While I was searching for something inspiring, I came across a letter I wrote to myself about this time last year. It was a manefesto written out of frustration and a profound disappointment in the rut I found myself in both personally and professionally. I loved teaching, but hated the leadership. I loved my home, but hated the cost to maintain it. I loved my friends, but knew I had to make changes. I was transported back to those emotions when I reread what I had written. It was further confirmation I made the best choice in my adventure and I have zero regrets.
Instead of trying to come up with something clever or tiny house related, I just figure I would post some pictures of my dog. I adopted my dog a few months ago from a shelter and she had never been groomed. Her nails were very long and her hair unruly. I first had to get her vaccinated and then get her on heart worm and tick/flea treatments. I then set about finding a groomer. I called all the local groomers without success. Some groomers are not taking new dogs and the balance simply never returned my phone calls. I hate that. It is rude. Finally I asked for assistance on Facebook and found a groomer not too far from my home with Saturday hours. Ms. Chloe had her first appointment this past Saturday and short of being hospitalized I was not going to miss that appointment.
Here is a before shot:
She was looking more than a little scraggly.
Here is what she looked like after:
I think she felt a bunch better and a boosted sense of confidence. She rode home hanging her head out the window. I will be using the same groomer again for sure. That lady was a miracle worker. I had no idea that my dog was part Schnauzer!
Sunday I took the time to prepare meals for the upcoming week. I have decided I have got to lose some weight and it seems my biggest issue is portion control. With the exception of my addiction to Coca Cola, I actually eat pretty healthy, but I just eat too much. So I am experimenting with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks prepared and stored in Mason jars to help with portion control. I am only going to eat whole foods I cook/prepare myself. I poked around on the web to find some recipes others had created and copied or modified them. I am not sure if it will work or not, but at least I know I will have a breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day this week that I won't have to think about. Additionally, I made sugar free jello and filled a dozen half-pint size jars. Any time I want to snack or munch, I can grab one of them and be guilt free. Gelatin is good for hair and nails, which is bonus.
Tomorrow's lunch is Caprese Salad:
This week will be busy because of the days I missed last week. I have a training tomorrow, so I won't even get to be in the office until Tuesday. I hope to get my energy back soon.
Things around the homestead are moving along. I continue to fight the battle of wasps in my new building. I think a caulking party is in order to seal up all those spaces small critters manage to squeeze through. Meanwhile wasp spray and nightfall are my best friends. Things in Oklahoma are beginning to green up quite nicely. Small flowers are blooming all over my land. Trees are beginning to fill out. Lawns are needing mowing. Goats, horses, and cows are all giving birth. Spring is here.
With Spring comes storm season. Storms are predicted for Wednesday of this week. Severe weather predicting is tough, but models foretell the risk for potentially violent storms on Wednesday. I enjoy a good thunderstorm and am hopeful strong storms will not mean tornadoes. However, I have scoped out a storm shelter because I am not scared, but I am also not stupid. If they tell me to take cover, I will take cover.
I hope you all have a great week!
