Today, we’re meeting for coffee, just the two of us. Let’s get comfy in some oversized, plush chairs with our large porcelain mugs of piping hot java and settle in for a long conversation about nothing. About everything. Those are the best conversations, right? I decided to “borrow” this idea from Audrey. After all, some days all you want to do is share a stream of random thoughts. Over coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
Volunteering at the Library
Last week I shared that I was volunteering at the library and some expressed interest in doing the same, which I encourage you to do! I volunteer in our Electronic Information Center, which is fancy-speak for computer area. 😀 I am told that our library receives many volunteer applicants who want to read to children which they do not need, although your library may. I suggest you ask where they need help before filling out the application, so you know it’s an area you’re comfortable supporting.
Volunteering has been both fun and eye-opening. You see all sorts of people from the wealthy to the homeless, young to old and everyone deserves to be seen and matter. It reminds me of my many blessings and the power of paying it forward.
Balance in a Cray, Cray World
I am absolutely committed to not being silent against hate, or misogyny, or basically every move that Emperor Baby Hands makes (I cannot call him President. It embarrasses me to do so). But I am also trying to stay sane as person who suffers from depression and anxiety. Everything he does aggravates it and makes it so easy to slip into the rabbit hole of despair that I fought so hard to escape. And yet I cannot be silent, nor can I allow myself to be consumed and overwhelmed by him and his ilk either. I have to find some semblance of balance, where I aid the fight and make a difference, but don’t lose myself to the darkness either. I have not yet figured out how to do this.
If you’ve mastered this, please share because I know many people are struggling with this issue and could use some help.
John Wick, Chapter 2 Comes Out on Friday
John Wick is one of my favorite Keanu Reeves movies. I love it more than The Matrix or Speed. Bill and Ted and even … Point Break (controversial, I know). Chapter 2 comes out on Friday and looks just as amazing. And a real testament to my love of the original movie is – I play Killing Strangers by Marilyn Manson almost every day. They played that song over and over, probably the only song they could afford. 😀
All the ladies are going to line up for Fifty Shades of Gray this weekend and I’m going to be all “John Wick! John Wick!”.
Warm Feet. Happy Tanya
My first few years in California I never turned on the heat or wore closed toe shoes. Not only do my toes demand freedom, but as a Minnesotan, it deeply offended me (not really) to see people bundled up on a 60 degree day. Everyone told me my blood would thin (I wish it was my waistline instead) and it has. I still don’t rock my heat very often but my toes do get cold, especially when I’m in the kitchen, and these slippers keep them so toasty warm.
These cute little ballerina slippers cost only $5 (includes 2 pairs!) at Marshalls.
Trying to Eat Healthier
I’m always going to eat carbs. And desserts. I’m not giving up anything but I need to put on my big girl pants and eat like an adult. So I made spaghetti and meatballs and actually substituted the pasta with spaghetti squash. That’s right. Instead of thinking I should do it, I did it and I liked it. Sure, it wasn’t quite as good as real pasta but it was better for me. This is probably the wrong time to mention that I’m going to share a super simple, but amazing dessert on Thursday for Valentine’s Day. Baby steps, people. 😀
This is my favorite spaghetti and meatballs recipe. Just swap out the regular pasta with spaghetti squash, if desired. 😀
Your Turn
I refilled my coffee, so now it’s your turn to share what’s on your mind.
Tanya
Thanks for the mention, friend. I definitely didn’t come up with the idea for a coffee date but I enjoy posting them 🙂
I noticed that my love for winter is waning (which devastates me). I used to love the cold and the snow and the chill, but it’s made me so grumpy this year. I’m always freezing and I’m actually looking forward to our trip to Texas. (Totally weird for me.)
You’re welcome! I’ll definitely be posting more coffee talks too! 😀
I lived in Minnesota for 30 years so I’ve done winter long enough. It’s why I love California winters because even though my toes may now get cold, it still is better than 30 below! LOL!
I really am intrigued about volunteering at the library. I’m not about the reading – I want to get my hands on the books… to see them all would be the best.
I have to keep my feet covered all winter long. I buy all the soft fuzzy socks/slippers that I can wear under the covers during the winter… & summer? I cant stand ANYTHING on my feet. haha
Definitely give it a try. I assume most libraries need some help and it is a lot of fun! LOL! I’m the same way – I can’t stand anything on my feet during the summer. Socks. Nope. Closed toe shoes. No way.
I actually love spaghetti squash. It’s on my menu for next week!
Finding balance is hard right now, but crucial.
It had been years since I’ve had spaghetti squash and it was a good reminder how I much I love that stuff. I need to make it more frequently. It so good for you! Yes, balance is crucial but not always easy to master, especially in times like these.
I love me some spaghetti squash! Let me know if you find out the secret to not falling into a pit of rage/despair after watching/reading the news.
I will Mattie. It’s really hard some days, isn’t it? Stay strong, my friend!
That picture of the Hulk after reading the news, lol 🙂 That is how I feel too.
I don’t have an answer for balancing the bad news that seems to be hitting us over the head every day, with not falling into a dark pit and ending up curled in the fetal position. What helps, and granted it isn’t much, is what I had mentioned on twitter last week to you and Jana: exercising. I can’t control what is spewing out of Washington D.C. right now, but I can control keeping myself healthy. If I am not healthy, then the depression and despair will take over hard-core and it ends up being a slippery slope into forms of “self-medicating”, which can be food, alcohol, etc… everyone is different. I just try and get in a workout most days of the week and try to get in at least 10 minutes of meditation a day. Like I said, this is most definitely not a cure-all. I still rage and get angry at the tv telling me all the bad things, but I don’t fall down the rabbit hole either. I hope this makes sense. Sorry for the super-long comment! 🙂
I’m glad I’m not the only one who hulks after watching/reading the news! You bring up an excellent point. I cannot control what others do but I can control myself, especially with food and exercise. And I think if I can regain some control there it will help me feel more in control and less stressed overall. Thanks for sharing, Mackenzie and this is definitely something I’m going to focus on!
I think I mentioned to you on a previous post of yours that I am having a difficult time with not letting the anger and aggravation of what I read/see going on in my home country, and consequently the world, and balancing that with self-care.
Volunteering at the library seems like a wonderful opportunity. Yes, there are so many wonderful places that we could give our time to, but finding a place that gives to the community that way is just great! Good on you.
You did, Erin. And I am in the same boat. Self-care is so important and something that I struggle with under normal circumstances but it is even harder these days. I am really enjoying volunteering at the library. You know my love of books and it awesome being surrounded by others who love them too!
I have tried to substitute spaghetti squash for pasta, but this carb-loving girl cannot do it! I did make a lasagna stuffed spaghetti squash for supper club that I actually enjoyed. But I try to only make pasta about once a week….so moderation! Good for you for making it to the library to volunteer. I’ve never heard of John Wick…..how is this? Was it not a popular movie? I’m not a huge movie aficiando but it’s not even familiar sounding!
I couldn’t every time but on occasion, spaghetti squash is an good substitute for me. I’m actually planning pasta for V-Day and I’m super excited! 😀 Well, John Wick is probably not your type of movie. If I remember correctly, action-type movies really aren’t your favorite. I loved it though but it is really violent, so I definitely would not recommend you watch it with your kids.
i keep meaning to try spaghetti squash or one of the other veggie noodles and i’m always just like ‘OR we could do real pasta’. hahaha.
i’m with you – its hard to stay involved and aware without always feeling down and like there’s no hope. or at least, that’s how i feel. i don’t want to stick my head in the sand, but i am definitely making an effort to step away sometimes and recharge before i let myself get upset about it again.
Pasta and me are life besties. But, my waistline says I have to become good friends with spaghetti squash. 😀 I still do pasta but not automatically anymore. Boo!
Yeah, it’s so tough to find that place where you’re informed and taking action without going insane. Taking a break and recharging is definitely critical and something I constantly remind is not only okay to do but necessary.
How did I miss this post?!? I love spaghetti squash! I don’t even notice a difference really. I’ve yet to see the first John Wick and I did watch 50 Shades (the first one) this weekend and I can say for 100% certainty I will NOT be watching any more in the series. OMG so bad!
I can’t say I don’t notice a difference but I can absolutely agree that spaghetti squash is a tasty substitute for pasta! Oh, I loved John Wick, not really sure why it stuck such a chord with me but I loved it. I have not see 50 Shades of Gray and really have no desire to do so. I tried reading the books and they were awful so I can’t imagine the movie being better.