I AM ... DETERMINED

Hey friends!


It's hard to believe this year already. I saw a meme today that pretty much sums it up:

I'm 100% over this year. With all that's going on in the world - pandemic, politics, rude people, toilet paper hoarders, and spring breakers... I'm just over it. As important as I know all these steps are to "flatten the curve" - I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't VERY worried about the future - in general, but mine specifically! Good thing I AM... DETERMINED!

I'm determined not to let this new situation bring me down. Sometimes, easier said than done.

I had a rough one last week - tried to find inspiration and the podcast I chose had the host talking to his mom about growing up. I ugly cried. I miss my mom and would do anything to be able to have that kind of chat with her right now. His message was positive, but I was overcome with grief and didn't process it well. 

We got the news that parent's weekend was cancelled for my youngest who is at OSUT (basic training). I miss him and know that he's fine (he was able to call home and check in), but that added to my feeling of disconnection.

I bet you knew this about me - but I'm definitely an extrovert! I need my people time to 'charge my batteries'. But in order to do my part, it's me, the pups and the hubster. That's it. While I love my boys - sometimes you need some other people around. (Now y'all know why I have whole conversations with my dogs! I'm not crazy, I just need to get out more!) I'm always down for a chat, conference, or hike (while staying 6 feet apart) - if you're looking for some recharge time like I am.

So, to keep myself busy and DETERMINED:

💗I've just learned that TODAY Patrol Notes is live on Amazon! I'm so excited!! It took some patience and determination to get it done, dealing with an online publisher has it's own set of challenges. But when you put in the work, things get done! Get a copy, leave a review, and let's meet up so I can autograph your book. ;)

💙I've moved on to the next edition (Patrol Notes 1) - I know, it's out of order. I did that on purpose. I'm starting on the art for it this week. I'm not an artist, but I'm DETERMINED to let this book come from me (maybe with some more help from my sister).

💚Also, I'm still working toward a couple of events that haven't (yet) been cancelled or postponed - I'm hopeful that by late summer we'll be back to hitting up our favorite events, responsibly, and taking care of all the small businesses that need us!

💜I was gifted a fantastic new hobby - a Ukulele! (Yes, I'm a very lucky girl with the best peeps!)  I'm excited to start learning how to play and jammin' out some songs by the fire pit this summer. I'm DETERMINED to let this be the first instrument I can play! I always wanted to play, but growing up that was never in the budget. I sang instead. That was free.

💛Because I know how I get when I'm down, I've been making time to exercise and yesterday made arrangements to borrow a stationary bike from the gym where I teach. I did a 45 minute master class this morning and holy geez, I need to do that every day! What a fantastic way to start the day. Now, I need to find a spot to put my TRX suspension trainer up! I bought it for travel, but seems like having it at home is where I need it most! With no good doors to use at home (multi-level house without much room in front of the doors), I may need to install something outside on or around the deck. I'll share when I get it figured out.

💕The hubster and I have a few projects on the list to work on in the shop, and now that the weather is getting a little nicer, I'll get to spend some time in there creating, wrecking, and rebuilding. Replacing our 6-foot privacy fence is giving us lots of reclaimed wood to fuel our imagination! (That fence is another project we need some nice weather to tackle.)

How are you keeping busy and staying determined while practicing responsible social distancing? I'd love to hear any of your tips and tricks, activities, favorite shows and movies to binge, or healthy recipes you're making! I hope to have one or two to share with you SOON!

Until then,

Ciao for now!
<3  jen