NaBloPoMo Prompt #1

Prompt: What do you do when you're down to bring yourself a little joy?
It actually depends on what it is bringing me down. I've discovered that I cope with different things in different ways so I have a variety of pick-me-ups I may try...

• Take a nap: Sometimes things are better when I just sleep it off!
• Read a non-school book: Not that I don't LOVE my textbooks, but doing this allows me to escape, usually into a ridiculously fantasized world that ends with me rolling my eyes and swearing not to read anything from that author again. Thank you Book Bub.
• Take a walk with the dogs: This only works when the dogs are behaving but fresh air is definitely helpful, even if it contains a little city pollution.
• Laird: I love spending time with that kid, which I guess is good since I'm his aunt and godmother. Hopefully he continues to be a joy rather than growing into a pain-in-the-ass teenager! Even when I'm down his goofy butt makes me feel better.
  
• Drink a beer or a glass of wine with or without bubble bath: Sometimes a drink and a hot bath with epsom salts is the most relaxing thing ever...or just a yummy beer or giant glass of wine. I'm not picky.
  
  
  
  
• Talk about it: My poor mom has heard more than she's ever needed to, but she's an excellent "free therapist" and she usually makes me feel better. My actual therapist is awesome too, but she costs an arm and a leg.
• Get somebody something: I always seem to find some sort of pleasure in making or buying someone something they've wanted or may enjoy; I spend way too much at Christmas because I love seeing people's reactions to gifts but giving a random one gives me pleasure.
• Cupcakes.
  
  
• Watch a Hallmark movie: They're so bad that they're good, plus they make for an excellent distraction from whatever or whomever is upsetting me. Sadly, I watch them so often that I have preferred Hallmark movie actors/actresses!
• Boating/skiing/wake boarding/tubing/snowmobiling: Among other things, these activities make me feel better...actually, they usually make me feel damn good except when I face plant!
  
  
  
  
  
• My family & pets: If you know my family, it's self-explanatory, and I mean the entire immediate and extended ones. If you know my pets, well, they can be stressful but they love me unconditionally and are always happy to see me.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
• Hug my husband (or another loved one): I've never been a big hugger, but I've been told I give good hugs and sometimes, they do make me feel better.
  
  

What do YOU do when you're feeling down to bring yourself joy???

Six Things Saturday

I missed Five Things Friday...for several weeks now...but I felt the urge to publish something. I know I have family members who click on this page out of habit by now, so no need to completely disappear despite my overwhelming urge to run away and never come back.

1. I've been re-thinking what I want this blog to be about. I love to read others' blogs about fitness and running, mainly because they help keep me motivated, but I've realized that I personally have no interest in writing about that stuff. I genuinely don't want to share how far I ran yesterday, or how long it took me, or what I ate that will make others roll their eyes and tell me to just eat a burger already. I run, several times a week, but I run for my own personal health and not to impress anyone else. I believe beer and cupcakes are a food group, and regardless of the fact that I slave for 12 hours over people who are diabetic, artery clogged, morbidly obese messes, I have no intention of not eating things that make me happy. I just have to run longer to make up for it; totally worth the sacrifice. With all of that said, I'm still not sure what type of blog I want this to be, but I know it won't be a fitness or food one.

2. I received my first Stitch Fix a couple of weeks ago and ended up loving two of the items, a light sweater/jacket and a loose hippie- looking shirt. I meant to take pictures of both of them on me, but I'm not a fan of selfies and asking my husband to do it just opens up a whole new can of ridiculous worms. I will say that I've already scheduled my next Fix for Sept 20th and I'm looking forward to seeing what my stylist sends then!

3. I've rediscovered Pinterest. I forgot how many awesome pumpkin recipes appear on there and how many neat tattoos and outfits I end up loving. Plus it's an excellent waste of time considering I still haven't re-opened my Facebook account (go me!).

4. Our youngest cat is very photogenic and she has no problem posing for the camera. Enough said.

5. I started decorating for fall. I love fall. I especially love fall because the horrible humid heat starts to go away AND because it means everything pumpkin. For those who don't know, I LOVE pumpkin. Once I get back from vacation (which will be in a different post), I will begin my annual collection of pumpkins and gourds.

6. I did yard work today. That's right- I haven't mowed the lawn since I was a kid living on Harvey St but, while sitting outside enjoying a Dogfish Head beer, I made the snap decision to get sweaty and grassy. I also walked through a whole bunch of dog poop but at least the backyard looks good. I think even AB was impressed. Next time I get the urge I will wear gloves.