J.J. Devine's Blog, page 19

The Power of Vitamin C...

Good morning, everyone!!!

​My day yesterday started off with a couple of well placed sneezes, which in turn opened the flood gates to a horrible runny nose. By seven o'clock yesterday morning I felt the fever come on. Yeah, the grandkids got me sick.

​I was supposed to go to my sister's house, so I texted her (she's in the medical field), told her I was just going to go home to die instead of coming over. She, of course, text me back with a prescription of rest, chicken noodle soup, and Vitamin C. 

​I take Vitamin C daily as it is. 3 tablets each morning because I don't do sick well. So I upped my intake of Vitamin C to three tablets each time I took my sinus meds. Every time I woke up I drank something, ate my can of Chicken Noodle soup, and took my meds and Vitamin C. By five or six my fever broke. By ten o'clock I was feeling somewhat better. This morning, it is almost like yesterday never happened.

​There is something to be said for good old fashion solutions to illness. I am a firm believer in taking Vitamin C ever since I had some horrible pains in my feet caused by a prescription med. It took some time but after going off the meds and starting a regime of Vitamin C every day the pain has gone and hasn't been back. 

​See Vitamin C is great for nerve damage as well as keeping colds at bay. Sure, we can still get sick even if we take it daily, but what I've found over the last few years is the illness doesn't stick around. It doesn't linger. 

​Even though I feel much better today I will still take the extra Vitamin C throughout today, then back off some tomorrow. I hate being sick and I don't like missing work. So there is only one solution for this old girl, do what I can to prevent things getting worse.

​Now mind you, I also take my daily vitamin each and every day. I take a women's 50+ because without a thyroid I need the extra calcium and vitamin D. My body no longer holds onto those vitamins because of the no thyroid thing. I also take a vitamin B complex due to the same reasons, each day. Oh yeah, and my thyroid pill because let's face it, something has to tell my body it has those hormones LOL.

​I'm a firm believer in taking your vitamins, even if you eat right every day. So many people, especially in the winter months in Indiana, are vitamin D deficient. Our biggest source of vitamin D is the sun :) and let's face it, in the winter here in Indiana, the sun is a luxury we don't get too often.

​Some depression comes from being vitamin D deficient. I've experienced that first hand. Not a pretty site let me tell ya. Now I play the good girl and take my vitamins each and every day without pause. Because I hate too many prescription drugs.

​So far so good this morning. I feel more like my old self instead of that 'I just want to lay down and die' woman I was yesterday. I definitely feel well rested :) 

​So if you feel that flu bug coming on grab you up some vitamin C (I recommend taking it daily regardless) and hopefully it will work as good for you as it did me. 

Everyone have a lovely day!!!

Blessings to all!!!










​

Take Care of You...

Good morning, everyone!!!

​After not seeing sunshine in a while it appeared yesterday out of nowhere. Oh my what beauty it brought with it.

​After the insanity of weather changes the day before, the sun lit up the beauty of the season so wonderfully. All the trees looked as if diamonds were glistening from their branches. The pictures do not give the scene justice by any means.

​Each season has it's beauty if only we just look around us with an open mind and heart. Winter may be cold here in Indiana, but it is days like yesterday that make living in Mother Nature's hormonal area worth every bit of the icy mornings. I was in awe of her tantrum as I drove through the streets yesterday. Ice covered branches sparkling in the sunshine. The snow standing out in the bright light reminding us that winter may be here but oh what a site she is.

​This reminded me of how important it is to take care of ourselves. As women we put so much into the people in our lives. Husbands, children, grandchildren, family members, coworkers. However, we do need to take time for just ourselves once in awhile. 

​I used to do this every Saturday night. Soak in a hot bath and just meditate and take a moment for just me. I don't know when but I stopped doing this sort of thing. I used to take time out for what I called my spa day, where I would do a facial, do a hot oil treatment on my hair, just focus on a few things I enjoyed doing for myself that gave me the sense I was still human.

​It is important for us to take a few moments in our week to ensure we are mindful of our own health. Yes, I said health. Mind-frame is a state of health to be sure. When we feel good about ourselves we then feel better about the world around us and in turn stay healthier.

​Do your nails, your hair, your make up, those help, but those are also things we do on a daily basis without much thought on many days when we're rushing around trying to get family members where they need to be. It's just routine.

​However, from time to time, we just need to take a moment, close the bathroom door, run a hot bath, and just soak. Or curl up on the couch, grab a cup of tea, and read a good book or watch your favorite movie. Anything that reminds you of the woman you were before. You remember her, the one that didn't have responsibilities, the one who could take an hour just putting on your make up or doing your hair. Yeah, she still exists inside you, but your life has changed so much so, that she doesn't get even a minute of your time any longer. Give her that moment at least once a week. You'll see a huge difference in the way you view the world around you.

​You see, that girl had dreams once. Maybe they were dreams of the life you have now, however, you're so busy these days you have trouble remembering how much you wanted the life you have today. Dreams and reality have a way of twisting things around. Because when we dream of this life we live under the illusion things will be perfect every day of your life. Reality is, life happens, and things are never perfect, but perfectly insane at times.

​Giving ourselves a moment of reflection allows us to see the beauty in our chaos. Just like that winter mix up we had the other day. Where the rain poured, the ice covered, then the snow fell. Our daily lives can be just like this. One thing happens, then another, and another until we aren't sure we can do another moment. Giving yourself pause, looking back on the insanity, you see things differently. Just because you are taking a moment for yourself doesn't mean you would trade the world you have now for the world you once had. It makes us appreciate all the crazy and yes, it will even bring a smile to your face. 

​It provides insight into how strong you've become. To be able to deal with a day where everything is going wrong and you still made it out alive. 

​Yes, ladies, it is okay to tell hubby, your turn. You take care of the kids for a few moments while I go soak in a hot tub. Then tune out the world outside that bathroom door, turn on a bit of music, light a candle, and close your eyes and let the water soak into your soul. You deserve it.

Everyone have a lovely day!!!

Blessings to all!!!












​






​

Mother Nature's hormones are way out of control...

Good morning, everyone!!!

​I think we experienced everything but sunshine yesterday. I awoke to a down pour of rain, which turned to ice, then moved into sleet, then sleet and snow, and finally snow. The picture above is our main street. You can't see it but the branches of the trees are covered in a layer or two of ice, so when the wind blows them they clack. The brick street which you can't really tell is brick here, is a nice layer of all we experienced yesterday.

​Yeah, the day before we were fifty plus degrees out :)

​Today I do books at work, so this means go in early, come home early. I'm just glad we're done with the delivery people we had. Yesterday was their last day and boy oh boy...

​The two men delivering were not all that nice for one, but the younger of the two men was just plain out an asshole. He also tried my patience to limits that really I don't like to get to. Then when he shoved his two wheel cart at me and threw bags in the boxes all over my back room and also product that was on his cart, well, let's just say I had to remove myself from the situation quickly. I'm very glad we don't have to deal with him again.

​The weather did make everything run later yesterday. Not a good time for sure. But then to have someone like that, well let's just say he didn't make the day any better. In fact, it made me feel a bit like Mother Nature's hormonal side, LOL.

​This morning my body can't decide if it is hot or cold. I put on my big fuzzy red robe and then I'm too hot. I take it off then I get too cold. Yeah, somehow I am getting the feeling me and Mother Nature have a lot in common at this moment.

​I've looked up a new recipe for pork chops to try. I get tired of cooking the same thing LOL. See, what did I tell you, me and Mother Nature are connected, we can't ever just be satisfied. I was going to make this for dinner last night then realized it took an hour of simmering, so decided to wait until today :) So, it was ice cream for dinner last evening LOL. Yeah, I can get by with things like that seeing as I wasn't cooking for anyone else last evening :)

Well I guess seeing as it is almost quarter after three I should really sign off of here and get this day underway.

​Everyone have a lovely day!!!

​Blessings to all!!!










​

Good morning, sunshine...

Good morning, everyone!!!

​For a few years now when I texted my sister I always try to throw in the first text, Good morning, sunshine :) I also greet many of my customers this way as well as my boss. It is just a way of saying no matter what it is going to be a good day :)

​As if last week at the day job wasn't crazy enough, last evening while out shopping with hubby I received a call from the girls at work. Our water hose to the fountain pop machine had sprung a leak. The entire store was drenched. Water spewed over the top of our roller grill, down the isles, into the back room, behind the counters, ect. I truly felt like a lunatic, laughing at the entire situation. It wasn't funny, but in a way it was. After you've dealt with so many things going wrong at once, well, let's just say, you have to laugh.

At least the store got a good mopping last evening LOL.

​So I guess you could say the Good Morning, Sunshine, was that reminder to myself that no matter what, it is going to be a good day :) Even if things are falling apart little by little and repairs need to be made.

​I did eventually get my goals for yesterday finished up :) It was close to midnight before I ended up laying my head on that pillow for the night, however, Saturday and Sunday are mine all mine :) 

​We didn't get the Christmas decorations down, but I have all weekend to do that. So that is on the agenda for my next two days off. Bug and lil Sis will be here this evening while their mom has a date, so maybe I can get them to help me get this undecorating started :)

​I am sort of anxious to get my living room desk back in the living room. It's warmer in there and writing at it in the winter is much easier when I'm not so cold :) 

​Life has its way of showing us what is going to be. One thing I learned from last year was to learn to go with the flow no matter what. Sometimes it's been hard to let things keep flowing. The desire to wallow in the moment, well, it can be strong. So each day I remind myself to go with the flow, keep life moving, stand firm in this thought pattern. Sure, I don't always succeed in the first go around, but I do come around :)

​Well I guess I should see what else I can get into this morning before I need to head out into the world. It is a wonderful -8 this morning with a lovely high of 7 degrees for the day. Wintertime in Indiana, gotta love it :) At least there's snow out there to make all this cold worth the trouble :)

​Everyone have a lovely day!!!

​Blessings to all!!!








​

Making the small changes...

Good morning, everyone!!!

​I finally have the kitchen up to 66 degrees from the 56 degrees it was when I came in here this morning :) I have so much I want to do in this one room today that bundling up in layers of clothing will just not work. At least now it is livable :) 

​I've been working on new banners as you can see from the changes the last few days. I do believe I like this one best. It came to me in a vision last evening, so I woke up this morning and made it :)

​Today I learn to cut whole chicken into parts. It has been years since I've done this and if memory serves I wasn't very good at it back in the day. So last evening I went to youtube and watched videos on the process LOL. Looks easy enough, but I'll let you know how it turns out LOL.

​Now hamburger, I can make. I've been doing it a couple years now and plan to take part of the day today making ground chuck :) So yes, this day is going to be a busy one for certain. 

​I need to get back into doing a newsletter each month. So that is one of my goals for this year. Making sure I get the newsletter written and out each month. I plan to also make a few changes to it as well. But nothing definite at the moment. It may end up being slightly shorter than the one last year basically because hunting down and hounding other authors all the time to get things in by a certain time frame just didn't work out so well last year. So that is on the agenda for these next few days off as well :) I'm also thinking using a few different release days depending on when my days off fall. This way I have an entire day to dedicate to just sending it out to my subscribers.

​I'm also dedicating my days off this year to not only writing but publishing. I have two books I want to get out in the next two months. Then I will be focusing on getting two more edited and ready to go hopefully within a few months after that. I'm coming up with some rock solid plans for 2018, however, these rock solid plans will also take time and dedication, which is another aspect I will be working long and hard on. 

​All of this requires me to keep focused on my own business and less focused on other people's business. Which is a plus all the way around :) I need to do this for me and I need to find that happy medium between my day job, my writing job, and also still making time for adventures and new learning that my sister and I have planned for the warmer months :) So, wish me luck on my goals for 2018, because I'm super tired of ending a year and realizing I didn't get as much done as I wanted to in a year's time.

Everyone have a lovely day!!!

​Blessings to all!!!








​

My mini vacation...

Good morning, everyone!!!

This week is sort of a mini vacation from the day job. I only work Tuesday and Friday this week :) A much needed break after last week for sure LOL.

​In a few hours I go pick up a meat package from our local butcher shop. Then I'll be bringing it home and tomorrow making more hamburger and cutting up whole chickens to repackage how I want them :) So, yes, this little mini vacation has some big plans. 

​I'm also doing a bit of writing and taking down some of the Christmas decorations :) Which is a must for this week. Then of course bringing my living room desk back downstairs so writing isn't so cold :) I may just move my salt lamp in there for the winter as well :) Either that or pick up another one for the living room (which is a big possibility) :)

​I love having this time off to just relax and do only what I want to do. I'm not thrilled about going out into the cold today, but I will do it because I want the meat package and to get things out of the way before tomorrow :)

​So the next few days are going to days dedicated to just me and what I want to do. Oh yeah, and a birthday dinner for the daughter ;)

​Everyone have a lovely day!!!

​Blessings to all!!!









​

We have water once again!!!

Good morning, everyone!!!

​Yeah, we have water again. This insane adventure began a few days back when the pipes to the water heater froze. Hubby spent awhile under the bathroom, in the crawlspace, thawing out those pipes that ran up into the house along the inside of an outside wall. Well, those pipes needed moved, so moved they were. However, in the process the rest of the water froze to the entire house other than the cold water in my kitchen. 

​Yep, we leave water running in this sort of weather. We also have insulation and heat tape on our pipes, however, sometimes the weather outside is just too cold for even that when you have to shut your water down for a few minutes while a pipe is being changed out. That's literally how long it took for the rest of the pipes to freeze, a handful of minutes. 

​So, yesterday, after having heaters and spotlights on the pipes all night had not worked, hubby being hubby, just started replacing pipes. All I can say is there is no greater sound than rushing water coming out of your facets, LOL.

​He replaced two areas of pipe when the heaters didn't thaw some of the areas, but it was much easier when we knew which areas needed replaced. I still have no water to my ice maker, but that is common when it comes to that area of the house. It freezes up every time the temps get in the teens due to the thin line that goes to the ice maker. But I'm used to that, so it's no big deal. What is a big deal is no water in the rest of the house.

​I will give it to hubby, that man worked on those pipes tirelessly for the last few days until we finally had water again. He could have stopped once all the water in the bathroom was flowing again and said, "Oh the hot water to the kitchen will come on when it comes on." But no, he didn't, he finally just said the hell with it and replaced the hot water pipe to the kitchen LOL. 

​So this morning, all the running water in the kitchen and bathroom don't sound so much like money running down the drain but music to my ears :)

​We brought the New Year in with some not so fun issues, but we also brought the New Year in with determination and problem solving :) So, I guess you could say it was a win win.

​The thermometer reads -15 this morning. The kitchen table drinking coffee preparing to get ready for work is not where I'd like to be for certain, but here I am and just happy to have running water throughout my house.

​A heater in the crawlspace still going to give the pipes a bit of extra help during this cold snap we have going on. The clothes I'll be wearing to work this morning are warming in the dryer. Coffee in hand to warm my insides before heading out into our deep freeze. Yeah, it's one of those winter mornings in Indiana and even with the cold I wouldn't trade it for anything :)

​There is something to be said for the weather changes. This deep freeze helps to kill off the bugs for next summer, a plus in my book. It's been a good while since we've had such cold temps in January, so I'm not going to complain. Okay, I might complain when I have to walk outside to warm up my truck, LOL, but next summer I'll be thrilled that we had this cold weather.

​Well I guess I should hit some writing up before heading out into the world. 

Everyone have a lovely day!!!

Blessings to all!!!








​

Happy New Year!!! May 2018 be your year!!!

Good morning, everyone and a very Happy New Year to all!!!

​Today is not only a new week but a new year to boot. I'm starting the new year off with only cold water in my kitchen. Yeah, the rest of the water in the house is frozen. Ahhh, does the fun never cease????

​So I guess our plans for today have fallen through, but that too is okay. I would much rather have water by the end of the day than have to deal with no water when hubby is gone for a few days. Just sayin'...

​The other plus to this is, I'm glad it happened while he was home and not when I have to deal with it by myself and call the oldest son in a panic while he's at work, crying while soaked under the house in subzero temps, saying, "I don't know what else to do." Only to have him come over and help me get it fixed.

​Yes, true story, this happened a few years ago. I was in the crawlspace under the bathroom, thawing out frozen pipes with the blow dryer, when one of the pipes to my water heater broke and soaked me with water. I had dealt with frozen pipes under there for a few days, locating them, thawing them out, and having the same issue the next day, when this happened. So, I was at my ropes end when I made that call, but my oldest son being the gem he is, saved me.

​So, to have hubby home to fix this, is a godsend for me for sure. However, this lady isn't leaving the house without a shower. Thankfully it's my day off :)

​I'm really hoping this is not an omen for the up and coming year. At work just about everything broke this week. Now this... Yeah, this year is coming in with a bang for sure.

​I want to chime in here and say all of you have made my 2017 a fantastic year for my website/blog!!! I hit my highest ever page views for the year!!! This made me so thrilled and definitely made all the bad stuff happening in my life look and feel so much better!!! So thank all you for helping me find a bright spot in my otherwise insane world right now!!!

​With this being a new week and a new year I'm going to make the best of what is yet to come. I have some firm ideas on how I want this year to go and frankly, I need to make this happen. I'm the only one who can do it and just talking about it won't cut it. 

​So the game plan is in effect and today I begin executing it :) New day, new week, new year :)

​Well I guess I should get this day started. 

Everyone have a lovely day!!!

Blessings to all!!!









​

​ 

Leaving things behind in 2017...

Good morning, everyone!!!

​As we move into 2018 we find those things in life we don't want to carry over into the new year. Hence the reason so many people make New Year's Resolutions. Sometimes I make resolutions other times I do not but mindfully try to make changes each year to initiate inner growth.

​At the end of each year is a good time for reflection on the year past. To assess what worked and what didn't. To make decisions on what needs changed and what needs improved. What should be left behind and what should be brought into the new year ahead.

​There are some things in life we hang onto even though we know we shouldn't. Bringing in the new year gives us the opportunity to really assess these things and make firm decisions to leave them behind. However, just because we decide to leave them behind doesn't mean that is the end game.

​Leaving aspects of our lives behind that we've made habits over time can be difficult. So just saying, "I'm not bringing this or that with me into the new year," is not enough. It is hard work and dedication that actually makes this frame of mind work.

​Breaking habits is hard work. You have to be mindful of what it is you want to leave behind, then work toward it every time you find yourself falling back into the pattern. That part gets easier as time goes by, but at first you will fail, you will realize afterwards you were leaving that behind. However, as time goes by, you will recognize this behavior pattern either right before or during the process. It's okay, to say, "Nope, I was leaving you behind," and just stop mid action.

​I decided no more on letting people push buttons that piss me off. If it is something I can't control, but they are putting it in my life, then I have decided to make sure they know just what they are doing to add stress or more work to my life. Things don't change if you don't initiate change and maybe by doing this they will think more about what they're doing and find it less funny when they bring this shit into my day.

​I understand the need for human communication, however, I also understand the word responsibility and what it entails. There is a time and place for both. Sometimes people just need to be reminded of that.

​Well I need to get ready to go out into this bitter cold and start this day.

Everyone have a lovely day!!!

Blessings to all!!!









​










​ 

Two days left of 2017...

Good morning, everyone!!!

​Well this year sure has flown by. Two more days and it will be 2018. Crazy, huh?!?

​I woke up this morning to a nice fluffy blanket of snow covering my world. Not unusual for Indiana in the winter for sure. Like I always say, if it is going to be this damn cold at least give me something pretty to look at :) 

​2017 has been a year full of change. My work schedule has gone from changing up all the time to a more normal routine. This makes it easier to get used to and also allows me to better plan my days. I've learned how to better manage my time for both my real world and my writing world. Something I needed to figure out.

​I've learned to enjoy life a little more and relax when I need to. I've learned to listen to my inner warnings and heed their intuitions. I've learned to take time for me and just enjoy the moment.

​I've enjoyed the simple things in life and learned to relax when things get stressful. I've learned if I get too upset over things, those things don't calm down until I've released the anxiety that goes along with them. This last week has proven that and reminded me where my control lies.

​I've learned to ask for what I need from my spiritual guides and thank them every day for what they've given me in this life. I've learned strength comes from the inside, not how many muscles you have. It is this inner strength that gets you through a day.

​I've learned that bad things just happen and we just have to go on, changing up life where we need to. Going with the flow works better if we let this stuff just flow through our lives, because bad things happen and we are powerless to stop it.

​I've learned not to suffocate those around me, but to allow things to just be. Enjoy the moments, but don't try to hold onto those moments for all time by reliving them every day. Memories are just that, a time to look back on.

​I've learned most of all, time flies by. Grab it, enjoy it, let go, so you can experience another day to it's fullest. Life is an adventure. Wake up each morning to expect nothing and relish in all, even the bad stuff.

​Everyone have a lovely day!!!

Blessings to all!!!









​