365 Days of PIctures Days 144 to 151

Some days it is easy to figure out what picture I am going to be using for my 365 project and others, it's not easy at all.  The easy days are sadly many times because I only have one picture to choose from!  But irregardless, I have made it to more than 150 days of pictures. As I was making my choices this morning I realized that I am only one month away from the halfway point of completing one year of pictures!  Isn't that crazy?   Being honest with myself, I feel as if there is a good chance that I will continue past the 365....but then again, who knows!   

Day 144  3.22.25 

 Zoey loves to be outside and is happiest when someone is outside with her.  The weather was fabulous so I threw down an old sheet in the backyard and I read out in the fresh air.   Zoey of course had to lay down beside me! 

Day 145  3.23.25 

I cut up a new batch of fresh veggies for the bird!  He came and helped me.  Of course his help is snitching the fresh veggies and having a snack! 

Day 146  3.24.25 

My living room looks like I have a toddler living here.  I have a basket full of toys, except they are for my dog!   And as with any toddler, the toys are usually strewn across the floor!

Day 147  3.25.25

I worked on my computer while sitting on the recliner this day (to elevate my leg due to my aching knee) and this was my view.  She lays on the couch and stares at me!

Day 148  3.26.25

A few years ago we cut some paddles of Prickly Pears and rooted them during the winter months and planted them outside in the spring.  That one paddle expanded to 3 in the next few years and I have talked about having a huge patch of pickly pear cacti (they do produce an edible fruit!).   Last fall, Jason brought home three prickly pear cactus paddles that he had picked up at one of the houses where he did a call at work. (He is an appliance repair tech.)   We put them in dirt to root them and will plant them outside when the weather is conducive to outdoor growth.   We were so shocked to see them grow a new 'paddle' while indoor!  YIPPEE!  As a side note, these are the same cacti that Zoey knocked over way back on Day 60 of  my photo challenge (12.27.25)...you can see carnage of that experience here.

Day 149  3.27.25

I am so happy that the cold and dark of winter is in our review mirror (for this year).  I get almost giddy when I see things flowering!

Day 150  3.28.25

I was leaving the house and Zoey knew it.  She wouldn't even look at me!

Day 151  3.29.25

We had a nice long walk on the C&O Canal near Williamsport.  We have decided that this may be the most brilliant of Geese.   What a safe place to lay your eggs!  

I am still enjoying the experience of taking one picture a day.  It is one of the best ways to remember and reflect!

75 Hard: Week 10 plus a few days,

 I really went into auto during week 10.  It really all just seemed routine.  I know, how crazy is that?

My exercise continued like clock work.  On week days I got up at 5AM and got the first 45 minutes completed and then in the afternoons I went out and took a walk.  On the weekends I changed it up a bit.  One or two days I did a combination of indoor and outdoor.  I also did one or two days of work outside in the yard and around the house.  I was doing stuff like turning the compost bins (Shoveling a 4x4 bin of compost out and moving it to a new location) and moving stuff around in the shed and starting to pull summer stuff out.  I will call that exercise/activity!  One day Jason and I went for a long 2 hour walk on the canal.   I am counting that as all of my activity for the day too!  

 Dare I say it was easy to get my exercise in?   NO!  I will not say that.  It was routine, but it was not easy.  I still woke up and pretty much immediately groaned just thinking about having to do that 5AM 45 minutes.  I still drug my feet about going outside to get that walk in.  I didn't WANT to do it, so it wasn't easy.  It was routine though and I did it!

The reading, now that was EASY!

The water was pretty routine also.  There was one or two days where it came down to 4 or 5 PM and I realized that I was only halfway through my water for the day.  Luckily I realized it early enough to easily rectify the issue!

Food.  Food is still my Achilles heel. I stayed under my calorie goal.   Barely.   So it was a win.  But my calorie goal was set at a level that I could sustain it for 75 days.  It was set at a level that would maintain my weight.   So I kept my goal....but didn't drop a pound during this week of the 75 Hard.

And with the end of week 10 (plus a few extra days), I have completed the 75 Hard.  I am honestly kind of in shock that I did it.  I learned a lot.  I made some amazing strides in the right direction toward health and a healthier lifestyle.  I.......well......stay tuned, I'll be posting a review of the whole thing and all of those lessons and thoughts.  I just have to get them lined up in my head first!

Coincidence? I think not!

 Just so you know, I am panicked. Today, at least the day that I am writing this marks three months since I have been unemployed. I’m not going to say that I haven’t enjoyed some of the freedom. Being unemployed has offered freedom in terms of time. Being unemployed has allowed me go to my mom’s house multiple times. We have painted. We have cleaned. The house is almost ready to be listed for sale. The time off has allowed me to spend time with my niece and nephews. I have had time to go for walks outside. I have read…a lot. But even with all of those perks, I am panicked.

I am halfway through the allotted unemployment.  Unemployment is for 26 weeks. Yet I do not have a job. It is not for lack of trying. I have completed a lot of applications. So far, nothing has come from them. Panic ensues!

Today, I had my normal morning routine going. I exercised, showered, ate breakfast, took the dog out for a walk and then I went into the office. You see, my job right now is to find a job. So on a daily basis I head into the office to ‘work’.   I have tried to maintain a schedule. It’s good for the dog you know. This morning was no different.  I worked on my computer until about 1:30. I went and ate lunch. And then I drove to a local cemetery and I started to walk. There is something liberating, freeing, mind clearing about walking outside. I noticed it when I ran, I had the most clear mind, amazing ideas, and epiphanies while I was running. Apparently, walking in graveyards gives me the same effect.  (Some gorgeous flowers that had budded on the trees in the graveyard!)

I was feeling sorry for myself today. I was near tears.  I was bemoaning my possible future without a job. I was worried about finances. And then my epiphany came.

It’s not a coincidence that Jason and I met at the exact time we met. Jason had just reached rock bottom in his life when we started talking online. Had I met him earlier before he reached that bottom, I can honestly say that I probably would have walked away. And by Jason‘s own words, if he had not met me when he met me, he may not have been able to dig out of his rock bottom. God brought us together at the exact perfect time. Coincidence. I think not.

Is it a coincidence that when Jason was experiencing a bout of unemployment, that everything lined up perfectly for him to return exactly when his money ran out. Coincidence? I think not. 

I see the hand of God. I can keep going with all of these “ coincidental things”. But I don’t have to. You get the point. So as I walked I stopped thinking about the panic and I started looking at the positive. 

When we got news that we were going to be laid off, my company had just been sold and was now under new ownership.  There was speculation and rumors that they were not going to give us severance. It was a new company, they didn’t have to offer us severance. However, they did. I got three months of severance. Thank you, Lord.

There are states in the United States, who do not allow people to collect unemployment until the terms of their severance have run out. Some of the coworkers I was laid off with  have had to deplete their severance first and only now after the three months have passed are they able to collect unemployment after three months. I was lucky enough to be in a state that does allow unemployment even if you have severance. (There is a cut off for the dollar amount, but I met the qualifications.) Not only have I been able to collect unemployment. The amount of my unemployment is sufficient enough that the general bills have been paid. Now don’t get too excited, I have nothing extra… But the bills are paid and I haven’t touched the severance yet!  What a blessing.

Sure, I’m panicked. Absolutely, I’m worried. But, I don’t believe in coincidence. I’m praying for positive resolution. But in the meantime, I am going to enjoy every day of unemployment and know that something good is coming my way.  I am trusting that this experience actually not only gives me a positive change emotionally but also gives me a positive change financially. I’m trusting.

I’m not gonna say that it is easy to trust. I’m not going to say that the panic won’t creep back in. But I am going to do my best to remember that all of these tough situations were resolved and it wasn’t coincidental.

So there you go, as much as I’m enjoying this time off… I’m ready to get back to work. But in the meantime, I’m going to work hard to continue to enjoy the days off. And even more, I’m going to work to trust.  I am going to trust that good things are coming my way.   

Picture a Day for 365 Days: Days 137-143

When I first started the Picture a Day for 365 Days project, I had grand plans that it was going to bring a resurgence in the use of my good cameras.  I was going to get all artsy.  I was going to enjoy the process of photography once again.   I have to admit, it worked.  I have really enjoyed the process of photography again, when I pull out my good cameras.  But admittedly, it hasn't been often that I've done so.  Isn't that sad?  I still take pictures though and honestly some of what I have shot with my phone have been pretty decent. 

I don't know what happened, but this last week I actually pulled out my good camera....TWICE!  I know, crazy isn't it.  

Day 137   3.15.25

Jason and I went to Frederick, MD for the day.  We miss a few places from when we lived in Frederick and like to go there here and there to stop into stores or roam the downtown.  One of the stops that was on our list this visit was to go to HMart.  It is a huge Asian grocery store (they have things from so many different countries actually.)   It is always fascinating to go.  You never know what you may find.  We always end up with all sorts of different things to try!    We didn't try the Pigs heads though.  Yes, you can buy a pigs head....all wrapped up and frozen!

Day 138  3.16.25

We had a quite Sunday at home with just a few errands.  Of course we got out for a walk.  The dog went with us as we traveled around in the neighborhood behind our house. 

Day 139  3.17.25

Brrrrr it was cold out in the morning while I walked the dog!

Day 140  3.18.25

I spent the day at the Antietam Battlefield with my oldest nephew.  I took my camera this day and got a few shots.  Both Riley and I like the perfect shape of this tree.  

Day 141 3.19.25

I got my job hunting done.  I finished my outdoor walk for the 75 Hard challenge and the weather was cool but nice.  So I went out with a blanket and laid outside and read.  The dog LOVED being out and having me relaxing with her!

Day 142  3.20.25

There is nothing better than seeing buds on trees in the early spring....unless it is the moment when you first see the flowers appear from the buds!  I was so tickled when I saw this on my walk!

Day 143 3.21.25

Jason was outside with the dog and came flying into the house to grab his phone because there was a fabulous double rainbow.  I grabbed my good camera and headed out.  Of course the double rainbow was gone, but I still got a nice picture of the single....and you can almost faintly see the light area where the second rainbow was!

 I am so happy that the spring temperatures are here with fewer and fewer cold spells!  It is time to get out and work outside in the dirt.  It is time to get out and let the sun warm my skin.  And maybe, just maybe I'll get outside with my camera a bit more!

75 Hard Week 9

I have passed the 9 week mark of the 75 Hard challenge.  I honestly thought that it would get easier with time.  However, It honestly has gotten harder!  Oh my word, I kinda just want this to be over!  I want this to be over so bad that well......I almost cheated!

 

Day 57  3.16.25  

We had a nice Sunday at home.  I enjoy the lazy start that I get on the weekends.  I don't jump out of bed and start exercising within minutes.  I lazily read a bit, play on my computer, watch a bit of TV and eventually when I am ready to head for the shower, I stop and do my 45 minutes of indoor exercise and then shower.  It is so nice!   Now don't think that I am lazing around too long.  On this day I was exercised and showered and back being a bum in the living room by 9:30-10AM.  I  was watching the weather and all the weather forecasts indicated that the skies were going to open and it would rain starting at around noon and then rain for the rest of the afternoon.  So I made the bold statement that I wanted to be out walking by 11AM.   Jason went with me and we were out by 11:15.   We had a few stray rain drops hit us, but the rain held off.  The rain actually held off until quite a bit later in the day! But no worries, I was done with that outdoor exercise and that is all that mattered!  I was able to check everything else off the list, the calories were right below 1500...which is where they were all week long.  Under...so a win!

 Day 58   3.17.25

     Monday was a typical day.  Jason worked and I stayed home and looked for a job.  It was C.O.L.D out there in the morning.  This weather is fluctuating from warm teeshirt weather to cold heavy jacket weather ....so back to the heavy jacket for outside.    I got my first 45 minutes of exercise done at the typical 5AM.  Outdoor was completed when I went to the graveyard to walk for a bit.  Everything else was checked off as successful, even if the calories were right under my limit...they were under!

Day 59  3.18.25

This was a fun day for me!  I started early with my normal 5AM workout.  I walked the dog and I spent about an hour or so on my computer looking for a job.  By 9Am I was heading out!  I met up with my oldest nephew and he and I went and did an official tour of the Antietam Battlefield.  I have run on the roads there.  I have ridden my bikes there.  I have spent scads of time on the battlefield, but it is neat to actually do a tour there.  (I did all that stuff on the battlefield when I lived in Sharpsburg of course).   We walked around and checked out what we wanted to see and I easily got my outdoor activity in.  In fact, my step count for that day was the highest it has been in a LONG time.

Everything else was in check.  so another successful day (calories were again high but I kept them under the 1500).

Day 60   3.19.25

Back home and another typical day.  Exercise early for the first 45 minutes.  Walk in the Graveyard for outside.  Water down the hatch.  Book reading completed and calories high but in check.

Day 61  3.20.25 

Wash rinse repeat.   This Thursday was a repeat of the typical day.  I got it done.....with more walking in the graveyard.   

Day 62  3.21.25

Busy busy busy.   That is how I would categorize this day.  I was just busy.  I got my first 45 minutes completed early at 5AM.  I got my reading in....and was guzzling water like mad!   I got my grocery shopping done and was home by 10.  I was outside and walking shortly there after and by 11:15 I was back out the door.  I was excited about my afternoon.  You see, when I was with my nephew on Tuesday he had mentioned that his sister was on spring break and would be home at the end of the week.  I didn't waste time and messaged her asking if she wanted to go to lunch.  She said yes!  So I had a lunch date with my very favorite niece (Ok, she is my only niece, but if I had more she would definitely be my favorite!) I knew going into lunch that I would be over my calories for the day.  I was ok with it, I built this into my diet!  I have been finding it so neat to spend time with my niece and nephews as they have grown into adult hood (or growing into adulthood!)   My youngest nephew got out of school early and he and I went out for a nice long drive.  He likes to drive.  He wants more practice on manual transmission.  We also had a nice long talk.   Ahhhh what a good week, time with all three of my brothers kids!  I made it home and I wasn't overly hungry so I have a peanut butter and jelly and called it a day!   I had finished my water though!  

Day 63 3.22.25

Saturday arrived and we had another lazy morning.  And there is where I had some issues.  Here is where it got ugly.  I was hanging out and not paying attention to time and before I knew it the time had passed and it was 11 AM and I had not yet showered!  I had also not yet exercised!   I needed to get my shower in....and I started to head to the shower.  I started to head there without exercising.  I seriously told myself that I was going to skip it!  Honestly, the words I said to myself was 'no one will know if I skip it.'  I am actually ashamed to admit it.  But as soon as I said it I knew that I would know.  I would know if I skipped it that I would know!  So I laced on the shoes and completed 45 minutes of exercise.   We ran some errands and in the afternoon we were busy working around the house.  Time was passing by and I had still not completed my outdoor exercise.   I had that same thought again...just skip it!  But once again I told myself that skipping it was NOT a valid option.  SO while Jason was finishing up his project, I turned some music on, cranked  up the volume and headed outside with the dog.  She and I played fetch.  I raced her to the balls, I chased her down.  And when she was running without me I was marching in place.  45 minutes DONE.  And even better, I had a tired doggie when it was done!   I did it.  I had a successful day.....by the skin of my teeth though!

It was difficult.  I was so tempted to cheat!  But I am proud of myself that I didn't.  I only have a week and a half left!   It doesn't seem possible!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So what is next after the 75 Hard

 It is crazy to think that the 75 hard challenge is just about over!   It seemed so long ago when I started it! 

 I mean really.....it was stinkin' cold outside  when I started!

 

I have to be honest and say that there have been quite a few times during this challenge that I have have thought about "the next time"  in terms of doing the 75 hard challenge again.  I would do things a bit differently:

    * I wouldn't give myself the 30 minute bail out option for the outdoor exercise (which was given mostly because it was REALLY cold when I first started this challenge)

    *  I would do this challenge in the summer where cold wasn't an issue and if it did rain where it would be a nice warm summer rain.

    * I would also make myself drink the gallon of water versus reduce it to the 64 ounces.

    * I would build in more rest days. Still exercise and have the two required 45 minute segments of activity, but I would put a plan in place for once a week those would be more 'rest'.  Yoga maybe.  This time I felt guilty when I did something lighter.

    *I would make a more strict diet routine.  I made this one at 1500....even though I know that I don't typically lose weight at 1500. (I also don't weigh my food, so my 1500 is probably a bit higher for those of you how are gasping at the not losing at 1500).  I would make it a more difficult 'diet' to follow.

But all that said, an immediate repeat of the 75 hard challenge is not in the cards for me right now.  I want to rest my body and I want to focus on getting this weight off.  The 75 hard challenge built a good foundation.  Now it's time to build upon that foundation.

I know that I am not going to continue with 7 days a week exercise because I think my body needs rest days.  But I also know that I don't want to go to nothing.  I need to find the happy middle ground.  I enjoy the outdoor walks...especially when it's not brutally cold....or windy....or rainy...or snowy.  I may not be as intent on doing it each day but I do believe that I will be continuing my walks (most likely in graveyards) at least until I get a job.  

Post 75 Hard I am going to lower my daily allotment of calories to 1400 and start working on 'weekly' calories and not daily.  So I will start with 9800 calories for each week.  I believe I am also going to adjust my weigh in day.  

I used to weigh in on Fridays.  But I stopped that.  My weight was always so much lower on Fridays and I thought that I was 'cheating'.  I figured my Wednesday weigh in would be the most accurate.  But after reading the book Eat It  (Technically listening to it) I decided that the up and down and the low weight on Fridays/Saturdays is perfectly normal for someone that will be doing a diet that is more closely in tune with calorie cycling (typically one day up one day low....or in my case...all weekdays low and weekends higher).  I want my higher days at the beginning of the caloric week, so that I know what I can eat the rest of the week.  And I want my weigh in at the end of that caloric week.  So Friday/Saturday it is.  

I know that I need a challenge.  So I am taking all of this information and I am doing a challenge for the month of April.   Yes, I will be starting it on the first of April (The weekly calories actually start on March 30th to coincide with my shift in weigh in days.) and I am aware that the first of April will only be the 73rd day of my 75 hard challenge.  But my  new challenge, the 'One Month of Winning' challenge really does go hand in hand with the 75 hard.   It actually has so many of the same principles, just offers a bit more flexibility and freedom!  SO as long as I don't utilize the flexibility during hte first three days of April, I will be find with sharing those days with both challenges!

One Month of Winning

* Weekly calorie goal of 9800.

* Formal Exercise (like with a video) each weekday.  Furthermore, two days  must include strength training.  (I am aiming for Tuesday and Thursday at this point)  Each session must be at least 30 minutes. Two rest days

* Informal Exercise (walking, working in the yard, etc) 5 times a week. It doesn't matter what days...I just need 5 days! Two rest/lazy days.

* Water - 64 ounces daily

* Steps - I need to clock at least 5K steps.  I originally was looking at more, but I know for me that if I focus too much on steps that I will pretty much ignore strength training because it doesn't generate as many steps!  So I am pushing for a lower step count.

So each day I have 5 things.   5 possible check marks on my calendar.  For the weekly calorie  goal, as long as I am under that goal at the end of the day it is a win! 

  If it is a perfect day, I will be putting a sticker on my calendar.    Perfect would obviously be 30 stickers at the end of April.  HOWEVER, I am not worried about perfection.  So to WIN will be to have 80% perfection.  So my magic is 24 stickers at the end of the month!!!!

 I am on a roll with the 75 hard.  I have exercised more consistently (I have never not taken a rest day) in the last 10 weeks than I ever before! While I know I need rest and I know that the 75 hard is a bit extreme, I also know that I don't want to lose the momentum that I have gained.  So Here goes the One Month of Winning!

 

 

 

Picture a day : Day 124 -136

 The picture a day.  Some days it's so easy.  I have the pictures and it's there.  But admittedly, some days I kinda forget!!!

Day 124   3.1.25

Jason and I went for a walk. It was cold and windy, but we persevered.   When we were done walking we decided to go geocaching.  Typical of geocaching, we discovered some neat things right in our backyard, er...downtown!  

Day 125 3.2.25

 It was a Sunday so Jason and I went for a walk in our neighborhood.  I reached into my pocket for my phone so that I could take a picture of us and low and behold my phone was not there.  The second half of our walk was full of panic for me as I didn't know where my phone was.  I did find the phone (in the car where I had left it after our errands).  So I snapped a picture after I found my phone!

 Day 126 3.3.25

While out and about and roaming graveyards with my nephew, we discovered the whereabouts of an African American Graveyard.   Of course we had to visit!

 Day 127 3.4.25

I fell into the trap of a pancake mix.  I have been trying to up my protein and saw a pancake mix.  I love pancakes so decided to get the mix, even though I typically make them from scratch!   Let me tell you, having the mix caused me to eat pancakes.........Ever. Darn. Day!

Day 128 3.5.25
    I spent the day working on important things such as job hunting, financial budgets, taxes.  Etc.  Kinda boring, but necessary!

Day 129 3.6.25
     Such a creative headstone in a graveyard.  Sad though to know that some young child lost their life way too soon!

Day 130 3.7.25

Errands errands  errands.   Grocery day!

Day 131 3.8.25 

Another walk through a graveyard.  This time, since it was a weekend Jason was with me!

 Day 132 3.9.25

We worked around the house a lot today.  Cleaning, laundry, power washing the bird cage...all those things that get pushed off to the weekend.  While I was changing the sheets on the bed, I decided to change the quilt!  It was time for a different quilt...something more summery in colors!

Day 132 3.10.25

Fabulous weather! I was down to a teeshirt as I took a walk, in the graveyard of course!

Day 133 3.11.25

    Nothing exciting about this day....and honestly, this was pretty much the only picture I took!

Day 134 3.12.25

Of course I went walking in a graveyard....and well, another day where I only have one picture to account for my day!

Day 135 3.13.25

I have been walking a lot at graveyards.  Typically I don't see a soul.  That in some regards makes me feel secure and safe, but on the other hand I sometimes feel so secluded that if something were to happen...well.....  So I walk with 'minty'  my mind colored pepper spray!

Day 136 3.14.25

A fun time with my nephew as we went for a drive. (He has recently learned to drive stick shift and I currently have the only manual transmission car in the family for him to practice on).