Latest Faves: Highs And Lows

Hi friends, and Happy May!

While I normally check in with Friday Favorites this time of the week, I thought it would be appropriate to go for another round of Highs and Lows. We are closing on Week Seven of quarantine, and there’s only so many pictures of my neighborhood walks that I can share with you! (For your sake.)

So … first, how are you doing out there? It’s an everyday process for me over here, let me tell you. One day I feel totally on top of my game, I’m enjoying the extra time at home, I’m getting things done, and then — BAM — the next I’m disappearing into my room for a minute to scream into my pillow. Just keeping it real for ya. (Anyone else?)

There’s just so much out of our control right now, but I guess the bright side is that we might be close to being through the thick of it? It will be quite a while before life resumes as normal, especially here in New York City, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel with ten states in the U.S. re-opening today. And that’s all I’m going to say about that.

Just know that if you find yourself in the middle of a high and low mindset throughout the week or even every day, you’re not alone. I’m feeling it with you!

And with that, grab a cup of coffee (or your beverage of choice — no judgement) and join me for a lighthearted chat about it. I’d love to hear about some of your highs and lows this week, too!

Feel free to share in the comments, and thank you for reading today.

Highs and Lows: Quarantine Week Seven

High: Scott got a temporary job!

After a lot of prayer for direction, we decided that it would be best for Scott to officially put his business on hold – temporarily – until the sports and entertainment industries pick up again. He’s been itching to volunteer in some regard to help our city through this recovery from COVID-19, and the fact that a paying job was offered instead is a true blessing. Long story short, he’ll be testing employees as they check in for work to make sure that they aren’t symptomatic of the virus and aren’t running a fever. He will be wearing an official medical mask that looks like something out of Ghostbusters and will be fully protected.

You can add that to the list of random jobs he’s had, and we are very thankful for it!

Low: he’ll be gone almost all day, every day

In comparison to the five weeks of continuous travel that he was supposed to be in the midst of right now, this is a breeze, but it still isn’t going to be easy. The job he has accepted is about an hour and a half away and calls for ten hour shifts, seven days a week. For eight weeks. I know he’s been itching to get out and be productive during the days, so this is a good thing. But man, talk about going from zero to sixty in one fell swoop! We are going to miss him, and I’m going to do anything that I can to help him avoid the feeling of a burn out.

High: We filed our taxes!

This might not seem like a big deal, but it most certainly is. Scott didn’t actually make his business an LLC until last year, so his bookkeeping was all over the place and literally took weeks to sort through and prepare. Pair that with all of the random things I collect from my blog and online businesses and it can get really complicated. Luckily, we hired a professional to help keep everything sorted and filed correctly, and now we have a system in place for the future. It felt like such a relief to send those forms out to the post office!

Low: my mind is all over the place and overwhelmed with everything I want to do with my time

The task of sorting through everything to file your taxes is exhausting, isn’t it? And then there’s the feeling that creeps in the back of your mind like you might be submitting something wrong and you’re going to end up in jail over an innocent mistake. It’s dramatic, I know, but a legit thought and fear that we joke about! Maybe we shouldn’t …

And then there’s the feeling of wanting to sort through everything, all at once when you get into that mode. We get caught in spurts of projects and end up with an apartment full of chaos if we’re not careful! And that drives me absolutely bonkers. I’m missing the convenience of having storage in a garage and/or attic more than ever right now.

High: we’re still in the kitchen a lot, which is fun

It’s been especially exciting for us to have Skyler help with recipes, too. It’s the cutest thing when he helps with things like measuring oil and sprinkling spices, and is genuinely interested in everything we do.

Low: I feel like all I do is cook, eat, clean, repeat …

especially with that two-layer birthday cake staring at me from the weekend. Gosh! The day that our schedule doesn’t revolve around what the next meal will be can’t come soon enough for me. Does anyone else feel like it’s just a revolving pattern of cooking, doing the dishes, and cleaning all day right now? I’m appreciating the idea of going out for a meal more than I ever have before.

High: I’ve been branching out and trying new workouts

I’ve even created several new ones for the blog! You can find them on the Fitness Page. Other than than, I’ve been searching for inspiration for workout circuits on YouTube and have found some great ones! I share most of the highlights in Friday Favorites, and maybe I’ll do a round-up of sorts if that interests you. Let me know!

Low: I don’t have a structured workout program …

and it’s starting to get to me. I’m used to planning at least my focus of my workout ahead of time, and I just haven’t been doing that recently. I’ve been stuck in a put on whatever, whenever type of training mode and that’s okay … it’s just not ideal for me. I’d love to get back to planning my specific week of workouts out ahead of time and usually share those in newsletters, by the way.

High: I have been hitting the pavement a lot, and it’s been so refreshing for my body, mind, and soul

Quarantine definitely pushed me to get out and run again, and I have to admit that it’s a silver lining that will hopefully stick around once this is all over. I love running outside! I took a break for a few different reasons for a while (the years trying to get pregnant, while I was pregnant, post-partum, burn out, etc.), and I’m finally in a good spot where I can challenge myself with longer distances again. And I am so digging the challenge!

Low: I’m feeling a lot older than I used to post-run

I caught myself saying that my knees were hurting after a longer run last week, but then followed it up with “it could just be the rainy weather,” and I busted out laughing when I realized that I sounded like the typical older lady complaining about her aches and pains. Ha! It’s me though. More mileage is harder on the body, so it’s important to take extra time to stretch and warm-up, cool down, and rest when needed.

High: I’ve been attending regular Zoom community meetings, and they’ve been just what I need

I’m so thankful for our church and the community of support that comes alongside of it. (By the way, there is a new sermon streamed online every Sunday, every hour from 9am – 9pm.) We’re a part of a weekly dinner part that meets virtually, we attend kids workshops in the afternoons, and I’ve also been tuning in to mid-week mom’s chats every other week. It’s all been helpful and encouraging during these uncertain times.

Low: I’m really missing this community, family, and friends in person

Aren’t we all? I know I’m going to be giving out the biggest hugs one day!

High: I’m allowing myself to unplug, rest, and reflect when needed

I’ve been a little less present on social this week, and this is why. I see it as a positive thing, and it’s been needed when it happens. Right now I’m in a season of posting what’s on my heart, along with somewhat helpful information (hopefully), and that’s what keeps me going and focused on creating.

We’re in a very strange time, and I’ve realized that my entire mood and productivity level can shift on a dime, and that’s okay. I think we’re all feeling that way in some regard, and it’s a normal thing to experience.

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And finally … my last high today is finishing my cup of coffee here with you.

I just want you to know how much I appreciate each and every one of you who read these posts, subscribe, try my workouts, share your comments, support my Beautycounter business, and more. It’s time like these that make me extra grateful for a sense of normalcy, and coming here to chat with you all fills that cup for me.

Thank you for sticking with me through the craziness, and I hope you have a great weekend out there. Be well and talk soon!