Project ME.

Recently, I was blessed with a special gift. It didn't cost anything. It didn't come in a small blue box. It didn't come with a money-back guarantee, although even if it had, I wouldn't take it back.

It was the gift of ME time. Five splendid days ALL to myself. To do whatever I please. Of course, I had to tend to the garden and take care of our dog, but other than that, my days were WIDE OPEN! I could do whatever I wanted for 5 glorious days!!

Now, since I am such a "list" girl...I immediately made a list of all the things I wanted to be sure and do while I had the chance! I mean, there's nothing worse than not taking advantage of a special gift. I didn't want to squander my time away and get to the end of the week and say, "Dang! I shoulda, coulda, woulda done that!" Nope, that was not gonna happen to me!



I set about crossing things off my list. I had the best time. I rode my bike as much as I possibly could. I slept as late as I wanted. I read. I journaled. I blogged. I did crosswords. I went to church alone. I took the dog for evening walks. It was absolute heaven. I realized that I enjoy being with myself and that spending time alone is something I really don't do enough of. Reminds me of that 80's Little River Band song, "If there's one thing in my life that's missing, it's the time that I spend alone."

 

I also spent quality time with friends. Enjoying good conversation and even better wine. Not worrying about what chores I had waiting or what time I needed to be home. I was truly living in the moment.

 

It was a great little hiatus from my busy life. It gave me the renewed energy I needed to power through the rest of the summer. It was truly a precious, priceless gift. The gift of ME.

Life. Thank you for this moment. I love it!

 











Aunt Fab's Favorite Finds Week 2

Okay, I've been a little busy the past week and a half (a trip to Eugene to see Tim McGraw - definitely a fave! and a trip to Portland for a wedding all within a matter of days) but, now I find myself with the house to myself for 5 days. What? So, I finally have time to sit down and post my faves for the week!! :) Here you go...



1.

I don't know what it is about chalkboards, but I love 'em! Maybe because I am a teacher or I grew up with them in the generation before "smartboards"...whatever the reason, I have a hard time passing up a good ol' fashioned chalk and chalkboard...especially one as cute and versatile as this!

It has its own stand and the back side is painted a bright sunny yellow AND it's magnetic!!

I keep it on the bar in my kitchen to write down grocery items or to highlight something on the dinner menu...or just to write down fun sayings!

I found it at a darling local flea market in town...

$12 at Pomegranete French Flea Market

 

2.

OhMyGosh!! Have you tried these yet??

My daughter picked them out the other day while grocery shopping and 

my whole family fell in love with them!

The entire box was gone as soon as it was opened!

They are soooo good - made with healthful ingredients such as brown rice, sweet potatoes and red beans. You just gotta try 'em!

2 for $5 at Safeway

 

3.

Love this saying! Love this shirt!

I found this little gem at a darling boutique downtown.

I had seen it many times before but, it was $26 and I just couldn't see spending

 that kind of money on yet another T-shirt!

Well, the other day I happened to walk by and the sign in the window said:

"All T's $20."

Well, I don't know about you, but twenty bucks is a lot easier to swallow than $26!!

I mean, it's just one bill rather than three!! Right?

So, I marched in and got me this one!

$20 at What Lola Wants

 

4.

Just finished "The Silent Wife" and had this baby waiting on my night stand!

Just started it and it looks like a great summer read!

It's got everything you want in a juicy novel...4 college friends reunite in Jamaica, issues like marriage, illness, infidelity and the power of female friendship are all covered.

I had heard about it on the Today show (recommended by Hoda!) and reserved it right away!

FREE cuz I got it at the library!!

 

5.

"Them Boys" by Brantley Gilbert

I love this song. I first heard it one morning when I was listening to my ipod on my way to work.

(My son, who was away at college, had loaded all the songs on my ipod, so it had a great mix of good old country tunes and it was a great way to stay connected with him!)

As soon as I heard it, I just started tearing up. I loved the lyrics. I hit Repeat and listened to it over and over again. By the time I got to work, I was a total mess!

My favorite line is...

"Them boys don't know one thing about life, treatin' young girls like hearts don't break, treatin' old men like hands don't shake..."

Even though my son didn't fit either of those descriptions, there was something about the song that rang true! And, suddenly, I was missing my boy something fierce!

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

And, by the way, Brantley Gilbert is coming to the Oregon State Fair!! Wahooo!

FREE cuz I got the video off YouTube

 

So, there you have it! My faves for the week! Hope you enjoyed them. Leave me a comment below and let me know what your faves are!! Have a good one ~

 

 

 



Vitamin D, Tysabri and Running...Rx's for my MS



I just read a very inspiring article on runnersworld.com about a 35 year old man who started running and changed his life. This article resonated with me for several reasons but, mostly because he has MS and started running as a way to lose weight and stay fit for his kids. It got me thinking that more neurologists should recommend Running as a remedy for MS.

I am a big proponent of Vitamin D. I know it can do wonders for people, especially those with MS. I am also a big fan of treatment. Tysabri is my treatment of choice at the moment and I could not be happier with it. I also try and get my daily dose of crossword puzzles because I know it keeps my mind sharp. But, out of everything I've tried, nothing has helped me more than a little ol' drug they call Running.

I started running almost 3 years ago and I cannot emphasize enough what a difference it has made. Not only with my MS but, with my overall health, happiness and well-being. I always joke that if I didn't run, I would surely be in the Nuthouse by now! My daughter said to me recently, "Mom, if you didn't do so many races, we'd have enough money to go on an expensive vacation." I replied, "Ummm, honey, if I didn't run so much, I would be spending ALL of our money on therapy and would be in no condition to even go on vacation." I think she caught my drift!

Now, I realize running is not for everyone. I do know that I am extremely blessed to be able to run. I know there are lots of folks with MS (or not) who cannot run, let alone walk and my heart goes out to them. I have always adhered to the mantra, "Use it or Lose it" because I know there may come a day when I can no longer lace up my shoes and just go for a run. But, for now, since I've learned to run and while I'm able to run, I will. I don't want to look back someday and say, "Man, I wish I'd run while I had the chance."

I know doctor's need to promote their own profession by pushing pharmaceuticals and all, but really the answer is pretty simple: Get moving. Doesn't matter how fast you are. Heck, doesn't even matter if you are walking, rolling or scooting, just as long as you are moving. For me, it is running. For someone else, it may be walking to the mailbox everyday. But, find that thing that makes YOU feel alive and DO IT!

Aunt Fab's Favorite Finds!

I have decided to do a weekly summer post, highlighting my favorite things for that week! I grappled with what to call it: 5 Fabulous Finds, Fab Finds, Friday Five, My Favorite Things...Well, I finally came up with "Aunt Fab's Favorite Finds!" My darling nieces who live in California nicknamed me "Aunt Fabulous" several years ago. Soon, it was shortened to "Aunt Fab" and it just sort of stuck...and I love it!! :) I mean, who doesn't love being called FAB?

I decided not to limit the number of items OR post on a certain day, so this leaves it open for me to highlight as many things as I want each week AND I can do it whatever day I feel like! And, finally, I went with the name because my 12 year old said it sounded good. And, believe me, she should know!

So, let's not wait a second longer...Here it is...

My Inaugural First Week of Aunt Fab's Favorite Finds:

 

1.

This is by far my favorite of the week!! It is an insulated water cup, just like the ones from Starbucks, but...it is a MASON jar!! OMG! I love it so much!! I love that it has a handle, I love that it is double insulated to keep water super cold, I love the lid that looks just like a mason jar lid, I love the white straw that doesn't fall out...and I love the design on the front!! The only thing I don't love is that it doesn't fit in my car cupholder...Oh well! It's cuteness more than makes up for it's impracticality.

Bed, Bath and Beyond $9.99

 

2.

This thing is the BOMB-DIGGITY!!

I absolutely LOVE it! It is great for floating the river, hanging out on the lake

or watching an outdoor movie on a big screen (they do that here in Bend!)

It holds 2 people comfortably (but you can easily fit 3 kids) and

it has a built-in cooler!! How cool is that?

The cooler keeps drinks cold OR towels, extra clothes, cellphones and car keys dry!

Big 5 $40

(Reg price is $49.99 but, I got it when it was on sale which makes me love it even more!)

 

3.

This book is REAAAAALLLLY good.

I found it while flipping thru my Real Simple magazine last month.
The article was entitled "Summer Books for Every Reader"and this one caught my eye.

It said, "If you're suffering from Gone Girl withdrawals, here's your fix."

I immediately reserved it at the library (I never buy books!)

and just started it this week. It is so good, one of those can't put down,

twist at every turn kind of book!

and by the way, if you haven't read Gone Girl by Jillian Flynn...you must!

The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison, FREE cuz I got it from the library

(sadly the author passed away from cancer after writing this book, her first novel)

 

 



4.

My hubby and I ran the "Spark Your Heart" 5k on 4th of July last week.

It has become an annual tradition for us.

When I went to pick up our race packets, I was sooooo excited!

Not only was there a cute, comfy, tech shirt (I have no use for cotton when I run!)

there was also an SPF stick and chapstick (not pictured).
Race Entry, FREE cuz our friend's company was a sponsor!

Wow! If only ALL race organizers would follow suit, this world would be a better place!

I am guessing it has something to do with the fact that the hospital sponsored the event!

 



5.

Okay, so this really isn't a "find" per se but, a whole lot of little finds.

Last week my college son decided it was time to spruce up our back patio.

 Boy, has it made a difference in our life!

He found this cool firepit with the Oregon Duck logo on it

(it looks really cool at night when it's lit up!)

Then, he went to Home Depot and bough cinder blocks, 2x4s and plywood. I threw on a few pillows and his old dorm comforter and purchased a few odds 'n ends at Pier One...and Voila!

We had ourselves a comfy fire pit sitting area for right around $300!

I absolutely LOVE it.

It is such a wonderful addition to our living space, utilizing a very under-used area before.

I love to sit out there in the morning sun, doing my crossword and sipping coffee while our dog lays comfortably beside me AND it is so much fun to sit around the fire with family and friends at night

and roast marshmallows and share stories. You feel like you're camping in your own backyard.

 

Firepit, High Desert Ranch & Home $197 (Retails for $300 but, hey we know the owner!)

Cinder Blocks, Home Depot $1 each

Wood, Home Depot $15 total

String of 10 Paper Lantern Lights, Pier One $12.95

Tiki Torch Citronella Candles, Pier One $6 each

Cute Tiki Tavern Hut sign, Pier One $15

Long Bench Cushion, Fred Meyer $24

To all you parents of teenagers, if you want your kids to spend more time at home:

"Build it...and They will come!"

I just wish we had done it sooner!
~
So, there you have it! Aunt Fab's Favorite Finds, Week 1!
Leave a comment below if you want to see more...
And let me know some of your FAVE finds!
Thanks!

AM I A Mess?

I wanted to share this video clip of a recent speaking event I was lucky enough to be a part of. It's called Ignite Bend and the premise is that each person gets 5 minutes and 20 power point slides to talk about something that is near and dear to their heart! Back in October, I got chosen to speak about MS and what it has meant for me. I hope you enjoy this little video clip.