feeling of time slipping by and so much left I'd like to do.

I suppose I am now a woman of a certain age (WOACA), but what does that mean? On the inside, I feel 27 on my best days and not all that much older on my worst. On the outside, well, I certainly don't look as young as I feel, but I can deal with that.

Since moving to Fort Worth, I've tried to make new friends, join new clubs and really engage with my new town. I've been successful at some things, and not so successful at others. I follow some precious young women on Instagram who have kept me abreast of all my new town has to offer. I've met some in real life, and they are fun and precious, but I had a startling realization recently, which added to my cloud. I don't really fit in. There are a plethora of women-empowering platforms in this city, but when I look around, they comprise groups of younger women. I feel as if they are thinking, "What's this old lady doing here?" 

Don't get too sad for the Merry Karma though. In the last several weeks, I've been feeling the sunlight. I've been trying to figure out what I don't like and how to change it, as well as what I want and how to attain it. 

I hope to share the journey with y'all from time to time. It helps keep me accountable. 

Now, I will get back to my regularly scheduled New Years Day activities and let you get back to yours.

MK out.