What I'm loving right now: Robots and Virtual Festivals

So, here’s what I am loving right now:

Robots - Our Roomba (a robotic little vacuum) sat forlorn in the corner for the last 4 years. *Something* was wrong with it, but I didn’t have the motivation to figure it out. Well, hello tons of free time. After trouble shooting and fixing 3 issues, we are in business. Each morning, when we leave for our walk, the little Roomba gets to work cleaning our main living area. This brings me so much joy.

Virtual Festivals - This past weekend, Longmire Days went virtual. Longmire Days is a multi-day festival dedicated to the fans of the books by Craig Johnson and the TV Show Longmire. We binge-watched Longmire on Netflix. It’s a show set at a Sheriff’s office in Montana near an Indian Reservation. (Did you know I worked on an Indian Reservation as a college summer job?) It was a great show. It was so much fun to see the main actors come back together and share their experiences filming the show. I think Zoom made it even better since it’s like they forgot 500 people were listening as they joked and shared stories together.

Yes, I just showed you a picture of a Zoom. You can check that square off your Social Media COVID Bingo card.

What we are watching: We just finished Battlestar Galatica. It fit with our robot theme. The first two seasons were a bit slow and I yelled at the TV a lot, but Seasons 3 and 4 made it all worthwhile. We are still deciding what our next Binge Watch will be. I think it may be time for Marvelous Mrs. Maisel or Downton Abbey.

What I’m Reading: My favorite book from the last week is The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. It’s a story about family, identity, race, and finding your path. Two twin sisters go their separate ways in their teens - one passes as White, one keeps her identity as a light skinned Black woman. 5 Stars. Do Recommend.

Bird of the Week: I’m an official bird watcher now. I have an App and everything. Check out this Sandhill Crane. The Sandhill Cranes are scattered across North America. They like prairies, fields, marshes, and tundra and apparently railroad tracks.

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We hit the road.

Three days shy of the three month anniversary of quarantine, I finally headed out into the world. 

The only activity I had since March 15th when we arrived home from the Celebrity Edge cruise was daily walks and a couple Meals on Wheels deliveries. 

A gas station in Georgia was the first store I'd entered in months. Glenn and I decided to drive to Indianapolis to spend a week with my family. Everyone needed a break and change of routine. 

We packed the car with food, Lysol, hand sanitizer, water and coffee. I loaded up my phone with audio books, podcasts, and comedy specials and we hit the road. 

It felt like we were going back in time to "before COVID". Sure, we saw a few signs on the highway to wash hands and socially distance. When we stopped twice for gas, no one was wearing masks. I actually forgot about COVID for a few hours. 

I had a great chat with a friend this week about re-entry. I'm not ready. I'm not ready to go to a grocery store, restaurant, gym or bar. I am very lucky that I don't have to.  I felt like I could control the road trip - two quick stops for gas and bathroom. Don't touch anything you don't have to. Lots of hand sanitizer. 

The past three months have an emotional boot camp. So many feelings to sort through all the time. So many decisions to make. I am a planner. Living in uncertainty and a world where everything seems to change every day is a daunting challenge. 

Favorite Things during a Pandemic

Well, this whole pandemic thing sucks.

I thought I'd share a few things that have been sustaining me:

Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links where I or one of my friends will earn a small commission if you buy through that link.

Walking - My husband and I started taking daily walks. We have a path through the neighborhood that's 6 feet wide. It's an important part of our day. I also found virtual race through the Rock and Roll Marathon Series Virtual Running Club. So far, I've completed a 5k and a 10k.

Journaling - I write down 5 things I am thankful for each day.

Projects - Each week, I find one or two projects I can do over the course of the week. I cleaned out bookshelves and closets. I finished photo books - that made me sob. I am still procrastinating the junk drawer.  
 
Diffusing Essential Oils - I don't think they cure COVID, but I sure do like recreating a relaxing or a refreshing smell in my living room as I sit on the couch and binge watch TV. I also use the oils to make shower spray. I like diffuse Tangerine, Spearmint, and Geranium together when I need a little boost. Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint was a great combo when we were a little stuffed up from allergies. I diffuse Breathe and Lavender at night. I purchase through my friend Amy's doterra site. She's a great resource.


Reading - At first, I couldn't read at all. I did find coloring to be relaxing. I have this coloring book. I'm getting back into it with what I like to call cotton candy books. These books aren't challenging my view of the world. It's like a romantic comedy or a great tv show. One of my favorite series is the Richard Castle Detective Mystery Novels.  The series starts with Heat Wave by Richard Castle. If you liked the show Castle or any of the legal/cop shows where they solve a crime a week, I think you'll really like these.


Binge-watching TV - We loved Justified on Hulu, Schitt's Creek via CW App,  Star Trek Discovery on CBS All Access, Bosch on Amazon Prime, and  The Good Fight on CBS All Access.


Skincare

 

 

I launched Operation Empty Bottle. I love to name things. I decided this was the perfect time to really commit to washing my face night and day and trying all the products I've been stockpiling from Rodan and Fields and my FabFitFun boxes. Below is my very long list of favorites. The links are to my Rodan and Fields' page or to Amazon through an affiliate link.

My go to skin care regimen is Rodan and Fields Redefine.  I've added these other products into rotation and loved them.

Cleansers
Dr Brandt pore no more Pore Purifying Cleanser - This has salicylic acid and tea tree oil so it's not for sensitive skin.

Serums & Night Creams
Rodan and Fields Active Hydration Serum - This is the best moisturizer I've ever used. It's a serum so it's light, but it holds up throughout the day. All skin types.

The Better Skin Co. Epik C Serum - This is a Vitamin C serum. Vitamin C helps promote collagen production and protect skin from those pesky free radicals. All skin types.

Grown Alchemist Detox Night Cream - This cream is no joke. It's a powerhouse. Every time I use it, I get a little breakout since it is pulling so much junk out of my skin. If you have sensitive skin or acne-prone, proceed with caution.

Dr Brandt Needles No More No More Baggage - This is my go to under eye cream when I've been crying a lot. It quickly calms down the under eye swelling.

Retinol should be an important part of your skin care routine. I am just finishing up my Rodan and Fields Redefine Intensive Renewing Serum and I am going to swap it out for Rodan and Fields Reverse Dual Active Brightening Complex.

Masks
I've been applying a lot of masks lately.

Generation Clay Brightening Purple Clay Mask does a great job brightening skin at a good price.

Rodan and Fields Reverse Radiance Mask is my favorite. My skin glows after use.

Rodan and Fields Recharge Detox Mask is my go to when I sense a hormonal break out on the horizon.

111Skin Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask - This is one of those masks that is silicon and you lay it over your face and scare the other people who live in your house. It's hydrating and your face will glow.

Do It Yourself Pedicure

Whish Exfoliating Foot Mask - This product is awesome. You put it on before you go to bed with socks. In the morning, your feet are substantially softer. My husband even requests "that really good food stuff."

Electric Nail File - This makes at home manicure and pedicures so much easier!


What has been sustaining you through this difficult time?