#MondayMotivation - Happy Holidays!

I was going to write some little blurb that was all happy and full of shit but you know me, I can’t do that.

The holiday doesn’t matter, it’s the people with whom you spend the day that matter. Years of retail and living states away from the majority of family have taught me that the day in which you get together doesn’t matter at all. We would get together in the summer to celebrate - even if it was just grilling and drinking. We’d celebrate Christmas in January. It does not matter.

This year, with a new job, I didn’t really want to take the week off and probably couldn’t this late in the game. By the sounds of it, I will have to petition for the week off very early as everyone and their brother doesn’t take enough vacation and waits until December. Rude, but okay. This week I will work my normal days, with the 24/25th off. That’s fine. I will see my family when I see them, and it’ll be okay. Next year, I’m hopeful everyone will come here in November so we can celebrate together.

This part is more me, telling myself, that everything is okay.

I’ve struggled, for years, with the idea that I’m an imposition to people. I was invited somewhere, with people who are like family, for Xmas Eve/Day. I was watching in real time, an out of body experience, as I tried to keep coming up with excuses as to why I shouldn’t go and that I didn’t want to impose. I was invited, more than once, and it is not an imposition. For years and years I’ve felt this way with anyone inviting me out to do things - it’s a pity invite or a second thought. I would assume the worst, instead of just accepting I was wanted. It has been a wild ride to unlearn this bullshit way of thinking, but I’m pushing through with only minor self-sabotage moments on occasion.

If you were invited, it is more than likely that you were wanted there. Period. Full stop. Enjoy the holiday season. Happy Solstice and Happy New Year!

#ForestFriday - Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave was super cool and the tour, while short, was impressive. I’d like to go back and see more, eventually, because it looks like there are tons of above land trails. If it hadn’t been so bitter cold, I may have explored a bit more. Such is life. Enjoy photos from the walk down into the main cave entrance.

Thankful Thursday - Dec 19th

I’m thankful for the next two weeks being SHORT WORK WEEKS! I’m always grateful for the people in my life, unless otherwise stated. HA! Tell me, what are you thankful for this week?

• Poetry books - I started going through my books and found a few nature poetry books to read. I want to write more, as I used to, and maybe even share some of them with the world? Who knows. Anyway, I’m grateful for peaceful words and relaxing thoughts from these books and the idea of these beautiful places.

• People on vacation - work is challenging without people being here to show me the way, but I think them being gone will force a little self-reliance and I’m thankful for that. I’m trying really hard to leave the stress of this job at work, and I think it’s going well. The drive to and from really helps with my headspace. The 8pm emails on my phone, that’s another story…

• Coffee - Freshly ground coffee will always be superior to any pre-ground or Nespresso bullshit in my mind and I’m grateful for freshly ground and brewed coffee every morning. I bring it up because I’m back to my grind and brew lifestyle as I phase out Nespresso.

• King size bed - I’m thankful for this every week, but specifically this week as I am so sore and achy coming back from the stomach bug and not sleeping enough. I am starfishing and hogging the covers and I have plenty of space to do so.

• Google home - Having my holiday lights and outside lights automated is so freakin’ cool and nice.

• Alone time - With being sick and continuously settling into the house, I’m thankful to be alone. I’m grateful for the quiet moments, being able to blast music over the Google home speakers, and for allowing my crazy organization to happen which usually means everything’s a hot mess for a few days/weeks. I’ve really learned to love being alone.

#MondayMotivation - Plan that trip

As I plan for a “year of less,” I am still planning trips. Just because I’m spending less money and getting rid of stuff that doesn’t hold any value to me doesn’t mean I will not be adventuring. The focus of this exercise is to be more conscious about purchases whether that be for material goods or experiences on a trip.

• I have never been to Yosemite, Great Sand Dunes, or Yellowstone. I will try to visit at least ONE of these in 2025 and save the other two for the next year.

• I will focus on local travel that is inexpensive and often just a tank of gas and a campsite. This is both a challenge to enjoy the new world around me, but also to appreciate what I’ve been missing out on the east coast.

• I will be asking friends in different places if I can crash on their couch or guest room and also ensure that they know they are welcome in my home anytime.

• I have no shame - I will be advertising my Venmo and Apple Pay probably on every trip I take for people who can’t join me but want to buy me a coffee or a snack. It never hurts to ask!

• I will be tracking flight and hotel prices to see what the average is and I will have alerts for low prices on places I want to visit.

• I will be packing my cooler(s) with drinks and food for my local trips to reduce overall costs.

• I will not be doing anything I do not like as a means to an end because that is both a cost in time and money.

• I will meet up with friends on their adventures if they are doing something I enjoy and it fits within my 2025 budget.

My trips are likely going to be around the east coast and Great Lakes. I want to see so many of the things I never did when I lived in the Midwest. I’m so close, affordably, to so many cool places. I’m getting hyped up about these places, in part, because I’m trying to make peace with my move OUT OF the Pacific Northwest dreamland that I love so much. Dreamy, but damn expensive. If you’re within a day drive of Columbus, OH, and want to adventure, I’m all ears! Have a good week!

Thankful Thursday (12-DEC-2024)

Things I’m thankful for this week:

The tree was just thrown together in the Airbnb this past weekend to add some cheer!

• My own bed: I love a good trip, but I never sleep as good as I do at home. My bedroom has become a sanctuary and hotel or Airbnb beds just can’t compare.

• Routine: Boozy treats, sweets, salty snacks, and inconsistent sleeps leave me feeling exhausted and heavy so coming home to my aforementioned bed and normal routine including meal prep and dog walks is just the best.

• Twinkle lights: Even on vacation, I had to bring a holiday tree and twinkle lights to set the mood of the season. Being home with my sparkly tree makes life feel even better, though. When I walked through the darkness at Mammoth Cave, I was greeted by a large tree with sparkly white lights that was there for an event. It was a nice surprise.

• Audio books: I’ve written about this before, but an audio book can make a long drive even better. I just finished a book called “The Husband’s Secret” by Liane Moriarty which was read by this animated Australian woman. It is a convergence of many stories with a common connection that isn’t realized by the characters for quite a while. I could not stop listening due to the suspense and finished it within a day or two.

• Afternoon tea: Earl Grey in the afternoon is one of the best decisions I can make at work. The smell, flavor, and warmth is just lovely.

• Funny signs: I love a good sign, and we saw a few in Nashville that were funny (see below)

#WayBackWednesday - Cannon Beach

My go-to beach while living in Portland was Cannon Beach. I would drive out there to find peace, take a friend to see the sights, or just to drive away from the city. While I was in Washington, my go-to beach was Ruby Beach out on the Olympic Peninsula. No matter where I live, I find the water. Where do you go to find the water?

Enjoy some photos from the various trips to the ocean I took during the short time I lived in Portland.

#MondayMotivation - Tried and true

Sometimes, just sometimes, the old stuff will work best. I’ve been going through items I have from my Gramma and this old stuff just works. I have her KitchenAid stand mixer from 1993 and that thing is a champ. I have the pots and pans from then, too, and they’re a little worn but still cooking like crazy. My grandparents invested in good stuff and it lasted. It has endured, and now I’m using it regularly and that’s amazing.

The nostalgia I feel when using a dish or piece of Le Creuset from their house is intensely warm and fuzzy. I’ve been clinging to these happy memories and the items I do have associated with them more now because it’s that time of year when many of the memories were made. I’ll eat off of similar plates and make things that warm my belly and my brain and be transported back to the good ole days.

I think I get why people say “they just don’t make them like they used to” when they refer to goods or cars. Stuff just isn’t the same, and it’s not always better just because it’s newer. I would say this goes beyond stuff and can also apply to other things I may have scoffed at in the past. I love an efficient method, but sometimes that means spending more time at first so you don’t have to spend more time later on whatever it is to be done.

Some people don’t remember the dishes they had dinner on or the pots and pans that dinner was cooked in, and that’s okay. I remember those things and want to create my own home and style for them, but scatter in pieces of the past that work. As I build my home, settle in, and hopefully end this nomadic period of life, I hope to be the one providing memories and passing stuff down and over to other family and friends.

I’m thinking so much about this right now because I bought a new coffee maker. For years, probably five plus, I had a grind-and-brew situation going on. I’d program it at night, and fill it with water and beans, then wake up to grinding noises and fresh coffee. Since the end of 2021, I haven’t had this machine. It was replaced when I moved in with someone and their idea of what was good for coffee. That method (A Nespresso machine) is no longer working for me, so I’ve moved back to something that did work for me and I have a new version of my old grind-and-brew. It’s funny how the old stuff just works the way we want.

#ThankfulThursday (5-DEC-2024)

Things I’m Thankful for this week:

• National Parks - this week I will have visited my 26th named national park and with friends, nonetheless

• Live Music - so grateful to get to go see my favorite artists tomorrow. I get to see two of my favorite artists/band that fill me with so much emotion.

• Road Trips - As much as driving is more tiring as I age, I’m still so excited to see things all over the place. This week I’ve driven a thousand miles for work and pleasure; there’s nothing like the open road.

• Solo Travel - Being alone with my thoughts can be a double-edged sword, but I’d say it’s mostly a positive experience. I love rolling around, stopping when I want and seeing things as they come. Solo for me also means no dog, so no need to stop as often! I’ve been so overwhelmed with the mundane shit taks of everyday life. I’m sick of the cleaning, the cooking, the working, the decorating, the making the bed, the cleaning the bathrooms… I’m glad to have the alone time in the car this week.

• Quiet Time - My favorite time is time alone when it’s quiet or with another when it’s quiet. I have plenty of this when I wake up before others or drive alone sometimes. This week, it’s been healing after dealing with people all over the place.

• Snacks - Before “boy dinner and girl dinner” was so funny on TikTok, I was doing it on the regular. Snacks are essential and can be a meal. Snacks on a road trip are a step above essential, if that’s even possible.

I’m thankful for this life, no matter how fucked it’s been by my own hands and others. No matter what happens, it’s about finding the little moments that keep us going. Nothing is that serious, unless it is, don’t let me diminish your feelings by simplifying my own. Have a good week!

#WaterfallWednesday - Michigan Winter Waterfalls

Tahquamenon, like phenomenon, is one of my favorite waterfalls in Michigan. It’s a gorgeous state park, river, and waterfall system and I’ve visited in many seasons. My favorite season to visit has been winter, and I’m going to share a few photos from a 2015 winter visit. I hope to make it up there this winter, now that I’m so close, relatively speaking.

Here’s a post I wrote about the 2015 visit: 2015 Visit

Nothing like a waterfall, brown from tannins, raging through the winter weather! I’ve included a couple of photos from Sable Falls and Qcqueoc Falls as well. Enjoy!

Ocqueoc Falls - Just outside Rogers City, MI is a cute little fall in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

Sable Falls is a beautiful fall within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Bonus: Chewy 9 years ago!

Tahquamenon Falls - Upper Falls

The icy buildup and icicles from the overlook

A wide-view of the upper falls

Tuesday Truths - December Edition

Hot takes for the best month… Just as Lake Superior is the superior Great Lake:

• December is the best month, without question

• Winter is the best season

• If you’re a meat eater, ham is better than turkey

• Cranberry is the superior berry (though, through some research I’ve learned it’s not an actual berry so I’m going with Blueberry or the similar ones as the superior)

• Twinkly lights are better than overhead lights or lamps

• New Years is the superior fourth quarter holiday but…

• My birthday is superior to all other holidays

• Snow is THE superior form of precipitation

• Spruce trees are the sturdiest real trees you’ll get for decorating

• Happy Holidays is a superior greeting and I’ll fight you on that

#MondayMotivation - Chaos, organized.

I have been working in therapy to relinquish control of the things beyond my circle of concern. Can I control the thing? Can I control how I react to the thing? What is the benefit of worrying about that thing? When things get chaotic, I have to stop and think about what I can control and what reactions are necessary. When things are chaotic, I do a lot better now.

This week is going to be a little bit much, but the payoff will be worth it in the end. It will start with a busy work day, after a long weekend of work issues, and move into a work trip and then a personal trip. I have to drive to northern North Carolina Tuesday afternoon and then to Louisville on Wednesday night and then Nashville on Thursday. My reward is that I get to park my car on Thursday at our Airbnb for my birthday weekend celebration. This chaos stressed me out for 15 minutes, max. I organized my thoughts, made some plans and backup plans, and now I can’t wait for it all to unfold.

When they say controlled chaos, this is what I think it means. Pick and choose what’s important and prioritize the actual issues instead of the ones you have no control over. Deep breaths, this will be okay. I hope you have a good week and can reduce your stressors if you have any.

Sunday Scaries - December First

Things I’m excited about this week:

• Solo road trips - I love listening to podcasts and books and my car is a dream for road trips. (The seats could be a little comfier, but overall a dream) I’m pumped to listen to a new book in the 20+ hours of driving I have this week! I’ll have my snacks, my tunes and entertainment, and plenty of new roads to see!

• Mammoth Caves National Park - This one time in 2021, I got an email from Mammoth Caves and Allegiant airlines because some other Michael Nowak entered his info incorrectly. He was going to Mammoth Caves. Now, I’m going there. Cool story, I know. I’m excited to go do the tour, because I don’t think I’ve explored any bit of Kentucky since I was a kid.

• Having lunch with Megan - I’m going to be passing within an hour or so of my chosen little sister and we just have meet for lunch! We’ve picked out a place, and if time allows, it’s going to happen. Being within 6-8 hours of her will be much better than a whole country.

• Seeing my friends - Spending a long weekend in Nashville with my friends will be a hoot! Turning 40 means I’m looking forward to lots of snacks, board games, and some going-out but too much.

• Exploring Nashville - I’ve only ever passed through on the freeway or been to the airport. I’m excited to go see all the music related sights, look at rich people’s holiday lights, and hopefully find some cute local businesses (breweries, distilleries, coffee shops, stationary places, etc.) to support.

• Jell-O shots - I may be turning 40, but I’m still making Jell-O shots for the occasion. Not to toot my own horn, but toot-toot bitch. My best friend and I used to make them in college and we were pioneers in flavors and alcohol levels people actually wanted. Sure, they were not made with bottom barrel vodka that was a high proof, but they tasted good and were a good accent to other things.

Welcome to December, the best month of the year. More on that, to come. What are some things you’re looking forward to this week?

This was after seeing White Christmas in Georgetown, TX back in 2018 on December 1st.

This was December 1st back in 2016 when I went back to Michigan and it snowed!

30 Days of Thanks - Day 30

Today I’m grateful for this month to be over and for my favorite one to start tomorrow. December is clearly the best month because I was born and it’s the end of the year. It is the month of twinkly lights, sometimes snow, and the end of the calendar year.

December marks the beginning of winter which feels like the transition into the resting season and another symbol for the change we all begin to feel as a new year starts. Winter ushers in snowy trips to my best friend’s cabin, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. With winter comes darkness and that makes those twinkly lights and warm blankets even more special.

My birthday is just before winter, though I’d say winter is definitely my season. I love the winter adventures and finding cool things to do outside. When I lived in Texas, we’d often be seen on the pontoon in winter or I’d be hiking with my aunt at Dinosaur Valley because the weather was PERFECTLY mild. I’m excited to see what winter is like here in Ohio.

I’m thankful for everything December has to offer, what are you thankful for today?

30 Days of Thanks - Day 29

Today I’m thankful for the cheesy holiday movies. I’m not talking the Hallmark stuff, though they have their place, but definitely the 90s classics like Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, and Santa Clause along with newer ones like Elf and Bad Santa. These movies are so fun and silly that they make me laugh over and over. There’s a whole bunch of them that get rotated through a few times during the holidays - and I’m not ashamed to admit I watch Home Alone all year!

There are also some more serious movies, that are still funny, that I love to rotate through like Love, Simon and Happiest Season. I love all holiday movies ranging from Jingle All The Way to Love the Coopers. Some of my favorite TV episodes were the Christmas lights related ones on Home Improvement every year. This is all over because the movies I love are always all over… what are some of your faves?

What are you thankful for today?

Watching Christmas Vacation from bed (before I decorated the bedroom tree)

Thursday Thoughts - the PNW, briefly

I’m working hard to shift my thought process from “what a waste of money” to “what an extraordinary experience” in regards to my short time in the Pacific Northwest. I moved up there almost exactly two years ago on a whim, only to leave a few short months ago. i can’t think about the cost - both financially and emotionally - because I’ll just break all the way down. Arriving to Olympia in 2022 was a dream come true. The townhouse was nice, the area was even nicer, and the scenery was legitimately the best. The place had plenty of space and storage and there was a trail through the trees nearby. It was heaven, as far as location and space was concerned. Life and relations were on the brink of extinction - in fact it wouldn’t be long until everything blew up.

I lived here… I was so excited to be this close to big trees, dirt roads, and all of the things I longed to be near for the past 14 years.

The relationship I was in was ending, which was good, but my gramma died and that was bad. My mental health took a dive into the dark, deep end. I spent a few weeks in Michigan as we divided up our life and then I made it back to finalize it. The townhome was all mine, I had a new car, and I was about to have a new life all on my own in the Pacific Northwest. What a dreamy place to get back to good.

On a break from cleaning out my gramma’s house, I stopped at the place we’d take the dog or just ourselves to walk or cross-country ski.

I had been in the PNW for about 3-4 months and hadn’t done much as far as exploring. I took off and started visiting my favorite spots, new spots, and everything in between. I hiked in the rain, cried in the rain, watched spring emerge, and welcomed a slew of visitors. Over the years of visiting the PNW, I developed a list of places I loved and would show each guest or set of guest these places. We’d add to it, find new coffee or beer, and of course shoot for something they really wanted to do or see. Having visitors helped me get outside and see all the things, for a whole range of seasons.

I started walking around the lake in Olympia

I started to learn that I loved living alone and that there was so much to do and see that I would be set forever up there. Eventually, as fate would have it, my job ended and I needed to find a new one quickly. The job that would hire me, and pay me similarly, would be down in Portland and would require a relocation. This was fine, except it was expensive to relocate and I would miss my tiny group of wonderful humans in Olympia. I did it, though, and was close to another tiny group of humans in my circle. I later learned that I could have stayed in Olympia and commuted to Tacoma if I needed to go in, which would have been good to know prior to spending a few grand to move. All in all, it doesn’t really matter too much on how things played out anyway.

I was excited to get to walk Chewy along the river in South Portland - right outside of our new apartment.

While in Portland I visited so many places in Oregon that I’ve always wanted to see and made it a mission to run to the coast as often as I could. Again, I had plenty of visitors and the months flew by. By May, I was feeling the groove and stepping out of my comfort zone socially. Of course, as things were getting good, I’d be shipped away to bumfuck nowhere for a month for work. I landed in Arkansas on an assignment for the month of June. It was good to make a few new friends and see my family, but it sure was awful leaving my dog and my Portland life behind for that long. I feel I fell out of the loops and lost any momentum I had for loving the place fully. While in Arkansas, I did meet some nice people and did get to enjoy my time there when I wasn’t at the plant working. Also while in Arkansas, I received a message encouraging me to apply to this job in Ohio. With nothing to lose and my brain scattered in seventy directions, I did a phone screening and then made my way back to Portland to carry on, not knowing what was next.

I would go on hikes with a gay hiking group on occasion - felt good to be part of a group!

I went through July trying to get my footing and find my way, with initial plans to move to Vancouver to save money and live a little outside of the hustle and bustle of downtown Portland. The city noise and chaos had me on edge most of every waking hour of my life. I had a couple of interviews through July/August for the Ohio job, but carried on with my life as if it didn’t exist. I wanted the job, but I didn’t want to seem too eager about it. I couldn’t reconcile giving up the PNW beauty for Ohio. I’d later learn, that Ohio can be beautiful and is very close to other beautiful places with mountains, forests, rivers, and more.

I was escaping to the river trail quite a few times (I even played hooky once)

It was mid-August when I was told I’d be getting an offer. They didn’t know when, but soon. This went on for a couple of weeks and I started to prepare for the idea of leaving my beloved PNW and moving back to my beloved Midwest. Despite having so many wonderful friends out west, much of my heart was back in Michigan and being within driving distance of friends and family was exciting for the first time in 12+ years. I was so sold on the idea now, that if the job offer didn’t’ work out I’d take my job at the time and switch home offices to one in Michigan and move in with friends for a while. No matter what happened, I was going back to the Midwest.

Moving was a chore, that’s for sure.

I’ve been in Ohio a few short months, but have already saved hundreds of things to explore on my maps. The beauty of this country is being able to find things to do and enjoy anywhere you go. YES, even when I was in Texas I found so many places to explore and things to enjoy. This job and this place kind of feel like my “last stop” until retirement. I am hopeful to maintain this job until I am able to retire because it feels like the place where that happens if that makes any sense at all.

Found some fall color and a lake to enjoy!

I write this because I’ve been struggling. I’ve been missing Washington and Oregon every single day. I’ve cried out to no one “why!?” and looked at flights for return visits. I miss the coasts, the woods, the big trees, the waterfalls, and of course my friends. I miss the more liberal feel of Portland, and even Olympia. I miss my proximity to my favorite National Park - Olympic. I will miss winter, rainy hikes through big trees and snowy visits to Cannon Beach. I have a few Alaska miles, and a job, so I’ll be back occasionally to take it all in again. I’m grateful to be here, in Ohio, near people who will help make the time here worthwhile. There will be many trips to the Great Lakes, Appalachian Mountains, and other wonders here in the east. Life can always be good, even if it’s not exactly what you wanted. Make the most of where you are, and if you need help reach out - I’m always a message away.

it’s official now!

30 Days of Thanks - Day 28

When I was asked to go in on Thanksgiving, it wasn’t that big of a deal. Today I’m grateful for the flexibility that comes from years of retail work and working in 24/7 operations like energy. I come from a family of shift workers, and sometimes we moved holidays to totally different days so we could celebrate together. Move Thanksgiving dinner to Friday? No big deal. (Now, if I am asked to go in Friday, I may be a little pissy). Thanksgiving is something I try to live all the time - daily gratitude, seeing and appreciating people more often than once per year, and enjoying good food more than once per year. I’m flexible with this because I don’t have a choice and there is no use fighting something you can’t really control.

Related to yesterday’s “thankful for therapy” post, I have been learning to control what I can and can not worry about. I have had a big issue with plans changing or shifts in decisions - which are normal - and learning to let go of things I can’t control and just learning to adjust how I react and adapt has been groundbreaking for me.

So, on this Thanksgiving (with many others) I’ll be at work for a while and it’ll be okay. Now, I do have plans to food prep all day after I get home, so the work thing better not be all day! What are you thankful for today? (I’m also thankful this month is almost over)

Thanksgiving some years ago - 2007 (17 years now!?)

30 Days of Thanks - Day 27

Today I’m thankful for therapy. I have a great therapist here in Ohio and a great psychiatrist. Together, we’re all managing my mental health. I’ve worked through so much since starting therapy regularly in early 2023 and I’m so grateful to have a third party sounding board that can respond. Therapy isn’t all about assigning blame or tearing everything down, it’s about understanding and learning how to recognize your own behaviors and thoughts. It’s learning how to and when to react and sharing ideas without judgment. I’m grateful to have good insurance to cover it and that I’ve found some professionals so quickly here. I’m happy to report that I’m doing what’s best for me and taking charge of my mental health and I highly recommend doing the same for yourself.

You don’t have to be any certain level of “whatever” to go to therapy, it’s literally for anyone who wants to talk things out and better understand themselves and their thought processes.

What are you thankful for today?

Chewy and I out on a walk for a mental health lol

30 Days of Thanks - Day 26

Today is my “I’m thankful for friends and family near and far” post. I wasn’t going to include this because it should be implied, but I am truly grateful for the connections and family I have on this Earth. I have family all over, but I’m so grateful that I’ve always lived somewhere close to them, sans the time I spent in the Pacific Northwest. I was always a quick drive or walk away from my aunt, uncle, and cousin in Texas and that was super fun. I have a ton of good memories, despite it being Texas. I’m back, close to the Great Lakes, and I’m so excited to be near my family again up here. I’m also close to besties spanning from Minnesota to Maryland. I’ve already hung out with friends I hadn’t seen in months or years more than once. I’m glad to be closer to Maine and the great DC area as well as only a hop-skip-and-a-jump to North Carolina.

I know that some relationships are the types that no time passes while others fade away and sometimes come back. I know that there are people I probably don’t want to see anymore and I know there are people I am so excited to see for the first time in years. All in all, I’m so thankful for the connections with everyone - no matter how long, short, or stable it’s been.

I’ve been looking through photos a lot lately as I piece together pieces I’m writing or just reminiscing and I am hopeful that some connections can be strengthened again. If not, maybe they’re just meant to be good memories. Either way, I’m so lucky.

What are you thankful for today?

A few of my first visitors in Ohio

My Aunt already came, too!

Some more besties who visited me!

I’ve now seen my brother twice in two months… more than I had before my gram’s funeral

30 Days of Thanks - Day 25

Today I’m grateful for my gramma’s ornaments which are now on my tree. When we were cleaning out her house, I took several of them and now have a whole tree devoted to them. As a kid she used to have the best trees, and since they’d get a real tree, we’d often do it right around my birthday weekend. The trees ranged from BIG to HUGE then to a little smaller as they aged and didn’t want to do so much.

This year I have the space for a whole tree filled with the ornaments from her, and I think it’s quite lovely. I’m thankful for that and other things to help keep the memories alive. Here are some photos from years past and my current tree.

What are you thankful for today?

My tree this year!

30 Days of Thanks - Day 24

I’m thankful to have space for guests. I have a dedicated guest room here in Ohio, with a queen bed and plenty of space. I have a second room with an air mattress, and a sofa that sucks you in. I’m so grateful to have space to house people and have them stay over if they want.

I’ve always had plenty of guests - and space for them - but not a dedicated room with a proper bed and privacy. Get on it and plan a damn visit already, I’ll be waiting! Having people come visit and getting to explore new things together is one of my favorite things in the world. I love making breakfast and cocktails and whatever else having guests entails. There’s lots to see in Ohio, I promise.

What are you thankful for today?

The guest room - humble, but comfy. The overhead lighting is killing me, the lamps are way better.