Life Update

Living with Chronic Pain has become so much harder lately. I know, many people live life, on the daily in chronic pain. It’s no wonder we have an opioid pandemic here in the USA. 22% in the USA alone, apparently. With modern medicine the way it is, why do we not have any other choice, other then masking the pain with a pill that tells our brain that we have no pain.

I started feeling pain throughout my body back in 2016. It started after I was diagnosed with thyroid disease. I don’t remember if it’s the hypo or hyper, but it’s the one where it’s nearly impossible to lose weight without starving myself.

That said, since Covid, I had lost 80lbs. Recently, I have gained 10lbs back. It’s very frustrating. Back to carb free living. I will be able to get back on track after the wedding.

For the most part, I suffer silently. The last thing people want to hear about is your pain. Mental, or physical. It has never bothered me personally listening to people share their pain, but I am aware that it’s not a topic people feel comfortable listening too, so I just don’t bring it up. Right up there with Politics, Money, and Religion. Also, topics that I don’t mind hearing people discuss.

I think having worse knee pain then before my knee surgery now, eight months later, along with back pain, I’m just at a point where I’m upset over it. Hence talking about it…

I just joined the gym again last week, and I am trying to force myself to swim and exercise 3x a week. It’s insanely difficult.

The hot tub always feels amazing for body pain (while you are soaking), but they never reopened the steam room, since Covid.

Speaking of Covid. I have had it three times now. All my kids have had it except for one of my daughters, which seems to be immune to it. She’s around it almost on the weekly. Her BF and friends have all had it, and she hangs out with them and just doesn’t catch it. Amazing!

I have recently hung out with someone who had it, and also didn’t catch it.

What else has been happening?

My slow living has for the most part, ceased. Not happy about that at all!

Something else I want to get back on track. I swear the Art of slow living should be a priority for everyone. There is something so life altering about living at a slow pace, doing things unbothered and Unrushed. Living in Slow motion. Maybe it’s because I’m turning fifty this year, but age is beautiful! A realization and feeling that this life is just temporary. Enjoying the grass under your feet. The sun on your face. The bird that flies by. Speaking of birds. I bought a ring that is a hummingbird feeder. I’m on the porch each day waiting for the hummingbirds to trust me. I have so many in the yard, and I know that one day soon, one will trust me enough to hand feed it.

I am Currently reading the book, The Art Of Rest.
Apparently they have this book in all the hotel rooms in Bali.
I was intrigued, so I bought it. It’s just taking me longer to read, due to lack of time that I have to read.
I don’t remember the last day that I didn’t need to leave my house. I long for the olden days… days upon days of being home.

Planning a big wedding has been amazing, and exhausting at the same time. If that makes sense.
I really had no idea what was all involved, having eloped, myself.
Still a huge fan of people eloping I think!
I think it’s because of my lack of organization skills that I once had.
If I was not working from my house and I had a supersized outdoor building I think there would be less chaos, for sure.
Having an online store of five thousand items, is bound to be chaotic. Everything is in bins, but is around me.
Not to mention my three daughters online stores and all of their belongings.. that said,
I would never want a brick and mortar store though. Nothing beats working from home. I just miss things being pretty, and orderly. Once my daughter moves in a couple of months, I will have a free bedroom to use as a work room. I see order in the near future.

Lastly, I plan to get back to funny conversation blogs soon. I have heard some interesting ones lately. And have been involved in many myself. Maybe it’s with age, or just because of how I dress and my goofy smile, but I’m still approached on the daily, while out and about.. I left social media to not have so many peoples conversations in my head space, but they really are all still there. Just in person now. Lol

Advertisement

Travel Time Again

It’s that time of the year again. We are planning a road trip. South Carolina, Savannah,Georgia, and then to St. Petersburg and Tampa Florida.

I have no clue why hotels have nearly doubled, so we are looking for a cottage to rent. Much cheaper.

I plan to do some Thrifting along the way, so hopefully I will have some more interesting conversations to share. Yes. Yes. I know it’s wrong to be sharing other peoples conversations for entertainment. 🤪

What else? We are off to try to find my daughter some prom shoes today, once the exterminator leave. She has two proms this year. Hence, two gowns and two pairs of shoes. She already bought two dresses. One is an ANTHROPOLOGIE and the other is a Ted Baker. Both pink!

I thrifted these really cool Nikes last night.

Size 8.5 I can’t wait to list them! They even came with their dust bag. I guess everyone is getting new tennis this time of year, as I’ve been finding so many good ones. Last week I found some mens Nike Air Force 1’s. I also found some Women’s Tods, that already sold. Lots of Cowboy boots with the Good year tire soles. Too bad no prom shoes.

I have started sourcing from Jomar this past month.

When I first started reselling, back in 1999, I sold toys and antiques. There is still a high demand for both, but my interests have changed, and I need to enjoy my work.

It’s so nice to find a source that delivers, that’s actually good. Currently I’m waiting for a hat box to arrive. When I thrift locally, I’m looking for bras, swimwear, nightwear, purses, quilts, and designer items. I’m fading away from hard-goods, as they are harder to flip and take up too much room. Not to mention wrapping breakables and hoping that they arrive in one piece.

I guess that is it for now.

It Has Begun

Construction 🚧

The eighteen acres smack in front of our house has been sold off to builders and they are ripping up the trees to build thirty-Seven houses.

The noise feels like city life. I expect there too be construction noise for the next year.

They can’t take six of our trees, which looks super weird. One big oak, and some smaller pines.

We had several persimmon trees that my kids grew up with, now gone. Feels sad, but life must go on.

I don’t have it all together

Anyone else?

I have always been the one that has all my ducks in a row, clean and organized home, with a snack tray on the dining room table with people coming and going.

Since working full time, among other things, that ship has somehow sailed off the map.

Things are messy! I may even use the word chaos this particular year.

I just finished Christmas shopping online and decorating the tree and house last night.

I use to be all finished with my shopping by mid- September. October at the latest. The tree and decorations would be all set up Thanksgiving week. And don’t get me started on the Christmas movies that have yet to be watched. I think I’ve only seem bits of one Hallmark movie at this point. I have not even bought Christmas cards yet, yet alone, mailed any.

My days are spent at doctors offices and physical therapist appointments. Throw in two days a week seeing a friend and going out to eat, it has not left any quiet time this season.

This past weekend we went to a Christmas play, parade, and Lights Festival, but it all felt so rushed.

I am looking forward to 2022. In all honesty, 2020 was great for me! Very relaxing and low key. 2021, not so much, but very good for my online stores.

None of this was even registering in my mind, how crazy it’s all been this year, until yesterday morning at church.

We walked into Sunday School. Late!

Everyone was casually talking about Christmas.

One couple went threw the Krispy Kream drive through asking for Christmas donuts and was told that they only have Holliday ones, but they cost more, so.

Another person was talking about the tornado of a mess their house is in. Christmas stuff all over the floors, etc. But everything is decorated and shopping has been finished.

Then I asked the the quiet couple ( homeschool family) how their weekend went, and have they started decorating with the kids yet.

The well spoken father answered me.

They finished weeks ago. House is completely ready for Christmas, including lights and decorations on the outside. Shopping has been done for several months. Gifts all wrapped and under the tree. Christmas cards mailed. Christmas movies have already been watched so they are looking for new ones to add to their holiday traditions. Basically, just taking time to soak in the Holiday.

As soon as I heard all of this I thought to myself, Wow! Dang! Oh my Goodness! You are Awesome! Lucky You!

And then… “Oh me! That use to be me. It really did.”

Everyone in class has younger kids then us. I have adults and teens now. Of course you’d think with an older group that my house would be immaculate, but my house was so much cleaner when they were little. Mainly, we ALL pitched in to help keep things running smoothly bank in the days. I really do miss those days.

Now, no one does much here. it’s like pulling teeth. And there is some stuff that I simply can’t do by myself anymore. Hence, it doesn’t get done.

Odd how this is the norm, in most families with teens. Or do I’ve been told.

With all that said, I know God is still good and has me and my family in his hands. There are seasons or order, but also seasons of utter chaos. I already know how it ends.

Today is a busy one. Doctors appointment, DMV for the kids, lunch with a friend, grocery store, and cleaning and working tonight.

Tomorrow is another day.

Hummingbird Moths

A delight to see this rare insect visiting my butterfly bushes this year.

They are on the larger side, so at first glance I thought it was an actual hummingbird.

Summer Festival & Shopping

It’s that time of year again. Nothing mind blowing, but as always, I do enjoy taking pictures and sharing.

Notice the No Dollar Store sign. I bet I was the only one supporting another dollar store. There are a lot of “fixed income” elderly people in town that also don’t drive. The more Dollar General stores within walking distance to these people, the better. Many do their week to week shopping at these stores because regular markets are just not in their budgets.

Downtown Festival

Kids don’t need dated bounce houses, they need a continuous Video games to make them feel as if they are at home. 🤣

The old local one screen movie theater that shut down in the 60’s is going to be reopening on the close future. It was very cool taking a tour of it.

On to the local Country store. aka’ antique store. This old puffy back is probably from the early 70’s, judging from the colors.

Someone had a ceramic shoe collection judging from the looks of this booth.

These 70’s Libby, Coca cola Tiffany stained glasses match a set that I currently have. I found myself be at the Goodwill for $2.

This praying beanie baby plush made my heart skip a beat, as it’s like the one my daughter received when she was only one years old.

This 60’s golden wheat plate set is like a set that I currently have up for sale. It’s always neat seeing things that I have.

These unique ceramic face mugs caught my eye. I love them.

I stop by to look at this old picture each time I’m in the country store. I try to imagine what this little ones life was like. And, why didn’t the family keep this framed picture of him.

This butcher block was amazing to see. A newer piece. So well constructed!

This vintage armadillo handbag has been on my way list to find, for many years. I’ve found gator ones, but never an armadillo. I want to find it for $5 to flip though. Like my gator bags!

Another one of my favorite booths to look in. That doll has been sitting there for at least six years now.

Buy me! Buy Me!

How about this duo? Do today’s kids ever know who Raggedy Ann and Andy are?

Old Makeup compacts are a soft spot with me. I did not in plus buy any this time because we have a road trip coming up that I’m budgeting for.

This Ester Lauder powder compact was full! Just a beautiful site to see.

I’m pretty sure they stopped making these in the late 80’s.

These are the type of things grandkids would get their grandparents for the Holidays.

Late 50’s or early 60’s vinyl and metal high chair of wheels.

Beautiful old quilt that I would have picked up to flip, had it been cheaper. I generally buy quilts for $6-15 and flip for $300.

This booth was stocked with cast iron pieces.

This wooden cat bird box was very cool. It was $79

This booth was new. This was the first time I came cross clubs. I bought a new set last year though, so we do not need any. Cool to look though!

Very old washing machine. My son was intrigued by it.

Pretty Oil painting.

Tropical Storm Zeta

I woke up to what I thought was going to be a productive day. I even made a list!

But then it got dark and stormy and we lost power eight hours ago.

So no waffles or doing the laundry today.

I called Bojangles and asked if they had any chicken and they thought I was kidding.

We took the drive and they said sorry, no power. So, no chicken!

We drove to another town and ordered Bojangles, only to be told it was cash only. The same thing happened last month at Chipotle. Cash only! yes. First world problems. I know.

Back at home and it’s nearly eighty degrees in the house. The storm is over but still no power or any info on when it will be returning. We also had a bunch of shingles fly off our roof. Home owners insurance is a joke, given the deductible, so it looks like we will be paying out of pocket like we did last year when the AC flooded the back room.

Here are a few snapshots that I took.

More vacation pictures..

Snapshots from yesterday. It was a lot of fun being trapped in all those mirrors with strangers, and no exit in site. Lol

My oldest and son also did a few hours sourcing. It was just meh, I found a couple pairs of shoes, yoga pants, and a sterling silver spaghetti scooper.

My son said the electronics were too picked over, and my daughter found a bunch of Lularoe pieces to sell.

On with the pictures:

And after being out from morning til night, I pampered myself with this new charcoal face mask. I was very pleased with the results. 😉

December part 1

Fall, in general, is always the busiest time of year for me. It starts off with three birthdays in October, and then carries onto another three in November. Throw in Halloween and Thanksgiving, Black Friday ….and then December is here.

My wedding anniversary is this month.

99% of my shopping has been done.

Children’s activities are in full swing, and the little down time at home that we have is spent on baking, decorating, and Christmas movies.

I’m not complaining, in fact, I love it. So much!

I can’t imagine a life without family things.

My kids are a huge part of my life.

I thought as they got older, it would start to feel somewhat empty. But I’m quickly realizing that it’s even more fulfilling.

I love being a mother so much!

I have never been able to relate to other mothers who complain about their kids, or look forward to having them in school, and not at home.

Of course this is the only life I’ve ever known. And my kids are extremely well behaved, and genuinely enjoy spending time with each other.

I suppose if there was arguing and fighting all day, I’d feel very different about family life.

I think we want to give our children the life we never had. And for me, it was two very absentee parents. So for my family life, stability and focus, has always been my number one priority. It’s important to me, for my kids to have the stability and unconditional love that I never had growing up.

And that’s all I’m going to share on that.

I need to get up out of bed and get motivated. I see that my daughter has left me a cup of tea next to my bed before she left for class this morning. ❤️

I’ve been laying here since 6am thinking about this coming week.

We leave in a few days for a mini vacation.

My husband surprised me with K-Love Christmas concert tickets, and I’m very excited. He’s very introverted and doesn’t like crowds, so this really was a true act of LOVE. ❤️

Moving on to some activities in pictures.

Our first snow! It’s been in the 30’s. ❄️🌨

Stunning picture of our American flag that I took in Greensboro, NC the other day.

North Carolina Snow Storm

So we have our first snow. ❄️😃

Headed out to pick up some staples. The stores have plenty of milk and bread, but what’s going on with the Sunny D shortage. 😳

Not that I buy it, just pointing it out. 😁

I went to pick up a DVD for the kids to have a marathon tonight, but it looks as if everyone had the same idea.

Got the last one, along with some snacks!

And I didn’t leave myself out.

Remember, all about balance. 😁

I also want to share, that wile out and about during this time of year, or really anytime of year… it only takes a second to steal someone’s bag, so I like to always hook it up in the child seat. Like so-Yes, someone can still grab it, but you will have time to interview with it fastened. ;)My cousin has had her purse stolen from Walmart twice this year, hence this use. Anyone getting any snow yet? 10pm update:

8am next day: