We're Only Divided On TV

I have to say, I have never been more convinced of the way the media is working to manipulate and control the public in an effort to divide us. 

Traveling this year (and every other trip I've EVER been on), all I've observed and experienced is people helping people. All ethnicities, modes of clothing, skin colors, genders, and whatever else you can see that differentiates us as humans. People opening doors for each other, picking up dropped items, carrying bags up or downstairs for individuals who appear to be struggling...this happening in airports, in the subway stations and on the streets in NY, in restaurants, in taxi cabs, "No, after you" at a door or escalator, everywhere! 

This post is not to dismiss the very real issues happening in specific areas of the world, but I have to wonder what the real numbers are versus the way the information is being reported.  I absolutely believe that people are basically good, and the masses make up those numbers. When tragedy strikes, we don't see reports of first responders and good samaritans rushing to help to ask, "What is your religion?" or "Are you gay or straight?" or "Sorry dude, you're black/white" before extending a hand of allowing them in a rescue vehicle. 

Just such a clear realization as I continue to look around me and see people helping people, loving people, and smiling at people.

Happy 17th Birthday Mason!

Mason turned 17 this week, how is that possible? I know it is, but I don’t have to like it. The truth is, I don’t like it but not for the reasons you might think. It’s not that I miss his sweet little-boy voice, or his funny kid logic (he still has that!), or the way he used to hold my hand or want to cuddle and watch tv. I absolutely miss those things, but parenting a teenager is hard! They are following their natural evolution to separate from their parents, to develop their independence, and to find their sense of who they are outside of us as their trusted guardians. It’s interesting that they are now trusting us to let them go, to let them fly and fail. These processes don’t always go smoothly! LOL! I can laugh in this moment, but there are times it's not funny. We are yelling, crying, saying not-so-nice things to each other and all because it's hard for them to pull away and it's hard for us to let go. The Irony is that they want to be away from us and we want them to fly, it's just the human condition, we are emotional so it's not easy.

With that said, I love this kid, I love him with all that I am. It’s different than romantic love but as intense for sure. It is this time in life that I recognize the constant questioning of Dave and I is his ability to question authority respectfully. He speaks his mind and has the ability to articulate his feelings when they are good and when they are not happy. How many 16-year-olds do you know that will sit face to face with their military father and say, “ I know you’re dealing with tough things, I know you’re dealing with your aging father and a teenage son. I’m sorry for what I contribute to your grief. But if you are going to go to counseling, I want to go with you. I know your things are much bigger than mine but that doesn’t make my challenges nothing. If we can go together I believe we can come out stronger.“ Holy shit! I didn’t even know what to say. Full disclosure, those are not exactly the words Mason used, but darn close. I think Dave would testify to this. 

It doesn’t matter if I got it exactly right, the fact of the matter is his intention was and is to be united. He’s an incredibly mature soul and I know he’s going to succeed wildly whether he chooses to be an auto mechanic or the President of the United States. I hope he doesn’t choose the latter, because my family has such a colorful history, I can’t even imagine the fun the media would have.    

Happy 17th Birthday Mason,
your dad and I adore you. I know this last year has been rough but it’s 2020 son, what can I say? I do love you, I know you know. I hope your day was good.

I Love Being A Boy Mom

I love my son and I was over the moon when I had this baby boy. I fully expected we would have another baby and I won’t lie, I wanted a girl. When I realized another baby was not in the cards, I would make jokes about putting cherry dresses on Mason and dressing him in girls' clothes before he was old enough to know what I was doing. I didn’t do it!! LOL! 

Ultimately I’ve learned that my relationship with my boy is crazy wild fulfilling. Mason will get a pedicure with me, and as you can see here, I love going to Pick and Pull with him. We cook together and celebrate holiday traditions. 

Mason‘s dad is not as mechanically inclined (that’s not a diss, he totally could do it he just doesn’t want to.) as I am and now that’s something Mason and I share. Mason is currently working on restoring a 1983 Toyota Celica Supra and I think that’s super cool. 

There comes a point in time when you look at what you think you want and you look at what you got, and you recognize that you did well. How many other areas of our lives can we see this? We think we wanted one thing, we got something else, and it was perfect. He will be 17 years old tomorrow! Where did the time go?

And for a taste of the roller-coaster that my life can be sometimes...

This was one-day last week - it took the energy of a whole week in my work life! LOL!

My day today in real estate... 

Buyer this morning at 8 AM:  "How soon can we close? Are you sure title is closed today? Can we close tomorrow then?" 

Me - "Yes, title is closed but we'll make sure our file is complete and get things lined up tomorrow."

Buyer - "thumbs up"

11:15 AM: "How soon can we get in to measure for paint and carpet?"

12:45 PM: Live phone call -  "We want to cancel. We think there is something better out there." 

Me - "Wha? Huh? What? What did you say?"

Buyer - "I know it sucks, we only removed all contingencies yesterday so it's not been that long, yeah, bottom line, what do we need to do to cancel?"

Me - "Yes, all contingencies removed means what you need to do is close escrow. I'm happy to re-list the house for you." 

Buyer - "No, call me back with how we cancel."

Me to Sellers almost 5 hours later - "There is no easy way to say this, the buyers want to cancel."

Sellers - @#&((%6(%7)&#_@*!!

Me - "I completely understand."

One hour later (now almost 7 PM)

Buyer - "We're really sorry, we still want the house. Can we un-cancel?"

Me - "You're not canceled, I'm still trying to figure out the bottom line for you to get out." 

Buyer - "Oh no, we don't want out. Can we just pretend the earlier call never happened?"

Me - "We could if I had not spoken to the sellers. I'm sure they will be totally happy to just move on and close escrow this week."

Buyer - "Oh good, because we really feel bad, but are you sure we're not canceled?"

Me - "Yes, I'm sure we're not canceled. Are you okay?"

Buyer - Crying, can't talk. 

And that was just one part of my day!

This year we’ll have been married 19 years. I’m so super lucky that my guy still courts me, plans dates, tells me I’m beautiful, and brings me flowers. This is my favorite season of the year so it’s no surprise that our anniversary is November 9th and our wedding theme was fall leaves. 

What and/or who are you falling in love with?

This week was also so awesome because I got to share a meal with my two most longtime best friends. We were celebrating Jules completion of her PA education and testing from Yale University. We’ve been friends since I was 9 years old. 

I believe there are a few Masters degrees in that list of fancy pieces of paper as well, so Lauren and I bought her a fine bottle of bubbly to show her how freeking proud of her we are!! 

Julie and I met in the 5th grade and Lauren was in the 4th. I’m thinking we’ve all been friends for 42 years! How is that even possible? I don’t know but I feel so lucky to be in such incredible company.

Happy Fall!

Happy Fall! Some believe that we do not have a choice about how we feel, that we cannot choose to be happy when times are bad. I know we can. 

I know there are absolutely times that it’s completely appropriate to feel bad. Bad can be sad, angry, frustrated, depressed, and any other myriad of lower-tone emotions. 

To be living and stuck in any one emotion is not healthy, be it positive and happy or down and sad. A healthy individual moves between many emotions in the emotional tone scale as is appropriate for the specific situation. To be happy all the time is as unhealthy as it is to be in grief for an extended period of time. I’m not putting timelines on either of these hypothetical situations, but I am saying to stay in any one emotion is not healthy.

You Can't Have It Both Ways

We all need to realize this at some point. It usually comes later in life, but not always. Make the choice but understand with that choice comes the responsibility for the outcome. You can't live your life on both sides of the coin, "This is my choice, my life. It's not my fault." Nope, doesn't work that way. I love taking responsibility for my choices, it's the only way I maintain the ability to change them. 

By continuing to live quietly, one will never feel fully alive, one will not fully live. We don't have to all be extroverts shouting our stories, but we can all speak our truth without shame. Can we? Can you tell the whole truth about yourself without fear or feeling shame?

"I'm Helping!" It's What Makes Me Happy!

I’m only going to get one more “First Day of School” picture after this one. 11th grade, here he comes! 

Then this happened…

This week I helped a real estate client to consider another possibility for marketing her property. I helped another real estate client negotiate a request for repairs to have all contingencies removed. I spoke with another former client about how we can sell their house and then we discussed logo and website ideas for his new business. I helped a friend recreate her resume after a devastating layoff, I helped another agent find the right words to craft an offer for her new clients. Finally, it’s time to support a local restaurant and enjoy some time with friends. Things are good folks, things are good.

The Next Chapter For the Partaks

Dave, Mason, and I are getting ready to embark on a life-changing journey, a cross-country move to a place where we will only have each other. We don't know anyone in North Carolina but we will. I will likely not be a real estate agent in NC, but I've been working my side hustle for a number of months that pays me between $600-$1000 each month and I've been building my marketing and consulting business and it's starting to pay me each month as well. 

I believe making small changes in our lives can be life changing and making big changes, especially as we get older are life-shocking. I use the word shocking because I feel like when we get out of our routines, our comfort zones, we see how much life we still have left to live, we come alive in a new way that we tend to think is only for kids leaving home for the first time. 

There is still so much to do, to see, to share, and to experience. More than just a vacation, I want to see new places, taste new foods, shop in new stores, hike new trails, and meet new people. I want to live life all the way and it looks like we've finally created the financial freedom to do it. What does your dream life look like?

"Terms & Conditions"

Do you have “Terms & Conditions” that people have to agree to before you love them? I’m not suggesting you engage with people who are abusive, simply people who have different opinions and lifestyles than you do. What if you agreed not to discuss your differences and focused only on your similarities? It works! And really, who do you think you are to lay out a to-do list of requirements for someone to be welcome in your life? You must really be someth’n else! 

What Are Your Favorite Books?

If you had to put only the books you could keep in one box and you had to donate all the rest, what would be in your box? Here’s mine. Of course, I would want more books, but what if you really could only have a few? Could you enjoy reading the same books over and over? I don’t know that I could, but these would be some of my favorites. What are yours?

Weight Loss Challenge Results

In our last week of this weight loss challenge (#2 for me), I’ve been feeling like I blew it. My life has been as busy and crazy as it’s ever been, and today is the first day I didn’t have to be out the door and running like crazy until midnight. I got up, had my coffee and while putting clothes away I decided to try on my “goal” shorts. To say I was surprised would be an understatement.

With that said, it made me see that by continuing to practice the good habits I’ve committed to, taking my supplements, and using the fiberwise, my body is still changing and the weight is still slowly coming off. Keep in mind, I’ve been eating what I want, but so much less of it. 

In the photo this morning, it’s not pretty but I’m not wearing a tank-top of any kind, my shorts fit on just me. I’m actually looking forward to taking measurements on Monday. Stay the course friends, it’s working even when you don’t feel like it is. 

Kitchen Update - It’s not done but it’s SO super close. This is just one comparison but with two finishes. The kitchen sink area and the far end section of the countertop had not been finally sanded and finished with the ultimate top coat. I do like the wet look, but the durability of this product makes it worth going with a more natural-stone look. You really have to see it in person to appreciate how gorgeous it really is.

Our WHO Trumps the What Every Time!

What a wild ride it’s been! From camping at Bullard’s Bar, distance learning started for Mason at Placer and it’s working, to some time in Reno with some of our favorite people, to adventures in Real Estate, wrapping up with a wedding on the record-breaking, hottest day of the year! Yesterday it was 111 in Sac breaking their 1920 record of 108. Oh, and the day before yesterday, our AC died. 

It’s been a really great week and despite the discomfort of the heat inside the house yesterday, I’m grateful for my people. Our friends who invited us camping and gave us a campsite, our friends who drove to Reno to spend time with us, my friends who trust me to handle the biggest financial transactions of their lives, the friends who allow us to be a part of their special day when guest list had to be limited, and especially the friends who come over within 30 minutes of my call on a Saturday morning to service our AC. When he couldn’t fix it yesterday, he kept working and found something that would get it running until it can be fixed tomorrow - he was here at 7:11am (on a Sunday!) and it was on at 7:29. 

We’ve heard it a million times, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” 
Yes, the WHO in our lives trumps the What every single time. 

When the Whole is Tossed Away Because of One Point

Happy National Girlfriend's Day Jules! (August 1, 2020)

Remember when we took that "Thelma & Louise" weekend trip to Nashville? We road-tripped to the National BBQ Championships in Lynchburg, we found our "world's biggest ball of string" at The Old Stone Fort, we didn't dance enough but we drank too much! How did we do all the things we did in those 72 hours? Ah, to be young again! Circa 1999

It’s all just so sad. Relationships are being destroyed needlessly. I realize there are problems but giving ultimatums to people who have lived 60, 70, 80, and 90+ years, working hard, being kind, and sacrificing is not the way to bring them to your way of thinking. I mean really, does one subject (racism, civil rights, presidents, political parties, abortion, etc) make up the whole? If I’m pro-choice does that negate that I feed my neighbors, raise money for my community, support our veterans, and give to nearly every charity that asks? We are all good people. When you dig your heels in on one subject, think about the cost. It might be higher than you think. Even my 16 year old has said, “Hey, even if we don’t see eye to eye on some of today’s issues, I still hold you in high regard and respect you.“ Doesn’t it make more sense to stay close to people and continue to have the opportunity to share your thoughts and feelings and educate?

 

This meme spoke to me today and as I said today in an email reply, “Thank you for letting me know how you feel. I will not be meeting the requirements you outlined for our relationship at this time. Should the situation or your feelings about it change, you are both welcome in my life just as you are. I love you both deeply, be well."

This was in reply to a 16-page letter, typed in 10 pt font, single-spaced That spelled out not only why I’m racist, but that I buy into dismissive positivity, why the positive things I believe are completely wrong, in addition to links to videos, links to articles, and an entire page of references to where I can find the truth. It ended with a long list of all the things I have to do and ways I have to change to continue to be in a relationship with this couple. In essence, I need to agree and get on the bandwagon that they are on regarding racism and specifically "white fragility.”  If you’ve read the book or know anything about it you will know that there is not one single thing you can say that would not be “predictable” because you are white and “privileged.” 

 

 I’m just soaked with sadness about this... all of this. 

A Love Hate Relationship With My Hair

I’ve had a love/hate relationship With my hair my entire life. Having naturally curly hair means you never know what it’s going do from one minute to the next. I’ve had days where my curls were absolute perfection, so much so that I called Monica my photographer friend to take pictures of me because my hair looked so good. Sadly, I’ve had more days that I grabbed a ball cap and didn’t even try. 

Here we are today and after switching from my very expensive salon shampoo and conditioner to a far less expensive, but in my opinion higher quality product, I have more “call Monica” days and fewer ball cap days. And the product I’m using now is less than 25% of the cost of the expensive product.

This note about my hair and shampoo on the heels of getting in bed last night after 3 am. I slept in the bed on the back deck taking in the starry night sky. It’s been a week, really a tough week. I persevered and with help, I got the cabinets and countertops finished. I need to adjust a few doors, and I need some additional hardware, but they are refaced, sealed, and in place. That early morning, I took a shower and slathered on some Sesame body oil, and fell asleep outside. It was already a new day so I saluted a sunrise that was just a few hours away. Thank you Jen Thilmony and Mason for helping me over one finish line.

Tubing and Toasters!

I told Dave if he wanted a Day-Vorce, he didn’t need to kill me on the tube and make it look like an accident. No Dateline episode necessary, just tell me he wants out, give me half of his stuff, and pay me for the rest of my life and I’d let him go. LOL!! He dumped me off the tube and scared Mason so much he started swimming to where I was in the water to make sure I was okay. Of course I’m kidding about the Day-Vorce, but it was sweet to see Mason genuinely concerned about me. Theresa got some air, too! She about took Mason’s head off! And the old guy’s still got it! And, he can still get up on the wakeboard, too! Way to go Flower Dave.

Today I showed property, met with new sellers (a personal referral), and continued the kitchen remodel. We wrapped up the day writing/submitting an offer for friends who want to buy here in Auburn, having chicken wings and drinks at Lucky J’s and Pistol Pete's Brew & Cue. 

Thank you to my close friends who refer me business and those who trust me to handle their real estate needs. It’s a big deal and I am so grateful.

Finally, there is my goofy kid who stacks a toaster on cork trivets, on a TV tray in front of a LARGE dog door!! What on earth was he thinking? LOL!

Best Thrift Store Find Ever!

I think I landed my best thrift store find of all time, and those of you who know me, know I’ve found some good ones. This one is a brand spanking new Brighton Barbados Hobo ziptop bag for $38. It had never been used!! This bag is not seasons old, it’s new. Clearly whoever had it didn’t like it and the thrift store didn’t know what it was either. I was so excited but I did tell the shop owner that it was a $315 brand new bag and she smiled and said, “Good for you honey, you just scored and I appreciate your honesty. Enjoy your new bag.” Loving me some good karma coming back my way. 

 

Crazy, busy productive days this week. The rest of the concrete countertops were put in place and now we need to seal them and reassemble the kitchen, which means finishing the cabinets, redoing the floor, new light fixtures, and... Concrete is not as fast as store-bought or custom granite countertops, but they are so unique and so cool that I think they’re worth the wait. And then these boys did a thing... Yes! Those are Father & Son Mullets. Yeah. Please, LET the sun go down on me!!!

We managed to get in some boating this week, too. It’s the respite that makes the long days of hard work seem not quite so hard. This trip was with Tanya and Jakary, always so much fun!

Waterfalls and Barbeque!

This speaks to me on so many levels. As a woman, as a parent, and as a citizen to name just a few. Read it a few times and see how or if it resonates with you, too. Thoughts?

“Life is simple. Everything happens for you, not to you. Everything happens at exactly the right moment, neither too soon nor too late. You don't have to like it... it's just easier if you do. As long as you think that the cause of your problem is “out there”—as long as you think that anyone or anything is responsible for your suffering—the situation is hopeless. It means that you are forever in the role of victim, that you’re suffering in paradise. You are your only hope, because we're not changing until you do. Our job is to keep coming at you, as hard as we can, with everything that angers, upsets, or repulses you, until you understand. We love you that much, whether we're aware of it or not. The whole world is about you.” 

Byron Katie

We headed north to Black Mountain, Blowing Rock, Boone, and Lenoir. We spent some time on the Blue Ridge Parkway (Crazy Gorgeous!) and stopped for a spell at Linville Falls. We hiked the moderate trail and in true North Carolina fashion, we got soaked with a summer downpour. We were wet but not cold, it was spectacular to be hiking, hearing and feeling the power of the falls, and then to be back at the car drying off at the open trunk of the rental car. I’m glad I had my new favorite hat! 

It’s been beautiful and informative but the plan still keeps changing. We’ll be home on Friday, what are the plans for July 4th? 

Our final meal in Charlotte, some of the best barbecue food we’ve ever eaten AND we finally filled Mason up! Dave and I ate here two years ago and it’s as good as we remember. We also got to have drinks by the pool today, it was bliss. We're so glad to be home, we missed our boys and our people. Until next time N.C.

I Won!

It’s been a while! Earlier this week I was buying paint at ACE Hardware when the cashier asked me if I wanted to enter to win the toolbox. I smiled and said, “Why yes, yes I do. Just know, I’m going to win.” She smiled and said, “Okay honey, just your name, and phone number.” When I went to pick it up the next morning I asked her, “Do you remember what I...” “YES! You’re the one who said you were going to win!! WOW!” This is a great way to start the week.

We sent Dave on his way to drive to North Carolina where Mason and I were to meet him on Friday. As Dave had a delay in his travels, Mason and I encountered a hiccup as well. We casually missed our flight, if you can imagine "casually" missing a flight. Our flight was scheduled to depart at 11:15 in the morning and we were sitting at our gate at 10 AM. They changed the gate and I didn't get the memo. I take responsibility as I didn't tune in to see if there were changes. When I realized our flight had departed Mason went to check with a Southwest Agent and she just said she was sorry, but there was nothing she could do. Mason explained that Dave was driving from CA and we needed to meet him, he politely, but persuasively urged her to see what she could do. She looked again and noted that she could get us on a flight for Baltimore, but we could not get to Charlotte until tomorrow morning. He thanked her profusely and off we went. Way to go Mason! Talk about a wild ride! Dave's car broke down in Montana to the tune of ($1200) and additionally, we had a sizeable bill to repair the boat trailer ($1000). I've been working my fingers to the bone on the house and of course, there is real estate (which is fun!). Finally, Mason and I landed in Maryland but we were supposed to be in North Carolina. 

Friday was Dave's birthday and he had to spend it in a fleabag hotel where the pool is so green there are frogs living in it. Mason and I were faring better in the lodging department but we weren't comfortable there for very long, we were back at the airport at 6 AM the next day to catch a flight to North Carolina. Since I had been working since we landed and it was 1:15 AM (10:15 CA time), I headed to bed because even though I wasn't super tired, the alarm would be going off just a few hours later. 

On Saturday we all three connected in Hendersonville, North Carolina within 45 minutes of each other. Amazing that with both delays, we made it happen so easily! We are staying several nights in this gorgeous tiny home (thank you Jeff Greiner) in a little park called, Simple Living. We tootled Lake Lure, saw Chimney Rock Falls (Yes, I said it because that IS what it looks like, not a chimney at all!), and realized Rutherfordton is not the town for us. Dave and Mason went out for dinner while I hit a wall. I don’t know how many nights of 2-3 hours of sleep caught up with me and I was punchy. I was cracking myself up with jokes that Dave and Mason kept saying weren’t funny, but they were laughing out loud! Like the one where Mason said, “Hey look! There’s a pet store...right next to a gun/ammo store.” I quickly added, “In case you need to eat.” LOL! or not.., I stayed behind and took a much-needed nap.

Upon their return, Mason proceeded to crash while Dave and I sat outside marveling at the fireflies. Pure bliss. 

This had to be the weirdest birthday ever for Dave, but truth be told, adventures with my guys make my life so freeking interesting and fun, I wouldn't trade it for the world! Until tomorrow when we hopefully get to swim in our first (of many!) waterfall swimming holes.

What Color Is My Hair Really?

I’ve colored my own hair for years. I’ve also been to the salon and had it done for me on occasion, but it’s really expensive. Dave has teased me that I don’t even know what color my hair really is and I wouldn’t know if I was going gray like so many of my friends who’s gray is growing in like a skunk stripe. It made me wonder if he was right so I’ve been watching more closely and by more closely, I mean looking at my new growth in a 40X magnifying mirror! Yeah, no one really should look that closely, but I’m here to tell you, I am not “skunk stripe” gray by a long shot. I have a few gray hairs here and there but I’m really not going gray yet. I will say this though as it pertains to the 40X mirror, you look and see things you don’t want to see but with my menopause-memory as soon as I see myself in the normal mirror, I totally forget what I just saw magnified. LOL! During the SIP I took the quiz and signed up for eSalon hair color and I’m tickled with their products. Their system is easy and so affordable.

 


Here are a few more of the things we've done around the house while we've been sheltering in place. I love that Mason had the confidence to paint the handrail in the backyard. I love it!

We Must Speak Up If We Expect Real Change

Black lives matter, they absolutely do. This prejudice of people of color has got to stop. It has been going on too long and it’s clear if more white people do not speak up, show up, and stand up, it’s not going to stop. I’d say that’s pretty clear based on the 1960s to today. If George Floyd had to lose his life for real change to happen then I hope his family feels like it was not in vain. It was not okay and I’m so sad it happened but if real change comes...then he will not be just another statistic. ❤️

I was talking with Dave about how I was raised by racist parents but my mom and dad would tell you adamantly that they were absolutely not racist. My dad would tell you he wasn’t racist because he had a black friend. Yes, one (maybe more, I don’t all the way know, but I do know of one). And my mom was less obvious but if there were black people walking down the street, she would tell me to lock the car door. She also made it very clear that I was to never date a black guy. Her explanation was that it’s not a good idea to mix races. I shake my head when I recall these, “talks.”

I’ve made very deliberate and conscious attempts to undo that thinking and it’s not an easy thing to do. It starts with being aware of the unconscious conditioning. Mason has been set up for equality success far better than I ever was and if that’s the only thing I do well as a parent, I’ll take the win. I’m so proud of my little foothills town for speaking up, showing up, and standing up tonight - peacefully to send the message that this just has to stop.

Mason and My Granny

Today is a new day. I fell asleep last night watching a program on the top 10 songs of 1985, my “good old days.” I feel better today because I am choosing to feel optimistic. I was crying last night and Mason said, “Mom, you are safe. This too shall pass, it won’t end racism but hopefully, this will help improve things.” Really? From my 16-year-old son? WOW! The most touching part was him saying, “this too, shall pass” as that was what my granny always said. He was born after she passed and it’s always been the little sad part of me that they did not get to know each other so for him to say that last night was kind of like she was there. Today, I choose optimism, I choose hope, I choose love, and I choose happiness.

Oh, and I choose protein over carbs! LOL! Here’s another great way to eat dinner with Dave and Mason and even have what they are having when it’s not on my plan.

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad - 

1 burger grilled with cheese

2 slices of bacon crumbled

1C lettuce

1 TBS minced red onion

1 tsp pickle relish

1 TSP mustard (dressing)

Where Do The Years Go?

This was 20 years ago... WOW! 20? How can that be possible? It doesn't matter, I love him more today than yesterday although I am not sure how that is possible. We've seen some tough times but honestly, so very few in comparison to all the fun and laughs we've had. I'm grateful every day for you Dave and so thankful that you came home to us. It’s not our anniversary! LOL! It was just that long ago the picture was taken. This is one of our engagement photos, although we were already married during our "engagement." Marrying you was one of the easiest things I've ever done and absolutely the best.  

💘XOXO💘

Vitamin D Deficiency May Be Linked To COVID-19

I've posted several times about how I've been tuning into my health and improving it with supplements; one of the key ones is Vitamin D. (Thank you Jody Skoczylas-Summers!)

I had it measured in January and it was 27 (on the very low side of normal). I started a supplement in February and this month had it tested again and it's up to 54. Sutter shows normal between 20-80. 

Honest to goodness I notice if I forget to take this particular supplement for more than 2 days, I can actually feel a bit of the pep-in-my-step is declining. It's not called the "feel-good vitamin" for nothing. Additionally, it's good for all of these things, too!

*Immune health, 

*Reduced inflammation, 

*Improved mood with both depression/anxiety,  

*Reduced flu risk, 

*Decreased cancer risk, 

*Increased energy, 

*Better sleep, 

*Bone health, 

*Supports lung function, 

*Regulates insulin and blood sugar levels, 

*Healthy gene expression, 

*Healthy teeth/gums, and 
*Improved heart health.

Check out this article about vitamin D and the link to surviving C19.

With that, here is another easy, delicious creation for dinner tonight for my weight loss challenge -

Pesto Garlic Chicken Skillet

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 TBS Spike Seasoning

2 TBS olive oil

8-10 cloves of garlic

1/4C water

1/4C pesto 

1/2 cup grated cheese (your choice)

8 oz pkg fresh mozzarella 

10 lg leaves of fresh basil

Preheat oven to 400. 

Split each chicken breast longways. Over medium heat, heat 1 TBS olive oil in a cast iron skillet and sprinkle 1 TBS of Spike Seasoning in the oil while it heats up. 

Add the 4 pieces of chicken to the hot skillet and season the chicken with the remaining 1 TBS of Spike. 

Cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken crisps and releases from the skillet. Flip and cook the other side for 5 minutes. 

Remove chicken from the pan and set aside. 

Chop the garlic and add to the hot skillet and sauté until brown and tender. Add 1/4C water to deglaze the pan. 

Add the chicken back into the skillet, spread the pesto on each piece of chicken, and sprinkle the grated cheese on chicken. 

Put the chicken in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes. 

Remove skillet and add fresh mozzarella to each piece of chicken and return to the oven until the cheese is melted. 

Turn the oven to broil and watch while the cheese starts to brown and remove from the oven. 

Let the skillet rest for 5-10 minutes, and add the fresh basil. 

When serving, remove one piece of chicken and use a spoon to scoop some of the sautéed garlic pan sauce to drizzle on each serving. Enjoy!

Note - my boys ate this and wanted more. I offered them to add tomato sauce and they said it didn’t need it. 👍 Total meal win!!