A Tolerance Of Winter

While online this past week I heard someone express that their tolerance for winter was waning. 

I was so struck by this as I generally feel the same way stepping into February each year, but I had never thought to put it into the context of an arc before. As someone  who thrives outdoors, January can seem very long, but also busy and productive enough to be distracting. Waiting for the weather to lean slightly warmer allowing for a little more perceived freedom in February feels much more difficult. I've spent some time this past week thinking about what I can do to meet February where it is and take its enjoyment into my own hands. And, if you didn't already know, I do love a list. 

February:

- Lüften once or twice a day. Lüften is the German practice of opening all of your windows for 10 to 15 minute a day to exchange the air in your home. It makes sense, especially with all the the candle burning happening around here and not having central (circulating/filtering) air in our current home, it can get very  stuffy. The fresh air always gives me a little boost of energy. A nice little mental and physical reset that I'm quickly becoming addicted to.  

- Bring flowers or inexpensive sprouting bulbs into the house. January after the holidays can feel fresh and clean once the garlands and greenery have been taken down, but that clean slate feeling might not last into February for some. As an avid gardener (now turned balcony gardener) I really miss watching living things grow. 

- Do something with your hands. Explore a hobby, bake or try a recipe you’ve never tried before, work a puzzle, play solitaire with a deck of cards. Knit, craft, sort. Write letters, play an instrument, give your partner a foot massage. The options are endless. 

- Expose yourself to the Arts. Go to museums (they often have free days), explore interesting buildings and architecture. See a play, watch a full length movie, or watch a ballet or symphony (check your local university for less expensive options). 

- Read 20+ minutes regularly. Rediscover your imagination, increase your empathy and understanding of others, be entertained, or learn something new through fiction and non-fiction. 

- Find some nature and get outside. I prefer going for a walk (hikes are generally too muddy this time of year), but if the weather is too challenging it's ok to just stand on the front porch for 15 minutes. Somehow the combination of natural daylight and fresh air make the lingering days of winter more tolerable. 

- Move your body. Dance in your kitchen, stretch for a few minutes, do some balance exercises or all of the above. Think about how you are staying flexible physically and mentally for the return of longer days and more opportunities for adventure. 

- Connect with friends. Need I say more? Studies show that talking with a friend for only twelve minutes can lift your mood, reduce stress and improve your well being. In person or by phone these interactions can increase the release of serotonin and dopamine and improve your overall sense of being. 

- Take a field trip. Having experiences can also trigger the brain to release chemicals that support well being, lower stress and increase motivation. *I've been compiling a list of local field trips that I want to bring into the next few months. I'll share that in my next post. 

Bring in a pop of color. In an outfit. In an umbrella, In a shoe or scarf. Just a little pop goes a long way. 

I have some of these things in practice already (Luften, reading, getting outside, and connecting with friends), but I think I can definitely make these last few weeks of winter pass with more peace and enjoyment if I pull in a few others. Let me know if you have any additional ideas!

Until next time,

Jen 

Mammogram Callback Update

 Just a quick note - Second diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound came back cancer free, the areas of concern were fluid filled cysts. What a relief. 

Hawaii Recap

 There is usually a long layover on the Captain's annual work trip to Kona, Hawaii and I've taken to hopping on a flight to join him there for a couple of days in the last few years. When in Rome - or Hawaii as they say! 

I flew in Tuesday and after being picked up, we spent the afternoon ocean dipping, then pool dipping, wash, rinse, repeat. I wouldn't go so far as to say the winter Hawaiian sea was, "warm", but it definitely was not cold either. Easy to jump in, slightly warmer than, "refreshing", very enjoyable. The crew stays at the same hotel year after year, but there is always a new walk to go on or corner to pop around and it's kind of nice that it all feels familiar.

On Wednesday, the first full day there, we decided to hike into a beach for some snorkeling. If you were expecting a lush hike through a tropical forest just turn yourself alllllll the way around because this hike was the opposite of that, try two miles through the lava fields. We've done a hike like this before on Maui and learned a few things. Bring lots of water and sun coverage. At least we went into it fully aware of what we were getting ourselves into - it's not for everyone (shrug).

 

We did in fact find the water eventually and picked our way to a little spot to don our snorkeling gear. This was a good trial as both of us had new gear to break in, the Captain with high end diving gear and me with my Dick's off the shelf tourist special, enthusiasm was high. Fish and creature count however were not. We stayed for a bit but eventually called it to head back to the hotel's iced coffees and sandy beaches. We did try snorkeling in the bay, but visibility was dismally low, possibly from the weeks of rain prior to our visit. 

Thursday we recruited a couple of the other crew to have an adventure day. We drove to the north end of the island and parked at the Pololū Valley Lookout where we accessed the Pololu Trail. It was quite a hike! Out and back, a half mile down 400 feet of rocky (but doable) terrain to a beautiful green valley and black sand beach, and then back up again. Getting back up was a bit character building but we all made it. Would 100% do again, bring more snacks and more water, maybe a good book... Really stunning, just beautiful views at every turn, and the black sand beach with its rugged crashing waves. You could easily spend a whole morning or afternoon just absorbing it all. We stopped for lunch in one of the tiny towns on the drive back, and of course popped into the shops, grabbed a local coffee. Such a fun day. 

Friday morning we rented paddle boards, and if you know me and my love, no my need like I need air to breathe, love of a good paddling mental reset you will understand how this scratched an itch. We had them for an hour, and just in the bay in front of the hotel, but it really hit the spot. 

We attempted more snorkeling in the afternoon - first visiting one beach, which turned out to be the boogie boarding beach and then finally found the beach we were looking for, a beautiful quiet spot - but alas, the visibility was still too poor for snorkeling. It was a fun little dip though, and a good swim workout getting back to the beach with the waters pull around the rocky corner we navigated. 

And Saturday I was back on a plane headed home, so just a quick little visit as these work layovers often are. But I always enjoy them and am always happy I have the chance to go! 

We did jump over to visit with family in St. Louis the following week which was a really great trip as well. We hiked, hugged, had coffees, and spent time with the Captain's sisters and high school friends. That trip ended all too soon, we miss everyone already. 

Have my second diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound tomorrow after getting flagged on the first round. I will keep you posted on that as soon as I know more. :-)

Chat soon, 

Jen

It's A New Year - Life Updates/Books

Happy New Year! 

Hello! 

After a long break towards the end of the year to focus on family I thought I'd jump back in with a little check in with a brief December recap and updated book stack. 

December was a very full month! We kicked it off with our annual early December getaway. This year we ventured up to Tofino, BC, Canada which has been on our bucket list for ages. Definitely worth the trek! Such a beautiful and rugged place. We slept in, walked on the beaches, explored, hiked, and drank a lot of coffee. We loved it! 

On our return home we were able to stop in Port Angeles and celebrate my step-dad's 85th birthday. It's always so good to visit with my parents at their peaceful property there. 

Once home, I checked off some annual medical appointments, one being my mammogram, which I did not pass. This is the second time I've been called back for a more in depth diagnostic scan and ultrasound so I'm managing fairly well at being at peace with it. Getting an appointment was much more challenging than it was in the past. I started out being able to schedule an appointment in June, but after calling multiple providers found one in March, then in February which I booked. I was put on a waiting list and was able to move up to late January which is such a relief. I will keep you updated as that whole scenario progresses. 

The rest of the month was filled with a lot of pivots between all of our little family's moving parts but everyone was in good spirits. We even managed to get gingerbread houses decorated (which were a triceratops and a sea turtle this year), and celebrate Christmas multiple times. 

By New Year's Eve everyone was back in the air or back at work. I had seen that there was a NYE candlelight service at St. James Cathedral in Seattle and that seemed like just where I should be. It was so lovely. I'm not Catholic, so stumbled though parts of it, unfamiliar with certain call and response, but took it all in. As a fan of history, art, and music it was really so beautiful. I'm so glad I went. 

What's in store for January?

I'll be joining my husband on his annual work trip to Kona for a few days of (hopefully) sun and warm temperatures this week. We are bringing snorkel gear, and hopefully the weather cooperates and allows for paddle boarding. 

The following week we will head to St. Louis for a few days to connect with family after the recent loss of my sister in law to share memories and hugs. 

And then of course, my scan after we return. 

Bookstack Update

First up, Audiobooks (I use the Libby app) -  

I've recently finished: 

"The Correspondant",  by Virginia Evans.

"Stolen Focus", by Johann Hari".

"Do You Remember", by Freida McFadden.

In the queue:

"Remarkably Bright Creatures", by Shelby Van Pelt.

And, Paper Books - 

Recently finished:

"Wild Dark Shore", by Charlotte McConaghy

"The Names", by Florence Knapp

In the queue:

"A Murder In Paris", by Matthew Blake (a holdover from last month that got pushed back due to library book return dates on other books taking precedence.)

"Come Sail With Me", by Wendy Leo-Smith

Tiny Joys

Do you hear soundtracks in your head as you walk through your days? I do. Maybe it’s because I listen to nostalgic music from bygone eras or watch movies with sweeping scores. Maybe it’s because I’m terribly, horribly sentimental. It might be because I see life in photographs, pictures always deserve a musical backdrop. My mind notices and frames scenes constantly. I see them, and somehow I hear them too. 

In a year that touched on what felt like every life altering circumstance possible - devastating  heartbreak, joyful celebration, challenges, changes, constant processing and adapting, I’ve been trying to get back into a pattern of the daily habits I used to hold that have fallen to the wayside. One of those habits is noting tiny joys. I try to keep it small. Just writing down three a day. Since recommitting to actually looking for them, I come across them constantly. 

A few from this past week:

The long warm shadows of the trees across the Post Office parking lot at 2pm on sunny November day. 

Leaves falling like snow when the wind blows.

And the leaves skittering across my path as I walk that sound like a childhood memory. 

The color of red across the street from where I sit and write, in one of the last trees still holding on to it’s leaves. 

Coffee “out” served in a real cup and saucer.

A greenhouse full of endless pointsettias for the coming season. 

Long hugs from my adult children. 

The new boat finally feeling like home on our overnight. 

The Jazz Holidays Radio on Pandora (snuck before Thanksgiving)

The settled feeling of drying orange slices for the holidays, not because I want orange slices but because the act of producing them over a long six hours feels like living in the moment. 

Trading two minute end of day foot rubs with someone you love. 

Warm light pouring from evening windows during the longer nights. 

The way boiling water sounds different when you pour it. 

There are so many things to notice that can shift our day, our mindset either way, aren’t there? Let’s keep looking for the good ones. 

Bookstack

 

Just finished (Audiobook): Count My Lies by Sophie Stava

Currently listening to: The Serpent And The Pearl by Kate Quinn

And in the queue: A Murder In Paris by Matthew Blake

Rosario

We got engaged at a party, on an island, at a resort, set in the most beautiful bay on the night the world was supposed to (electronically) end - Y2K. Spoiler alert, it did not.

In the 25+ years since, we’ve been back to that same resort every year by boat in the marina or ferry/car or tiny airplane every year, sometimes multiple times a year. We raised our babies who turned into kids, who turned into young adults on the waters in the bay and the trails in the woods leading to the interior lake and  beyond. It’s fair to say it’s probably on all of our favorite places list. It is STACKED with memories and especially dear to us. 

The resort has changed hands a few times over the years. Each time we hold our breath that this beautiful place that means so much to us can be restored and saved. To be fair, the marina has seen some needed updates and is holding steady. But the other buildings, the historic mansion that holds the dining room and spa as well as museum section, and hotel block, not so much. It is slowly falling apart and it has been so sad to watch. The grounds and views are still as beautiful as ever - nature is holding up her end nicely. But deferred maintenance is taking its toll on the structures.

 We were there this past weekend and it was a little heartbreaking. How can a place go from being vibrant and bustling to a visibly deteriorating shell in a short 25 years? We were booked in for two nights but left after one - not being able to tolerate the musty hotel room despite it’s perfect on the water view. It felt like we were turning our back on a loved one - but also, just no. We will stick to visiting by boat now. The current developer plans look wonderful, but only time will tell if they can pull off the miracle needed to restore the property. Our fingers are crossed.