Reflections of My Life

Early morning, a single car horn going off for a irritating length of time disrupts the quiet I usually appreciate. Second morning in a row this has happened. Not being familiar with this feature of cars I often wonder if it is sign the car is being messed with by a would be thief. Not sure if this sound is more annoying than the garbage truck that empties the dumpster at my building and the ones of the businesses along South Broad Street. Neither waken me as I am up and drinking coffee long before the noise starts.

The last few days I have been on a binge of studio apartment decor videos. I have lived here for four years and want to make some changes. It is the reason I really love living in an apartment. Making changes is not costly and I can re-purpose various items. I find as I get older the "minimalist" look appeals to me more and more. Less to clean! Yes, that is the main reason I find I am taking things down and out. Wall decor is another story since I cannot reach any of it and will have to decide how much I want to change that. It does look the same to me, boring now. Whatever I choose, it has to go with my brightly colored rugs. I cannot afford to change them. I put them down because I was afraid of Rabbit ruining the carpeting. Yet, he did not try. Actually it was people coming into my apartment who caused the light beige carpeting to become discolored. Even my carpet shampooer did not clean it.

The main thing I will work on today will be my two large dressers. The drawers are pretty organized for the most part. But about three drawers need to be redone. I hate drawers that are stuffed. I like to look inside and see exactly where everything is. It sounds weird I know, but last time I did this I put all my DVDs in two drawers of my vanity. After years and years of sitting in front of it to apply make-up I no longer do that........not ever. I do that in the bathroom because the light is better and I can be closer to the mirror and the water. Not that I wear make-up very often. I can't remember the last time I put some on. Mostly just eyebrow make-up. When I get my dental work completed and have new dentures I will be back to using lipstick again. I like lipstick.
 

Yesterday Sonny came to finish putting my new office chair together. All I can say about it is that being pink it is pretty. Does not feel very comfortable but I am not sending it back. I will most likely have to buy another one. I knew I should only buy furniture that I can see in person first. Sit on and see how it fits me. Chairs, beds and shoes are things that I like to buy in person when possible. Of course, I am not taking it apart to send it back. My old chair was worn out though so I am giving that to Sonny to use in his garage.

I will most likely move my computer to the portable table today so I can sit on my favorite chair which is not an office chair. I like to sit with my back against a solid back. The office chair leans back and Sonny had fixed it so it would not do that. It didn't yesterday but this morning it does. I know I got what I paid for.........pretty!

I have been watching decorating videos and I really enjoy them, but..........I need to find ones that are for people who more like me. Someone needs to make a channel for disabled, over 60, on a budget, living alone and have to do things for themselves. I can take bits and pieces of some but for the most part I have to come up with my ideas. I want to use what I already own for the most part. The videos I have been watching do get my brain working and figuring out how I can do things differently.

Well I ate off keto for the last couple of days. I will today as well because I have a little bit more of the chicken noodle soup to finish off. It did make me feel better. Maybe that is just in my head because my mother always made it for us when anyone did not feel good. It feels strange to eat carbs after so long of not eating them. It is the noodles. For some reason chicken soup without them does not comfort me as much.
 
This is a decorating video I came across this morning and enjoyed. Of course, this is not the way I can live but liked how he had created a lifestyle that reflects his personality.

@katlupe

What an exceptionally talented young man. He is definitely a very unique person.
I perked up when he mentioned Black Creek Pioneer Village. Most students here go on field trips there.
Thanks for posting his video, Kat.
 
Yesterday Sonny came to finish putting my new office chair together. All I can say about it is that being pink it is pretty. Does not feel very comfortable but I am not sending it back. I will most likely have to buy another one. I knew I should only buy furniture that I can see in person first. Sit on and see how it fits me. Chairs, beds and shoes are things that I like to buy in person when possible. Of course, I am not taking it apart to send it back. My old chair was worn out though so I am giving that to Sonny to use in his garage.

I will most likely move my computer to the portable table today so I can sit on my favorite chair which is not an office chair. I like to sit with my back against a solid back. The office chair leans back and Sonny had fixed it so it would not do that. It didn't yesterday but this morning it does. I know I got what I paid for.........pretty!

I have been watching decorating videos and I really enjoy them, but..........I need to find ones that are for people who more like me. Someone needs to make a channel for disabled, over 60, on a budget, living alone and have to do things for themselves. I can take bits and pieces of some but for the most part I have to come up with my ideas. I want to use what I already own for the most part. The videos I have been watching do get my brain working and figuring out how I can do things differently.

Well I ate off keto for the last couple of days. I will today as well because I have a little bit more of the chicken noodle soup to finish off. It did make me feel better. Maybe that is just in my head because my mother always made it for us when anyone did not feel good. It feels strange to eat carbs after so long of not eating them. It is the noodles. For some reason chicken soup without them does not comfort me as much.
Hello, Kat


Your warm sentiments towards memory of your mother, and her chicken soup; makes me smile.❤️

We share mutual feeling: as I too embrace my mother’s ginger-chicken soup with special affection. She lovingly made it, whenever the family came down with a cold or the flu.

You might appreciate the link I’ve enclosed, regarding the healing benefits of chicken soup; as you’re quite right in attributing a sense of well-being from having consumed it.

The Healing Benefits of Chicken Soup — Dr. Sally's Kitchen - Functional Medicine

Furthermore, thank you for posting the video on Rajiv Surendra; I enjoyed it immensely. After viewing, I clearly see in mind’s eye the direction you wish to take in terms of creating meaningful space in your home.

I love the concept so much, I’m looking forward towards revamping my living quarters as well!
 
This is a decorating video I came across this morning and enjoyed. Of course, this is not the way I can live but liked how he had created a lifestyle that reflects his personality.

I enjoyed this immensely, too! He has remarkable taste and incredible talent. Wish I could live there, too. I loved the weave of that brown suit jacket he took out of the closet. Thanks for posting this.
 
Today I surprised myself. I haven't felt good for the last few days yet yesterday I cleaned off my window sill and the area around the air conditioner. I took all the clutter that accumulated there out. Left only some houseplants, 3 vases of artificial flowers, one horse head bookend and a bobble head bunny. That inspired me so much that today I took down all the pictures on my gallery wall next to my computer. Family photos that I love but am just tired of the same old wall. So far I have replaced them with two posters I had in my bathroom.

I would rather have posters that are framed. But I am trying to stick to a budget with no extra spending until I have the batteries for Jazzy and that new chair I bought in April paid for. I should have them paid off by March or earlier. As long as I do not buy any extras. I can do that. So anyway,, I am aiming for an uncluttered look. Honestly, sometimes the clutter look clutters my brain.

Then I took a walk after I went out to the dumpster. There was music and booths out in the park by the courthouse today. I didn't go there. I went the other way and went in the front door of the Service Pharmacy and bought some bagels. Then out the back door and back home. I didn't expect to take a walk but I did. Not as long as usual but it was nice walk. Lots of people on the streets. Came home and finished up some of this work so I can sit at the computer. Now washing dishes and cleaning up the kitchen. I have to do it in little bits. I get it done though.
 
As far as your home is concerned, you should decorate it with things you enjoy, that give you joy. It is your refuge, your piece of the world that calms and comforts you. My home is filled mixed with things I have chosen and other things that belonged to family members. Would others think it an odd mix, yes, but it is my home.
 
As far as your home is concerned, you should decorate it with things you enjoy, that give you joy. It is your refuge, your piece of the world that calms and comforts you. My home is filled mixed with things I have chosen and other things that belonged to family members. Would others think it an odd mix, yes, but it is my home.
That is what I have done. Clutter does not give me joy. I got rid of a lot when I moved here. This is a studio apartment and any excess is too much. I just keep doing it little by little. I like changing it from time to time. Though due to the layout it is not easy to do. I am proud of it though I do not have a lot of visitors. It is my sanctuary.
 
Early morning, a single car horn going off for a irritating length of time disrupts the quiet I usually appreciate. Second morning in a row this has happened. Not being familiar with this feature of cars I often wonder if it is sign the car is being messed with by a would be thief. Not sure if this sound is more annoying than the garbage truck that empties the dumpster at my building and the ones of the businesses along South Broad Street. Neither waken me as I am up and drinking coffee long before the noise starts.

The last few days I have been on a binge of studio apartment decor videos. I have lived here for four years and want to make some changes. It is the reason I really love living in an apartment. Making changes is not costly and I can re-purpose various items. I find as I get older the "minimalist" look appeals to me more and more. Less to clean! Yes, that is the main reason I find I am taking things down and out. Wall decor is another story since I cannot reach any of it and will have to decide how much I want to change that. It does look the same to me, boring now. Whatever I choose, it has to go with my brightly colored rugs. I cannot afford to change them. I put them down because I was afraid of Rabbit ruining the carpeting. Yet, he did not try. Actually it was people coming into my apartment who caused the light beige carpeting to become discolored. Even my carpet shampooer did not clean it.

The main thing I will work on today will be my two large dressers. The drawers are pretty organized for the most part. But about three drawers need to be redone. I hate drawers that are stuffed. I like to look inside and see exactly where everything is. It sounds weird I know, but last time I did this I put all my DVDs in two drawers of my vanity. After years and years of sitting in front of it to apply make-up I no longer do that........not ever. I do that in the bathroom because the light is better and I can be closer to the mirror and the water. Not that I wear make-up very often. I can't remember the last time I put some on. Mostly just eyebrow make-up. When I get my dental work completed and have new dentures I will be back to using lipstick again. I like lipstick.
i am slowly going minimalist,i have got alot done.so much easier to clean !
 
i am slowly going minimalist,i have got alot done.so much easier to clean !
That's how I have been doing it too. Slowly. You are so right, it is way easier to clean!

I just took all the pictures I had hanging on my wall down. Put up the posters I had in my bathroom there instead. Simpler and neater. Of course my son came to see me today and he was disappointed the pictures where not on the wall. I am thinking of putting them all in an album so if I want to look at them I can just leaf through them (or my son when he is here). Picture frames are big dust collectors.
 
Rabbit is in his cage, waiting for me to shut my computer off and turn off the light over it. Then he will jump out of his cage in one leap hoping to meet me on his runner rug where I feed him. He has done his best to train me to give him berries before I sit down for the night in front of the television. I usually set up the coffee maker for morning and then he has to wait. He will peek around the corner into the kitchen. We have lived here since 2018 and he has never ventured into the kitchen. He will not cross that gold metal transition strip between the tile floor and the carpeting. So he just waits........
 
Today is errands day. Sonny will take me to the post office to get money orders for my rent and for my son's. I am going to include a note with his rent asking for a key replacement. This is nuts that his landlord has not given him a key for the outside door. He got locked out this morning when he went to the store a couple doors down to get some food. So he came here and nothing I could do about it. He went back and I didn't hear from him for awhile so I called his apartment and he answered.........you would think he would have let me know that he got in.

I am making a beef vegetable soup in the IP right now. Taking a rest before I have to get ready to go with Sonny. I cleaned my curio cabinet out this morning. Took it apart and cleaned all the glass and mirrors. Then each cat figurine. Put it back so it would not look so packed. The two top shelves have cats only and the bottom one has all the other stuff including my dolls and the birthday cake plate. I also took down the silver Christmas tree I kept on top of it. Decided it was too much stuff and looked cluttered. Now it looks much nicer.

Today is not my favorite day. In fact, I hate it. I hate going to the store with so many people shopping at the same time. All I really need is food for Rabbit but that means I have to go whether I want to or not. When I get started on a project, I just want to continue with it but now it is really time for me to stop.
 
Today is errands day. Sonny will take me to the post office to get money orders for my rent and for my son's. I am going to include a note with his rent asking for a key replacement. This is nuts that his landlord has not given him a key for the outside door. He got locked out this morning when he went to the store a couple doors down to get some food. So he came here and nothing I could do about it. He went back and I didn't hear from him for awhile so I called his apartment and he answered.........you would think he would have let me know that he got in.

I am making a beef vegetable soup in the IP right now. Taking a rest before I have to get ready to go with Sonny. I cleaned my curio cabinet out this morning. Took it apart and cleaned all the glass and mirrors. Then each cat figurine. Put it back so it would not look so packed. The two top shelves have cats only and the bottom one has all the other stuff including my dolls and the birthday cake plate. I also took down the silver Christmas tree I kept on top of it. Decided it was too much stuff and looked cluttered. Now it looks much nicer.

Today is not my favorite day. In fact, I hate it. I hate going to the store with so many people shopping at the same time. All I really need is food for Rabbit but that means I have to go whether I want to or not. When I get started on a project, I just want to continue with it but now it is really time for me to stop.
I sympathize with you....I hate going to the store too. On a good day, it takes at least 20 minutes to get there. Once I'm there, the lot is full and I park far from the doors. Once inside, I have to go from one end of the store to the other, trying to find things. This would not be necessary if only they would stop rearranging the store!!! Ok, thanks for letting me rant! 😁

I hope you get in and out of the store quickly. And remember.....Rabbit is worth it! 💗
 
I have made a lot of progress in cleaning out clutter the last few days. What a difference! I am going to keep going on that.

Another thing I am going to do this month is a "no buy" challenge with myself (not doing it with any other groups or people). This means not anything extra other than monthly routine purchases (like Rabbit's hay and other treats or food from the store not Amazon or Netrition). I am concentrating on using food that I have in my cupboards for meals this month. It is hard for me to throw food away or waste it so need to use up whatever I have on hand before buying more.

You know how when you are shopping you see a product that you have never bought and think you want to try it? Then never do and it sits in the cupboard for years? I am going to take out a number of foods that I can make into something or make a meal out of every evening for the next day. I am looking forward to doing this. I have a number of foods in cans that I stocked up on so need to use those before bringing anything else new in.
 
I was thinking about doing the same thing with foods I have here. Since I moved a few months ago, and had to pack everything from my cabinets and huge pantry, I am now aware of just how much food I have. Kat, I'm also interested to hear about the dishes you're putting together, if you care to share.
 
I was thinking about doing the same thing with foods I have here. Since I moved a few months ago, and had to pack everything from my cabinets and huge pantry, I am now aware of just how much food I have. Kat, I'm also interested to hear about the dishes you're putting together, if you care to share.
I will share it here.

Today I just ate the rest of my beef noodle soup. It is good and I find soup to be soothing when I am feeling off.

I am planning on making salmon cakes tomorrow with 2 cans of salmon and pork rind crumbles. I had ordered a case of salmon in the spring but haven't used many yet. I need to look through my cupboards.
 
Another thing I am going to do this month is a "no buy" challenge with myself
I did a "no buy" challenge back in July and it just ended. I went three months on 150.00 of groceries. I am surprised at how well I ate. Sometimes being vegan and eating a whole foods diet definitely has its advantages! (So does buying certain things in bulk!)
 
I did a "no buy" challenge back in July and it just ended. I went three months on 150.00 of groceries. I am surprised at how well I ate. Sometimes being vegan and eating a whole foods diet definitely has its advantages! (So does buying certain things in bulk!)
I am the opposite of you......keto friendly foods have made my grocery budget less money and simpler preparation time.
 
Today I have an appointment with my Lymphedema therapist. I have not been wearing my compression stockings nor doing the dry brushing or lymphedema massage. No reason. Just stopped doing it and I know I should be doing it. I wonder if she will be able to tell?

I failed at the Beef Bacon Butter & Egg challenge. I do not feel right when not eating vegetables and dairy. It has brought me to the conclusion that when I change what I am eating, initially I will feel much better but it does not last. I always go back to Dr. Atkins 1972 books (one is a cookbook). That is easy to follow and I don't have to weight or measure. Sometimes when I follow a group or YouTube channel I get caught up in the hype of something new. Usually I have to sit back and take time to comprehend the information. I know myself and my body. I know what works for me and what does not.

I honestly missed the Keto Chow ice cream. So I bought real ice cream at the store. I could not resist it and I think what helped me actually stick to keto was the KC ice cream in the first place. So I made up four batches yesterday and had one yesterday. Another thing I missed was creating recipes with dairy, vegetables and meat (but not ALL meat). So I am back to that now. I do not like to shake up my life or my food. Just following what I know and no surprises is what I do best.
 
Today I have an appointment with my Lymphedema therapist. I have not been wearing my compression stockings nor doing the dry brushing or lymphedema massage. No reason. Just stopped doing it and I know I should be doing it. I wonder if she will be able to tell?

I failed at the Beef Bacon Butter & Egg challenge. I do not feel right when not eating vegetables and dairy. It has brought me to the conclusion that when I change what I am eating, initially I will feel much better but it does not last. I always go back to Dr. Atkins 1972 books (one is a cookbook). That is easy to follow and I don't have to weight or measure. Sometimes when I follow a group or YouTube channel I get caught up in the hype of something new. Usually I have to sit back and take time to comprehend the information. I know myself and my body. I know what works for me and what does not.

I honestly missed the Keto Chow ice cream. So I bought real ice cream at the store. I could not resist it and I think what helped me actually stick to keto was the KC ice cream in the first place. So I made up four batches yesterday and had one yesterday. Another thing I missed was creating recipes with dairy, vegetables and meat (but not ALL meat). So I am back to that now. I do not like to shake up my life or my food. Just following what I know and no surprises is what I do best.
i could not do BBBand Egg either,i have to have my green veggies !!
 


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