Tonight, while walking through Barnes & Noble, I overheard a woman say to another woman, “well, you know how old people hear music before they die…” I really wanted to stop her and say “What?” I mean, do old people hear music before the day? Inquiring minds want to know. If you know, let me know, k? Talk soon.

I found this on Facebook, and I thought it was perfect. If this isn’t plucky, then what is?
There have been times in my life when I’ve wanted to give up and a few times I came very, very close. When your own brain is constantly lying to you, it’s so easy to listen to those negative thoughts. I’ve gone down that spiral so many times. I don’t know where I’m going with this post… other than your brain lies, don’t give up. And cuss the entire time. I do, anyway.

Yesterday’s blog prompt was “What are you most proud of?” I’ve been giving it some thought, and I can’t narrow it down to just one thing. The first is graduating with an MBA. That was a big deal. But that was also two years ago, and the hard work, frustration, and tears are behind me. They are slowly fading into the distance. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still proud of that accomplishment, it’s just not the one that comes top of mind anymore.
When ask myself what are you most proud of… I think of the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion stuff that I’ve done at work. I’ve helped as a volunteer for multiple ERGs (Employee Resource Groups). I’ve planned virtual BINGO, and written newsletters. I’m a regional lead for the multi-cultural ERG. And then there’s the podcast. That’s what I think of most.
I’ve been a guest, producer, and marketing lead. I’ve seen this podcast go from an idea to a full-fledged podcast that can be found on Spotify, Apple, and Google. The growth of the podcast with the growth of the Pod Squad behind that podcast is truly inspiring.

My _____ story a diversity and inclusion podcast

Apparently I’m full of thoughts today. I’m going through a rough patch health-wise. I have chronic urticaria or chronic hives. Nearly every day of my life my entire body, including face, palms of my hands and feet has hives. It’s very difficult to live with. I’ve had every blood test they can think of and while a few things have been abnormal it’s not enough to point to and say “That’s it! That’s why you have hives!” So right now they’re idiopathic meaning no one knows why I have hives. I’m at a last resort so I’m pretty sure I’m going to try Xolair injections. They are once a month injections that should stop the hives. The biggest drawback is that it can cause anaphylaxis, anytime, anywhere. I’ll have to have an epipen with me wherever I go from now on… at least as long as I’m on the injections. I should probably call and start the process as it takes time to get approval from insurance which is just stupid. Send a pic of my face and they should approve then. Talk soon.

I was recently encouraged to start this blog back up… maybe I’ll keep up with it this time, maybe I won’t. Time will tell. I’m still plucky, I’m still married, and the cat found in my car still lives with me today. But now I’m living with mom until Justin and I can get a home and move forward. It’s going to take time for me to get back into the swing of things and remember how to use this site. It’ll be good practice, though, seeing as how I am now going to edit and update the podcast webpage. That’s scary, but with Angie’s help, we can do this. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, I do apologize. Maybe, eventually, I’ll make sense. A friend once told another friend to “say all the words and put them in the right order.” I try to live by this motto, among other mottos, and for the most part it’s helped. I’ve typed all the words, just not sure they’re in order. Talk soon invisible and possibly non-existent reader.

Dude, I totally got lost in the holidays and the 4th quarter crunch. Between the two, I never knew if I was coming or going.

And now it’s January, the holidays are over and things are slowing down at work.

I’m bored.

To fight that boredom, I’ve been doing a few things.

Boredom buster 1. I’ve got all the work I put to the side in the 4th quarter to catch up on. Yay.

Boredom buster 2. Dragon Age Inquisition. I’m still at a fairly low level in the game and I’m taking my time. The story is wonderful. The visuals are beautiful. The music, especially the tavern songs, is fantastic. All in all, a great game. I’m peeved with Husband that he didn’t let me watch when he beat the game. “Spoilers.” Whatever, I like spoilers.

Boredom buster 3. Shrinky Dinks. Yes the little plastic toys we played with as kids. I got a fantastic Christmas gift. Actually I got loads of fantastic Christmas gifts. But guys, Lauren bought me the Shrinky Dink Oven!!! I’ve wanted one since I was 8. I always thought they looked so cool. I’ve been an avid Shrinky Dink lover but now I got the magic oven to watch them shrink before my very eyes. Okay, it’s corny, but I like it and that’s what matters.

Boredom buster 4. Gluten free. I was gluten-free 7 years ago. I stayed gluten-free for two years. I decided it wasn’t worth it and fell off the wagon (really, I just went to Walt Disney World and wanted to eat all the things). I’ve done this, but honestly I had forgotten. It takes a lot of work to be gluten-free. There’s all the reading of the labels. Memorizing what hidden gluten looks like when it’s on a label. Fixing food. If I buy the same convenience items to help me cook, the type I purchased regularly in the past, I spend a fortune. I went to Whole Foods. I bought 10 things. I spent $50. Seriously, too much. If I don’t buy the convenience foods, then I’m cooking. A lot. And that takes me to the next boredom buster.

Boredom buster 5. Cooking. I’ve taken to cooking more and more of our meals from scratch (more or less). This requires a lot more grocery shopping which takes spoons. It requires standing at the sink cutting veggies or standing at the stove stirring the pot. That takes spoons. It requires a lot more cleaning. Again, more spoons. But it’s fun, so I get over it.

I’m sure there are more things that I’m using to fight boredom – like writing this post, the kitten, and we can’t forget Husband.

I want to get back into digital scrapbooking. It’s been a few months. And when I’m away from it for too long, I seriously forget everything and have to start from scratch again. Hopefully I haven’t waited too long.

What are your post-holiday boredom busters?

PS – Next post will actually include photos. I miss the photos but I had nothing. *pout*