3 AM Thoughts, Early Fall Dreams, and Finding My Rhythm Again

"Remember, there are no real failures in life, only results. There are no true tragedies, only lessons. And there really are no problems, only opportunities waiting to be recognized as solutions by the person of wisdom." (Robin Sharma)

Hello, my lovely friends! 

 

    It is officially three in the morning and I am fully committing to this all-nighter. Mom has to go in for more scans today, and since we need to leave the house by seven, I knew there was no way I was successfully waking up at five. So here I am in the quiet dark. Mike is completely passed out, and honestly, I am kind of loving this peaceful little pocket of time to myself. I’ve just been floating around YouTube, catching up on things, and chatting with you all while the rest of the world is asleep.

Mom has really been through the absolute wringer lately, but the last couple of weeks have actually been a bit better with her pain. She ended up having to cancel her trip out to my sister’s for the Bruno Mars concert, which was a bummer, but Cuinn is going in her place and Mom is feeling pretty decent now. Plus, my sister called yesterday to ask if Mom wants to come out for the holidays and stay for a whole month. You guys already know how much I would love that. Having some quiet time alone with Mike would be amazing, but more than anything, I think Mom just needs an escape. Her whole life here has felt like one endless doctor’s appointment, and a real break would do her so much good.

Speaking of the holidays, my brain has already fully skipped late summer and landed straight into autumn. We are starting to haul up the Halloween and fall bins this week because we want to go all out for Mike. His family was never big on holiday stuff—their version of Christmas was basically just swapping gift cards and moving on with their day, not even a tree in sight. We want to show him how fun it can actually be, and he has zero clue what he’s in for. I’m so excited that I’m probably going to start decorating in September just so we can sit back and enjoy it longer.

    Just when we thought our weather was cooling down, the 100s made an appearance over the weekend. We have been getting some afternoon and evening rain here, and we’re loving that so much. Finally the monsoon has hit us. The only thing growing in my containers are lettuce now. There’s a few tomatoes, but I don’t think they’re going to survive.

It feels like nature is playing a giant practical joke on all of us right now. One minute you’re pulling out a light sweater, dreaming about crisp air and everything autumn, and the next minute you step outside and remember what it feels like to melt on impact. I spent half the weekend just moving from one air-conditioned room to another, completely refusing to do anything useful. But honestly, watching the rain roll in during the late afternoon makes all that ridiculous heat almost worth it. There’s something so grounding about listening to the thunder rumble while sitting inside with a cold drink, watching the sky finally open up.

My little patio setup is definitely showing the stress of the season, though. Seeing a handful of lonely tomatoes hanging on for dear life is a little heartbreaking, but I’ve made my peace with the fact that lettuce is Apparently the true survivor of the bunch. At least something is happy to be alive out there, even if my dream of a massive tomato harvest is officially going down in flames.

    September 1st is right around the corner, and I’ve decided it’s officially time for a fresh start. With the holidays sneaking up on us faster than I’d like to admit, I really want to rededicate myself to writing and hanging out on the blog much more often. I’ve missed having this space as a regular part of my routine, and it feels like the perfect moment to jump back in with both feet.

Along with getting my writing mojo back, I’m also tackling my diet. I completely fell off the wagon after Mike moved in, which I guess was bound to happen. He’s used to living on fast food, and it turned out to be way too easy for me to fall right into that trap alongside him. Needless to say, the scale is reflecting it, and I’ve definitely gained some weight over the last few months.

So, I’m officially taking back control of the kitchen. Step one started yesterday when I chopped up a massive, full-on salad loaded with everything good. It feels great to finally put something green back on my plate, and honestly, just making the choice to start fresh feels like a huge relief. Here's to getting back on track.

 

I’m so grateful you dropped by! I hope the rest of your day brings you a little extra joy and a chance to unwind. Take a gentle breath, take care, and see you soon.

The Heat Is On

  "I was smiling yesterday, I am smiling today, and I will smile tomorrow. Simply because life is too short to cry for anything." (Santosh Kalwar)

 

Hello, my lovely friends!  

 

     What a week it’s been on this end. Honestly, it felt like a total whirlwind between spending a couple of days running around to doctor appointments with my mom and dealing with this absolute wall of heat. It got so incredibly hot here that just stepping outside felt like a chore, so I've mostly been hiding out indoors trying to keep cool and catch my breath.

    Let’s get the news about my mom and her MRI out of the way first. Monday was the day and she was really worried about it—so much that her doctor requested a sedative for her. Even though she’s had them before, facing two MRIs in a row meant being in that machine for a couple of hours, which completely set off her anxiety. Thankfully, she was done in under two hours and they said she did really well, though the pill definitely knocked her out and left her a little loopy for a few hours.

The next day, she saw a new doctor to talk about her pain. He doesn't think she has an infection and actually changed one of her medications, noting that she had the right meds but the wrong dose. She goes back in a month to see how that goes, and she also has a phone appointment on Thursday, which I’m assuming is to discuss the MRI results and next steps. For now, she’s still in limbo.

    It feels like the heat has been teasing us for a week, just begging to cross into the triple digits, and it looks like this coming week might finally do it. Between that and how dry our winter was, the mountains are really paying the price with these wildfires. There are about eight of them burning right now, and almost none of them are contained yet. The worst part of it all is that we lost three firefighters who were out there trying to protect everything.

The air quality down here has been so brutal because of it. At one point last week, the mountains completely disappeared behind a thick, heavy haze. We did get a really good rain in Denver that managed to clear things up a bit, but you can still smell the smoke sitting in the air. Just stay safe, stay inside where it's cool, and keep those crews in your thoughts.

    Mike and I dragged ourselves out of bed early yesterday to hit the farmer’s market before the heat got brutal, mostly because I wanted to be back in time for the World Cup. My mom always complains it's too far away, but it's literally a twenty-four-minute drive. I used to go years ago when the massive fill-a-bag deal was only ten bucks. It is up to seventeen dollars now, but it is still an incredible steal for what you can shove in there.

I went all out and managed to stuff three entire bags to the brim with potatoes, corn, cucumbers, broccoli, jalapeños, and bell peppers. Then I hit up another stand for a bag of fresh lettuce and herbs. We grabbed some lunch on the way back and made a whole day of it. It was honestly the perfect morning, and now my kitchen is overflowing with fresh produce.

I completely forgot to snap a picture of the veggie stash before I put it all away, but I'll definitely get a photo of the massive salad I'm throwing together for dinner tonight. I have an idea for a brand-new recipe with some fresh fruit mixed in, so I'll make sure to share how that turns out on Tuesday's blog post.

    Did anyone see the post on FB about a new Sparkpeople? I’m sure it won’t be like the one we all loved, but the idea of a new one sounds good. Wonder if it’s free or a paid one? Any of you know anything about it? 

 Thank you for being here. It’s always a treat to share this space with you. May your day be sweet, calm, and wrapped in comfort. See you in the next post!

Here's to New Beginnings

"I was smiling yesterday, I am smiling today, and I will smile tomorrow. Simply because life is too short to cry for anything." (Santosh Kalwar)

 

Hello, my lovely friends! 

 

     It’s been a busy week here and you all know why. Early evening on Thursday, Mike drove up after a two-day road trip. He ran into some serious rainstorms, but got through everything. He didn’t drive at night and stayed the night at a hotel in Des Moines, Iowa. We’re so happy that he got here safe and sound. I know his mom and family were happy about that too.

    Honestly, the relief when he finally pulled into the driveway was huge. You know how it is when someone you love is out on the highway in bad weather, you just hold your breath a little bit until you hear the car door slam. Once he was unpacked and we caught our breath, we basically collapsed onto the couch and haven't done much else since. We've just been taking it easy, catching up, and enjoying the quiet after all that driving.

    It feels so good to just relax and have him here after talking about this trip for so long. We've mostly just been cooking comfort food, watching a ton of movies, and letting him recover from being behind the wheel for days. It’s the absolute best kind of lazy weekend, and I’m just soaking up every minute of it

    It's been a couple of days adjusting with Mike here and then my nephew Kyle will be here on Friday for the weekend. It’s been so long since I’ve seen him. I’m looking forward to spending some time with him. We’re taking him to Casa Bonita.

It feels like we’re finally getting into a good groove over here. We’ve had about a few days now adjusting to having Mike around and getting used to the new routine, which has been really nice. Just as we’re settling into that rhythm, though, the house is about to get a little busier. My nephew Kyle is coming into town this Friday to stay with us for the weekend, and I honestly can’t even remember the last time I actually got to see him. It has been way too long, and I am so excited to just hang out and catch up properly.

    To celebrate him being here, we're planning a whole thing and taking him to Casa Bonita. You already know it's going to be a wild time. I’m just really looking forward to a solid weekend of good food, lots of laughs, and finally getting some quality time with him. I'll have to fill you all ophthalmic on how the cliff divers and the sopaipillas treat us once the weekend wraps up.

    It is going to be a wild week over here, and I am already bracing myself. We have a handful of appointments scattered through the next few days, but the real project is that Mike is finally moving in. He honestly doesn’t have a ton of stuff, which you’d think would make it easy, but of course that means the jigsaw puzzle of making room is entirely on me. I am currently staring at my space trying to figure out how to shuffle things around so he actually has a place to put his clothes and feel at home without us totally tripping over each other.

    It is definitely going to be a process of sorting, lifting, and probably finding dust bunnies I didn’t know existed, but I am excited to get everything organized and settled. Once the heavy lifting is done and the boxes are empty, I am so looking forward to just sitting back and enjoying the new setup. Wish me luck with the heavy lifting and the endless rearranging, and I will keep you all posted on how the new space turns out.

It was a treat having you stop by! Whatever the sun or moon is doing in your neck of the woods, I hope it’s treating you well. Until our next encounter... Ciao for now!

So Much of So Much

  "Think what a better world it would be if we all, the whole world, had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down on our blankets for a nap." (Barbara Jordan)

Hello, my lovely friends! 

    Oof, what a absolute whirlwind of a week it has been around here. Our hearts and our home have been completely full, especially with my sister, Renee, and brother-in-law, George, flying in to stay with us. The occasion itself wasn’t the easiest, as we all gathered together to say a final, bittersweet goodbye to my uncle. But honestly, having the family under one roof was the ultimate comfort. There is something so incredibly healing about sitting around a table with the people who know you best, sharing old stories, laughing through the tears, and just leaning on each other when things get tough. It was a heavy week, absolutely, but it was also wrapped up in so much love and connection that I wouldn't trade for the world.

    By the time Monday afternoon rolled around and we had to drop Renee and George back off at the airport, the house suddenly felt incredibly quiet—you know that distinct echo a house gets after a lively visit? We desperately needed a collective moment to just catch our breath and process everything, so we dedicated the entire next day to the art of doing absolutely nothing. No chores, no to-do lists, no rushing anywhere—just pure, unadulterated rest to recharge our emotional batteries after such an intense stretch. If you’ve ever survived one of those emotionally draining weeks, you know that a designated, guilt-free "couch potato day" isn't a luxury; it’s a necessary survival tactic!

 

 

   Of course, Mother Nature has been keeping us on our toes because our weather lately has been downright crazy. Right after we walked through the door from dropping Renee and George off at the airport, the sky turned a wild color and we were hit with a massive rainstorm accompanied by hail. I think we both collectively held our breath and froze, because we literally just finished having the house repaired last year from the catastrophic hail storm we took a beating from two years ago! Luckily, the universe showed us some mercy this time; it was just small, pea-sized hail, but boy, did it come down fast and furious. Thankfully, everything is safe, the sky has cleared, and now I’m just looking forward to brighter days ahead.

    Once the mental fog finally started to lift, we braced ourselves and tackled the massive job that had been patiently waiting for us right outside our front door: the yard. We spent hours cleaning up the last of the winter clutter, stray branches, and random debris. Let me tell you, stepping back and seeing that space looking tidy and fresh again felt like a massive weight lifting off our shoulders. Best of all, clearing out the old has officially cleared the way for the good stuff. After such a heavy week, getting my hands dirty, digging into the earth, and prepping the soil for new growth was exactly the kind of grounding therapy my soul needed.

    Speaking of new growth, my green thumb is officially tingling, and I’m so excited to tell you that I'm planning a whole blog post dedicated to my garden next week! I recently took a little retail therapy trip to our local garden center and came home with a trunk completely loaded with beautiful things to plant. I’ve been sketching out some really fun, ambitious plans for both the summer and fall garden harvests here, and I can't wait to take you along for the ride as everything starts to sprout.

Thank you so much for stopping by.
I wish you a good morning, afternoon or evening wherever you are.
Until next time… Ciao!

 

 

A Crazy Kind of Week

 "Lean forward into your life... catch the best bits and the finest wind. Just tip your feathers in flight a wee bit and see how dramatically that small lean can change your life." (Mary Anne Radmacher)

Hello, my lovely friends!

    Oh my goodness, what a whirlwind of a week it has already been! I am honestly looking at my bed right now wondering how on earth I actually managed to catch a few hours of sleep over the last few days. Between Mother Nature throwing an absolute tantrum with this wild, unpredictable weather and the non-stop rush of getting the house completely ready for company tonight, it’s been a beautiful, chaotic blur. If you had told me on Monday that I'd survive on this little sleep and still be standing, I probably would have laughed and asked for an extra-large coffee.

But you know what? Even with the crazy storms and the endless to-do lists, I am just so incredibly excited. There is something so special about opening up your home and gathering the people you love under one roof, even if it means running around like a headless chicken right up until the doorbell rings. The pillows are fluffed, the snacks are prepped, and the cozy vibes are officially set. If you're having a frantic week of your own, please remember to take a deep breath, give yourself some grace, and maybe sneak in a quick nap if you can.

The big excitement is that Renee and George are officially flying in tonight! They’ll be staying with us all the way through Monday afternoon. It’s definitely bittersweet, and there is a heavy, sad cloud hanging over the reason for their visit this time around. Life throws those tough moments at us, but if there’s one beautiful thing about the hard times, it’s how they remind us to lean into the people we love. Even though the circumstances aren't what we would have chosen, I am so incredibly grateful that we get to have this dedicated time together to just be. We’re going to hug a little tighter, talk a little longer, and soak up every single second of each other’s company.

Of course, it wouldn't be a true family visit without a little bit of a game plan! My mom already has a running mental list of a few things around the house that she wants to tackle, and she’s looking forward to having George lend his handy skills to help out with them. There’s something so comforting and bonding about working on projects together, and I know we’ll find some pockets of joy, shared laughs, and good old-fashioned teamwork in between the chores. Here is to a weekend of connection, comfort, and being there for one another.

    You know those random grocery store finds that just completely change your week? That was me a few days ago. I was wandering the aisles at Costco when this seasoning totally caught my eye. Honestly, they 100% won me over with the packaging—it had this gorgeous, vibrant Mexican Day of the Dead skull on it, and I just couldn't resist. I ended up grabbing the all-purpose version, figuring it was worth a shot, but I had no idea how quickly I’d become obsessed.

Naturally, I had to try it right away. I was whipping up a regular old salad for dinner and decided to use the seasoning on some shrimp to throw on top. Oh my goodness, it was so incredibly good! It gave the whole meal this perfect, flavorful kick that turned a standard weeknight salad into something genuinely special.

But the story gets better. Yesterday, I was back at Costco, and what do you know? They were actually handing out samples of french fries tossed in that exact same brand of seasoning, just a different flavor! It felt like fate, so of course I had to grab one. I absolutely loved them, though my mom tried a bite and wasn't quite as big of a fan. To each their own, right? More seasoned fries for me!

While I was there, I also noticed the pre-made Beef and Broccoli stir fry over by the rotisserie chickens and decided to pop it into the cart. We are actually having that for dinner tonight, and I am so excited to see how it turns out. Hopefully, it’s just as much of a hit as my new favorite skull seasoning!

Thanks for dropping in! I’d wish you a good morning, but since I don't know your time zone, let's just go with: Have a spectacular next 24 hours. See you at the next one! 

That Was a Long Week

  "Instead of a sign that says: 'Do not disturb' I need one that says: 'Already disturbed, proceed with caution.'" (Author Unknown)

 

 Hello, my lovely friends!

    Oh my goodness, friends, last week was officially one of the longest, most exhausting weeks I have had in what feels like forever. It was just one of those times where our emotions were riding a total rollercoaster, bouncing all over the place with so many different things happening at once. On top of the emotional weight, our calendar was absolutely packed, and it felt like we were out and running around pretty much every single day.

By the time the chaos finally slowed down, we managed to carve out two whole days just to stay home—and let me tell you, we did absolutely nothing. We were both so incredibly drained and bone-tired from everything that our only mission was to rest and recharge. It is so important to listen to your body when it tells you to stop, so we happily embraced the cozy downtime to reset.

    We have some sad news in our family. My Uncle Fritz, who was married to my dad’s sister, Nancy, passed away last Sunday. While we knew this day was approaching after his years-long battle with cancer and his later struggle with dementia, it’s still never easy to say goodbye. By the end, the dementia had taken such a hold that he no longer recognized anyone, including my sweet aunt, but we take comfort in knowing he went peacefully, surrounded by the love of his kids and grandkids.

Right now, the family is waiting to finalize the details for his services. My sister and BIL are already planning to fly out to join us so we can all support Aunt Nancy and honor Uncle Fritz's memory together. On Monday we went over to my aunt’s house to spend some time with her.

    Then on Tuesday, my mom had an appointment with the infectious disease doctor, and wow,what an absolute world of difference! My sister was on the phone listening in, too. My mom explained everything she’s been going through and how they just keep making her do test after test. Honestly, this is probably the very first doctor who actually truly heard her. We all asked questions, and she took the time to answer every single one.

She suggested a new MRI since the last one is over two months old. My mom was a little hesitant at first, but she went ahead and made the appointment, and it is already scheduled for this Friday! That is easily the fastest appointment she’s gotten in a long time. The doctor even said she would contact my mom’s other doctor to coordinate getting her shots. My mom is feeling so much better about things now that she finally has a doctor who really has the ball rolling.    

    Wednesday finally gave us a much-needed break from the emotional roller-coaster we’ve been riding lately. We spent the day resting up and recharging, but we also had to get everything ready for Thursday because we were heading right back to the theater! This time, we went to see MJ The Musical again. You might remember that when we first saw it a couple of years ago, we loved it so much that we came right home and bought tickets to see it again the very next week.

This performance was extra special because we managed to snag front-row seats right in the dead center. It was an absolutely incredible show! There was this moments where it felt so surreal, if you closed your eyes, you would swear Michael Jackson himself was right there on stage singing. If you love his music even a little bit, this show is an absolute must-see.

    Oh my goodness, can we talk about how exhausting grocery shopping is? We had to venture out for some much-needed supplies on Friday, and honestly, it just takes absolutely everything out of me. Between navigating the aisles, bagging everything up, hauling it all inside, and finally putting it where it belongs, it's a whole workout. My sweet mom isn't really able to help much with the heavy lifting, so the bulk of the heavy lifting falls on my shoulders, leaving me completely wiped out.

Because the week was such a marathon, yesterday just had to be another much-needed rest day. I did manage to tackle a few little things around the house to keep life moving, but mostly, I just gave myself permission to slow down and recharge the batteries. Sometimes you just have to listen to your body, take a breather, and remind yourself that the chores can wait.

Whew! How’s was your week? 

So glad you could make it. Whether you’re starting your day or winding it down, I hope it’s a great one. Until we cross paths again—take care! 

A Whirlwind of a Week

 "I think that when the dust settles, we will realize how little we need, how very much we actually have, and the true value of human connection." (Author Unknown)

Hello, my lovely friends!

    It has been an absolute whirlwind of a week over here! Between the high points, the low moments, and those "head-scratching" instances that leave me completely baffled, life has been anything but quiet. It feels like I’m constantly juggling a dozen things at once, trying to keep the momentum going while navigating the unexpected twists and turns.

I wanted to take a quick second to say a huge thank you for sticking by me through the chaos. Your patience means the world as I manage the beautiful craziness my life has become.

    Nine years without Dad, and I know so many of you truly understand that the ache never really goes away; it just shifts into something different. This anniversary felt particularly heavy, especially for Mom. There’s a certain weight in realizing just how much life she has navigated without him, especially while managing her own health challenges. It’s a bittersweet milestone that reminds us of both her strength and the space he left behind.

To honor him, we kept things quiet and close to home. We spent the evening over big bowls of spaghetti, laughing about how much he absolutely lived for a good pasta dinner. It was simple, comfort-filled, and exactly the kind of "together" he would have loved.

    It feels like things are finally shifting into high gear! After a bit of a struggle, Kaiser has really stepped up—they’ve moved those July appointments up to next month and are fast-tracking other dates too. While it’s such a relief to see progress, it’s honestly frustrating that it took a few stern emails to get the momentum going. Everyone deserves that level of commitment to their health from the very start without having to fight for it.

On a brighter note, we managed to power through several appointments for both of us last week. It feels great to have those checked off the list and behind us! Even with the recent hustle from our current provider, we are still planning on switching insurance at the end of the year. For now, we’re just focusing on the wins and staying positive as we move toward better care.

    Oh my goodness, what a roller coaster of a week! We were already riding a wave of big emotions when I woke up Friday morning to a total shock: snow. And I’m not talking about a few pretty flakes; we got hit with four inches of that heavy, wet slush that makes everything feel like a winter wonderland (or a giant mess, depending on your mood). It definitely felt like Mother Nature was playing a little prank on us.

Thankfully, the sun decided to make an appearance yesterday and chased all that white stuff away. While the snow is officially a memory, those freezing temperatures are definitely sticking around for a bit! It’s been the talk of the neighborhood, with everyone worried about their poor budding plants. It was a good reminder of that old local wisdom the news crews love to repeat. There’s a reason we’re told to hold off on planting until after Mother’s Day.

It was a treat having you stop by! Whatever the clock says where you are, I hope your morning, afternoon, or evening is a total win. Until our next digital rendezvous... stay wonderful!

Nine Years of Always

 

 

Sometimes I wish I were a little kid again, skinned knees are easier to fix than broken hearts.” (Author Unknown)

Hello, my lovely friends!

 

 Nine Years of Always

Nine years have turned to seasons, then to years, 
Yet time has failed to do what time should do. 
It hasn't dulled the edge or dried the tears, 
Or made the world feel right without the view 
Of one familiar smile, one steady hand, 
The anchor that once held me to the land.

 

They say that shadows fade when light is long, 
But yours is cast in every room I pace. 
I hear you in the cadence of a song, 
And search the passing crowds to find your face. 
A decade nears, a bridge of empty days, 
Yet still I walk through memory’s golden haze.

 

There is no morning where the sun takes flight 
Without a quiet thought of where you’ve gone. 
There is no settling of the stars at night
Where longing doesn't linger, deep and drawn. 
The calendar may claim the time has passed, 
But love like ours was built to always last.

 

Nine years of silence, heavy and profound, 
Yet in my heart, I still can hear the sound 
Of every word you spoke, each laugh you gave— 
The living breath of all I seek to save. 
You aren't a ghost, or something left behind; 
There isn't a day you aren't upon my mind.

 

 

Oh Boy! Here We Go Again

 "It often seems, looking back, that the unexpected comes to define us, the paths we didn't see coming and may have wandered down by mistake. The older we get the more willing we are to follow those, to surprise ourselves." (Anna Quindlen)

 
Hello, my lovely, friends!

    Well, here we are again with another wild update regarding my mom’s health journey and the ongoing saga with Kaiser. Dealing with the medical system can feel like a rollercoaster, but I’m staying hopeful and keeping things moving forward with a lot of heart and a little bit of patience.

I promise to end this on a high note with something truly special. If you were following along with what I was up to last Sunday, you might already have a hunch about the surprise I’m saving for the finale.

    Since Mom got home from the hospital, it’s been a total rollercoaster on the pain front. She’s been a rockstar with her meds and those pain pads, though we’re still working on getting her to do those laps around the house! Just as she was finding a rhythm, her doctor called and threw a few curveballs: they’re cutting her "gabby" pills down from three to two, and—get this—they want her to do another biopsy. Even though she just had one at the top hospital in the state, Kaiser wants their own team to do it all over again.

To make matters worse, there’s a huge debate over whether she has an infection. The hospital specialist said she’s in the clear, but Kaiser is spotting something in the reports that has them worried. Because of that, they’re threatening to cancel the pain shots she’s been waiting two months for. Mom is rightfully frustrated and definitely put up a fight over the phone! Those shots are her lifeline for relief, and having them yanked away over conflicting opinions is beyond stressful.

    Ugh, guys, my heart is just breaking for my mom right now. We were so ready for Tuesday; I’d even triple-checked her appointment online to make sure her shots were finally happening. We get there, all geared up for some much-needed relief, only for the doctor to pull us aside. He told us his hands were tied because her primary doctor thinks there’s an infection. The kicker? He doesn't even agree with her, but because she’s the lead, the whole thing was a no-go.

It was a total gut punch. My mom actually started crying, and then the anger set in—and honestly, I don't blame her. She feels like Kaiser is just running her in circles at this point. She’s been jumping through every single hoop they’ve set out for a year now, all while her pain keeps getting worse, and we're still stuck at square one.

The doctor did promise to advocate for her and get those shots scheduled the second he gets the "all clear," but going from the hope of feeling better to another "maybe later" was devastating. She really thought the finish line was in sight, only to have the rug pulled out from under her. We’re just crossing our fingers that this gets cleared up fast because she has waited more than long enough.

    The current situation with Kaiser is beyond frustrating—they want to wait until July for a spine specialist consultation. Yes, you read that right, July! My sister wasn't having it and sent a very direct message letting them know that waiting four months while she's in pain is completely unacceptable. It’s so confusing; if there is a genuine concern about an infection, why aren't they moving with more urgency?

Because of the delay, she is officially pushing for an out-of-network referral. There’s a hospital ready and willing to help her right now, and her stance is simple: if Kaiser won't approve the referral, then they need to step up and provide the care immediately. It feels good to finally stand our ground and advocate for what she needs.

There is a bit of a silver lining today, though. My mom has a phone appointment with her primary doctor, and my sister is planning to jump on the call to make sure all the right questions get asked. We’re keeping our fingers crossed and staying hopeful that this will finally get things moving in the right direction. We will definitely keep you posted on what happens next!

    Whew! That was a lot to digest! On to the fun thing that happened Sunday. So, with my mom’s pain for the past couple of weeks she wasn’t sure if she would make it. I was going with or with out her, but so glad she came. 


    We just caught the 40th-anniversary tour of The Phantom of the Opera, and let me tell you, it was pure magic! Since it was the second-to-the-last show, we pulled out all the stops to make sure my mom was comfortable, packing every pain pad, cream, and gummy in our arsenal. It was so worth the effort the moment we reached our seats. I’d actually forgotten which ones I booked, but I managed to snag front-row center! Seeing my mom’s face light up when she realized how close we were was the best feeling.

    Even on our ninth time seeing it, the show blew us away. This Phantom was incredible, and Christine had such a powerhouse voice. We noticed a few fresh creative tweaks this time around, which is always fun when you’ve seen so many different takes on the production. By the finale, I was a total puddle of tears—I just can’t help it, it’s that moving! If the tour rolls into your city, please do yourself a favor and grab tickets. You’ll never be disappointed by this masterpiece.

So glad you could make it. Whether you’re starting your day or winding it down, I hope it’s a great one. Until we cross paths again—take care!

 

 

Things Are Better

 “Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow.” (Mary Anne Em Radmacher)

Hello, my lovely friends!

 

     Whew, what a week! If life were a roller coaster, we definitely just finished the part with the triple loops and the vertical drops. The good news is that things are finally starting to slow down. My mom is officially back home, and seeing her in her own space is such a relief. While she’s still dealing with some pain, it is nothing compared to the nightmare she was going through before. She’s being a total champ, taking everything one day at a time and focusing on healing.

 

 

Of course, it wouldn't be a medical journey without a little drama, and once again, Kaiser is making things way more complicated than they need to be. They wanted her to come in for a follow-up, and we went in thinking they actually wanted to get to the bottom of why she ended up in the ER in the first place. Honestly? It turned out to be such a total waste of time. The doctor asked a couple of basic questions, checked her pulse, and that was pretty much the end of it. We drove all that way just for a "yep, you're still breathing" check-up.

 

 

The only tiny silver lining is that the doctor did reach out to her specialists, so she officially has appointments on the books. The catch? They aren't until July! I don’t know about you, but waiting four months when you’ve just been through a health crisis feels like a lifetime. We aren't just sitting back and waiting, though. We’re currently flooding their inboxes with emails, asking them to let the hospital team take over her treatment. The hospital doctors are ready and willing to help her now, and she deserves care today—not four months from now.

 

 

    Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs right when you think you’ve got the rhythm down, doesn’t it? Right now, we are officially in the "waiting game" phase, just watching to see what happens next. It’s that strange, quiet space between chapters where you just have to breathe and take things one day at a time. My sister headed back home this past Sunday, but she was an absolute rock before she left, making sure we had everything organized and ready to go. Having that kind of support makes all the difference when things feel a bit up in the air.

 

 

On a much brighter note, Mike is still here with me until Sunday, and honestly, having him around has been such a gift. He completely dove into the deep end the moment he arrived, jumping right in to help out with my mom without a second thought. I know this definitely wasn't the "relaxing" start to a vacation that he probably had in mind, but seeing how he handled everything really warmed my heart. He’s been a total champ through it all.

 

 

The best part is that now that the initial rush has settled, we are finally getting to enjoy some true quality time together. We’re officially making the most of every moment and having a wonderful time just being in each other's company. It’s a great reminder that even when plans go a little sideways, the people you’re with are what make the memories special. Here’s to enjoying the rest of the week and seeing what the next chapter brings!

 

 Thanks for dropping in! I’d wish you a good morning, but since I don't know your time zone, let's just go with: Have a spectacular next 24 hours. See you at the next one!

 

Well That Was Crazy!

 

"Put wellness at the top of your list now. Don't wait until something goes wrong." (Terri Trespicio)

Hello, my lovely friends!

    I’m sending a massive virtual hug your way today because, honestly, I think I need one just as much as you do. It has been one of those weeks where the universe decides to throw a curveball just to see if your reflexes are still sharp. I was so incredibly excited to log on here and share all the magic from our Sunday play date at Water for Elephants, but life had a slightly less glamorous script in mind for me. Instead of soaring acrobatics and Broadway lights, my Sunday morning kicked off with a personal drama that felt a little too real for comfort.

I woke up feeling like my chest was in a literal vice, and every breath I took felt like I was trying to inhale a bag of marbles. Now, we’ve all lived enough life to know that when the chest starts acting up, the "ignore it and it’ll go away" strategy isn’t exactly the wisest move. For a terrifying minute, I was convinced this was the big one. We went back and forth on the ER debate, that classic dance of "I don't want to be dramatic" versus "I don't want to be a statistic", and in the heat of the moment, we decided to stay home and officially donated our tickets to someone who could actually, you know, breathe.

Then, about thirty minutes into my existential crisis, the most sophisticated medical miracle occurred: I let out a burp that probably registered on the local Richter scale. Just like that, the "heart attack" vanished, the pressure lifted, and I realized I wasn’t dying; I was just quite literally full of hot air. I suppose it’s a poetic reminder that even when I think I’m being deep and serious, I’m usually just gassy. We had already given the tickets away by then, so I spent the afternoon on the sofa in the quiet comfort of my own home, feeling a mix of profound relief and total sheepishness. I missed the show, but I’m still here to tell the tale, and honestly, having you all to laugh about it with is the best consolation prize I could ask for.

 

     After a bit of a rocky start to the week, I decided to actually listen to my body for once and press pause. That nagging soreness in my chest finally decided to exit stage left by Sunday evening, but Mom, ever the voice of reason, insisted that Monday be dedicated to the fine art of doing absolutely nothing. She pointed out that I’ve been playing "Chief Everything Officer" around the house lately, and honestly, the stress was starting to show in ways that aren't nearly as graceful as a gold-medal floor routine.

 

Instead of fighting the inevitable, we leaned into the stillness and spent our final night together soaking up the closing ceremonies of the Olympics. It turns out that leaning back into the sofa is a much better look for me than carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. I spent the following day in a blissful, unapologetic lounge. It’s a gentle reminder to myself, and perhaps to you too, that the chores will still be there tomorrow, but your sanity is far more precious.

  

    We decided to venture out for a few errands with the little man in tow on Tuesday, who fortunately finds the backseat of a car to be the height of luxury. The primary mission was a restock of those "magic" gummies for my mom. They truly do wonders for her aches, though she’d be the first to tell you that the price tag provides a different kind of pain altogether. It’s a bit of a steep investment for a little relief, but seeing her comfortable is worth every penny, even if it makes the wallet feel significantly lighter.

 

Of course, the universe had other plans for our quick ten-minute jaunt. What should have been a breeze turned into a thirty-minute crawl through the aftermath of two separate accidents. It’s the classic story of a town that outgrew its own boots; they definitely didn't plan for this much life when they laid down these narrow lanes. My mom tried to be clever by taking a "shortcut" to bypass the mess, but as fate would have it, we ended up merged right back into the same sea of brake lights. We couldn't do much else but laugh at the absurdity of it all, joking that maybe the cosmos was trying to tell us we should have just stayed tucked away at home.

 

    While most of you are currently living in a literal snow globe, seriously, drop the link for your ski resort passes, nature has decided to skip the winter wonderland theme over here in favor of sheer chaos. We’ve spent the last forty-eight hours in a relentless wind storm that has turned my backyard into a communal lost-and-found for the neighborhood’s trash. If you’re looking for a rogue recycling bin or a stray patio cushion, there’s a solid chance it’s currently performing a clumsy solo dance across my patio. It’s less of a scenic vista and more of an obstacle course at this point.

 

The novelty of this "endless summer" vibe is wearing thin, too. Having seventy-degree weather all through the months we should be shivering sounds like a dream until the reality of the fire hazards sets in. We’ve already watched three separate blazes break out in nearby cities, which is a stressful price to pay for being able to skip the heavy coats. The mountains are teasing us with a light dusting of white, but down here on the ground, we haven't seen so much as a drop of rain to settle the dust. I’m sending all my love to those of you currently shoveling your way out of your front doors, but please, feel free to blow a few of those storm clouds in my direction.

 

So, how's your week been? 

 

 So glad you could make it. Whether you’re starting your day or winding it down, I hope it’s a great one. Until we cross paths again—take care!

It's Just Hanging Around

 "Think for a minute about what makes you fabulous and how you can celebrate it." (Laura Mercier)

 

 Hello, my lovely friends! 

    I’ve officially become a human revolving door for every germ in a five-mile radius. Just when I think I’ve finally evicted the latest bug, it loops right back around for an uninvited encore. This past week, the "neighborhood crud" decided I was its favorite host again, leaving me stuck in a dizzying cycle of sniffles and regret.

Thankfully, I’m fully vaxxed, so while others are currently fighting for their lives, I’ve mostly just been a very expensive space heater. I spent the better part of the weekend in a medically induced coma (also known as a nap), and I’m finally feeling like a functioning member of society again. Here’s hoping I’ve officially kicked this thing to the curb—or at least told it to find a new door to swing through.

    I hear most of you are currently living in a literal winter wonderland, and I’ll be honest: I’m reaching a level of jealousy that’s becoming borderline unhealthy. While you’re out there living your best "thriving in a snow globe" life, we had a pathetic dusting last night that vanished faster than my New Year’s resolution to eat more kale. It’s a tragedy, truly.

Right now, our local ski resorts are looking more like hiking trails with delusions of grandeur. Half of them aren’t even fully open because the sky refuses to cooperate, leaving us in a climate so dry I’m basically turning into a human raisin. At this point, I’m not even being picky—I’d take a monsoon, a slushy mess, or a light misting if it meant putting some moisture back into the air. If you have any spare clouds or a direct line to the snow gods, please send them my way before I give up and start praying to my humidifier.

    How is 2026 treating everyone so far? Personally, I’ve spent the better part of the new year in a heated, one-sided argument with a stubborn sickness that just won't take the hint. Aside from that glamorous development, things have been pretty quiet—mostly because it’s hard to make "big moves" when your primary accomplishment for the day is successfully reaching for the tissues.

While I’m over here playing professional patient, my poor mom is dealing with the real deal. Her back is acting up again, and now her "good" knee has decided to join the rebellion. She’s already eyeing a second knee surgery, but since she’s reached a certain vintage, she’s worried the doctors might give her the "let's just wait and see" routine. It’s a bit of a toss-up, but I’m crossing everything that they give her the green light soon. There is absolutely nothing fun about watching her power through that kind of pain, and frankly, she’s overdue for a break from being the universe's favorite target.

 

Thank you so much for stopping by.
I wish you a good morning, afternoon or evening wherever you are.
Until next time… Ciao!

Time To Play Catch-Up

 

 

"If I've learned one lesson from all that's happened to me, it's that there is no such thing as the biggest mistake of your existence. There's no such thing as ruining your life. Life's a pretty resilient thing, it turns out." (Sophie Kinsella)

Hello, my lovely friends!

 

    It feels like forever since we had a sit down grab a cup of something hot and let’s have a chat. Of course, I have nothing hot because you all know I’m writing this late at night (I’m such a night owl). 

 

     Our Christmas and New Year’s rollout was definitely a departure from the usual script—a "unique" experience that was about 10% holiday magic and 90% high-stakes grocery store survival. Because we decided to source the entire Christmas feast a mere 48 hours before the big day, the stakes were high and my confidence was low. I marched into the store on a mission for Prime Rib, only to find the inventory dwindled down to two lonely roasts and one very indecisive man. He was hovering over the meat case, debating options with his wife on the phone while I stood there doing my best impression of a casual shopper, secretly praying he’d either vanish or opt for the massive five-rib monstrosity. The moment he turned his back, I pulled a total tactical maneuver, snatched the perfect two-rib roast, and beat a hasty retreat before he could change his mind.

 

The rest of the shopping trip was a similar exercise in "making it work." After a fruitless search for a cheesecake, I decided that a frozen pecan pie was a perfectly acceptable, if slightly icy, substitute. Back at home, the festive spirit was leaning heavily toward minimalism since we had hardly any decorations up, but I wasn't about to let the holiday pass without a bit of flair. I went all-in on the kitchen table, breaking out the Christmas tablecloth and the full spread to prove that even if the tree was missing, the spirit (and the stolen Prime Rib) was very much present.

 

     I managed to drag the tree into the TV room, though it’s currently standing in its naked, undecorated glory like it’s waiting for a bus. As for the gifts, let’s just say the wrapping paper stayed on the roll; we’ve officially transitioned to the "three giant gift bags" method of holiday distribution, which is far more efficient and significantly less likely to result in paper cuts.

    The real magic was in our refusal to move. We stayed firmly planted in our festive pajamas all day, curating a private marathon of those TCM holiday classics I’d been hoarding on the DVR. It was a blissfully quiet celebration, exactly the kind of low-key repeat performance. I do think I mentioned all that to you last year. 

          

    New Year’s Eve was a whole different beast. By now, you’re likely well-acquainted with my "dedication" to The Twilight Zone—though if we’re being honest, let’s just call it the full-blown obsession it actually is. With two different channels running 48-hour marathons, I had to make a strategic choice. I tethered myself to the Syfy broadcast, mostly because that’s where my fellow "Zoners" on Twitter congregate. We’ve been digital comrades for at least five years, though some of those friendships go back even further into the dimension of imagination.

 

    The evening’s menu usually follows a strict protocol of Chinese takeout, a tradition my sister initiated years ago. However, my mom wasn’t exactly feeling the vision this time around, probably because we’d already done a Panda Express run during a shopping spree earlier in the week. We pivoted to the next logical pillar of holiday health: Pizza Hut. It wasn’t the usual tradition, but a mountain of pizza and chicken wings is a pretty solid consolation prize while you’re busy questioning the nature of reality.

 

    So, how did everyone actually survive the holiday gauntlet? Whether you spent the last few weeks dodging awkward family questions or successfully achieving a world-record-breaking hibernation, I hope you’ve emerged relatively unscathed. Now that we’ve officially stumbled into 2026, I’m curious if the "new year, new me" energy has actually kicked in or if we’re all just collectively squinting at our calendars in disbelief.

 

    Speaking of fresh starts, have you actually committed to any grand resolutions yet, or are we still in the "thinking about thinking about it" phase? I’d love to hear if you’ve mapped out some ambitious goals to conquer the year or if your primary objective for January is simply remembering to write the correct year on your paperwork. 

  

I’m so grateful you spent a bit of your day here with me. I hope the rest of your morning, afternoon, or evening is filled with little moments of joy and a whole lot of cozy.  Take good care of yourself, and I’ll be looking forward to our next chat!