October Ramblings…

On By Suzanne@PictureRetirementIn On My Mind, retirement, travel

Is it just me, or did October fly by? I’ve had a busy month, with tennis practice, gym workouts, mahjong games, reading, adding finishing touches to travel plans, and making healthy meals. This weekend, we are in Miami, visiting our daughter and SIL. Life is full.

Pondering

I just finished reading ‘My Friends‘ by Fredrik Backman. There are lots of quotable passages throughout the book, but this one resonates with me today: “That’s all of life. All we can hope for. You mustn’t think about the fact that it might end, because then you live like a coward, you never love too much or sing too loudly.” The book is about friendship, love, and sacrifice. The author is a bit verbose, but the message is good and the story entertaining. I hope you will give it a read.

Celebrating

Last month, I lamented about the heat and humidity in South Florida, and it continued well into October. Relief FINALLY arrived last week, and Instagram meme creators went wild. Needless to say, we have not donned sweaters, nor put away the flipflops, but hey, we will take what we can get!

Feeling Accomplished

After fifty-three days of low-calorie eating and regular exercise, I have reached my first goal of losing ten pounds. I achieved the goal two weeks ahead of schedule, which is a good thing, because we are off to Louisville and the Bourbon Trail on Tuesday. I’m not a big fan of Bourbon, but I love good Southern cooking. After taking a week off to play, I’ll set a new goal and hope for the focus and determination that got me this far to return.

You guys gave me great advice when you said to think of my ‘cheats’ as ‘treats.’ I allowed myself guilt-free treats about five times during the past fifty-three days, fully accepting that there would be consequences. That is the same attitude that I bring to this little getaway. After all, life is for the living.

Packing

You’d think that packing for a six-day trip to one location would be easy. I consider myself a veteran packer and have packed for multiple locations in a single bag with less stress than I have packing for Louisville. So, what’s the problem? Choice. I have too many. I’m beginning to think that I like the pressure of strict rules that force me to pack light. My allowance – one checked bag (up to 50 pounds). That’s enough room for my entire Fall wardrobe. I’m sticking with the ‘no sweater left behind rule.’

That’s a Wrap

I’ll be back to tell you all about Louisville and our escapades in that fun city soon. Until then, I hope you will slow down, read something that speaks to you, hug a friend or loved one, and count your blessings.

RIP Trent McDonald

News travels fast in the blogging world. If you knew Trent or read his blog, you may want to read this post from Natalie. His passing comes as a shock to me, as he was a very active and seemingly healthy young man. He was a writer, poet, musician, husband, and friend to many. His blog reflected his gentle nature and love of life. He will be missed.

31 thoughts on “October Ramblings…”

  3. Hi Suzanne – enjoy your family time (of course you will!) and congrats on losing those 10lbs – a great achievement indeed. Enjoy your next trip and all the outfits you’ll get to wear after that packing spree. 🙂

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  4. I will check into the book, “My Friends” as I loved “A Man Called Ove”. If a book “stays with you” for some time, that is a good book. Congrats on achieving your fitness goal! We have to have some treats; it’s all about balance. We’re heading to Florida soon and look forward to the seasons listed on the second meme. 🙂 Enjoy your trip!

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  5. I feel like EVERY month flies by these days! Well done on achieving your weight loss goal, and I would also add, well done on regarding your upcoming trip as a week long treat 😀 Holidays and dieting are not good companions! Have a great time – I look forward to hearing all about it!

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  6. I’m so glad you’ve finally gotten relief from the heat and humidity! And congrats on losing ten pounds. I haven’t read the newest Fredrik Bachman book, but I love his others, so I’ll give it a try. Enjoy Louisville!

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  7. I always enjoy reading your month-end wrap up posts, Suzanne. Congratulations on losing 10 pounds, a wonderful accomplishment! Your upcoming trip sounds delightful. The memes showcasing Florida weather are hilarious! Have a great week!

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    1. Thanks Terri. I rushed the post a bit this week since we have a lot going on. I had planned to participate in both Sunday Stills – Scary and Dawn’s October Walk, but couldn’t pull it together. Ten pounds will likely be 8 by the time I return from Kentucky, but oh well….Have a great week.

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  8. Congratulations on the weight loss and have fun in Louisville, Suzanne! I will hug my husband and dog, but I don’t have time to slow down or read a book yet. Hopefully in another month or so… I feel like I keep saying that, though.

    And, yes, October flew by like crazy. It’s like ever hour goes faster than the previous one and the same is true with every day, week, month, and year. Usually, I know which year, month, and day we are in (never the date) but in October it happened a lot that I even lost track of the days, being baffled at it being Sunday one day, because it truly didn’t feel like one.

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  9. Hi Suzanne, Congratulations doing so well with your fitness/health program. Your dedication and hard work is paying off. You are an inspiration! Backman’s quote is evergreen and a good reminder. You are still my packing guru. You may recall how I forwarded a few of your posts about packing to my husband. I get it, on many of the choices.

    Over the years, when anyone asks me how I am, I usually say, ‘I count my blessings.’ Interesting how you end your post with this, Suzanne. I look forward to reading about your future escapades.💕 Erica

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  10. Hi Erica, so nice to hear from you. When someone asks me how I’m doing, I usually say, “I can’t complain.” Depending on who’s asking, I might add, “if I did, no one would listen.” I think from now on I will just say, ‘I count my blessings.’

    I’m putting the finishing touches on the ‘bag from hell’ today, as we have just checked the weather and things have changed. My ‘Packing Guru’ status is being severely challenged.

    I hope you’re doing well. Thanks for stopping by.

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  11. We’ll be dashing towards Christmas before you know it; Suzanne. The clocks went back here this weekend so it’s dark earlier, setting the mood. Enjoy your break and worry about the calories when you’re back xx

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  13. Glad the weather is a little cooler where you are now. I can relate to you trying to decide what to take on your trip to Kentucky. It’s hard when you don’t know exactly what to expect weather wise. Enjoy the southern food and don’t feel guilty about it!

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  14. Suzanne,

    Be sure and enjoy a big slug of Bourbon for me–that stuff has got to enhance weight loss. Congratulations! I know you’re a class act, nevertheless, pack light and avoid the stress. One thing I’ve learned in RV travel…nobody knows what I wore yesterday. Have a great trip, a fabulous weekend, and please stay in touch. Joe

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  15. That book sounds really goo and just LOVE this line: You mustn’t think about the fact that it might end, because then you live like a coward”

    Good luck packing and I can relate to bringing too much at times and then other times (when forced to be precise) I pack one bag and done. hmmmm

    Hope you have fun and I look forward to hearing about the Bourbon tour and trip over alll.

    xxx

    Yvette

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