Monday, July 31st, 2023
UPDATE: The winner is…Delaine McLafferty!
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July
- I finished writing and published Book #9 of Montana Bounty Hunters: We Are Dead Horse, MT — Jackson!
- I completed 4 editing projects for other authors in July.
Health-related:
- I’ve been swimming almost every day. Sometimes, twice a day.
- Through medicines and some diet tweaking, I’ve managed to get my blood pressure down to 130-155. There’s been an occasional spike, but it’s so much better.
Happiness-related:
- The family and I have returned to the movie theater! We accepted the “Barbenheimer” challenge and watched Oppenheimer then Barbie in theaters! So much fun! And I have the T-shirt. 🙂
- I have been working on and making more great progress organizing my art room, getting ready for the next push for art shows and reopening my Etsy store. I have accumulated the supplies I need to begin painting in encaustic wax.
- I DID NOT finish the fodder challenge. In fact, I only managed to get through the first day’s challenge because it was too time-consuming and I didn’t like the daily challenges. I did so little art, I only have these items to share…
I also did a little Gelli plate work…
August
- To complete writing Hard Knox, the next in my We Are Dead Horse, MT series which releases on September 12th!
- To complete 4 editing projects in August!
For health related, I plan:
- To swim at least once a day!
- To keep counting those points for my Weight Watchers diet and hopefully shed at least 5 pounds, remembering, as always: Slow is good!
- To continue to reduce salt, processed food, and incorporate foods good for blood pressure (spinach, broccoli, bananas).
- See my heart doctor for a progress checkup!
- To begin walking and counting my steps.
- To do more housework because my art room isn’t finished! Cleaning is exercise, too.
For happiness-related, I plan:
- To spend quality time with the family—movie nights, swim-time, making fun meals together!
- To get the kids excited about the return to school!
- To participate in and complete a free art workshop, the Inchie Challenge!
Contest
Comment on anything you’ve read in this post. Tell me what you’re doing to make yourself happier and healthier. Tell me what you plan to read in August…
Like I said, comment on anything for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!
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In August I’ll be visiting with family – it’s been about a year since I’ve seen most of them in person. And continuing the never-ending sorting, de-cluttering of my house with the intention of moving.
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I admire your list! Seeing it in writing makes one more accountable. I make lists, too. Mine are so I remember to do things (phone calls, etc) the next day. For the most part, mine are weekly lists. If I accomplish things quicker, I feel happier.
To read: I want to finish reading Diablo Mesa to my sister before the next book is released. Writing-wise, I need to complete a 1000-word short this week. I want to get through this next module for my web design class. And I want to work more on my brick books for my front yard.
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I love that you set these goals! Maybe I should take note…it might really improve my health, happiness and home! I’m starting the month with a book I started and lost back in I think 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic, then returning it to library! And I’m celebrating my last month in my thirties…and plan on starting my forties really living <3
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You have set goals for yourself. I have also set goals, i have been having some health issues. I plan on walking more, eating healthier and try not to stress as much. Reading helps with the stress.
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I am getting in a bunch of reading time. Happy my sister is home and improving health wise since her surgery.
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i finally booked a medical appointment i kept postponing
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Great to hear your BP is better. I was also able to get mine down to 130-135 for most days. Prior to having issues it always used to be 134/90 and the Dr was ok with that as I am a BBW. Dr retired and new Dr says that’s too high. Then blood sugars skyrocketed as well. Got it down to 110-120 most days, so Dr happy with that as well. Now just to maintain them.
As to reading, not sure as I have so many available on my Kindle. Been reading series lately, so taking time to get through full series. I normally do not start a series until I have all of the books.
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Good luck on getting the kids excited for school. Right now I have terrible hay fever. That is my only health concern at present.
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I am excited for Hard Knox. I have Jackson sitting on my Kindle but I just haven’t had time to read it yet. Fiddlesticks. I’ve been gardening for happiness.
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Hugs, Delilah! I haven’t been able to get out and about as much the last few weeks; I’m hoping as my foot heals, I’ll be able to return to a lot more activity! It’s hard to be sitting around, LOL! Can’t wait for Hard Knox!
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going hiking
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Congrats on your activities! I am hoping to help with the grandson’s return to school. He gives such great joy. He told me what he wants for Christmas but I have to tell his mother where I put it in case I am no longer around.
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My daughter found an pedometer app that is on my phone to help me, trying to count my steps with my TBIs. Maybe this would help you. Would also love to be more creative if I can ever organize.
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If your counting steps I have a app on my iPhone that counts my steps as long as it’s with me in my bag or hand or pocket. I have a ARC book from Cat johnson that I need to review as well as I’m relistening to Kings of Guardian and associated books by Kris Michael’s. And will be reading the new MaryAnn Jordan when it’s released
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I plan to read everything I can (😁)!! I’ve been trying to cut back on what I’m eating and it seems to be working.
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I was pre-diabetic and had high blood pressure, so I’m seeing a metabolic doctor. I’ve completely taken out as much carbs as I can, no chips or processed food. Eating a lot of eggs, meat and cheese, plus I can eat any veggies as long as they are grown above ground. Takes out a couple of veggies I was eating a lot but for now I’ve lost about 30 lbs and yesterday as I was trying to mow the lawn and I just didn’t feel right I figured out that my blood pressure was too low. I have it back to where is belongs but I will watch it now for low spikes.
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I always love seeing your artwork! Three years ago I started doing alternate fasting; I don’ eat on Monday, Wednesday or Friday. The other days I pretty much eat what I want. My A1c is lower than it’s been in years; just under 6, and I lost 50 pounds – slowly. This is the first time in years that I’ve maintained my weight for over 2 years. I’m still too heavy but I’m counting it as a win because I think I might have finally stopped yo-yo-ing.
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To begin walking and counting steps. I’m doing that again myself. I love walking but broke my hand when I fell on concrete a few months ago. (Cell phone long story)…. but since I fell, it has taken months of healing and I had a big fear of returning to walking, I’m just now starting to walk (slowly and not very far) and I am getting over my fear. Yea me!
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Those goals are inspirational, I love the name of the Inchie Challenge
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This month I plan on working on some crafts I’m taking to Getting Witchy With It in Salem next month. Crafting and reading make me happy and I exercise an hour and a half everyday on a stationary bike and do intermittent fasting for my self love intentions.
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Happy August Delilah,
I’ve been busy watching my 4 yr old grandson. He is creative, always busy with Play-Doh, paint, markers, etc.
I was invited to go to our local theatre to have a girls’ night. Popcorn, a movie, (Mama Mia). The event is free and is sponsored by Franciscan Health.
I hope you’re able to get all your work completed and are able to do some art. Have a great week.
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Thanks to everyone who shared their plans for August! I hope you’re staying on track, or that you’re rolling with the setbacks without suffering any stress over it!
The winner (chosen by a random number generator) is…#16 — Delaine McLafferty!