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.)
Depression has been knocking at my door again for quite some time. I’ve chosen to not answer and just gone about my day. But, maaaaaan, Yesterday triggered me and depression kicked in my metaphorical front door like it’s nobody’s business. Swat team and all! It was hit after hit yesterday. I tried to shake it but the more I tried to wear the fake maskthe more unstable my emotions became. I was a wreck yesterday afternoon. I didn’t want to talk to anyone or do anything. Today, I forced myself to go to the gym even though my stomach was in knots and I just wanted to throw up and cry. I knocked out some light arm workouts (thanks to my stupid shoulder), hit my legs hard, and did the elliptical for cardio. My music was blasting so I could zone out on life. Do you ever do that? How do you handle your demons? I usually keep mine caged up or on a leash; however, these little bastardos are running amuck.
It’s okay to not be okay!
In other news, I have a few books up for preorder under various pen names!
(Surprise! I finally have a new book to put under my Lucy Tipton pen name)
My podcast is still going strong. I’ve released two episodes this past month and have another one in the making. I would love for you to give them all a listen to. I talk about real-life stuff, upcoming books, new releases, book giveaways, helpful tips on self-publishing, and I spill the tea on the latest book drama. I also, try to talk about what listeners want to hear. I don’t get a lot of feedback so if you have any, I would LOVE to hear it! 🙂 And as always, sharing is caring. (MUAH!)
If you would like to be on my podcast comment and I’ll send you the link to sign-up or if you’re a bit nervous to be heard on the podcast, you can message me and I’ll send you the link to sign up for your book to be mentioned in my podcast, newsletter, and blog. 🙂 Hope to hear from you soon.
Sooooo much hustle going on today. I am whipped. I went to the gym and lifted & did 30 minutes on the Elliptical. (original goal was more than 10 minutes) Then I ran errands with Mom. The good ole Wally World. I bought stuff to make Korean beef bulgogi. (currently marinating in the garage refrigerator.)
Once I had dinner prepped, I started working on a surprise Halloween series! Made a cover while my good friend made the logo. Then I bs’d a series and book blurb & uploaded it to KDP so now I wait to see if they’ve accepted my preorder and series page
I am super exhausted. Did I mention that yet? (HA!)
I logged into my Spotify account where I upload my Book Podcast and nearly cried. My numbers are super low. Like… embarrassing low. I’d like to get them to 100 followers. Would love it if you’d support me by listening to my podcast, hitting like, leaving a comment, and/or following me. If you share it with your friends and family, I’ll send you extra cyber kisses! (HA! HA! Ha!)
Monster in the Cookie Jar 