26 FOR 26
The way I did it.
I’m trying new things.
As you know, trying new things is a big part of my Expedition vision … and we’re already halfway through the year with the week of July 10th.
Wow!
I thought it would be fun to give a little update on twenty-six of my discoveries for this twenty-sixth week of the twenty-sixth year. Some I found through experiments, some were suggested by friends, and some I pulled out of the closet!
Here’s what I’m listening to:
· The Mel Robbins podcast
· The unPAUSED podcast with Dr. Mary Claire Haver
· The Laugh Lines podcast with Kim and Penn Holderness
· The Meghan Trainor station on Pandora
· The Cole Porter station on Pandora
My friend Tara first introduced me to Mel Robbins and then to Dr. Mary Claire Haver. I wasn’t really a podcast person, but now I can’t imagine cooking dinner or folding laundry without a podcast playing in the background. Mel and Dr. Mary are two amazing women. And they are both helping me feel a little less nuts. Kim and Penn Holderness add a bit of comic relief to the mix. Their relationship reminds me of my husband and I. My sister has said a thousand times that Bill and I should do a podcast … well, maybe. My Pandora stations look a little funny, even to me … I love Cole Porter when I’m writing and Meghan Trainor when I’m working in the yard or exercising.
What I’m watching and following:
· The limited TV series I Will Find You, starring Sam Worthington on Netflix
· The limited TV series The Perfect Couple, starring Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber on Netflix
· Shield of Life, with Dr. Andria Klioze on YouTube and Drandriaklioze on Instagram
· The Boss Lady, with Teresa Rand and Jennifer Roberts on Facebook
· Darma.LTD, Derek Mason on Instagram, and DARMA MENS LTD on Facebook
Watching a limited series reminds me of what TV used to be—good storytelling, good acting, and something to look forward to. My friend, Dr. Andria, is perhaps the most brilliant woman I know. Her advice on healthy eating and spiritual living is something everyone should hear. I feel the same way about my friends Teresa and Jennifer. They have encouraged me and hundreds of other professional women to take charge of their careers and lives. Darma.LTD is my son’s new company. He has created a line of men’s jewelry, hats, belts, and wallets. His company has a great message too. It’s been fun to feel connected to his new endeavor through social media.
What I’m reading:
· Mona’s Eyes, a novel by Thomas Schlesser
· The Calamity Club, a novel by Kathryn Stockett
· An Inside Job, a novel by Daniel Silva
· The Ormond Beach Observer, a local newspaper published by Brian McMillan
· Florida Trend, a magazine published by David G. Denor
I’ve always loved to read, which my mom led by example. These days, she can read a novel in a day! I don’t think I’ll ever reach that speed. In fact, I have to admit that I’m listening to The Calamity Club. When I discovered it was 700 pages long, I knew I would never get through it in time for book club if I read it page by page. Mona’s Eyes and An Inside Job are also book club reads. Somehow, I’ve joined three book clubs!
The Ormond Beach Observer is a weekly paper. I look forward to reading about my neighbors and what’s happening in the community when it arrives every Thursday. Florida Trend magazine covers the same thing for the state of Florida. I like to follow what’s happening in business throughout our state. The most recent edition featured exciting opportunities in aerospace, medicine, and higher education.
What I’m eating:
· Hard-boiled eggs
· Grilled steak
· Grilled salmon
· Tofu tacos
· Chicken piccata
· Homemade salad dressing
This year has been my year for protein! I used to have a protein shake for breakfast, but lately, it’s been eggs, eggs, eggs! Cooking on the grill is a fun way to get protein, too, and one that doesn’t stink up or heat up the house. Tofu tacos have become a go-to favorite on nights that I don’t feel like cooking. I always keep a can of black beans and a can of tomatoes in the pantry. Brown the crumbled tofu in olive oil, add a packet of taco seasoning, the cans of beans and tomatoes … and voilà … dinner is done. Chicken piccata is an old favorite I made for a dinner party. It’s perfect for a party because you can make it ahead and keep it warm until you’re ready to sit down at the table. Making my own salad dressing is a new one. Apparently, we are supposed to avoid seed oil, and most commercial dressings are full of them.
What I’m doing for my skin and bones:
· Taking a FAR infrared + NEAR red light sauna
· Challenging myself to hang from a bar
· Wearing a weighted vest
· Treating my hair and scalp with BosleyMD hair products
A friend asked me recently, “Why do you have a sauna in Florida? Just go outside!”
She may be right, but I do love my sauna. When our house was damaged by flooding, I was most concerned about my little outhouse of a sauna! Thankfully, it still works. It turns out that hanging from a pull-up bar is more about grip strength than I thought. My hands used to be so strong when I was upholstering furniture. Not so much anymore; I guess it’s a good challenge—hang for one minute without touching the floor. I can’t do it yet. When I ordered the weighted vest, I thought eight pounds would be too light, but the weight really added intensity to my stair climbing. The Bosley shampoo, conditioning, and scalp treatment are the newest additions to my routine. My scalp tingles, so it feels like it’s doing something. I’ve been so stressed about my hair falling out that the stress is probably making my hair fall out! I’ll keep you posted.
The way I did it. 26 for 26.
This is part of what I’m calling Expeditionvision—my quest to find what a meaningful life looks like. One experiment per week: Possible strategies for a happier life. Trying things on purpose and paying attention to what happens. I’m not offering advice or giving instructions. I’m just sharing the way I did it. If there’s something that you’ve been wanting to try—but haven’t—I’d love to hear about it. I’m open to reader suggestions for future experiments.