Day #13 – Check it Off

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Today was mowing day. That in itself is not a big deal, but after I finished I decided to get some things checked off my, always growing, to-do list. I have been needed to paint the window trim in the back of the house for so long. It’s just a task that isn’t my favorite. I washed down the house because it was dirty and then I got to scraping.

These are the original 1961 windows and they are a mess. I scraped off as much as I could. They were still wet from washing them. Tomorrow I’ll sand them and then give them a coat of paint so they’ll match the front of the house.

I had to caulk one window.

Trust me, they will look completely different when I’m finished.

I also went around with my vinyl tape and covered up all the holes in the siding. There were so many around this window.

I covered up 5 on this part and I swear, unless you knew where to look, you can’t see them.

Tomorrow we are going to have to cut down the Morning Glory vine because it has taken over the chicken coop.

I still cannot believe that the people behind us cut down these trees. Ours were not as big, but this is in my neighbors yard and I just love the flowers.

Another thing I got checked off was putting out the torch lights. I’m not sure if they are going to stay where they are, but they are off our patio table so that’s a plus.

I always said I’d be the crazy cat lady that wears weird clothes and walks on the beach. Ok, I don’t have a beach nearby, but the rest fits.

Let’s see how much I can get checked off tomorrow.

Day #12 – July 4th

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I am normally all ready to head out the the fairgrounds for the 4th of July celebration. It’s always extremely hot and crowded. We never really have the fun I think we should have in my imagination. You know the day that sounds better on paper. Today I decided that I was going to have a relaxing, do what I want, holiday. Donny had to work until 6. Jackson wandered out of his room from time to time and I dyed my roots, did the laundry, watched a movie and just basically had a really good day without any FOMO.

I think sometimes we FEEL like we should be doing a certain something because it’s the right, expected thing to do. Well, I feel like that anyway. We had already planned on the traditional hotdogs and watermelon and that was good enough.

Who says you need a hotdog bun? I also think on holidays it’s okay to eat a little processed wolf brand chili and a hotdog. Super 1 had their seedless (not my favorite) watermelons on sale and I have to say it was so good. I think I might have to pick up another one.

Yep, I ate it on my bed while I watched the movie Sinners. It was good, different, but good. I decided that eating on my bed while watching a movie made me happy so I did just that.

The neighborhood has turned the night into what sounds like a battle zone so I was out getting the last cat in. It looks like it’s about the storm.

The rain that the hill country is getting right now is awful. Please keep everyone who has been affected by the terrible flooding in your prayers. I know what they are going through and I’m praying that everyone is found safe and the flood waters recede quickly.

Day #11

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Well, it has been a day. My spark plugs changing tools were due to arrive, but I had an appointment to get my bangs trimmed. I would normally just trim them myself, but since I really, really love this hairstyle I didn’t want to mess it up.

My before pic. Excuse the wet hair but I had just gotten out of the shower.

On the way we finally got to see the water tower that is being painted. It’s going to look so good.

When we got home the tools had arrived. Donny decided to help me change the plugs. First problem: the rubber insert came out of the spark plugs ratchet and we couldn’t find it so he had to run to AutoZone and get the magnetic one. Second problem: I dropped one of the screws and it took about 20 minutes to find it. Well, we got them all replaced but my check engine light was still on and I was having the same problem accelerating. We were out in the heat for about 1 1/2 hours and I was sweating so badly. Good thing I took that shower and put on makeup earlier.

But at least I can see better now.

We think there might be a recall on my car so we called the Hyundai dealership to see if my car is one of the recalled ones. Even if it’s not I still have to see what in the heck is wrong with it. My appointment is on the 28th. Sigh.

So we are down to one car. Donny has a manual transmission. He doesn’t think I can drive a stick shift even though I’ve owned 4 cars with stick shifts. We needed to go the grocery to pick up some things so I told him I was driving. That man was gripping the door handle, sweating and at one point yelling. I swear it was not that bad. Who puts the reverse gear in the top left instead of the bottom right though? Anyway, we survived. He’s still not convinced.

But one thing I did learn today is that I am very capable of changing out spark plugs and I already know I can change a tire. (when I was a flight attendant I had a late flight, went to the very far away parking lot where we had to park and had a flat on my Jeep. I changed that sucker by myself)

Changing 1% everyday in some manner.

Day #10

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I have a project that I was hoping to get started on today. Yesterday when Jackson and I were coming back from 5 Below my car started not wanting to accelerate. It would go 35/40 max. Luckily the loop that we take on our way home had a lot of downhill parts to it. I googled the symptoms and one of the main issues with deceleration was bad spark plugs. Donny wanted me to call around to get quotes, but quite frankly, I don’t trust mechanics. I did a YouTube search and found a great video on how to change out spark plugs yourself.

Donny followed me to AutoZone so we could get a scan run before I bought spark plugs. Nothing showed up on the scan. We bought the spark plugs and I just assumed that we would have the correct tools at home. We didn’t so I hopped on Amazon and got them all ordered and they will be here tomorrow. It really doesn’t look that difficult. I only spend a little over $70 for spark plugs and tools which is a fraction of what the mechanic shops charge. When I got my oil changed the man who checked me out has a car like mine but with an older different body style. He’s been restoring it for a year and told me everything he’s done. I’m sure that if I get in over my head I could get him to help me out. Also there was a guy at Autozone who was extremely helpful and he wasn’t even the one running the scan for us. Fingers crossed I can do it and it fixes the problem. It’s nice to know I could possibly have back up though.

So since my plans for today were thwarted and I was home bound I decided to go through my cleaning products. We have been trying so hard to go green with almost everything in our home. I have really been loving the Dr. Bronner’s Castile soaps. I also made a vinegar cleaner with vinegar, water and essential oils that cuts through grease.

I am almost out of the soap and am contemplating trying the Sal Suds. The reviews were good and it’s eco friendly. I’m not going to buy any until I’m out of my peppermint though.

The other cleaner I use is Thieves. I do like it. It smells really good, but it’s over 30 dollars a bottle. It does make 30 16 oz bottles, but Dr. Bronner’s is about the same dilution and it’s so much cheaper. I still have about 1/4 of the Thieves left so I’ll decide if I want to repurchase when I’m out.

I am so tired and sore I’m going to take a shower and crash out. I couldn’t figure out why my whole body was so sore until I remembered a couple of days ago Donny and I saw a couple pushing an suv that had stalled. We helped them push it into our subdivision that happened to be on an incline and that sucker was heavy. We got it where it was out of the way, thankfully.

Day #9

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Jackson had an appointment at the DMV today. Afterward we decided to take the drive to 5 Below to see if I could find this candy that has been all over my Tiktok. I try not to eat candy, but I have been seeing these videos of people trying them and they look so good. I actually found it.

It’s made in Australia. It’s so hard to describe, but the inside shatters in your mouth like the package says. It’s very light and melts in your mouth. It was really good, but too sweet for me.

Normally I wouldn’t drive all the way to 5 Below, but I really wanted to see what the hype was about and I’m glad I did.

I use the reusable baggies. My only gripe with them is where to dry them once I wash them. I was just using glasses or bottles but I really wanted to find something that worked better. I looked online to see what my options were. I really didn’t want to spend any money when using glasses worked okay. Then I remembered that we had bought Jackson these stands for his record albums. He changed up how he displayed the albums so these were just sitting in a drawer.

They work so well and I didn’t have to go buy anything. Always try to use what you already have and just make it work.

And a shout out to Mr. Whiskers. He is the oldest stray that we have on our street. He’s been in so many fights. I’ve treated so many wounds. Someone else is also taking care of him because he is sporting a flea collar. He loves head scratches and is finally looking like a healthy gentleman. He’s such a cool guy.

Day #8

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Hannah left this morning for 9 days with her boyfriend’s family in Arkansas. Since I hang out with her so much I already miss her, but this gave me the opportunity to go in a REALLY clean her room. It wasn’t a complete disaster, but behind the bed, the closet and her art drawers were getting a little out of hand. I know, I know, she’s old enough to do it herself and she is, but if I get overwhelmed I know she gets VERY overwhelmed. I have no before pictures because that’s not important. I’m just happy that I know coming home to a nice restful space will make it that much sweeter.

I found 7 missing brushes. I found another one after I took this.

I organized her closet so that she can find what she is looking for much easier.

When we took the kids to the concert in Dallas Hannah picked up some clothes and jewelry. I found these earrings in the shopping bag that she had forgotten about. I know she’ll be excited to see them.

She had way too many stuffies so I bagged the older ones up in the sucker bags.

We still have the gigantic teddy bear in the corner.

Gavin is forbidden to buy her anymore.

She has the smallest bedroom but she loves it because she is the queen of cozy.

I also snagged this cute top for myself because she has never worn it. We can share it if she decides she finally likes it.

Doesn’t it just feel good to do something for someone else that they don’t expect? These 9 days are going to be long.

Day #7 – Rest (sort of)

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I normally have one day a week where I rest up and recharge my batteries. Since Hannah is leaving early tomorrow morning for a 9 day trip to Arkansas I figured that today would be a good day to take that rest. I still needed to color her hair and help her get things packed, but no outside our heavy housework was on the list for today.

I did have to clean out the Jenga fridge because it was getting a bit frightful when I tried to find something particular or even get something out.

Much easier to find what we need now.

While I was at it I decided to go ahead and clean out the pantry cabinets.

So I guess it wasn’t a wasted improve my life by 1% day after all.

While I was busy in the kitchen Donny put on the Animal Babies documentary series for Ruth. I’ve never had a cat that actually watches TV.

What was on when I snapped this pic.

Then it was time to relax. Hannah had already binged the 3rd season on Squid Game yesterday. We were planning on watching it together, but she prefers to watch it in Korean with English subtitles. I like the dubbed English. I had started it last night and fell asleep so today I got to finish it with Hannah and Donny coming in at the last couple of episodes.

I enjoyed all 3 seasons. Does anyone who has watched the last episode feel like they are going to bring another season in but in the US this time? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. I am looking forward to the final season of Stranger Things. I wish they would have not had so much time in between seasons though. The kids are about ready to collect social security it feels like. Fingers crossed that they do the ending justice.

Day #6 – Frugal Fix

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Although it was very hot and not Monday, I decided to go ahead and mow. While I was mowing I noticed that the algae was back on the front of our house. All the houses that are North facing get algae growth when it has been raining a lot and then the days heat up. This means I end up washing my house a few times a summer.

I just used a rag and a squirt of dish soap and it took it right off.

Because we live in an old house with old siding we sometimes get holes in the siding. Drives me crazy so I decided to try a cheap fix. Here’s one of the holes.

I just used some white duct tape and, unless you absolutely knew where to look, you can’t even tell there was a hole there. I did a test one months ago and it’s held up in all the rain we’ve had.

I wanted to do the back side of the house, but it was just getting so hot that I’ll just save that for a day this week.

Our grass used to be so weedy and had bald spots and I’m very happy to report that the front is now almost all St. Augustine. My little front garden is doing okay. It gets weird sun so although I have cucumber blooms I don’t have cucumbers or tomatoes yet. Fingers crossed they come in.

Day #5 – It’s the Little Things

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I’ve been finding out lately that it’s the little things that I can do everyday that actually makes a big difference. It’s been so incredibly hot here. If it’s not a day where I plan to be all out sweating I have to outside stuff either early in the morning or at dusk. I decided to clean out my car and get a chore out of the way that I’ve been putting off for a long time.

I had purchased this CD holder ages ago and it’s just been sitting in my car empty. Yes, my sweet little hatchback has a CD player. I was so tired of the CDs flying around the car. I even had a little helper. It’s going to be so much easier for me to pick out what I want to listen to and not have the bulky cases to deal with.

If you live in the south I’m pretty sure you are having a fly problem. EVERY SINGLE SUMMER they are so bad. They love to congregate by the side door so when we walk in they can jet inside. I moved one of my oil diffusers outside and filled it with citronella, lemongrass and lemon essential oils. I’m not very fond of this diffuser because it doesn’t billow out the steam, but I could tell that it definitely kept the little suckers at bay. Tomorrow I’ll try it with one of my other diffusers.

That little helper I had earlier is also a climber. She climbed to the top of our shelves and when she did she knocked off my house hippo. Because it’s gradient shelving the poor hippo hit the shelf beneath him and broke.

I loved that little hippo. I was not going to give up on him. I decided I would glue him back together. One thing about me is I’m AWFUL at puzzles. They frustrate me to no end. The one puzzle I actually completed (with Donny’s help of course) is framed in our bedroom. I was, however, determined to fix this.

I had 2 small pieces left and neither one fit in that spot. I’m pretty sure they were part of the back. So I did what any normal person would do.

I glued a lip sticker on his butt. He needed a little fancying up anyway.

You can barely tell that his has a hole and is missing half his back. Just don’t look too close.

Day #4 – Gitter Done

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There are days when I want to put off errands and scheduling anything. Today was not that day. Hannah had an early doctor’s appointment. So we were up and out the door by 8. We both love her doctor because he actually listens and talks to us. She had mentioned that she her face was breaking out and that it concerned her. He said, “hold on a second” and left the exam room. He came back with this cream that he wants her to try.

Since we were already downtown I had bagged up some books I had already read so we could drop them at the free library at the train station. It’s my favorite place to bring books because there never seems to be that many, compared to the other free libraries around town, and I know I would like to grab a book to read while on the train. Unfortunately, the station was locked up tight even though it was supposed to be open.

We decided to drive over to the Green, our favorite park, to drop them at the free library there. This park is so beautiful. It doesn’t have the usual slides, swings, etc because it’s more of a Montessori park.

When we opened the library box all of the books were wet. We have gotten a lot of rain lately, but with the leaky roof, I wasn’t going to add my books.

Instead of just leaving and going home we decided to walk the trail around the park. We played some music to sooth our souls.

Hannah was in workout gear and I was in a skirt and sandals. I would normally just say that I wasn’t really dressed for walking around a park so we should just leave, but since I love that park and I’m doing at least 1% effort to better my days, we walked.

There are several fun things for the kiddos to climb on, like this turtle.

We have always loved the mossy pond. But the best thing about just taking a walk for no reason is that we got to have a really good, deep conversation about her feelings, the future, just a little bit of everything. I loved that none of this was planned, it was just a spur of the moment adventure, that to me are the best kind.

When we got home I help Jackson find the right website to make an appointment with the DMV. Hannah got online and finished her college application. She realized that she needed her high school transcript so I called the school and they said they would have it ready for us. Jackson decided to come with us so off we went to their old high school for probably the last time.

It’s so strange to see all of the lights off and no voices in the hallways. The end of one era and the beginning of another.

We decided to try the train station one more time. It was finally unlocked and we ran in to drop off the books.

It might not seem like I got a lot done today, but I really did. Things we had been putting off doing and just being with my kids made it such a successful day. I can’t ask for more than that.