May 4

This week all "this" became real.  On Wednesday, Governor Charlie Baker announced that schools in Massachusetts will be closed until May 4.

May 4

He. said. May 4.   May 4.

If that wasn't bad enough, yesterday the Red Sox posted this on their Instagram account.

I read the entire post to Brian (he doesn't really do social media).  As I read it, I started to lose it.  Tears over baseball.   I don't really even like Baseball.  In fact, I tell most people that I'm a "baseball widow" because Brian watches every Sox game.  Every game.  Yet here I am, crying over the loss of Opening Day.

It's all just too much for me.

The Olympics is postponed until 2021.  School is cancelled until May 4 (possibly later).  Opening Day is cancelled.  Will the season be cancelled?  Oh, yeah and on St. Patrick's Day, Tom Brady announced he is leaving the Patriots.  I know that was last week, but still.   It's all just too much.

So, today is Day 12 of my "Coronavirus Staycation."  It's also the last time I will call it a "Staycation" because, if you haven't noticed, I haven't been posted anything since Wednesday.  Now that school is closed indefinitely (or at least until May 4), our district is in full drive.  It's no longer just emails to answer and an occasional report to file, it's a full blown effort for everyone to figure out how to provide the students we serve with the education they deserve.  There are so many questions and we are all just trying to figure it out.

Moving forward, I will continue to post updates, probably not as often.  But I won't be calling "this" a "staycation" anymore.

May 4.   School is closed until May 4.  (Maybe longer?)

Is there hope in the madness?

So while the world seems to be spinning out of control, how do you find hope?  How do you smile when everything is bleak?  Since the coronavirus scare started, before it was categorized as a Pandemic, I've consistently said "Let's just focus on today and not worry about tomorrow.   Tomorrow has enough of it's own worries."   This is loosely based on the words of Christ from the book of Matthew.   Yesterday I was reminded of these words when my church posted this on their Facebook page:  

"Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?  

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.   Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Matthew 6:26, 33-34

For me, when "all of this" starts getting to me, I realize that it's okay to feel the feeling and acknowledge the loss.   But to be careful to not dwell on it.  And to be grateful.   Grateful for all I do have.  Good health.  A job where I can continue to work.   Long walks with Leia.  Spring.  My family.   My friends.  

By the way, I really could use a hug.

Speaking of being grateful...  

I found these under the bathroom sink.  Score!

Laundry:  The Neverending Story.

What happens when you don't fold or put the laundry away for two days.

  All folded.  (Full disclosure, it's still not put away!)

Speaking of the Never Ending Story

I saw this on Facebook the other day, so I played along.  I looked it up and it's "Endless Love" by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross.  Someone commented, "Are you sure it's not more like the theme song from the Never Ending Story?"  Laughter is the best medicine.

This video will MOST definitely make you laugh:

Hello (from the Inside) An Adele Parody by Chris Mann

Scenes from my walks with Leia

Waiting patiently for Momma

I try to find something unique in every walk.   Just some yard lights we noticed the other night.

A very gnarly tree

Walks with Dad & Newbie.   (Cautionary note: Dad & I  are practicing full social distancing on our walks.)

Right now, for the students across the nation, I am praying that school does resume on May 4.  While we all wait patiently, try to remember it's Star Wars Day!

Meditation for Today

This was the Abide meditation in my email on Thursday.  

Click on the image for a 3:48 meditation of hope.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8

How are you and your family dealing with this pandemic?
Feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by message.

My daily posts since my "Coronavirus Staycation" began:
Day 1:  Boo boo paw
Day 2:  Let the projects begin
Day 3:  A photo journal
Day 4:  Love wins
Finally Saturday:  It's starting to get to me
The Long Haul:  Be strong & courageous
Who Made the Clouds?  Day 7
Time Out:  Day 8
Fever, Cough & Shortness of Breath (Day 9)

   

Fever, Cough & Shortness of Breath

 Good morning!   Today is Day 9 of my "Coronavirus Staycation."  Today I have a lot of actual work to do, so after I post this, I will be at it.

Posting my updates has been good therapy for me in dealing with the craziness of the coronavirus pandemic... just some random thoughts and prayers and laughs and whatever else comes to mind.  Feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by message.

Yesterday was a much better day than Monday.  Shortly after I posted yesterday's blog, I could feel a headache coming on again.  I think the headaches are a result of poor sleep, but I can't really be sure.  I was able to stop it in its tracks before it consumed me.

Taking Care of Me

Have you been eating healthy or have you been eating a lot of comfort foods?  (Truth? It's been a little of both for me.   Here's my lunch.   Yummy!)

A friend has a home gym in his garage.  With the gyms closed, our friend opened his garage to us so we could lift heavy things and feel good!  We practiced safe social distancing and cleaned EVERYTHING after we used it.  I think Brian may want to create a home gym of our own now.

Scenes from my daily walk (continued below):  There's a house along our walk that has several cute painted birdhouses on the trees along their driveway.  I posted a couple pics of them the other day.  They are so cute.  I couldn't actually capture the birds, but the bird feeders were swarming with birds yesterday.  Evidence of kids playing outside.   My faithful companion.  I'm so curious what is going on with this ladder.  I've seen it every day since Leia and I started our daily walks.  I haven't decided whether they are just storing the ladder there or if it has a purpose leaning against that tree.  It's good for the imagination!

Found more bottles to redeem.   Yes, I washed my hands (and rewashed them).

Project Update

Progress!  I finished packing up Mitch's stuff, swept & vacuumed the floor.  I didn't dust, but the room is just about ready to paint.   I am going to move the furniture to the middle of the room, clear the walls an patch any holes.   It feels good to see progress.  It will be sad to take the FatHeads off his walls though.   

Taking Care of Others

We are following the Stay-At-Home Advisory.  We are getting outside to get in some solitary exercise, which is necessary for my sanity.   When we do go to the grocery store, we keep our distance from other customers.  This was a surprise yesterday at Big Y - plexiglass at the checkout counters.  Good for them!  I'm glad to see they are taking active measures to protect their employees.   As soon as I get home, I wash my hands, then wash them again.  (Inside my car, I keep a small towel and a spray bottle of Lysol.   Hygiene!)

Fever, Cough & Shortness of Breath

Forgive me for a minute while I rant.   A good friend of mine was diagnosed with "pneumonia" the other day.  She was very sick and exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.  She was seen at our local emergency room, but they would not test her for the Coronavirus, even though she was exhibiting the symptoms and was having trouble breathing.   Why wouldn't they test her?  Because she is not a high enough priority to test (as established by the CDC).  What does that mean?  It means she probably has COVID-19, but she will never know because she won't be tested.   It means the ACTUAL occurrences of coronavirus are most likely FAR HIGHER than we can even imagine and we won't know because they are not testing people.   (Even when they exhibit symptoms.)   We can only hope that people are actually following the "Stay-At-Home" advisories that local governments are instituting and that people who are sick AND their families are STAYING at HOME.  For all the people who are sick and aren't diagnosed, and therefore are not quarantined, this highly contagious virus is only going to continue to spread.   

I get it, we don't have enough kits to test people who are symptomatic.  I get it.  That doesn't make it right.  I could rant for a long time, but I'm just going to let you try to put the rest of the puzzle together for yourself.   I mean, seriously?!?  So, for the last time, people:  

Stay home.  Wash your hands.  Wash them again.

More. Laundry.

Seriously Though!

Monty Python Humor

I saw the meme below the other day on Facebook, and I didn't get it.  (I was a bit offended, to be honest.)  But then my husband had to explain the Holy Grail reference to me.  Last night, instead of streaming our normal shows, we watched various clips of Monty Python and the Holy Grail.  I never really appreciated British humor like my husband does.  (He knows every line of this movie by heart.)  But after watching this clip, I get the meme below.   And it is funny (if you're a Monty Python fan).

Today's Meditations

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.  In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.

Psalm 56:3-4a

Shoulders by for King & Country

My help comes from You

You're right here, pulling me through

You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness all on Your shoulders

How are you and your family dealing with this pandemic?
Feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by message.

My daily posts since my "Coronavirus Staycation" began:
Day 1:  Boo boo paw
Day 2:  Let the projects begin
Day 3:  A photo journal
Day 4:  Love wins
Finally Saturday:  It's starting to get to me
The Long Haul:  Be strong & courageous
Who Made the Clouds?  Day 7
Time Out:  Day 8

   

BE the light

What a week+ it's been since I last wrote.   The rundown...

This morning, my dear Uncle Russell passed away after a brave fight with colon cancer.  He was diagnosed in November, so it feels like it came out of no where.  We are very sad as we mourn his passing.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

With the loss of my uncle, my heart is very heavy and none of what I have to share seems worth even mentioning.  Yet I committed to keeping up the blog on my journey, so let me fill you in on the whirlwind since the last time I shared with you.

Happy New Year meant back to work and immediate high level stress.   So much so that the things I typically do to help work through it simply weren't working.

I turned 50 in September, so last week I had my initial colonoscopy screening.   Less than fun. (All clear though.)

This is what I stocked up on for my pre-colonoscopy diet.  Ended up just drinking water and sipping broth and apple juice, but...stay tuned.

My husband retired after 32 years on the Springfield Police Department.   I love him so!

Got a haircut with a slightly new and shorter style.

Finally celebrated my son's birthday with him.  He moved to the eastern part of the state last March, so we don't get to see him as often.  It was a month late, but we got to see him and I got to love on him.

I don't have a picture from this 25th Birthday celebration, but here's one from four years ago.

I developed a stomach virus that kept me home from work for two days.

AND I had to have a root canal for an infected tooth that was causing me a lot of pain.  On the SAME day as I was fighting the stomach bug.  The SAME day.

Let's just say that I haven't been up to writing.  Yet, despite the many detours that have been sent my way, I still remain focused on renewing my commitment to wellness - physical, emotional, spiritual.  Sometimes that means accepting the grace that comes when you can't measure up to your expectations and demands that you place on yourself.   When you can't do more, Keeping it simple IS more.

I've been so sick that I haven't been able to eat solid foods at all.  And getting to the gym is on the back burner until I feel strong enough to just walk..  Thank God for my colonoscopy stash (pictured above), because I've been living on the Powerade, jellos, soup and smoothies.   To get in calories, I've even been eating ice cream.  As of yesterday, I'd lost 8 lbs. SINCE my colonoscopy.  Not sure how that will hold up once I start actually eating again.  Right now, I'm depleted and dehydrated, so my even my muscles are suffering. 

I'll get back to it soon!

I recently discovered the Abide app.   Abide is a Christian medition app that leads you through different meditations.  I don't pay for the subscription to the app because they aren't exactly what I need from meditation.  That said, I do receive a daily meditation that I can listen to online.  It's a 2-3 minute reflection and prayer to start my day off.   This has kept me going through the ups and downs of the past week.

As I finish this week's blog, be reminded that sometimes life just hits you.  Through it all, keep your focus on what is important.  Family.  Love.  Health.   I saw this today on Facebook and I had to share it.   I don't want to live in a world where love is invisible.  I want to BE the change, BE the light.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

Fullness by Elevation Worship

Pour it out, let Your love run over

Here and now, let Your glory fill this house.

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Cheerleaders vs. Naysayers

Happy Saturday!  Today is National No Housework Day!

I think THAT alone is a reason to celebrate!  I've learned to not mind cooking, but laundry and housework - UGGH!   But I really need to clean and today is the day, so I'll celebrate next week!

It's been a little while since I posted anything here.  News Flash!  I started a new blog.

Roaring Whispers is a blog addressing women's issues.  It is a place to talk about all things that affect women.  Health and wellness, spiritual, emotional, family and career.  As well as those issues to which we have long been silenced.  It's time to be bold and candid about what matters to us.  It's something I've been thinking about starting for a long time, but didn't want to add one more thing to my list of "to-do's."  Last week, I did a three part-series entitled, "On Forgiveness...and Death."  A friend of mine lost her father last month and it stirred up a lot of things from the past with her, which got me to thinking about how lost / severed relationships pretty much boil down to unresolved conflict and unforgiveness.  Roaring Whispers was inspired from topics like this, where I really wanted to talk about the issues, but Tracey's Getting Fit didn't seem to be the appropriate place to do so.  I hope you'll check out my new blog.  Spread the word to your friends and family, too!  Having faithful readers is what keeps me writing.

Back to Tracey's Getting Fit and the topic of today.

Cheerleaders vs. Naysayers

On my journey to lose weight, I had more cheerleaders than I can count.  Brian, Dmitriy, Erica and Maria were my number one cheerleaders.  Can you have more than one #1?  Each of them stood by me through thick and thin, listening,  pushing, and refusing to put up with my bullsh--.  When I became obsessed, one would step in and say, "Ummm, that's enough of that."  When I felt like quitting, they ALL said, "No way, I won't hear it!"  When I accomplished something big, they were the first people I told.  You'll never believe what I did!

Far too often, when you embark on a journey to lose weight or get in shape, you will be surprised at the number of people who get in your way, quite literally.  They block your path to reach your goals.

It can be as simple as your partner or friends refusing to support your new nutritional needs.  Like when your partner serves you bagels with cream cheese and eggs fried in butter for breakfast.  Or when the office knows you're trying to lose weight, but they put a plateful of pizza in front of you and give you a hard time for not eating it.

But sometimes it's more of a slap in the face.

Why are you even trying to lose weight?  You try again and again and you always fail.  Just give up.

OR

You've lost 20 lbs. and your friend / partner says something like, "I don't see a difference.  You still look fat."

Unfortunately, it's often the people closest to you who are your biggest naysayers.  There are a few possibilities for this.  You pick...

They may be fearful for you.  Your success may literally scare them. 

OR

They may be jealous of your success or possible success.  They don't have the courage themselves to get on board, so it's more comfortable to do / say things to bring you down.  

OR

They think their negativity is a way to be supportive so that if you do fail, there is some satisfaction in pointing that out to you.

OR

They are sadistic, narcissistic ego maniacs who just don't know how to be supportive.

Whatever, or whoever they may be (your partner/spouse, your best friend, your parent, or the person you eat lunch with every day at work) it's YOUR choice to be successful.  YOU do the work.  YOU have to figure out how to work through the negativity.  

Here are a few recommendations. 

1)  Talk to the people who you feel are bringing you down and tell them.  "When you say things like this, it's not helping me.  This is important to me and I want to be successful.  I need your support.  Please believe in me and encourage me."  At first, make sure you are kind to them.  They may not even realize what they are doing.  But be firm!

2)  Separate yourself from the people who bring you down.  It hurts to do this, but it may be necessary.  If you have a goal to accomplish and people are getting in your way, learn to be okay with spending less time with them.

3)  Don't internalize their negative comments.  Develop an internal dialogue that you say to yourself when someone says something to bring you down.  For example, if they say, "You still look fat."

You say, "The scale doesn't lie.  I can see that I've lost     X number of    pounds.  My clothes don't fit right anymore.  I have a long way to go, but I'm getting there."

Say it to them.  Definitely.  But say it to yourself.  OVER and OVER again.

4)  Be in charge of your own meals  and nutrition. 

If your partner has been making your meals, put  an end to that.  You take over the cooking and meal prep.  Teach your partner how to cook with cooking spray instead of butter.  Teach your partner about the value of lean protein and LOTS of veggies.  Find healthy recipes you like and prepare them together.  Subscribe to MyFitnessPal and send the email blogs about nutrition or recipes to your partner with the subject "Let's try this." 

Taking charge of what/ when you eat will take work, but this is YOUR journey, so you can't sit back and allow others to drive your food train for you.

5)  Find your cheerleaders and rely on them!!! 

If you don't have a cheerleader, join some online groups.  Join some fitness clubs / classes.  Start riding your bike with the local club.  You will make lots of new friends who will be your cheerleaders.

I remember the first year I was training for the Ride to Remember, a lot of people told me how dangerous bike riding is.  I heard about every person who died in a cycling accident in the past 10 years.  People posted links to stories about cycling accidents on my Facebook wall.  I had to overcome all of that in order to attain my goal of being able to train for the ride.  I was so afraid all on my own that I did not need their fearful warnings.

Unfortunately, I lost some of my closest friends when I was losing weight.  While my focus was on working out, riding my bike and eating healthy, it meant I wasn't available to sit around, drink wine and eat crap with them anymore.  Not only did we not have the same goals, mine were completely divergent from the way things had been.  I had to learn to be okay with that.  I made new friends.

Here's a new song with a great beat for your playlist...

New Rules by Dua Lipa

I got new rules, I count 'em

I gotta tell them to myself...

Practice makes perfect

I'm still tryna learn it by heart.

Questions for you:  (Answer in the comment section below.)

Who is your biggest cheerleader?  What do you do about naysayers?  

My new mantra:  Be the Champion of Today!

Have a great weekend!  Go get 'em!

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