Hello, Lovelies! Hard to believe the big day is almost here. It feels surreal. A vacation without kiddos!?! (Pick yourself up off the floor because I’m sure you fell out of your chair. *giggle*) I wouldn’t be going on this vacation if it wasn’t for my lovely mother and the universe finally aligning.
When was the last time you had a true vacation that focused on self-care and resetting your soul? I haven’t had a true vacation like this in almost a decade! Self-care is so important and I can honestly say that I neglect myself. I’m not proud of that fact; however, I always try to keep things real with all of you.
I’m working on my mental health and finding ME. I have spent years trying to please others. It came at a toll. A heavy toll. That is why I have finally woken up and made the decision to do things for myself. The first step is this cruise which leaves Sunday. And then, once I am back, I will get a traditional job save up a bit (I already have an income but want some cushion *SMILE*), and then plan to move abroad with my youngest son to Costa Rica for a few months, at the end of January.
Have you been to Costa Rica? Have any suggestions of where to visit or avoid? Or maybe you have a suggestion for the second country my son and I should visit after our Costa Rica adventure? Either way would love to hear your thoughts.
As many of you know, I had to make the tough decision to pull most of my books off of Kindle Unlimited because of piracy. There are a few still left on KU because of obligations; however, a few of these will be leaving KU soon too. If you have KU and would like to read them, now is the time. (SMILE)
My son moved back in with me a few months ago because the group home he was in was NOT a good fit. With him being there, it was giving me more gray hair and killing my mental health; however, searching for a new group home has had the same effect. My mental health plummeted drastically. I was not in a good place for a while. I felt like the world was caving in on me. Thankfully, I pulled myself out.
Today, I received a call from a group home near Dallas and they would LOVE for my son to join them! I nearly cried. After contacting over 50 group homes, I finally had good news. This group home was actually my top pick but I hadn’t heard from them so I gave up. The universe decided to shine some light down on my darkened path and I couldn’t be happier!
Fitness Journey
I am happy to announce that I am under 250! Wow. Did I just say that out loud to a bunch of people I don’t know? Yes. Yes, I did! No shame in my game. I am super proud of myself. I have been counting calories and doing 60-minute cardio three times a week. I couldn’t lift because of an arm injury but I recently learned substitute exercises that are helping tone the flabby chicken wings! Super excited about that.
As you see in the pictures, the elliptical machine and my protein/slim fast shake have become my best friends. On occasion, I do growl & hiss at them. (ha!) No pain, no gain… in theory.
College
Did you miss the post about me returning to college? Yes. You read that right. My old behind took the plunge. It has always been my dream to be able to say “I have a bachelor’s degree”. I had to stop years ago for personal reasons but decided to go for it again. I most likely won’t use it… or maybe I will. Time will tell. For right now, I am just enjoying being able to say “I’m a college student!”
My first class was supposed to be Statistics which sounded like Snooze-Fest. Thankfully, it is Composition II! Right up my alley! (insert happy dance)
By the way, my major is… (drum roll)… psychology. So, maybe one day I’ll be able to charge you guys for the advice I give! (Ha! just kidding. XoXo)
Dating
How’s my dating life going? I’m just going to leave these screenshots of things I posted on social media right here (sums it up)…
Moving
In case you don’t follow me on social media or missed one of my last blogs, I have decided to move abroad with my youngest (13) son. We were going to move to China or Korea; however, we are now going to head to Costa Rica for a few months. This may change but for now, it is Costa Rica. Low cost of living, great reviews from family and friends, and is rich in culture which is something I really want my youngest to experience.
I have been studying Spanish for 60+ days straight. I was feeling pretty confident until the Spanish radio station I listen to almost every day had a talking segment this morning and… I only caught a few words here and there. I’m just going to carry a notebook and pen with me and have people write down what they’re saying. I read Spanish better than I do listening & understanding it. Ha. Ha.
Travel
Only 11 more days until I go on my first cruise with my bestie A.K.A. my beautiful mother. (fun fact: eleven is one of my lucky numbers!) We are sooooo ready to set sail. I haven’t had a real vacation without the kids in years. Feels like a lifetime.
I am super excited. Originally, I was nervous because I didn’t feel ‘pretty enough’ to go on a cruise but I decided to let those feelings go. I am way too hard on myself. I keep comparing myself to others and I need to stop doing that & just enjoy life. 🙂
NEW RELEASES FROM ME
(Click each cover to learn more and/or buy a copy.)
This is a two-story paranormal romance collection with over 93,000
What happens when you are a paranormal single female, who can’t seem to catch a break with finding love? You have your love life intercepted by Lovecroft Cruise lines known for their “find your mate or get your money back” guarantee. Coralee Sue Ellen Devereaux and Samantha Moondove weren’t looking for love; however, that didn’t stop their meddling relatives from taking action and booking cruise tickets on the Mystic Harmony. A paranormal cruise ship filled with paranormal singles and a spunky cruise director, Vikki Lovecroft, who has a perfect track record of connecting those fated to be together.
However, Coralee and Samantha have set their own itinerary. Coralee intends to use the cruise as a way to explore the world outside the bayou and if she finds her mate without her seven older brothers around, she might actually keep him from running away. Samantha’s itinerary is to use the trip as a fun diversion and to get away from her nagging mother, who thinks Samantha should stop playing hard to get and find her mate.
Will Coralee and Samantha be able to stick to their own itineraries or will they leave the ship with a new relationship status?
Monster in the Cookie Jar 