Grumpy to Grateful

Hello everyone! I will just say that I have been a grump lately! LOL! All my health issues, personal issues I do not share, and life in general has led me down the "Ms. Grumpy" path or "Mrs. Grump" my husband would say. I know it isn't becoming.  JUDGE FREE ZONE here. :)

Today, I had to really FORCE myself to see the silver lining in our current situations. So, after some time in prayer, reading some verses, and trying to force myself to stop sulking... I just said enough is enough. Let's fine some fun today and be joyful no matter the circumstance. 

Shall we say... I had to give myself a good ole kick in the rump and practice being grateful no matter...

What really helped me?! Well, I get a typed pen pal letter monthly that comes with a beautifully themed postcard, sticker and a positive letter. This right here lit my day!!!

I love pen paling and I love handwritten or special letters. This month's theme hit me right in the heart. I needed it!!! Oh, how I would love to have more real-life pen pals where we share recipes, positive encouragement and uplifting messages. :)  I AM SO THANKFUL FOR THIS TIMELY LETTER!

I NEEDED NATURE and when I say NEEDED, I mean it. I took a slow little jaunt around our local nature trail. I just truly walked slow, breathed deep, and listened to the birds. 

Letting the sun hit my face, feeling the breeze of the light wind, and hearing the birds in the glory did my soul good. I am very THANKFUL for this little local path that is easy and accessible for those that can't walk long and hard trails. This gave me just what I needed. It put a pep in my step. 

I am grateful for donuts. MY FUN thing for the day was to treat myself to a donut after my walk. I actually stopped by the donut shop on the way and saved it for my treat after my walk. 

I always use my Merlin Bird Sound App on my walks and hikes. I was recording and the app picked up the bird of the day (which is rare for me to actually catch on recordings) and it was so neat to catch this birds sound. I didn't see it, however. Today, I did record the LOUD Black Crow, Wood Thrush, and Carolina Wren.

I am so grateful for birds. I love birds!!! I am grateful to have been able to be outdoors. 

I ended my evening with some diamond painting!! 

 

Yes, that is some greek yogurt and fruit. My dessert. :) I thought I would balance out the donut with steamed zucchini for dinner and this for dessert. LOL!

I am thankful to my mom for introducing me to diamond painting. 

This has me thinking.... While I am in my "taking it slow" era due to health that I want to be intentional to find things I am grateful for because my situation could always be worse. I also want to do something a little joyful or fun each day I can. 

You may see me post more on this during this week!

Until next time, 

Chrissy T

Making the Best of It...

Hello everyone. Thursday was one of the "better days" I have had in a long bit.

(INSERT- I am not getting updated reading list for the blogs I follow. Is anyone else experiencing this?)

I started the day with some sunlight (my Vit D is low) and a yummy yogurt bowl. I am trying to eat cleaner.... YOU ALL I WILL NOT BE PERFECT AT ALL..... one little thing at a time. You will see below that I will not be perfect. 

I figure I will try to make my breakfast the meal I will focus on for now. Per doctor suggestions I made this bowl.

It was a nice sunny day! I forgot how much I love to eat outside. It was such a nice treat to do this today.

I also got to take a slow walk around the yard to look at some of my flowers and beds. They are in need of much love this year, but it simply will not be the SEASON for me to do that. I will do the best I can and there are always other years (hopefully) to have the put together pretty landscaping. This will not be the year. 

My grandmother loved Lantana. This is the first year I have bought it. I am excited to watch it grow.

After my outside time I was feeling a little winded and tired; mind you I had only been up maybe an hour. I am, however, trying to listen to my body and rest when it says so. I am listening to the whole Bible in 30 Days. After I listened to some chapters, I popped in blog land to check comments and visit some blogs.

Then it was time to get up and move a little. Due to the medications, I am on and the constant resting, preventing blood clots is a priority due to my medical history. 

I found this nice simple 10-minute chair exercise video for Seniors. No, I am not a senior. I often giggle because I always do senior videos; I find them enjoyable and easier on the joints. 

I really like this lady and here is the 10-minute video I did. Yes, it is easy and yes, it isn't going to change me physically, but I am doing it for circulation and light movement. 

This lady has more than just chair workouts and has them for many different ages and levels. I highly recommend her videos.

I had this light little snack pack for lunch. I normally do not buy these types of things, but I need quick little things to grab right now. It was actually very good.

I have been trying to eat more whole foods lately. This was nice though. I enjoyed it. 

I also paired it with some cucumbers sprinkled with nothing but the bagel seasoning. I love this time of year. I love tomatoes, cucumbers and fresh veggies and fruit. 

HAH! I wrapped (literally) my day up with a moisture sheet mask. I will tell you this was super hard to put on and still couldn't get it to line up right. It did however feel super refreshing to my face. 

So, as you can see, I am MAKING THE BEST of this RESTING thing. LOL! Eating better foods, refreshing mask, getting some sun and taking things light and easy. 

Anyhoo.. Until Next Time,

Chrissy T

Well.... I had to get out....

I had to leave our home today for someone coming to do some things in the home. I threw on a comfy dress (it is almost a moo moo) and headed to the library. I felt that would be a calm place to go and I could stroll easily and sit if needed. I could also hang out in my car as well. Our library is surrounded by beautiful trees, so it is a really calming place to park. I will be honest I am wiped out from it. I even had a random stranger ask me if I was okay and told me I looked pale and exhausted. LOL!! Well, it was true I suppose. 

I did check out a book and for the life of me I cannot remember the name of it. I know that is bad! Haha! I haven't really been able to read because I am so foggy brained but thought I would try to read it.  I have it in a book basket now so I will have to share the name of it later. 

I am also trying to wean myself off soda. I love a good coca cola. Sigh. Like daily! Sigh. It is more about the fizz than anything. I just feel like I need it. So, I tried this drink from Aldi called Waterloo. They have a lot of different flavors. I am usually not a fan of flavored sparkling water drinks, but I was so pleasantly surprised that this was so good. 

I think it is a nice healthier alternative to help myself wean off sodas. It is definitely not a coca cola, but it has a nice crisp fizz and a good flavor. It will have to do. 

I did some laundry, watered some plants, and rested today. I put some meatballs in the crockpot for Italian Meatball Subs for our supper. 

Do you like Sparkling Water? Curious if anyone does! If so, what are your favorite brands and flavors?

Until Next Time,

Chrissy T

Bed Resting~ Hot Flashes~ Shows Keeping Me Entertained

Well, I have been put on bed rest for a few days as we wait on my scheduled-out surgery in June. They are trying to get my hemorrhaging to slow or stop by me resting and taking medications. So, far it has not worked 100. I need to get my iron up to do the surgery, yet I need the surgery to keep my iron from dropping more. I am in a bit of a conundrum. 

Anyway.... it is so funny. Funny in the fact that there were years all I wanted to do was rest and do nothing and now that I am that place, I am anxious and do not like it. Oh, the grass is never greener on the other side, like we think sometimes, is it? LOL!

Me totally not feeling it today. I am posting for my memories. LOL! Basically, I will rest and take the medication and when my "flow" stops I can get up for light duty but if it starts back I have to get back to resting. SIGH!

So, what have I been up to, you ask?! Nothing... truly....

I have been watching lots of shows, listening to an audio book, and sleeping. I am so exhausted. I sleep around 10-11 hours a day at this point. 

Just now in the last two days I have been able to get up and cook some basic meals like tacos and spaghetti. I have had to utilize grocery delivery WHICH I DESPISE. 

One of the series I have been watching. It really is good and clean so far. It is hard to find clean shows nowadays.

I like dark mysteries as well. This has been a great series. I have been watching this show for years. 

If you are squeamish, Silent Witness, it is not for you! This is solving murders from a coroner's angle.

Another favorite I usually like is Brokenwood Mysteries. I just wish they didn't start pushing hidden agendas this season. It has always been a clean and nice show, but this season has been different. 

I do not normally sit around and watch so much on my computer. I do not have cable or anything. I watch stuff off my laptop with streaming, but I can't focus on reading. I can't really do puzzles or diamond painting in the bed. So, this is where I am at the moment. 

I have been doing a lot of research on perimenopause and menopause. Trying to research foods, supplements and other helpful things to help me during this time and to be prepared for after my surgery. I am pretty overwhelmed. I do not like to be put under. I do not like medications because I have so many sensitivities and allergies. 15 to be exact. Sigh. 

I have been watching Dr. Axe on YouTube for perimenopause and menopause information. I love his natural approach. 

I also have been watching Dr. Mary Claire Haver M.D. She isn't a holistic natural doctor, but she is very realistic and informational about hormone care.

Anway, not much really interesting in my world, but I want to post for posting sake and for myself. So, I can look back and remember this moment and season in my life. 

I am reading and learning more about certain healthy diets and supplements that I believe would be beneficial. I have really let my diet go in the past year due to all the symptoms I have been dealing with. So, I need to get back at better nutrition and slower paced living. I used to be this way when our kids were home and I was homeschooling, but I have lost a lot of discipline once the nest became "empty" or I wasn't responsible for the now young adults. I have not found a daily routine and rhythm without them and schooling, I don't cook as much as I used to, and I fill my days with stressing things to not deal with the fact the house can feel empty and lonely feeling at times. 

Empty nest season and then entering perimenopause has been very difficult for me. Lack of sleep, sugar and carb cravings, weight gain no matter how much I walked and hiked, hot flashes and sweats. Increased anxiety and mood swings. DID I MENTION THE HOT FLASHES!!!!!!!!!! The never ending sweating. Sick to my stomach from it. The aversion of meat I have. Constant long 30–40-day heavy periods. 

It has not been fun to say the least. Hopefully, there is HOPE around the corner at some point and until then I am going to try to see how I can make it somewhat tolerable by changing some things in my life. 

ANY TIPS would be appreciated!!!!

Yes, I am in my late 40's but my grandmother was 39 when she entered menopause. My mother was 48. It has become more and more common for women in their late 40's to deal with symptoms beforehand or even younger. 

Until next time....

Chrissy T

Happy Mother's Day

For all my USA and any other area readers that recognize Mother's Day on May 10th, 2026, I want to wish you a Happy Mother's Day! I know this can be a hard day for some but let us find some joy or peace no matter what the circumstances are. I pray you have a lovely day.

With Love, 

Chrissy T

Mississippi Petrified Forest

 

Hello all.  My husband and I took a little stroll at Mississippi Petrified Forest a bit back and amidst all the LIFE (check yesterday's post) I haven't shared the memories. So, today is the day. 

This is a piece of petrified wood that looks like a frog! :) 

All that on the ground around the tree is petrified wood. It is amazing how this is stone. So fascinating

. 

This little squirrel kept following us. LOL!

It was short 1/2-mile stroll. The weather was 70 and the sunshine was perfect. It was a beautiful day. We finished up with ice cream at a local ice cream place. I got German Chocolate Custard. It was super delish. 

Before our wandering we had lunch at new Italian restaurant, and it was fabulous. I ordered a new dish which I never hardly do. Usually, I stick with my normal favorites because it is usually safe and good. This time I ventured out and tried a pasta with sundried tomatoes, alfredo and rigatoni and bacon. It was delish. 

Thanks for popping in!

With Love,

Chrissy T

When Life is "Lifing!"

Hello everyone. It has been a week and two days since my mother-in-law passed unexpectedly and tragically away. I will not share details for personal reasons, but I will say that it has been a difficult time. Then two days after we buried her, her sister passed away unexpectedly as well. It has been a real hard time for Derrick's side of the family. In the midst of that I have had some serious health problems. I was standing for hours during the visitation, and I began to have female issues. If you are a consistent reader, you will know that I have anemia. Well, I began to hemorrhage which led to emergency care for this and many doctor's appointments and female biopsies. 

To say Life is LIFING is TRUTH here in this season of my life.

I have said that saying for years... way before I knew it was coined a modern slang. 

According to google...

Meaning of “Life is Lifing”

“Life is lifing” is a modern slang phrase that means life is actively happening — often in intense, unpredictable, or overwhelming ways — and you’re fully experiencing it, whether it’s joyful, chaotic, or challenging.

I will say I feel the chaotic and challenging part ever so much right now. 

I have to have a hysterectomy and I am terrified. I will be down for quite a bit and to be honest, my anxiety is through the roof. I know I try hard to keep this space positive, uplifting, joyful and encouraging. I like to post all our adventures and special memories. BUT THIS SEASON (look at my blog title) is different. All the plans I had for this spring and summer seem to be floating away. My new part time job has been put on the back burner because I can't even stand for long periods, walk down the block, or lift anything heavy because of my current hemorrhaging. My iron is dangerously low, so my breathing is labored by the simplest of tasks and my heart begins to pound just taking a shower. 

So, while I do like to keep my blog drama and "woe is me" free; this season I am rolling into is not void of that. We will have to roll into this next season and embrace it. I am sharing here because this is what my life looks like right now. I love sharing the good memories and all my fun goals BUT life is taking me on a different path. I will try not to share much about it all on the blog and my blog posts may seem a tad less interesting but for my sanity, comfort, and only form of creativity I will keep on posting as I can. 

With love,

Chrissy T