Carla _ you are so right! My oldest niece called me yesterday. My sister has always been somewhat abusive to her but she went off on my niece. I told her my thoughts of my sister drinking again. She did not know.

Mihani - is the grab and go bar the vegan place? You do you and we know when you have time you will post.

Marilyn - how was the Tops meeting ? I have heard they are a good supportive group. I am enjoying our cool weather 50-60’s. In 2 months it will be back to 80’s for the spring and then 90-110* for summer.

Magic - where are you and Lulu adventuring too?

Back to either yogurt, blue berries and walnuts alternating with overnight oats. Then vegan protein drink and apple slices mid morning. Salad for lunch and then midafternoon snack another protein drink, more apple slices and a few nuts. I have been working hard on the Swedish death cleaning then as a reward and not to snack I have been doing either grocery shopping, thrift store or get this: makeup shopping. I threw out all my old expired makeup from years ago and old nail polish. So as a reward to cleaning out I buy one item a day 😂😂😂 I mean it is better than food reward right? I am following this lady in her 60’s about what make up to use. She always has 3 to suggest: high end, medium and drugstore prices. I am going for the drug store items. One of the things I really like are CC or BB make up with moisturizer and sunscreen. Yesterday’s treat was an eyeliner from NYX at the military base exchange. I buy my treat after dropping off a load at the shelter, goodwill or Salvation Army.

Time to walk my 4 legged friends.

I haven't been able to work out for 3 days now. My neck is really sore when turning; I think I feel asleep in a weird position while reading myself to sleep the other night. And the bottom of my foot, in the heel, feels tender when I put weight on it. It gets worse as soon as I attempt to do any VR workout or song, so I think I overdid it the other day when I did an hour straight. I'm going to try Beat Saber a few times today, just one song at a time and see how that goes.

It is so cold here now. It was 5 degrees yesterday (-15 C), and 11 this morning. The field is too open in the wind to take the dogs out, and surfaces are really slick around the yard. Our kitchen tap wasn't working at all yesterday but this morning it is running fine. I don't get it, but I'm happy it is working again!

We should be back to normal temps for here, above freezing, by Monday.
In the meantime, it looks pretty looking out at the frosty pastures in the sun, while having hot coffee.

I should look into Swedish Death Cleaning as well. And getting little non-food rewards sounds great, bisky. I have makeup stashed away that is older than my niece and nephews...and the eldest is graduating high school this year! haha

Mihani, what is the slowest time of the year for you guys at work? I hope the meals you are trying at the grab n go are good. Did you let her know you found some of them too spicy? I know you like a little heat to your food, so if it was way too hot for you, I'm sure others feel the same. I hope you catch up on your personal stuff and have time to regroup at home.

Carla, there isn't really a slow time... the worst times are pretty much Thanksgiving through tax time so I guess there's maybe slightly less pressure from May through October.

Yikes, so sorry about your neck and heel! Does ibuprofen or anything help?

I did talk to the owner of the grab and go place about the few dishes that I had to throw out they were so spicy. She said while some people love it she has received enough feedback she's going to make milder versions so people can choose. I'm glad I didn't give up on the place, because the last few items that I got were superb! There are a few things I've tried that aren't for me, but she has so much variety and changes up the menu weekly, so there are always things that I like.

I read for a while and took a nap. Really productive day so far! LOL

Now to clear the dining room table and straighten up a bit, then tackle the bedroom project. I want to clean out and reorganize the dressers and walk-in closet, and get rid of a bunch more clothes that I know I'll never wear. Not sure whether I'm going to the office tomorrow or just work from home.

Magic, glad to hear you're on your way to getting better. Your trip sounds like a lot of fun.
Mihani, the grab and go place sounds great. I wish I had something like that near me.
Marilyn, glad to hear the first TOPS meeting was enjoyable, seems you'll have a good deal of support through the group.
Carla, hope your neck and foot are feeling better. Below freezing temps are rare for us in SC, and I sure don't miss the winters in NJ that were full of them.
Bisky, the fur babies are soooo cute. I looked up the Swedish death cleaning - I've been doing something like that for a while, now I know what to call it, LOL
My hubby's SIL passed away in September and we've been dealing with a lot of cleanout at his brother's home. His brother has dementia (not too bad yet, but enough that we don't want him living alone). They have a ton of collectible stuff (decorative plate collections, figurines, etc.) and it's tough getting rid of them. They originally bought them because they thought they'd be an investment, but they're worth nowhere near what they originally paid for them.
I'm in the process of getting rid of almost everything in my home that I don't actually use or really, really, love to look at. I don't like the clutter. I do have some problem areas where I have a tough time letting go, so I'm leaving those until last

Down 3.3 pounds this week. Feel good about that. My goal for the month of January is to lose 3 pounds so guess I have made it - now to keep it off and possibly lose another pound before end of the month

First day this week I have been home before 6:00. I just had to get out of there. I made a quick stop at the grab and go place and she had a bunch of new stuff out. I'm all set through probably Tuesday. It's crazy how much she cranks out of that kitchen.

I forgot my lunch today so just had a Dr. McD soup (that's why I always keep a few stocked at the office) and ate my lunch salad for dinner.

I made up my mind this week that I was going to stop playing around and it is paying off. I had put 4 pounds back on over the holidays and those are gone already, and ready to move on. I've been having a smoothie for breakfast, salad for lunch, and one of the entrees for dinner. Working out really well. If I really need a snack I have some fruit or raw veggies. Decided if I'm going to make this investment in the healthy food, I maybe shouldn't counteract the benefits with junk food. LOL

Mihani - Good point about not counteracting bad food with good food. I wish I had a healthy small place like your store. Whole Foods just does not cut. Many places that deliver food don’t have base access.

Sparky - I have been going to estate sales and amazed how cheap very nice stuff goes for. Especially crystal and china. I bought a beautiful big heavy Lenox crystal vase for $5.00. Younger generation does not care as much for collectibles, antiques, knickknacks or tchotchkes.

Magic - are you on your fun trip?

Carla - how is your neck? Get rid of that old makeup! Not healthy to use. It can grow bacteria. Especially mascara. I am loving the Bb and CC creams. Lightweight coverage. Some have sunscreen.

Well the gentle Swedish death cleaning might be the death of me. I pulled a lot of stuff out of kitchens and closets. Found the military thrift store (1/2 a mile from me) and donating to them. The store is run by volunteers and all money donated to scholarships. Today I have been working on my craft room. I have mailed stuff to family and friends.

I am on a routine of coffee protein powder for breakfast, black bean soup for lunch and salad & roasted vegetables for dinner along with fruit and nuts and chocolate for snacks.

Mr. grubby pants (aka Charlie Bear) and Cleo had a spa yesterday. Grubby pants already has gray paws and dirty face.