ladyofthebog

On 2/23/2023 at 2:24 PM, Elastigirl said:

Yay for your husband getting a new job so quickly. 
The hobbits are a good reminder of all the good things there are in just being together, enjoying the world around us, and good food!

Yes!! I keep on going back to Tolkien. 
 

gratitude while my husbands washing the kids:

- reading books together with the family 

- watching the great British bake off today with my oldest 

- the kindness my oldest shows her little sister 

- the river so close to our house 

- William Shakespeare!! 
 

Whoops! Update: my husband got a few job offers pretty quickly and accepted a position that is actually a promotion in title and role in line with the direction he ultimately wants to be moving- more into business side of things from strict tech. It seems like it’ll be a good fit and nice to know that there’s a world beyond his last position. Also a good reminder that sometimes it’s good to change up roles/ companies because it opens more options if things falls through and allows you to be flexible. Maybe more than that seeing change (uncomfortable change) as opportunities for growth and expansion. Again, all of this taken when not in a struggle to survive type situation. All easy to say when putting food on the table isn’t in question.

But for me, this time of upheaval has me really thinking about my own tendency towards scarcity mindset- the idea that there are limited resources and one must struggle to procure them. Salve is in part gratitude but also dissecting why I go to anxiety and scarcity with upheaval. Also, recognizing how the greater consumerist culture has seeped into my mindset without even realizing it! Maybe that’s why I appreciate the hobbits so much- with the exceptions of the Sackvilles- they lead a simple life and appreciate that simple life! 

Gratitude between sets:

- strong body 

- deep breath 

- the chickens clicking out back 

- smiles and their power to communicate 

- growth 

Upper body today. Definitely have a harder time finding my limits, knowing my form, and connecting mind/muscle with the upper body vs lower body. I’m thinking I’d benefit from adding in some upper body mobility- maybe it’s from hunching over and breastfeeding/ carrying around a huge baby/toddler?? In any case, my shoulders, particularly my right, are tight. 
 

Had my parents over for dinner tonight- was nice. I love seeing them. More of that. 
gratitude:

- the rhythm of each breath

- the miracle of human creativity, there’s novels/poems being written this very moment that will reveal beauty and meaning in some unexplored region of my being! 
- chocolate

- that I’m living in a time in history where exotic spices can be picked up a the local market with ease!

- moonlight

xxooo 

Busy making valentines last night! Five gratitudes this morning upon waking:

warm blankets, soft cozy bed 

being able to provide comfort for my children, and how receptive they are to it 

fresh water 

the countryside so close

the library and all the librarians who work so hard in it 

xxoo

Sore sore sore sore from trading dumbbells for barbells and lifting heavy. 
 

gratitude:

the miracle of seeds and growing things 

still having “it” after 15 years with my husband

The emerald podcast 

the sweet feeling of my baby falling asleep in my arms

our hot tub 

goodnight!! 

3 hours ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

Welcome back! 2023 so far has been the year of return, lot's of folks coming back to the forums. I'm sorry so much life happened so close together, that's just plain not fair.

I’m glad to be among those returning! Thank you for always being so encouraging as your epithet suggests!! 

On 2/11/2023 at 1:31 PM, Elastigirl said:

Welcome back! Sorry about your mother in law, that is rough.And hopefully your husband finds a new job soon. Seems like right now the tech jobs are taking a big hit with jobs

Thank you for being here and kind words! Official word from my MIL’s oncologist tomorrow. I’m hopeful but do understand, particularly as a former hospice nurse, how brutal cancer can be. Eeek, yes, tech, particularly at the big name companies is rough right now. We are pretty well positioned to weather the potential storm well but it’s still stressful!

14 hours ago, DarK_RaideR said:

Welcome back!

thank you! 

5 hours ago, Silmarilliane said:

Sorry to hear about your mother in law, that's rough, and must be especially stressful with the other stuff going on too. I'm glad you're channelling into a new challenge, and those goals look great. I particularly like when I write down gratitudes at the end of the day as it really can be so easy to focus on the negatives when you have so much going on.

tbh, it’s been my experience that trouble comes in threes so I’m hoping all (in this season are least) has been revealed so that we can get down to handling it. Thank you for being here  

following! and a magic show in a spooky tower?? sounds brilliant!

following! i'm not inspired to convert some ability scores for myself!

Hello all! So glad to be here one again for another challenge after a long-ish hiatus. I'm here because this is a particularly challenging season is our hobbit hole and now, more than ever, is a rich time for personal growth and perspective... as well as an opportunity to start lifting heavy again, as always.

In the past week, my we found out my mother in law's stage 4 cancer has spread further into her pelvis and spine, my husband was laid off from a large (very comfortable!) tech company is a massive bloodbath, and both children have been down for the count with RSV (no sleep, my friends). All of this various levels of challenging and also a moment where I realize I can be very Hobbit-like, at least of the Shire variety, in that I enjoy stability, regularity, and the known and, of course, the nature of life is that it is unstable, doubtlessly with surprise you in sometimes painful ways. Going to channel my inner Took. So, my main goals at this time is to explore this time of instability and find opportunity in the discomfort, continue to workout goals, make and effort towards writing my PNW small town urban fiction novel.

GOALS:

- write 5 things I'm grateful for each day

- declutter basement

- do something relaxing every day

- spend some time each week working on novel

WORKOUT PLAN:

 currently I workout doing beachbody workouts (it's convenient w/ a toddler and entertaining!) 5-6 days a week

new plan:

• heavy lift day in garage, lower body focused
• upper lift day (bodi)
• DAY OFF (going to take nap time on Wednesdays to just chill)
• heavy lift day in garage/heavy lift day inside with dumbbells depending on day, lower body focused
• barre (bodi)
• barre/full body fun tinmes (bodi)

Stay tuned for some hard work!!

Life Lately:

bright day at the beach house

1 hour ago, ReturnOfTheDad said:

Great to find a fellow Beachbody practitioner! Very interested to hear which ones you like/do. There’s so many to choose from!

so, i feel like i kinda have done things more femininely targeted but! in no order- 21 day fix (both the classic version and live versions and the more intense version, forgetting the name). 80 day obsession, 100 MM, a few of the p90x types ( i forget names but there's a few iterations!), lift4, and my favorite ever barre blend which i've done around 8 times? I think?? I did it in endless loop for i think about 2 years. Right now, I'm doing the bodi format which I find charming, lifting heavy 2 days a week (we tricked out our garage with a squat rack!), running. I kind of follow a 2 heavy days, one full body day, one lower body day and fill the rest with combo of barre/running. I might be over training but I keep on dropping my heavy squat days due to the baby and the garage being... just absolutely not baby proofed currently. den of danger.

I was just wondering how you’ve been doing! Thank you for keeping us updated and sounds like you’re pretty adept forging anchors. I’m also doing Beachbody things- I find it very entertaining and now can’t really imagine ever having enough time to go to the gym. I did p90x years ago, find tony Horton very charming 😂

Though should say that what I mean by untoward pregnancy issues I mean sore back or sciatica or pelvic pain or that kind of thing- definitely go pee a million times a night and every thirty minutes during the day, GERD! Though that’s diminishing (I wonder if she’s descending), I walk slowly and I can’t see my feet! Etc etc etc but feel like all to be expected when super pregnant! 

11 hours ago, "Jake" said:

Getting close to baby time, How are things?
Wishing you the best.

Yes!! Getting very close! Feeling pretty good but definitely slowing down. Can’t wait to meet the little one! Still doing barre and I think it’s doing me well this pregnancy! Highly recommend prenatal barre blend for pregnant people- I feel like it has prepared my body well for pregnancy. Not really having any untoward pregnancy issues except being tired! Last pregnancy I ran pretty late into the pregnancy and did life weights but found it harder to keep consistent. 
More recently- earlier this week, 35 weeks I think this is 33 weeks, before baby shower 

I'm making another hobbit! Hello, y'all. It has been many days. My intention is to start up with the next challenge. Important news! I am pregnant! Im just entering 23 weeks. It's been a (knock on wood) wonderful pregnancy so far, been working out doing barre about 6 days a week and just feeling good in my body  Running with that second trimester glow and energy bump right now. I'll keep updated a bit more perhaps later but short version- 

- this year has been hard particularly for my extended family but coming through and feeling the whisperings of spring!

- my main goals for now are to continue to be active during this pregnancy, continue to make meditation, mental health a priority

Hope you are all doing well. 

Lady of the Bog (though now more of the forests but, hey, bogs are mystical lands of change and becoming in my book so I'll keep it

le second trimester glow, remember this when in end of third trimester slog 

22 weeks- aka 6 months preggo!

21 weekssss

❤️❤️❤️ 

I'm so late to everything but I'm glad to be reading your challenge. I love your mindset format. Vibe hard with it. Just wanted to say, hello. Hope the snowstorm bypasses you as much as possible, at least the power stays on.

On 8/14/2020 at 1:40 AM, Aθena said:

 

Yasss Face massages with oils in general or in particular with cleansing oil?

 

My current skin routine is not impressing but what is impressing is I have managed to actually make it a routine. I am currently using Rose facial wash, a random Nivea face tonic and a day cream with 15 SPF. Massaging while adding the cream or at least intentional rotating movements instead of just slapping it all on.

 

Affirmations help me too. I look at it like: I have clearly self-brainwashed myself into having all these shitty thoughts about myself. Then I should not feel silly while repeating empowering things. 

 

Current favorites are: "I have a right to take up space./To be here/To speak up" 

 

And (a line from Robert California in an ep of the Office that impressed me a lot  ) : "I am never uncomfortable." 

 

Other things include:

 

* Breathing deep and even. Confident people often have a very even, slow breath I have read. Also sort of observed without it getting creepy  

 

* Calming down my fidgetting. 

 

* Watching what words I use. I like being almost like the Canadian stereotype but having an apologetic word choice all of the time kind of... Gets to you. 

 

* Writing down the BS I worry about/pull myself down for, assessing if I can do smth about those things. If yes, I make a new list. If no, I move on to the next item until I finish it. I then proceed to do horrible things to that first paper. ( Tearing it down in pieces... Burning... Safely! )

 

* Moving! Literally shaking things off, maybe a  Grace Anatomy power pose, yoga, dancing to songs with empowering lyrics, that kind of stuff.

 

* Meditating on how I contribute to other people's lives & how important and valuable I find other people in my life. 

 

* Doing an easy adulting task while I praise myself excessively.  Depends on what I am not confident about of course.

 

* Watch a doc/think about a confident person and try to "channel that energy".  Kind of a "what would X do" thing. And forget about myself and my lack of confidence about doing a thing for a moment.

 

* Think about times where I did feel confident and channel that version of me as often as I can. Idk why this and the previous bulletpt help. Maybe it is a way of getting out of the habit to... not be a confident person? Idk. Just sharing

 

For some reason I just saw this! Will respond after river today!! 

10 hours ago, Scaly Freak said:

 

Not really... I use too many actives on my face to settle for anything less than SFP 50+.

 

I have a number of Japanese and Korean sunscreens  on my "to repurchase" list if you are interested though...?

Yes! Super interested! If it’s 50+ and not super thick would like that too? I’ve kind of reconciled myself with wearing a hat every single day at this point but would like the option for more protection! Hiking and river and all of that I use some neutrogena thing, I think 50+ but it’s not an everyday moisturizer in my mind 

15 hours ago, fitnessgurl said:

Loving the pictures you post!❤

thank you!

10 hours ago, "Jake" said:

Every time I scroll past these two I do a double take, There are 4 rocks that line up Perfectly between the photos and a few others that are pretty close.

The larger one 1/3 from the bottom really gets me, the markings around the edge are similar too.

 

that's so strange and interesting! 

On 8/13/2020 at 8:34 PM, Scaly Freak said:

 

Oh, really....? Do share. There are not enough skincare geeks on these forums!  

 

I recently discovered that I can do a facial massage with cleansing oil. The mental health benefits of this are... intriguing.

Le skin care regime: 1) oil wash, use face towel w/ warm water to remove (currently a burts bees but i've used many oils before) 2) cream cleanser (evan healy, love) 3) tone (currently using a hydrosol, have liked more clinical stuff in past) 4) retinol (i've used expensive spa ones before that were kind of magic but not currently!) 5) evan healy oil + hydrosol or moisturizer depending on how I am feeling 5) for occasional breakouts, I like essential oil based products and they work! I've used something from dew dab from living libations (love them and best oil cleanser I've ever used was one of their's) or if it feels deep- enessa clove acne control. The Enessa is kind of expensive but it's amazing. I gave a product to a friend who was experiencing some intense cystic acne and it worked very well for her. I often will cover a zit with one of these products and then dab on some of Mario Badescue's drying paste. I really highly recommend this stuff! Very affordable too. As I've gotten older, I don't really break out that much but thought I'd include because I've found this raft of stuff remarkable! 

I use a face moisturizer/spf cream from rodan and fields. If anyone has something to recommend in the 15-30 spf range please let me know! Other days, I use one from evan healy.

About 2-3 times/week, I do a moisturizing mask. I really love Olek Henriksen's blueberry enzyme mask and sometimes will do it before other masks just because it feel like it prepares the skin for other products very well. I'll occasionally do a mud mask (love Lush's mask of magnimity) but only like one a week. If I am feeling like nuts I use Glow Glam's... something about brightening but it's intense. Like very intense so I do it like once a month. 

 I just started using vegemour's eyelash and eyebrow growth serums. Curious to see how it works!

** I realize this is very involved. I think I just started getting into skin stuff post-30 years old. I was then going to go into the supplements I take which I realize nothing is going to replace a badass diet but I do have  badass diet for the most part and actually have found improve my skin/hair beyond that with supplements. 

Sigh. This is a lot but also a lot of fun! I will commence affirmations. And you know what? I am a huge fan of affirmations/meditations as years ago I committed to sleep hypnosis tapes to get over a terrible breakup and hangup if I am being honest and that shiz changed my life. I met my husband a few months later and broke some of my habits that I had approached in dating. That schmaltzy, cheesy stuff actually worked! I crack up thinking about it.

Week 2/3 Update

Week 2

We spent last week on the coast. I feel very lucky that we have a place out there to stay always but particularly in pandemic times. I'm finding it overwhelming to record but suffice to say, I worked out everyday and mediated x5. Other conscious efforts towards self esteem work didn't really happen. Not going to add points this week.

Week 3

We are leaving to climb a peak! Tomorrow, we happened by some magic to secure a permit for a limited person trail/lake (20 heads/day). I'm pretttyyy excited. The next day, we will hike a peak and either swim in a lake/hot springs or kayak around following depending how we are feeling. The Pacific Northwest is really a wonderland. I hope it doesn't sound like gloating but I'm pretttyyy excited. 

 Mental  health wise, could be worse could be better. I feel like that's how I've been handling the pandemic/general fuckupness of these times. I really want to make it an intention to get working on my self-esteem workbook. I feel kind of like an ass typing that out but it does help! 

• do my self esteem workbook (at least once a week): didn't do this but did set up with husband when a good time to do this might be (post dinner) 
• in the midst of negative self-talk, punto for recognizing it and observing it: most beneficial part of this challenge so far has been simply beign aware of this sometimes... ALSO: found a instagram of a lady who shows how "influencers" pose/use apps to distort their images on social media. It sounds crazy admitting it, but seeing how images are heavily altered or posed has been helping realize how incredibly unrealistic my body expectations are of myself! 
• meditation session: 6 times this week!!! Does anyone else use insight app? I love it!!

Hobbit: GREY HAVENSSSS (really, though, architecture of the Oregon coast strong Grey Havens vibe

The beach right outside the beach house is pretty nutso 

We've also been going to the river a lot! Just found this spot about twenty minutes from our house. 

Including this because I love this dress and felt very much myself wearing it

On 8/3/2020 at 10:49 AM, GoodDoug said:

Hah! It is supposed to get to 80ºF today and we are all very whiny about it. Hard part is it doesn't feel safe at the beach since everyone is coming over the hill to scape the almost 100ºF heat and those troglodytes refuse to wear masks.

I know these over the hill denizens of which you speak. lollllll

On 7/31/2020 at 10:27 PM, Scaly Freak said:

 

I name my voices and issues. They are my boss fights in the great Game of Life.

 

When I first joined NF, Procrastination and Self-Indulgence where my two main enemies. Then Self-Sabotage, and the pyromancy Flame of Anxiety, and lately Despair has made an appearance.

 

As for what works for me, I cannot over-state the benefits of positive self-talk. Or of self-affirming rituals. I have a multi-step skin care routine that I do every morning and every evening, just because I am an awesome person who deserves to be cared for. And when I don't feel awesome and deserving, I look at my multi-step skin care routine and tell myself that this routine would not be done for a person who does not deserve it. So since I have all these products, that must mean I deserve them. And I tell myself that over and over until I believe it again.

 

It doesn't have to be skin care, obviously.  

I love this- and I also have an involved skin care regime! I can incorporate mantra/affirmation into it. I'm down.

On 7/31/2020 at 11:59 PM, darkfoxx said:

Yoga journals are great! And not at all silly - anything that gets pen to paper and thoughts out of head is a worthwhile pursuit. 

Alas! I need to get back into the habit! We went to the coast for a week and I lost the thread! 

On 8/3/2020 at 10:51 AM, GoodDoug said:

Mine is an army:

Private Pain, Major Anxiety, and General Panic

I feel like these times bolster your particular army unfortunately 

On 8/1/2020 at 11:53 PM, cd667 said:

Congratulations! This is an inspiring post. Maybe my next challenge is something along these lines?

thank you! I would be so honored!

On 8/3/2020 at 6:06 AM, fitnessgurl said:

I like the hobbity things idea. I should re-engage with nature study.

Hobbit 4 life

Friday Night Update:

 Brevity has never been my forte but will attempt as I am reading a FANTASTIC novel- Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo- and must away to it's sweet embrace. 

Body:

 Indeed got those 5x/week in. Took a run last Saturday as well, plan on tomorrow morning.  I did yoga x1 and x2 foam rolling sessions! Great! Fantastic! 

Self esteem:

• journaling
  • So,   I have this kind of silly but actually feels good yoga journal thing that I'll post sometime. I did this x5 this week after each workout. Felt good! I do want to get into habit of writing  proper journal as I did in days of yore but stoked to add the perhaps silly yoga journal into my routine
• act of self compassion
  • Private moment but did remember to cnsciously do this x1
• meditation session
  •  x2
• talk about self esteem issues with someone other than myself
  • x1 on a mom's group- I shared some really personal stuff and someone I really admire wrote me some very nice things. Felt really good

Puntos: 9 

 out of the gate strong

Hobbit stuff: spent time at the river, did not locate one ring to rule them all. 

On 7/27/2020 at 6:28 PM, Scaly Freak said:

 

Yes, yes, and yes.

 

I can't tell you how to do that for yourself, because you have to figure out what works for you. But I can tell you with absolute certainty that it's possible, and if you're interested in what worked for me, I'm happy to share. Meditating, and actively looking for negative self-talk and immediately stopping it when I notice it, are the biggest things that turned things around for me.

Oh, yes this all sounds good. Do share! Meditation is the magic sauce for me too- when I remember, make time to do it! 

On 7/27/2020 at 8:58 PM, fitnessgurl said:

This. 🔼 I was so used to doing it that it took awhile for me to recognize it for what it was.

 

Oh & following!😊

Very good point. Maybe I'll name that voice, Smeagol. Won't be creepy at all.

On 7/27/2020 at 9:03 PM, "Jake" said:

ABSOLUTELY! But the challenge, I believe, is that working it out, flexing it and growing it is not the same for everybody.
For example:
"You look great today" I mean it, but do you feel it? To some a complement will lift them up right away. To many, they will need to hear it more than once.
And then there are those that shrug off positive words...Some are built this way, complements do nothing, but the rest may have a condition that can be improved with time and working other areas of self esteem along with accepting complements.
Many more areas but that one, IMO, is huge
 

Remember not to beat yourself up for beating yourself up.
 

-YES. If it works for you, use it!
-We are here, you have your support system at home, its not easy but it makes for a healthier you.

I'm not judging the mom look. Being comfortable is good. You look fine.
and in case you need to hear it again: You look great today.

YES! To the first point, I should take compliment better and store them away as if I am a squirrel w/ compliment acorns for winter. 

Thank you for being here! Always the kindest, involved people on this forum. Mom look is the sauce. Citizens for elastic waistbands. 

On 7/27/2020 at 9:52 PM, Aθena said:

 

YES! 

 

 

It was plenty clear to me. You look great. I am glad the moms where you live are going for comfy and not running around om high heels like LA moms haha

 

Honestly, I have been going for the mom/cool comfy aunty look between 17 and 24 and MY mom had been trying to get me to dress more my age lol (My actual goal is to look like a classy granny that was a lady in the 50s but that is expensive or too time-consuming for me  )

 

Fortunately, if you wait long enough you will be trendy at least once in your life and see here... These past 1-2 years mom pants and so on have been THE look. Oh and dad sneakers. Awesome sauce. I look like the cool kids when I wear some of my old clothes. 

 

Except the bathing suit and shorts and fancy hat combo, I never stopped wearing that. 😇 I don't often feel the need to tan every bit of my body lol. And when you do bombs, the bikini tops often slide off, bottoms down, which I have never enjoyed when going to the swimming pool.

 

***

 

Seriously though, great challenge set-up. Rooting for youuu! Hope you get lots of a-ha moments!

 

And same, if you want to know what worked/is working for me, I am also willing to share. 

 

PS - This is analoggirl

YAY!! Analog girl. Yes, the general trickle down mom-auntie-nana fashion from normcore has been the best. just the best. Tanning is never ever in the cards for me (alas, cries my poor 13 year old self) but I'm fine with it at this point- except when going anywhere vaguely tropical BECAUSE my heart is there but hte body does not commit, lol. YAY! I'm so glad you are rooting for me. Much love! ad do share! love the sharing.

On 7/28/2020 at 12:15 AM, darkfoxx said:

Welcome back! 

thank you

On 7/28/2020 at 8:55 AM, GoodDoug said:

Glad you are back! I like the focus on self esteem. I know I need to work on that as well sometimes. Good Luck!

Thank you! Also, your lands always pop up on my iweather (because homeland) and I grumble every time I see it. literally in the 70s everyday. How do you live iwh yourself? Answer- very well. Heheh, miss that town!

On 7/30/2020 at 7:57 AM, DarK_RaideR said:

Welcome back!

thank you!!