I’m so glad it’s Friday eve. It’s been quite a long week at work. It’s amazing that on one hand, it feels like the year is flying by, while this week feels like it’s taking a century. The week started with my manager leaving the company, which is a bit unmooring. Up until today, the volume has been passable. Today, however, it seems to be a ghost town.
Happy Friday Eve!
Nonetheless, I am looking forward to dinner with my PanCan crew. We’re meeting up to celebrate the success of our PurpleStride event last month. We killed our goal! Also, the event had an incredible vibe and energy. I’m so glad that I could be there for the event this year. Hopefully, the stars align next year and I’ll be able to attend again. I’m also hoping to see Jake and Melly afterward since they’re still in town. Now if I could only cheat and make today Friday instead of Friday eve.
What’s the oldest things you’re wearing today?
Everything I’m wearing, for once, is relatively new. The oldest thing I’m probably wearing is my tank Fabletics tank top. Or maybe it’s the ankle braces I wear as a badge of my clumsiness.
We hit another milestone last week as the Mayor turned 18. It’s incredible to me that I no longer have any children under the age of 18. It’s been a lot of milestone moments, but can someone tell me where the time has gone? I’m pretty sure I just brought him home from the hospital yesterday. Also, I can’t possibly be getting old this quick. Time is an absolute thief and someone needs to stop it.
We celebrated the birthday with Jake, Mellie, and the Hubby with dinner around Sushi Yama. Unfortunately, Goalielocks couldn’t join us as he’s staying in Orlando for the summer term. As for the waitress, I think we either impressed her or horrified her with the sheer amount of food we ordered. The Mayor and Goalielocks always order chicken fried rice and the chicken katsu meal. It’s a perfect double order because the fried rice is still phenomenal the next day. We left the restaurant well-fed and happy. It was a great way to celebrate his milestone birthday.
After dinner, it was pretty late by old people’s standards, the kids headed to Menchies for dessert. Afterward, they headed to Mellie’s to play some Dungeons and Dragons with her family. Meanwhile, the hubby and I headed home, so we’d get in before bedtime. I find keeping my sleep schedule consistent has been super important to my well being. Consequently, I try not to deviate from the schedule too much. It was nice to have Jake and Mellie at the birthday dinner. They’re quite obviously two of the Mayor’s most favorite people.
The Mayor with his brothers
Are you a leader or a follower?
It depends on the situation. When I’m hiking through a national park in search of a monument, I’m a leader. After leading for too long at work, I quite enjoy being a follower.
Spring cleaning essentials: the must-have items to refresh your home. As the days grow longer and the temperature rises, it’s time to shake off the winter blues and embrace the freshness of spring. Along with the blossoming flowers, spring brings the annual tradition of cleaning and decluttering our homes. Having the right tools can make a world of difference when sprucing up your living space. Here are some essential items to consider adding to your spring cleaning arsenal:
All-Purpose Cleaner: A versatile all-purpose cleaner is a must-have for tackling various surfaces throughout your home. Look for a cleaner that is effective yet gentle enough for use on countertops, appliances, and bathroom fixtures. Opt for eco-friendly options to minimize your environmental impact.
Microfiber Cloths: Ditch the disposable paper towels and opt for reusable microfiber cloths instead. These cloths are highly effective at trapping dust and dirt without leaving behind streaks or lint. Use them for dusting, wiping down surfaces, and cleaning mirrors and windows.
Vacuum Cleaner with Attachments: A reliable vacuum cleaner is essential for keeping floors clean. Be careful to not overlook the importance of attachments for tackling hard-to-reach areas. Look for a vacuum with a crevice tool for cleaning those areas. Finally, It should also have a brush attachment for upholstery and curtains. I love my Shark Rotator vacuum.
Mop and Bucket or steam mop: Give your floors a deep clean with a mop and bucket combo. Choose a mop with a reusable microfiber or sponge head that can be easily wrung out to prevent streaks. For hardwood floors, consider using a gentle cleaning solution specifically formulated for wood surfaces.
Scrub Brushes: For stubborn stains and grime, a scrub brush is your best friend. Keep a variety of brushes on hand, including a stiff-bristled brush for scrubbing tile grout and a soft-bristled brush for delicate surfaces like glass shower doors.
Organizational Tools: Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up—it’s also an opportunity to declutter and organize your space. Invest in storage bins, baskets, and drawer organizers to corral clutter and make it easier to find what you need.
Air Purifier: Improve the air quality in your home by investing in an air purifier. These devices help remove allergens, dust, and other pollutants from the air, creating a healthier indoor environment for you and your family.
Squeegee: Keep your windows sparkling clean with a squeegee. This simple tool is highly effective at removing streaks and water spots, leaving your windows crystal clear and letting in more natural light.
Odor Eliminator: Banish unpleasant odors from your home with an odor eliminator spray or diffuser. Choose a fresh, clean scent like lemon or lavender to impart a welcoming atmosphere throughout your space.
Rubber Gloves: Last but not least, protect your hands from harsh cleaning chemicals and bacteria with a pair of rubber gloves. Opt for gloves with a textured grip to prevent slipping and ensure a secure hold on cleaning tools.
With these essential items in your cleaning arsenal, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any spring cleaning challenge that comes your way. So roll up your sleeves, open the windows, and let the rejuvenating spirit of spring inspire you to refresh and revitalize your home. Happy cleaning!
Mother’s Day weekend was fabulous! I had all three of my boys home, which was simply amazing. It started with a BBQ and the Panther’s game at our friend’s house Friday night. The game was incredible! Thankfully, the Panthers came away with a victory. It was a great night with great food, great company and some great hockey.
Saturday I went dress shopping with Mellie and her mom. We ventured out to Boca Town Center, which was more crowded than I’d ever seen it. The goal was to determine Terri’s preferred styles and explore color options. As the mother of the groom and mother of the bride, shopping becomes complicated. You want to compliment the wedding party but don’t want to be too close. Also, you want to be age-appropriate without being too matronly. It’s a delicate balance. Nonetheless, it was a great time.
While the girls were shopping the boys enjoyed golfing at Drive Shack in West Palm. Goalielocks impressed his brothers with his golfing skills. After shopping, I headed up to Gardens to have dinner with my fellow hockey moms. It had been way too long since I last saw them! We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Avocado’s Cantina. I had two tacos that were out of this world. While I had dinner with the girls, the boys hung out and played video games.
Sunday started with strawberries and waffles, which is always a great way to start the day. Before heading to Melody’s, I completed a nice run and yoga session. The kids, my boys, Melody and her cousins, cooked the Moms a special Mother’s Day dinner. The kids did such a great job decorating and cooking the meal. They decorated the table with photos and frames they had made for us. Additionally, they arranged to have photos taken of each family, which you know is Moms love. The best part was the video they created about mothers. It was the sweetest, funniest thing I’ve ever watched. They did such a good job! Another Panthers ‘ win was the cherry on top of a phenomenal Mother’s Day.
What’s one small improvement you can make in your life?
Financial freedom and the ability to pick up and go whenever I want would be amazing. Perhaps this is a bit offbeat, but I’d also like for health insurance to not suck.
The fourth park on our trip through Utah’s Mighty Five was Canyonlands National Park. This park is close to both Arches National Park and Dead Horse State Park. All three are near Moab, Utah. Consequently, I recommended staying in Moab for several days to fully enjoy the area. In addition, to the parks, other sites like the Birth Scene Petroglyphs are worth visiting. Canyonlands, like Capitol Reef, is a lot less busy than Zion, Bryce Canyon, or Arches. We drove from the Bryce Canyon area to Capitol Reef, which took around four hours. It was another beautiful drive.
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Canyonlands is the largest national park in Utah. It has over 337,000 acres of colorful canyons and rivers. It is broken down into districts. We visited the Island in the Sky district, which is closest to Moab. The other districts include the needles, the maze, and the rivers. These districts are not accessible from Island in the Sky and are not close to Moab. We spent one day at the park. If you’re looking to visit all four districts, you will need several days. If you plan on visiting the needles, don’t forget your bear spray, and don’t forget to remove all food from your backpacks.
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After visiting the visitor center, we made our way down the canyon. Our first trail and the most famous trail at the Island in the Sky district is the Mesa Arch. After the Mesa Arch trail, we did the Grand View Point trail. I saw a cute little snake. It was only cute because it wasn’t large and it wasn’t that close to me. After the canyon rim, we decided to do the Upheaval Dome trail. Unfortunately, we ended up taking a wrong turn. Consequently, we ended up on the Syncline Loop Trail. Coincidently, this trail is responsible for most park rescues. Thankfully, we realized our mistake before we got too deep into the trail. After a near miss with a crazy trail, we decided to make our way to the AirBnB.
Before you go, here are some things to consider.
Canyonlands is remote and has spotty cellphone service, so plan accordingly. More precisely, don’t forget to download the trail maps, so you don’t inadvertently end up on a very difficult and dangerous trail.
The busy season runs from April to Early October. And while Canyonlands isn’t as busy as Zion or Bryce, you’ll want to get there early so you’re not waiting in line to enter the park
We only had one full day at Canyonlands and I would recommend trying to plan at least 2-3 days to see all four districts. Given our limited time, we did not venture beyond the Island in the Sky district.
The Canyonlands park map is a good resource for planning your visit.
Watch the weather carefully. The weather will impact your ability to complete certain hikes safely.
Prepare to be flexible. Your planned hikes may need to change depending on the weather conditions or rock falls.
There are no restaurants in the park, so you’ll need to pack a lunch or eat outside the park.
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Some of our favorite hikes:
The Mesa Arch trail is a .6-mile loop trail. It’s easy and accessible to all levels and abilities. Moreover, the payoff is big. The Mesa Arch and the views over the canyon are stunning.
The Grand View Point trail is a 1.8-mile out-and-back trail that follows the canyon edge giving you panoramic views of the canyon below.
We attempted the Upheaval Dome trail but ended up on the Syncline Loop trail, which originates at the same point. We were not the only hikers to make this mistake. Make sure you download your trail maps before leaving the visitor center.
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Animals you may see while visiting Bryce Canyon (not an exhaustive list):
Black bears
Desert Bighorn sheep
Mule deer
Cooper’s Hawk
Ravens
White-tailed antelope squirrel
Kangaroo rats
Beavers
Great basin rattlesnake
Yellow-bellied Marmots
Cougars
The park has a beautiful visitor center in the Island in the Sky district and the Needles district. It also has numerous nice restroom facilities throughout the park. The park doesn’t have a shuttle system, so you can drive up and down the canyon. If you’ve never been to Canyonlands National Park, I’d recommend adding it to your list of places to visit.
It’s hot in here. The lack of working AC downstairs is killing me. Our room has been a balmy 83 degrees since the AC died Monday morning. Ironically, I became heat intolerant after moving to Florida. Consequently, I ended up sleeping on the couch as it was significantly cooler than our room. Both puppies kept me company and miraculously I slept pretty well. Nevertheless, it’s miserable in here.
My office is in my room, so I’ve been working in the heat all day. Did I mention it’s hot? It’s quite uncomfortable. Amazon just delivered the part that needs to be replaced, at least the one we think needs replacement. The Hubby is going to tackle that one as soon as he gets home. Hopefully, we’ll have working AC units both upstairs and downstairs. Otherwise, it will be another night on the couch for me and the puppies.
Do you have a quote you live your life by or think of often?
There are several quotes or idioms I hold near and dear. Carpe Diem is one of them as it’s a reminder to live every day to its fullest. The other one is from Victor Hugo. “Even the darkest will end and the sun will rise.” It’s a poignant reminder that even when things are bleak, things will always get better.
