How y’all doing? The news cycle is crazy. Stuff happening every minute. I highly recommend hitting a bookstore, preferably an indie store, and buying some books to improve the mood. Hey, the library works too. I avoid the news, never watch it, but a lot of my work is on social media so it’s impossible to ignore. But books? Books bring me back every time. We just have to take it day by day.

Right Now:

Church stuff and then later my MRI. Praying that the two remaining tumors are either totally gone or remained the same size. Also praying that the big sucker they took out last year is not coming back. It was attached to my skull and that portion of my skull was completely removed so hopefully it’s good.

This Week:

I don’t have any special commitments this week so the week is looking really good.

I do plan to either download one of those indoor walk fit apps. If you have a good one, let me know. Or, I will just throw the shoes on and head out with an audiobook. I’ve gained at least ten pounds since my surgery last year. Originally, I lost 27 lbs but I gained 10 lbs over this past month so I feel kind of puffy. Ick-ish. Need to get out and move. I was using the lack of my pup being able to go with me as an excuse but it’s time to do something.

Reading:

My book club discussion for Trust went pretty well. Plenty to discuss. My review is here, in case you missed it.

My review for Butter should be up soon. I really enjoyed it but it’s NOT a good book to read when you are gaining weight. Haha. A lot of food talk, I made the butter / soy sauce rice three times while reading it.

My review of Animal Farm is on its way as well. It was a re-read and there isn’t much new to say but heck, I will review it anyway.

So what am I reading now?

• Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
• Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips (March club pick)

Watching:

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Reading is okay but I can’t seem to focus on TV at all.

Grateful for:

• Even though I basically got tossed out of my in-law’s house for trying to help last weekend, I am grateful for the break. If they really need us, we will of course help but they are going to have to ask.
• Fun gatherings. I alway roll my eyes a bit when I either host a gathering or get invited to one, but nearly every time I enjoy the heck out of it. I am quite the extrovert but at the end of the week I am just tired. Whew.
• Spring-like weather. I can tell it is going to be an unbearable summer already. I mean, it’s February and it’s been hovering around 80 degrees. It is nice though right now.

That’s all I have. I will post an update on my MRI results when I have them. Have a fantastic week!

Good morning! The weeks just blend together, don’t they? Here we are, halfway through February. Already. We’ve had a little rain this past week. A good thing. Of course, when it rains I just want to stay at home, eat soup, and read my book.

Right Now:

Church stuff in the morning and then a visit to my in-laws later. I will have to skip the post church nap. I mentioned their failing health last week. It seems to be escalating. Lots of impromptu visits, lots of extra doctor’s appointments and physical therapy. Both of them want NONE of it.

This Week:

I am hosting book club this Wednesday and I have yet to read the book. This meeting just snuck up on me and I’ve had all these personal “events” to take me out of reading. I will get it read.

This coming Saturday a colleague of mine invited my husband and I to see Twyla Tharp at the Soraya. This is the performing arts venue on campus and it’s gorgeous.

I am going for some pre-bloodwork tomorrow in prep for my MRI this Sunday. It’s just a follow-up to make sure the two remaining tumors have not grown and that the massive one shows no regrowth after its removal. Pray for me! Wish me luck. All of it, please. I feel very good. They botched my contrast three months ago so the status of those two small tumors is unknown at this time. Hope they don’t botch it this time. I’ve never had someone look for a vein in my elbow. Seriously!!

Reading:

My book club read is Trust. I will finish it in time!! It’s pretty good. I’ve read about 50% so far.

Also reading Butter. Really enjoying it. Food talk and murder. I am so in. Except, I’ve added butter to everything lately because of the book and gained five lbs.

Also reading Animal Farm because a dictators and revolutions happen to be on my mind these days.

Watching:

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Reading is okay but I can’t seem to focus on TV at all.

Grateful for:

• The sound of crashing waves. I visited Manhattan Beach a couple of weeks ago and the sound of those waves is the best medicine.
• Plants. Some of my plants have grown so much that I transitioned them to outdoors and guess what, they hate me for it. BUT, I am trying to make it up to them by providing a little extra care. Of course I didn’t expect us to plunge to 36 degree temps. That was unexpected.
• The pup’s funny little personality and side eye. She is still here and let’s us know it. We follow her everywhere to do her bidding. Love every minute of it.

It’s been a week. Between the in-law stuff, a hectic project load at work, and just not sleeping great, I am not running at 100%. Nothing a good nap and a really good taco can’t fix.