her new motto was "might as well". she used to live by "why not".  I doubt she ever questioned either as hers was a life pretty well unexamined. random in so many ways like a trip to Nordstrom Rack that could result in bags of clothes meant for some life other than the one they were entering. 

February 7, 2022

 After a very sluggish hibernation last month I'm taking a look at the year to come. I'm at my winter weight. Did not exercise/walk/stretch/yoga for at least 2 weeks. Didn't even wash my face for a couple of days here and there (no makeup to remove, no sunscreen either as I'm just inside, just slathered moisturizer when I felt tight). So pretty basic.

 I did some self care tho: had my teeth whitened at the dentist and I'm very happy with the results. Continued with my bi weekly series of chemical peels and now, after 90 days, am switching to monthly facials.  After 3 months of chemical peels (very well controlled, minimal to no peeling or redness) I can see results, happily. The plan is to do one facial per month and what type depends on how my skin is behaving. Microneedling, chemical or firming being among the choices.  I've decided to purchase products as I run out of them and will upgrade according to my esthetician's  recommendation. So far I'm using a Vit C  hydrating repair and  a glycolic/retinol - both from Image. Additionally I had my microbladed brows touched up and they look pretty good!  

So I did do some self care in January and I'm very happy with the results. The esthetician recommends doing sheet masks or at home facial masks DAILY! - which is probably not happening- but we have started doing them - solo and en famille - much more often. Of course daily sunscreen is imperative, per absolutely everybody, so I've tried a few new ones and I'm happy to report that there are some really nice options. They contain primer now and act as a nice one step sunscreen and light coverage. I've tried and liked Tizo and Goop Glow Screen.   As for the teeth - I've been sipping coffee via a stainless steel straw and switched up my red wine for sauvignon blanc in order to keep the glow. Ok I feel a bit better about my very lazy January now that I've tallied it up. Also, Aldi has some really delicious Sauvignon Blanc at a great price point.

Playing my keyboards fairly regularly and I've been learning/researching some 80s music for Ke Ka and La. This new project will shape up over the next 6 months or so. The  PopTarts have only one gig this month. 

Now I've got to get energized with some body movement. I.ve been really enjoying outdoor walks - ramped up during the pandemic - but I can't do them in the extreme cold as it aggravates my bronchitis. Walking with one of my daughters or husband is great tho in the proper season. I could use the indoor pool at the rec center but......brrrr.....the getting into and out of the pool just doesn't inspire me right now. I may have to bite that bullet tho as swimming is such a terrific choice for me - exercise and meditation in one practice. 

One big change is upcoming, I'm electing to take my social security payment starting in October. I've talked this over with my husband and our financial advisor and it's a go! At this point I'm planning to take Sept - December totally off from appraising. I'll keep my license in effect and renew it every year until I'm certain that I won't want or need some extra income. We plan to go to Portugal in September so what a kick off to "retirement".  That's a trip with our good friends so I'm thrilled to be planning it.

Later this month we're going for the first time to Las Vegas! Actually we'll spend 2 or 3 nights at the Paris (of course) in Vegas and then spend the rest of the week with Sedona as our base. This is the first time either of us have been in the SW and we're looking forward to it. We'll go to California at the end of March and have to get going on that planning that trip as well. Maybe in 2023 we'll go for longer to Arizona or California depending on this experience.

xo

La