Caddo Lake and Other Things

Travel: I finally got my long awaited trip. My family had such fun at Caddo Lake in east Texas! I have wanted to visit for a long time, and the area didn’t disappoint. The only thing I think that would have made it better is waiting another month for it to “green up.” Otherwise a lot of memories were made! We especially enjoyed Captain Ron’s Swamp Tour. So informative! We learned about the “trees knees” and the markings used by travelers to navigate through the cypress trees. Who knew paddleboats used this waterway back in the day??

Exercise: This month is my one year anniversary of my knee replacement! I’m still very glad I did it. Yoga and Pilates require me to get on my knees, so I still need a cushion of some sort. Guess I always will! I’m still trying to shed these extra pounds (maybe give up my extra libations? Nah!). But while I am busy beating myself up about what I NEED to do, I stopped and realized what I HAVE done. I consistently walk at least two miles each day, I attend regular exercise classes at the Y (yoga, Pilates, Zumba), and I do strength training at least once a week. It’s all about the small accomplishments. Don’t worry about what you aren’t doing. Keep focused and moving forward in your journey!

Essential Oils: Young Living is still my favorite choice of all of the essential oils on the market. A favorite (that I make sure also travels with me) is Citrus Fresh.

It’s a combination of orange, grapefruit, mandarin, lemon and spearmint. I love to put a few drops in my hands, rub them together, and inhale after a workout. Put a few drops on a cotton ball and tuck under your car seat. And of course, diffuse alone in your home or mix with a woodsy oil (eucalyptus, cedarwood, cypress) for springtime freshness!

And it might be two weeks until I talk to you again. Got tickets to see Ashley McBryde in KANSAS CITY next week! Woo hoo! So excited! I’ll be sure to give you the low down on the concert and the city!

It’s Not Always ALL About You

The women in my family tease each other a lot with “it’s all about me.” And then, “No, it’s all about ME!” When it comes to the youngest though, my sister, she’s not kidding! Guess that’s par for the course when you’re the baby of the family. Our young ones, especially the ones under five, for sure have picked up on this. But that’s to be expected I guess! Ha ha. Everyone wants to be front and center, don’t they?

We snapped back to reality about our “self-centeredness” this past weekend. We got a call from my husband’s brother that their dad, in his 80s, had fallen and injured his “new” knee. Yikes! My husband talked to his mom later on that evening and she said that he was doing okay; he got pain meds from the doctor and was resting. We don’t get over to see them too often because there’s a bit of family drama (I guess that happens in most families). Rick hemmed and hawed about going. We put aside our needs (wants?) and finally decided we should go.

Even though it was a little challenging, they were so happy we came. They love to feed us (“is that all you’re going to eat?” “yes, mom”) and tell stories from what seems like 50 years ago. And the same ones–more than a few times! But Rick did chores that his dad really doesn’t need to be doing anymore (thank goodness Rick has three other brothers that help out) and we played dominoes one evening. I thought they were just being good sports when asked, but they thoroughly enjoyed it! His dad even told us the next morning that it was the most fun he had had in a long time. It’s just the two of them on the farm way out in the middle of nowhere, so we were definitely a needed distraction.

My point is, sometimes you have to take the focus off of yourself and think of others. Say what?! I know, it’s often an aggravation, frustration and fuss all rolled into one! Even maybe a little sacrificial, especially when it’s something you don’t really want to do. But it will probably be the light in someone else’s life, just like it was for my in-laws. I have to say that in the end, it turned out to be a somewhat enjoyable weekend (just being honest!). And then there’s this:

Sorry, I guess it did come back to being all about me! Oops! *cue smiley face and wink*

Essential Oils: I still LOVE and will continue to promote Young Living Essential Oils! Let’s look at some amazing blends.

Harmony. Something we could all use a little more of! With a blend of sandalwood, lavender, ylang ylang, orange, geranium, lemon and others, your senses will be over the moon! It’s calming yet uplifting. It reduces stress and creates a positive attitude. Naturally it’s fantastic diffused to affect everyone in the room, but use it as a perfume for self-satisfaction and inner strength.

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Are You Getting Out Of Your Comfort Zone?

In my last blog I mentioned that I am now retired–and I’m still happy with my decision! It is such an uncertain time and I leave it to the younger, maybe more experienced, definitely more enthusiastic, instructors to teach our college students. I am enjoying the freedom to do–or not do!

My sister and her family came to visit recently. I was so happy to see them; it’s been months. And I got to meet my new great niece! She threw us all for a loop in the fall by coming early. You wouldn’t know it now–she’s a little butterball! We mostly stayed around the house (i.e. in the pool) and did a few tourist-y things. I think we all enjoyed our week together and are looking forward to the next time. Actually, since most of the family is in Texas I’m pretty sure we’ll see them again right here!

What made them take the chance and travel to see us? Probably love of family. And they are really wary of getting COVID-19 and sanitized EVERYTHING (covers on the plane seats, Lysol wipes, multiple face masks, etc.). But they took the chance and everything was just fine.

I talked to a girlfriend of mine who I’ve known FOREVER. She is also retired. However, she is still in the same house from her first divorce. She talks a mean game, but she still hasn’t come to see me–and I’ve been in this house for nine years. She mentioned meeting me in Ruidoso–in September or October. Why does she keep putting things off? We’re not getting any younger! Ha ha.

Those things got me to thinking: are we being cautious, or are we just fearful? While being alone can be good, experiencing life is much better! We had an outdoor event downtown in my little town last Friday night and I could now kick myself for not attending. I was just being lazy. Is that you, too?

Reinvest in yourself and don’t let our present situation decide your future self. You can’t live your life in a bubble, and I’m not sure why you’d want to. But as far as makeup is concerned, it’s going to take an awful lot to get me to that again on a regular basis! Ha ha!

Essential Oils: I still LOVE and will continue to promote Young Living Essential Oils! Let’s get back to basics. Cypress is one of the bible oils. As you might guess it has a herbaceous aroma and has a multitude of uses. Add a few drops to your favorite toner to combat oily skin. Put a few drops on your feet before a run as an energizer, or in your bath to aid in relaxation (great for the sinuses!). Finally, diffuse alone or with (among others) lemon, bergamot, grapefruit or peppermint.

To order or explore Young Living’s oils, click HERE.

If you enjoy the blog, I would love it if you would Follow Me and I’ll come straight to your email (just once a week)! Many thanks!