Keep Swimming

I have spent a majority of my life trying to rise above the negativity that will inevitably try to sneak in. 

I know you can relate.

We all go through it.

Regardless of whether or not you and I agree on politics, or religion, or how we live our lives, the truth of the matter is - we all just want to be happy.

I had a decent enough weekend. Equal parts love and disappointment. Saturday I had to work, and I was lucky enough to have some super nice visitors that were wonderful to talk to. Then that night i enjoyed a little music festival that happens each summer in my hometown - Bragg Jam. Saw so many good friends, hugged my favorite people, and danced the night away to some great "Yacht Rock." 

I slept in this morning, and decided to reach out to a friend that is going through a whole lot. He's been up and down (well.. he IS bipolar,) and I wanted to make sure he got through the weekend okay. Needless to say he snapped at me and really bit my head off. Unfortunately, I reacted poorly. Sooooo poorly. I've been doing that a lot lately. Snapping at all of the people who like to try to push my buttons or even remotely put me down. I'm sort of at that point in my life where I just don't care what people think, and I only want to be left alone and just be happy.

We all get this way from time to time. 

When I was younger, I had the tongue of a viper - and it seems to be rearing its ugly head again. I need to check my attitude at the door, or should I? Maybe I'm just tired of putting up with crummy attitudes. 

Anyway... 

Then I had a fun little convo with my ex brother in law. Umm.. it went something like this:

Me: Sorry you are going through a hard time.
Him: It's okay. Now, why have you not found anyone yet?
Me: **being silly** Oh you know, men want someone who is tall, blond, thin, and dumb. I'm the exact opposite.
Him: Oh.. just go to the gym and you will be perfect.


-----------

Sooooo....

Um....

Well..


I'm tired. But I have to keep swimming. Some days we are the bird, and others we are the wormy. Today was a wormy kinda day. I'm hoping for a better tomorrow. 

Sleep Walking

I woke up sleepy. 
That is never a good sign for the day.

My wave of good luck sort of over slept too.

While stepping into my bedroom to pick something up, I accidentally left my last diet coke on the coffee table. For most people, this would be a very normal occurrence - in my home it is an opportunity for my big orange tabby, Salvatore, to play "King of the House," and he knocked the drink right off the table... onto the floor.. the beige carpeted floor... that was just professionally cleaned two weeks ago.

*smh*

Of course, none of this has to do with luck, but with the fact  that I was tired. I was simply not paying attention, and unfortunately something happened. 

That's how life goes for the most part. We find ourselves on autopilot, trying to get through the day. I have spent the past year like that - on autopilot. That's not a good feeling when I look back, but I think it was a necessary feeling.

It is fascinating to me look back at how I dealt with the blows of 2013. Divorce - Dating - Finances - Work - Sick Cats -  it was all a heavy load to carry. I fumbled through it, and from time to time, when I wasn't paying a whole of attention, a mini crisis would happen. I handled it, like I handle everything else. Every time I caught myself in the middle of the storm, I remember something one of my old managers, Erica, said to me many years ago, "Nicole, life is really simple. It's all just a series of fires that you will have to put out." When I decided to treat my life this way, it made it so much easier to roll with the punches. 

I've learned to forgive. I think that is one of the biggest lessons. Like this morning, my cat sat there, looking at me, and I am pretty sure he realized he messed up because he cowered down when I discovered the spilled coke. I yelled a little about the stain on the carpet... but then in less than 2 minutes I had calmed down, grabbed the stain remover, and I began cleaning up the mess. This is exactly what I have been doing with my life for the past few months - just cleaning up the mess that someone else left behind.

After I was able to see that not too much damage was done, I made a point go over to Salvatore and assure him that he was loved. He seriously looked sorry. Maybe I'm delusional... but the truth is, I needed to follow through on this act. 

Next major lesson I have learned is patience. I've learned to trust with my whole heart that everything is going to be okay.... and it is. I've learned to "Let go, and let God." There is power in that act.

Finally, I have learned follow my heart. TRULY ask for what I want out of life. An ex boyfriend of mine came over last night, he needed to talk. He is going through some things, and he and I spent about 5 months together at the end of 2013/early 2014. I listened, I gave advice, I commiserated... we talked about the past, and we laughed. It is good to be at a place of forgiveness, to exercise patience, and to still be able to show compassion. I told him plain and simple what I wanted out of life, and that having him as a friend was as far as we could ever take it. It felt good to say what I knew I needed to say, and not hold onto something that in the end is not good for me (just because it is there.) 

I have successfully freed myself from all things that were holding me down - some I did for myself, and some an outside force severed ties that needed to be severed. (I call that divine intervention.)

Life is as it should be. Simple fires that need to be extinguished. Right now, I have a space full of cinders and I'm ready to rebuild from the ground up. :-)

And Moving On...

It is time to make some incredible changes in my life! (Again.) 

I am actually thrilled to have this opportunity. 

Can you believe it? 

I don't know what has gotten into me, but I am in a good place mentally, and I want to ride this wave of possibility out. 

What's next for me?

Well.. that all depends on what the world has in store.

New work opportunities... new potential love interests... new friendships to form - so many fantastic things are in store, it feels like Christmas time!

I have always sort of seen transition a little like Christmas night. Each new piece of my future life is wrapped very neatly under the tree. As the months unroll, I will get to unwrap a new present, some of these may be exactly what I have always wanted, while other may take some adjustment to. 

The best news? I am a blank slate. I can't remember the last time I could truly say that. I am in a much better position to create the life I want to lead, than say back in 2011. I have two options to continue my education (still trying to decide.) I have the Peace Corps recruiter's phone number (been toying with that one!) and I have some contract work flowing in! Working for myself is incredibly liberating! 

Then when it comes to new people - I am going to be afforded the opportunity to meet so many new people this year! Just think, new friendships, new experiences, and new interests to share. PLUS - I'm not currently seeing anyone, so THAT is wide open too.

I like this... this little journey I am on. Who knows where it will end. Heck, who cares! I'm set up to succeed, now let's watch as God shows up and shows out! ;-)

Photo credit: ana-rosa.tumblr.com 

Don't Underestimate Me

Sun Tzu once said, "Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of your opponent's fate." 

Sun Tzu was a military general, strategist and philosopher who lived in ancient China. Around these parts, we know him as the author of, "The Art of War," which was an extremely influential book about strategy. I read this book several years ago - and so many incredible nuggets of truth have stuck with me. These lessons have helped me rise above any adversity I might experience. 

In "The Art of War," Sun Tzu explains how to manage crisis, strategize conflict, and win battles. 

Some of the key points I took away are:

1. “All warfare is based on deception.”

You have to be aware of your capabilities and your surroundings. What I did was make a checklist of everything I was capable of, had experience with, and was known for. That is the first step.

Granted, sometimes you have to adjust your plans according to your resources. Location can play a big role in this decision making process, but once you do that, you should act quickly. There is a very short window of opportunity. 

With that being said, you have to outwit the competition. You can do this by subtlety staying the course and moving in one direction. 

For me, it might be a dollar amount, or skills I want to utilize. Once I hone in on what I want - then I plot the course. The funny part is, most people will expect you to crumble. However, a warrior's attitude does not allow that. Gracefully glide across the pond, but be kicking up a storm under the water. 

2. “Let your main object be victory, not lengthy drawn-out campaigns. "

The next step is all about decisive behavior, and time management. You have to focus on the end result and set a time line for yourself. (ex. - I will accomplish this goal by this date.)

It is important to keep your morale up. (Think "keeping the troops happy.") This is important in your personal relationships. Do not let the burden of what you are enduring seep into the lives of people you love and want to be around. Also, if someone is trying to help you, then you show appreciation and provide encouragement. 

Of course, Sun Tzu recommends shining the light on your competitor's weaknesses, however, I am not a fan of that tactic. However, there are ways you can do that without doing anything. If you know for a fact you are more qualified, then stand next to the other person. Give them a little rope.... it all works out in the end. 

After all, you are waging a war of sorts. 

3. “If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle”

I think this is the best advice for life in general. It is all about knowing yourself, knowing what you are capable of, and understanding the same of your opponent.  Don't use up all of your energy trying to go on the attack, but instead, yearn to excel and succeed at everything you do. Your work will speak volumes. Put a focus on your strengths, especially the ones your opponent does not have. ;-)

Take initiative. This is no time to hesitate. If you find some holes in your strategy, then take the time to fix what needs to be fixed, and move forward as quickly as possible. 

In the book, there is a basic formula for a "Strike." There is:
- The preemptive attack. 
- The divide and conquer
- Siege mentality 
- The retreat

Hopefully you will not be on the side of "retreat." With a proper plan, and the right qualifications, you can move forward. 

4. “One may KNOW how to conquer without being able to DO it”

Just because you have the books, have the paper, and can technically do what is required, does not mean you have the talent. Be efficient. Be honest with yourself. 

5. “The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.”

Sun Tzu has two ways to outsmart and take down your opponent (the competition.) 
Tips on how to “win” the battle include:

- The Element of Surprise
- Deception: Masking your true strength when trying to outflank or outwit your  “opponent”
- Using Bait to outwit your opponents and draw their true intentions and positions.

- Not relying on any one person but instead focusing on the discipline and unity of your support system

6. “Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.”

Next you have got to learn how to spot your opponents weaknesses, and position yourself in the most advantageous way. 

Fairly simple process:
- Take initiative 
- Be aware of your opponents weaknesses, and make sure you are even better at them
- Be aware of the competitive advantage
- Be a moving target; Make sure your next move is hard to predict
- Remember: timing is everything

7.  “The difficulty of tactical maneuvering consists in turning the devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain.”

Keep your current relationships, support system, and other resources in good standing. Make sure you know the market, and understand what your odds are. Most important - DO NOT ENTER INTO AN ALLIANCE UNTIL YOU KNOW YOUR OPPONENTS MOTIVES. Hands down - the single MOST important piece of advice I could ever give you.

8. “In the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage, we may extricate ourselves from misfortune.”

One writer on the subject states, "A great leader has the ability to  read the signs around him, track history and therefore be alert to deception or sudden changes by correctly extrapolating future behavior."

Sun Tzu gives an acute reading of human behavior here:

 “When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce.”


The truth is, there are dozens and dozens of nuggets of truth for setting your goals and achieving them. I think the biggest mistake people make is that they underestimate their opponent. Not me.... I think anyone is capable of anything, and in hard times, it is every man for himself. 

If you get a moment, watch this fantastic video. You might walk away with a few golden nuggets to live by. 





Remember this can be applied to all areas of our lives.

I'll leave you with this last quote...

“If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected .” 

― Sun Tzu, The Art of War

I wish each of you success in your future endeavors! :-)

Things I Have Learned This Week - Staycation Edition

Remember these? Yep - It is time to take a look back over my week. I used to post one of these each Saturday, and if I can remember to do it, I hope to try this again.

So... Here we go:

Things I Have Learned This Week

The Staycation Edition

1.  Staycation can be a trap. Work knows you are home. Friends and family know you are home, but they all also know you are on vacation. However, somehow the typical rules of vacation do not seem to exist to them. Calls and requests, people. Calls and requests. Just know - I'm not responding until Monday.

2. White girl by pool for one week = Freckles. Just lots and lots of freckles with a splash of pink.

3. I got a lot accomplished in my home. Things I simply did not have energy for any other time. That was worth 500 emails on Monday morning.

4. I don't know why I thought I would be able to sleep in. I have two cats. Cats = furry toddler-like behavior for the rest of your life. 

5.  When you are interested in someone... and they know you are on vacation.. and you are staying in town.. and they make no effort to see you - #DoNotPassGo 

6. Mopping with bleach water turned me into a screaming banshee. Cats + Bleach Water is like a moth to a flame. Stop! You're going to kill yourself! You are using up all of your nine lives!

7. I never once turned on the cable tv. Why? THERE IS NOTHING ON THE NETWORKS. Why am I paying $156 a month for this shit?

8. For the past couple of weeks, I have been watching LOST. I'm on the second season. This thing is like an onion that just won't peel!

9. At night, I am rewatching True Blood with my roomie. She is a True Blood virgin. I think I have officially gotten her into vampires. 

10. You will NOT believe what I am reading. It's terrible. Absolutely terrible writing, but because I bought/download all three books onto my Kindle about a year ago, I thought I should finally read it - The 50 Shades of Grey series. Total rubbish. Crap. But damnit, I'm going to read it and see what all of the fuss is about. S&M doesn't do it for me. Nor does this stupid chick in the book. *gag*

11. First World Problems - Keurig bit the dust - again. Thank God I had a back up espresso machine this morning.

12. I am a restless spirit. Period.

13. I reorganized my closet and realized that I have entirely too many clothes. Yes, it is possible. 

14. Also - staying home has afforded me the opportunity to plan out my life. I think I know what I need to do. Now, let's see how bad I want it. 

15. I am not sure how my roommate is able to live strictly off cereal. lol (I've never seen someone eat so much cereal.) I've also added this line to see if she even reads my posts. Ha!

16. Going down water slides repeatedly can cause your ass to ache for a week. 

17. I think I suffered from seasonal depression yesterday. Tis the season for fireworks and cookouts, and no one invited me to one. That in turn made me depressed. lol 

18. Naps are delicious. Yes, I only just learned this in my 40s.

19. I actually wore flip flops this week and I did not die. 

20. And finally, I made my peace with God. We had a long talk about how tough the past 5 years have been. I think we are back on better speaking terms. ;-) 

It's a Woo-Saaa Kind of Day

Wow. 

*exhale*

So that was intense! Yes, the vote ended favorably for the museum, and we received all but $12,500 in funding. Not bad, not bad at all. 

There are many more hurdles, but I will cross that bridge when I come to it.

I'm on Day 4 of a 9 day vacation. Almost 1/2 way done. 

I've decompressed and feel pretty darn good, considering how keyed up and stressed out I was. 

Even though I was super tired and anxious, Friday night I joined my friends Angel (and her boyfriend,) out at Historic Luther Williams Field for an outdoor movie. The Parks & Rec Department with the city puts on Friday night flicks. Basically, you bring a lawn chair, blanket, snacks and enjoy the show. We watched "Armageddon," sipped margaritas, and snacks on small sandwiches and chips. 

Saturday morning my roomie and I headed to the pool. We brought all of the essentials - magazines, snacks, (more margaritas,) and just soaked up the sun. Luckily, no one else was there. We talked about all of the stress and pending bills and just life in general. I think between the water therapy, the tequila therapy, and the chatter, we sort of talked each other "off the ledge" so to speak. We got so much accomplished that morning - we resigned our lease. (Yes, I have committed to Macon one more year.) I was thrilled to do a little grocery shopping, simply because I am back to cooking. I made a delicious Cheesy Chicken Casserole that afternoon, and so far, I have gotten 7 meals out of it, and you guys know how I hate leftovers. I simply can't get enough of this stuff. It was so simple, I have to share the recipe with you. (At the end of this post.) Later that night, we both went into our separate "caves" - She watched "Orange is the New Black" and I watched a little more of "Lost."

Sunday was another fantastic day. Spent almost four hours out by the pool, most of it in the pool. Again - no one was there! We chatted, snacked, and tried to put some color on our white bodies. lol Let's just say I got a LOT of sun. Oops. After a delicious, long nap, a guy I know called and we went on a dinner date. I was home by 9:30 and all was well. 

Yesterday was an incredible day of cleaning. I organized my pantry, scrubbed the kitchen floors, organized the linen closet, the storage/coat closet, cleaned the balcony, washed my car, and even managed to get my hair colored! It is amazing how relaxed I am and focused. Today I hope to spend a little time at the pool, and organize/clean my bathroom/bedroom/closet. Then I can just breathe the rest of the week. My niece is coming over this afternoon, and as always, I am sure she will either make me laugh or drive me insane, heck, maybe both!

So yes - I'm woosaaing all over the place. Focusing, breathing, and enjoying the journey. I have to tell you, I had one of those "Come to Jesus" meetings with .. well.. Jesus. I prayed Monday morning; It was one of those prayers where you just lay it all out on the line. One of the biggest pieces I was able to release was the fear. Fear of failure. Fear of being alone. Fear of how tomorrow will look. I've replaced it with trust and faith - only through the grace of God that's for sure. 

Getting through to the next day is not where I am anymore. Savoring this very day - that's what I needed, and that's what I am experiencing.

Now.. about that recipe:

Nicole's Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Ingredients:

1 rotisserie chicken

1 (10 3/4 oz) can chicken & mushroom soup

1 (8 oz) container of sour cream

1/4 tsp pepper

1 (8 oz) pkg shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided

25 round butter crackers, coarsely crushed

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 f. Remove chicken from bones; discard bones and skin. Shred chicken. Stir together chicken, soup, sour cream, pepper, and 1 1/2 cups cheese; spoon mix into a lightly greased 2-qt baking dish.

2. Combine remaining 1/2 cup cheese and cracker crumbs; sprinkle evenly over the top.

3. Bake casserole at 350 for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. 

 

How to Properly Staycate

In just a few hours I will embark on a proper vacation. What that means is that I am taking a full week off to recharge my battery. However, due to funds and general lack of options, my vacation has turned into a staycation of sorts. 

Over the years, I have become the expert on a proper staycation. Believe it or not, it takes a little bit of planning, or  you will simply watch an entire week just fade away into the distance. 

With that being said, here is my fail-proof way to Staycate:

1. Start with a clean slate. What I mean by that is, it is important to get your affairs in order. Pay your bills, make those payment arrangements (in other words, you don't want annoying bill collector phone calls.) Set your "out of office" notice at work. Buy all of the necessities (toilet paper, basic essential groceries, etc.) and most importantly, spend one full day organizing. That way, after the first day or so, you can truly unplug and unwind. 

2. Plan, but don't plan. I'm sure my roommate would argue that true relaxation would require zero plans - but for me, that just stresses me out and I end up not doing all of the things I really wanted to do. I suggest making a list of activities/stuff you would like to try/accomplish (if laying around and doing nothing is one of them, then by all means list that!) That way, you have options. Options = less time trying to figure things out.

3. Don't over commit. Once you announce to everyone that you are going to be on vacation, suddenly friends from out of town, or even in town, begin to try and make plans with you. Hear them out, but don't over commit. It's best to select one or two activities, and leave the rest up to "maybe."

4. Groom. What I mean by this - take the time to take care of yourself. Need to get your hair trimmed and colored? Go do that. Need your nails done? Get that done also. Need to get a facial, massage, or wax? Then make those appointments. Treat them like opportunities to unwind. This will add to that "just got back from vacay" glow.

5. Read. I do read a little every night, but not enough to really make a dent in any of my books. Pick out at least one good book, and take some time to just be transported to another place. 

6. Stay up late. Sleep in. Granted, I probably do this more often than not, but this time, do it without guilt. Let yourself rest. You do realize that when you are sleeping, the body begins to heal itself. Make sure to heal - physically, mentally, and spiritually. That's the whole point of vacation.

7. Day Trip. Just because you aren't staying in a hotel somewhere does not mean you can't have any adventures. Choose to go antiquing down some old country roads. Visit a local animal sanctuary. Go pick blueberries. Just do something. 

8. Watch movies and daytime TV. I know this is probably a big part of the sloth factor for me. I plan to pick out a few movies to devour and definitely finish a season or two of old television series. 

9. Cook something new. I'm always saving recipes I want to try someday. But because I am constantly busy or too tired after work, I end up just avoiding it all. Why not give it a go?

10. Check in with old friends and family. Through out the work week, and even on the weekends, the last thing I want to do (for the most part,) is try the whole catching up thing. I'm usually just too mentally exhausted. Give it a few days, then make those phone calls because you can relax and pay attention. Trust me, it's good for the soul. 


What would you add to this list? 

***photo source: http://www.oregonlive.com/photo-contest/index.ssf/2012/04/vote_for_your_favorite_coffee.html***

Get In My Belly

Bananas Foster French Toast at Bona Bella in Savannah, GA

"Food is like love, it should be entered into with abandon or not at all." ~ Harriett Van Horne

It is summer time for at least 1/2 of the world, and with that comes crushing heat, skimpier clothes, and party after party.

That trifecta of summer fun can oftentimes pose a problem for those of us who were not exactly watching our weight the way we should have during the colder months. Each year I kick myself for not trying harder, but just like the year before, I get it - life happens.

I have been perusing the Food "Pinterest" boards trying to pick out new recipes to give a try this summer. I crave fruits and veggies like crazy, especially in the warmer months, but trying to figure out new ways to make it interesting poses a problem. Let's not forget, I'm basically cooking for one (sometimes two, but honestly, my roomie and I have completely different tastes in food. She likes more southern specialties, while I go for the more Mediterranean in nature.)

I wanted to share with you a few of the recipes I am adding to my repertoire this summer. I found some that I really think could end up being staples in my home, and I can't wait to give them a go. If you click through on the picture, it will take you to the original page for the recipe. 

Feta, Blackberry & Melon Salad

I saw this and thought... this... this is exactly something I would love to eat at lunch! It's a feta, blackberry, and melon salad! Seems simple enough, and what a wonderful mix of delicious greens, cheese, and fruit!

Rainbow Ribbon Salad

This is not only beautiful, but sounds incredibly flavorful! It is called a Rainbow Ribbon Salad. The ingredients include rainbow carrots (variety of colors, ribboned) baby arugula, Parmigiano Reggiano ribbons, slivered red onion, fresh parsley, basil, toasted pine nuts, salt & pepper, and nice light vinaigrette. 

Spiraled Greek Cucumber Salad

This one really caught my attention! It's a spiraled Greek Cucumber Salad - and it has lemon & feta and a ton of other super yummy, natural ingredients. Again - another summer winner in my book!

Turmeric & Potato Soup

You guys may remember back in the day, when I worked for the American Heart/American Stroke Association, I used to go on and on about the benefits of turmeric. Well here is a wonderful twist with one of my favorite soups - it's turmeric & potato! Super easy, and apparently you use a Cypress black salt! (Can't WAIT to try this one!)

Garlic Shrimp 

How about a sauteed shrimp in garlic, something very typical in a Spanish tapas joint? Yum!

Grilled Eggplant Roll-ups with Ricotta Pesto

Now how about the piece de resistance? Grilled eggplant roll-ups with ricotta pesto? I just loved a good eggplant - and now you want to add the herb-y goodness of pesto and the creaminess of cheese? Holy Moly - where do I sign up?


These are just a few that really caught my eye this week. I hope to give them a try while I am on vacation next week. Maybe you might like to do the same. 

It is time I stop waiting for a reason to cook, and just enjoy life as it is! :-)

What Does Your Life Really Look Like?

I see so many beautiful pictures on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and so many other very cool and useful social media sites. I love it when people share little snippets of their lives; it has turned into that rare glimpse of how other people spend their time.

I've always loved images. I am a sucker for lots of color. I love stories, and I've always felt a picture really does say a thousand words. When I was much younger, I fell in love with the artwork of Maxfield Parrish, an early 20th century illustrator and painter. His use of incredible colors and light sort of transported me to another place. I understood art, in the traditional sense early on (being the daughter of an artist,) it wasn't until much later I fully understood how a photograph could capture that same ethereal magic. 

In this digital age, everyone is learning a different version of storytelling - duck lips, weird model poses, food porn, and all. Regardless of the value of the content, everyone has something to say. I think it is healthy to find ways to express yourself, and why not do it through images.

With that being said, I spent the night last night sort of popping through a few old photo albums, both digitally and the old dusty scrapbooks I have tucked away under my coffee table at home. I was transported to a different time, different place, and it is amazing how fond emotions would well up... as I closed each book or tab, I felt that little twinge of contentment, that little bit of knowledge that I have built a good life for myself.

However, I am afraid that the photos only capture the good stuff. Those moments that you want to hold onto forever - to cement them in time. I don't have any photos of the nights I go to sleep alone, or the horrible arguments I had with my ex, or the times I had to sit on hold waiting to make payment arrangements on a bill I was not sure I was going to pay. It doesn't capture the hundreds of hours I have probably struggled to make it through another panic attack, or the time I sat alone, on the floor of my living room, crying uncontrollably after my husband walked out the door. 

I don't see the picture of my cat, Maximus, taking his last breath as I sat with the vet as he was put to sleep. I don't have an image of the emotion I felt the last time I heard my great grandmother tell me she loved me. I don't have that moment captured when my former boss came into my office and let me go. Those moments aren't captured.

I wonder... if they were, could we let them go easier. Is there some psychological fix to seeing what happened versus experiencing it. 

My life... the life I live every single day is really quite a simple life. Those moments are captured. I wake up just like you do, except maybe you are able to spring out of bed a little easier than I can. I push snooze for at least 1/2 an hour with a cat patting my face and trying to attack my feet - all in order to get up and feed them. 

I drink my coffee in the morning. I take a shower. I put on my make up and pick out an outfit. I go to work. I write, pitch stories, convince CEOs to donate to my fundraiser, return phone calls, and a ton of other things. I go home, I cook dinner, I watch TV, water my plants, read a book, chat on the phone, take a bath, and head to bed. Honestly, most days... that's it.

Sure, I go to events, take trips, go shopping, and other random things. But the truth is... my life is full of tiny, simple events. Those moments are rarely captured. In between the success, the adventure, and acceptance... between heart ache, disappointment, fear, and rejection.. there are simple things, normal things, and that my friends is life. 

Taking Life With a Grain of Salt... A Wedge of Lime...

The past two weeks have been a whirl wind of good times coupled with relaxation, with a dash of stress and concern. 

*smh*

Needless to say, my writing is sporadic... and I am trying very desperately to do something about that. As you may have read earlier this week, I do plan to do a little five-part blog post. That will start on Monday, but until then, let me share with you a little of what is going on in my personal life.

As you can see in the top pic, my cats are adjusting to the heat the only way they know how, by finding a nice, cool dark spot in my closet, way up high, right on top of my clothes. *sigh* I promise those t shirts were folded very nicely before those two made an appearance.

Speaking of cats - Zen has decided he also likes to crawl into the laundry basket. Oh.. let me just add - he is quite the mouser. Yes... he caught a mouse in my apt. I don't even want to know how that little guy got in, but I know he won't do that again. About midnight last night I found Zen walking through with a mouse hanging out of his mouth. I ran screaming thru the house, grabbed a broom, got him to drop it, and banged the poor mouse numerous times on the head screaming - Die! Die! Die!.. then I swept him out the door - only to see him scurry off. *shudder*

Salvatore feels much better. He has been dealing with some blockages in his urethra. Finally off his meds. 

My plants are doing well!

My Gerber Daisies look awesome. Most have bloomed!

I may very well be in love with this little fella.

My Niece came over and spent a little time at my pool with me. I'm totally digging her bathing suit!

Enjoyed a little coffee talk with my friends Stephanie & Andre

My cousins from Indiana, Courtney & Betsy, came through Georgia and visited with us. 

Here is my Uncle Bill and Aunt June from Indiana. We met up at the Pickle Barrel in Gray, Georgia. 

That little stinker. 

If you have not gotten by Roasted lately, you really should. Nothing like a Mediterranean Lunch

enjoyed a little time with my sister in her new house. 

There are some perks to living in an apartment complex. 

My roomie and I took off last Friday for the Golden Isles... the southern coast of Georgia. Took about 3 1/2 hours and we ended up in St. Simons Island, Georgia. We wondered the shops in the village - just to shake off the stiffness from driving those back country roads through Georgia. 

Here I am.. chillaxing on the pier on the Atlantic in St. Simons. 

Here is Lynn doing the same exact thing. LOL There were a lot of fishermen out... 

Packing for a trip is not for the faint of heart. 

After a walk about, we stopped by Iguana Grill on St. Simons. I opted for the coconut shrimp and a baked potato. Later we got ice cream cones to carry as we walked around. 

The beautiful light house in St. Simons. 

More of the beachy shops on St. Simons. Georgia is simply beautiful, isn't it?

Two dear friends enjoying a road trip!

Beach Selfie

Enjoying the view from the pier. Yes, the Atlantic is a little darker than the Gulf. :-)

We felt like we could just let the stress of the week disappear. 

Next we popped down the road about 20 minutes and drove on Jekyll Island, Georgia. We made a way around the historic district to the most beautiful hiking trails to driftwood beach. 

Jekyll Island's Driftwood Beach is really quite a fascinating place. See the land in the distance on the right? That's St. Simons Island!

It's almost magical. 

There were hundreds of hermit crabs scooting into the sand near this spot. 

If you look head.. you can see the light house. :-)

We headed out to go shopping in the historic district. 

The walking trails leading to the shops and the historic homes (of the Rockafellers, Vanderbilts, Carnegie's etc.)

Jekyll Island, Georgia

We drove past Jekyll to Brunswick, and down about 30 more miles to Kingsland, Georgia to see my friend, Lisa. We met up with her at her home. 

Later that night she took us into St. Mary's, Georgia for dinner. We had a great time.. but headed back a little early to get some sleep. It had been a long day!

The next morning, we headed to Amelia Island, Florida to get a little beach time in. It was Lynn's 38th birthday, and we could not think of a better way to spend her birthday. 

Lynn relaxing on the beach, scrolling FB, drinking her iced caramel macciato (sp). 

The sea gulls discovered my cheeze its. 

We were at the beach from around 10am until 2pm. Soaking up the sun... playing in the water... just refilling our soul! But hunger called.... 

We met Lisa at Cedar River restaurant on Amelia Island. I had the best shrimp scampi of my life! After lunch, we headed back to get ready for Lynn's birthday night out in historic downtown Fernadina Beach, Florida. 

Here is Lisa and I at the oldest bar in Florida - The Palace Saloon. This place used to be the stomping grounds of pirates!

A very cool place - with a great band! They played covers from the 90s. 

Lisa & Lynn

Silliness

On Sunday, we got up, packed up, gased up, and headed up I-95, about an 1 hr 1/2 to Savannah, Georgia to see our friends. 

We met our friends at this adorable little beach shack of a restaurant out in the marshes on the way toward Tybee Island, called Bona Bella. 

Was great to see PC & JJ!

I ordered the Banana's Foster French Toast. 

We had soooooo many laughs.... 

Here you see the whole group - Lynn, PC, JJ, Me, and Cindy

After a lovely brunch, we headed back to their house and chatted for an hour or so. Later, we hated to say goodbye, but headed north-westward for Macon.

I could not be happier with the way the trip turned out. I needed that. I came back to Macon, only to continue the fight for our funds to be reinstated in the city/county's budget. It looks like we may be okay.

So many changes will come this summer, and I am looking forward to making the next 1/2 of the year the best 1/2 of the year.