8 Random Things I don’t Eat – Foods I Don’t Like

Hello Everyone,

Today I bring you another random post: 8 foods I absolutely hate.

Of course, if you were to invite me for dinner I’d do the polite thing and eat whatever you put in my plate. When I’m making food for myself though, I try to avoid the following foods:

Beets

They taste like dirt to me.

Avocados

The texture is horrible and they taste like freshly cut grass. Guacamole = yuck!

Sardines

Gosh. The smell, the tiny deadly bones, the fishy flavor.

Celery

I feel like I’m biting into a soap tasting log.

Arugula/Roquette

Again, food that tastes like bitter grass.

Rabbit

I don’t think this is something people eat everywhere but it’s definitely a typical Portuguese food. I refuse to go near it, though. The meat itself is too sweet and bunnies are to cute to be eaten.

Cilantro/Coriander

It tastes like soap.

Cashews

Apparently, they’re everyone’s favorite nut. Go figure.

What is a food you won’t eat?

Love,

Cheila

Advertisement

8 Random Things I’ve never done

Happy Sunday everyone,

I hope you’re having fun.

I’ve decided to turn my “8 random things” post into a series.

Today, I’m sharing 8 things I’ve never done.

I’ve never had to have surgery.

Thankfully. And I’ve ever only gotten stitches after a tooth extraction. Surgery would be fine but the anesthesia part would freak me out.

I’ve never been drunk.

My party trick is telling people I don’t drink, ever, at all and watch them try to convince to have a drink. Everyone is always sure I’ll drink at some point in the future but I know it will never happen.

I’ve never broken a bone.

I guess I’ve been lucky when it comes to my physical health, not so much my mental health.

I’ve never crossed an ocean.

The few trips I’ve taken have been restricted to Europe. I’ve been to Spain, The Canary Islands and Menorca which all happen to be Spanish Islands.

I’ve never gotten a tattoo.

It’s not that I don’t like them, I just always feel I’m not cool enough to pull it off. I’d like to get one at some point, though.

I’ve never tried oysters.

They look too disgusting to be that expensive. Not sure I want to try them.

I’ve never done drugs.

Yup, I’ve never even smoked a joint. It’s not that I judge people who do drugs (unless you’re destroying your life or going through addiction I think recreational drugs are fine), I just don’t think I’d enjoy being in an altered state.

I’ve never owned a car.

Technically, my husband’s car belongs to me as well because we’re married but I’ve never bought myself a car or owned a car that is just mine. Obviously, because I don’t have a license. I hope I can get my license soon and buy a cute little car.

What about you? What’s one thing you’ve never done?

Love,

Cheila

8 Random Things That Really Freak Me Out

Hello everyone,

I hope you’re having a lovely weekend!

My post for today is very random, I know. I was walking the other day and actually crossed the road so I wouldn’t have to walk under some scaffolding. It got me thinking “What else freaks me out this much?” and so I came up with a list.

These are the 10 things that I try to avoid like the plague.

Walking under scaffolding.

Yes, I’m afraid someone will drop a hammer or a whole person will fall on top of me.

Getting any sort of anesthesia.

People keep asking me if I’m afraid of giving birth and honestly, for now, my only fear is getting anesthesia. I’m not sure I want an epidural and it makes me very nervous to think about getting anesthesia in case I need a cesarean section. There’s something very scary about being sedated or not being in possession of my full capacities. Maybe that’s why I’ve never drank or taken drugs.

Radiation.

Oh the anxiety I get every time I have to get an x-ray or a CAT scan. It’s a nightmare. Just the little radiation danger signs give me the hibby jibbies.

Deep, dark water.

If I can’t see the bottom, I’m not getting in. And I’ll never ever jump from a high place into a pool, lake or river.

Security cameras.

No idea why, they just scare me.

Answering calls from unknown numbers.

I’ll do the millennial thing and google the number before I take the call. I’m always afraid someone is calling me before something bad happened or somebody died.

Motorcycles.

They’re very dangerous and I wouldn’t ride one if you paid me good money.

Airplane takeoffs.

The speed, the noise, the feeling. I hate it. I won’t stop travelling by plane anytime soon, but I can assure you I’ll be hating every minute.

What about you? What freaks you out?

Would love to read about it in the comments.

Love,

Cheila

What’s Up Wednesday – 26.01.22 (a day late)

1: What we’re eating this week:

I’ve only started meal planning this year, and so this has been the first month where I’ve been actively planning all our meals and doing all the cooking. My husband used to be the cook but I’ve now taken it over for the time being, since I have more free time. Also, I’ve been excited to try some new recipes.

We’re both home (he’s working from home, I’m on medical leave) so we always have dinner together. For lunch, which is always leftovers, we each grab our lunch and eat it separately.

A simple meal of sautéed veggies with tuna.

Salmon Wellington – a new recipe. It was very yummy but a bit too salty.

What we call a Russian salad. Not sure it’s even Russian, though.

2: What I’m reminiscing about:

The time before Christmas. I miss our blue Christmas tree (husband’s idea), the Christmas atmosphere and the planning. It was a special Christmas because it was our first time as hosts. Both our families came and we had a really great time.

3: What I’m loving:

Buying all the baby things and getting ready for our baby girl. I need to be as organized as possible and to plan everything in detail, at least the things I can control. I spent a few days researching baby products and coming up with a list and budget and I’m now in the process of buying everything we need. I’m also planning the nursery (which is actually half a room, as I need to keep the other half as my office) and trying to come up with something cute and affordable.

The glorious weather we’ve been having for the past few weeks. It feels like spring.

4: What we’ve been up to:

Besides all the baby planning, we’ve been trying to decide if we’ll be going on a babymoon or if we’ll just skip it or postpone it.

Rui has been training for a half marathon while I prepare to go and walk a 5k. I’ll be 7 months pregnant so fingers crossed I’ll be able to make it.

5: What I’m dreading:

My driving lesson this afternoon. I always get super nervous before each one.

My glucose challenge test in a couple of days.

6: What I’m working on:

I’m taking a new course, which is hard to explain what it is really about because it’s something super specific to my country. It basically means I’ll be a certified trainer and able to provide certified professional/corporate training.

We’ll be starting our birth preparation course next week.

7: What I’m excited about:

Blogging again.

Dinner with two of my best friends this evening. One of my friends is visiting from Ireland and I’m super excited because I haven’t seen her since September.

8: What I’m watching/reading:

I’ve just finished reading Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris, which was a really good read. I gave it 4 stars. I’m starting The Keeper of Happy Endings by Barbara Davis tonight.

Rui and I are currently watching season 6 of This is Us and season 1 of And Just Like That, while patiently waiting for season 6 of Outlander. By myself, I’ve been watching season 11 of Call the Midwife.

9: What I’m listening to:

True crime podcasts as usual.

10: What I’m wearing:

At home, I wear mostly pijamas, leggings, sports bras, large t-shirts and sweaters.

If I’m going out, I’ll wear the one pair of jeans that still fits or a dress.

11: What I’m doing this weekend:

Boring stuff like house cleaning and laundry. Maybe going for a couple of walks.

12: What I’m looking forward to next month:

Valentine’s Day!

Being in my third trimester.

My next doctor’s appointment/ultrasound where I’ll get to see my baby.

Love,

Cheila

Life Update – 8 Months Later. Pregnancy and more! 26.01.2022

It’s been the longest time! I haven’t blogged since May 2021 and I’ve even made my blog private at some point. As always, I’ve missed it terribly and decided today was the day I’d get some blogging done. I feel super rusty so please bear with me.

One

I’m pregnant! We’re expecting our first child, a baby girl, in May. I’m currently 24 weeks and can’t wait to meet her. I feel very lucky because I’ve had the easiest pregnancy so far. I think I might post a general pregnancy update soon.

Two

I’ve finally finished my Bachelor’s degree! Back in June 2021, actually. I had been putting it off for YEARS and kept telling myself I didn’t even need it. I almost decided not to finish it at all but it didn’t seem like a very wise decision after wasting so much time and money and having only TWO credits left to complete. So I did the only thing I could do which was enrolling back in school, studying hard and finishing those two credits. Let me tell you, it’s a huge relief and it feels wonderful.

Three

I’m FINALLY getting my driver’s license. After over TEN years of sort of putting it off – not actually intentionally, but still – It had to be done. It was one of my husband’s “conditions” for us to start trying for a baby because, obviously, he can’t be the only parent who’s able to drive, and so I’m trying very hard to be done by the time our baby girl is born.

It hasn’t been super easy because driving schools are not very reliable and they keep cancelling lessons, which is not very nice in general but especially if you’re on a “deadline”. Still, I’m trying to be chill about it. Worst case scenario daddy will be watching a newborn by himself while mommy goes to a few driving lessons, which is obviously fine because he’s her father and quite capable of taking care of his own daughter by himself.

I need to add that the whole thing – driving, I mean – has not been very gentle on my nerves because I’m somewhat afraid of driving or being in a car in general, which means I get VERY anxious before each lesson. So far I haven’t killed anybody so I guess I’m not doing so bad.

Four

I got teeth aligners. I’ve been wanting (and needing) to get braces for many, many years but, as you probably know, it’s NOT cheap. Turns out, it’s no longer super expensive either so, in a way, I’m glad I waited as it cost about half of what it would have cost a few years ago.

Best surprise ever: I will have to wear them for only 5-7 months. I always thought I’d have to wear them for over two years but, apparently, that would be the case for regular braces and not the clear aligners I got. They’re just like invisalign but a much cheaper brand.

I’ve been wearing them for about 2 months now and it isn’t as bad as I thought it would be. They’re not exactly painful or uncomfortable and I’ve gotten to a point where I actually forget I’m wearing them. They’re a bit of nuisance, though, as I have to take them off every time I want to eat or drink something that’s not plain water. Still, definitely worth it.

Five

I’m on pregnancy leave. I have been off work since September as my doctor thinks I shouldn’t be working while pregnant, mostly due to my line of work, which involves round the clock shifts and dealing with brutal/traumatic videos as a content moderator for a social media platform.

I’ll be on medical leave until my baby is born and then I’ll have 5 months of paid maternity leave, so I don’t expect to be back to work until late 2022, early 2023.

Six

I’m now a Certified Nursing Assistant! Or I will be, once I’m done with my internship, which I had to postpone due to being pregnant. I’ve been wanting to change my career path to healthcare for many years and so last year I finally decided I should just start working on it. I enrolled in this course/program back in April 2021 and was finished by late Summer.

Being a working student meant I had to work the night shift for about 5 months, which was not easy at all. Working 10 p.m to 7 a.m and going to bed at 8 a.m is not the best for your body or mind. Plus, I absolutely hated going to bed after my husband had to be up for work and working the night away while he was sleeping.

Seven

I’ve just realized today is my Blog Anniversary! WHAT ARE THE ODDS? I woke up feeling this huge need to blog and it turns out my blog is 5 years old today! HALF A DECADE! Unfortunately, I’m not the best blogger and I have neglected this little space for most of those years but I still love everything about it.

Eight

I read a total of 91 books in 2021! This is not an actual update, just something I need to brag about somewhere. I’m still bummed I didn’t meet my goal of 100 books but 91 is a pretty good number and I’m very proud of myself for it.

Nine

My husband and I met 9 years ago today! (I swear I didn’t make this update number 9 on purpose, though). It’s always fun to remember how we met and how far we’ve come since then. We were 21 and 22 which sounds like we were barely out of diapers now that we’re 30 and 31.

That’s it, that’s the update. This is pretty much all that has been going on for the past 8 months. I’m sure there’s more that I can’t recall because I’m pregnant and pregnancy brain is a very real thing.

I wish I could say I’ll be blogging more regularly now but that’s definitely not something I can promise myself. Hopefully, I’ll be back soon.

Wishing you all a very happy, very safe 2022.

Love,

Cheila

If We Were Having Coffee – Part I

If we were having coffee…

I’d tell you that I wear glasses now. Not always, but I need them to watch TV, go to the movies, drive (I don’t drive but if I did), etc. I’m short sighted and it’s not that bad but the glasses make a huge difference. First couple of times I wore them I keep taking them off and putting them on to see the difference. Literally. I think I began to see there was an issue, again literally, about 6 months ago. I could have been before that. I was at the movies and kept asking Rui if the screen was blurry or unfocused. It looked fine to him. Then it started to get worse while watching a movie or a TV show at home. Everything was blurry, even faces. And God help me if any letters or signs came on the screen. Then I was at work and it was hard to focus someone’s face at a distance. I could see them but their face was a blur. Same for street signs. I could go on. A couple of weeks ago I finally got tested and they confirmed I needed glasses. What a HUGE difference it makes. Do I think I look good wearing glasses? I mean, I don’t know yet. It’s weird. They keep getting dirty and I’m kind of obsessed with them being spotless. Rui thinks I’m crazy and that I’m going to end up scratching them from cleaning them too much.

Yes, I’m wearing pajamas. Don’t judge

If we were having coffee…

I’d tell you that I quit sugar. I won’t eat anything with added sugar or add sugar to my coffee or tea. I do eat sweeteners because I’m not that good. I have a major sweet tooth. I’ve had a slip up or two but one of them was accidental. I had no idea my stevia had added sugar. WTF? It’s very hard to be sugar free, honestly. Not in the sense that I’m constantly craving it because it has been easier than I thought but it’s definitely harder to find food you can eat. Your options get pretty limited. EVERYTHING has sugar. Why does BREAD need sugar? We are lucky that our bread, Portuguese bread, is not that sweet so we can find a few varieties with no sugar added but in general, most bread contains sugar. I’ve been getting creative and trying to come up with sweets and desserts with no sugar, using vanilla extract, applesauce, ripe bananas, coconut milk and cinnamon to add flavor. Sometimes I do use some sweetener as a substitute for sugar because again, most recipes ask for sugar. I’ve actually been trying to cook a lot more lately. Would you like a list of recipes? Some of them I find online and adapt, others I kind of make up myself. I’ve discovered this very easy 2 ingredient pizza dough: Flour and plain Greek yogurt. The pizza (I made the sauce too) turned out pretty yummy.

If we were having coffee…

I’d tell you that I began having my eyebrows threaded and I’m never going back! It’s the perfect method for me. It’s relatively painless (definitely less painful than wax or tweezers), natural and they look so perfect and well defined. The lady I go to is awesome! She has being doing this for 10 years and she only charges 8€. I had never tried it before because I thought it would be too expensive but I’m so glad I did.

Awkward photo so I can show you my eyebrows…

If we were having coffee…

I’d tell you I’ve been getting gel nails and it’s great. I bite my nails to the bone and they look so miserable all the time. Even when I paint them they still end up in my mouth. It’s a horrible habit and this seems to be the perfect solution for me. They last 3-4 weeks, they’re not terribly expensive and my hands look so much better. I instantly feel like a lady and more put together. I feel way more confident if my nails are done. It’s the third time I’ve got them done and they look more natural each time because my nails can grow freely since I’m not munching on them.

First time – I may or may not be sitting on the toilet here.

Second time – Looks kind of black but it is dark blue

Now – That’s my driver’s hand. I’m marrying him.

Now – The red is slightly sparkly but my shitty iPhone SE didn’t pick that up

If we were having coffee…

I’d tell you that we got our wedding bands last week. I absolutely love them!! I can’t wait to marry the love of my life so we can wear them together, even tough Rui has this phobia of getting a ring stuck on his finger and having to get his whole arm amputated. Or both arms. I’m serious, the guy can’t even try on a ring without asking “what if it doesn’t come off????” Now he’s gonna kill me because I’m sharing too much. Or maybe he won’t because if he tries I’ll put a very tight ring on each one of his fingers and watch him cry and call emergency services. Phobias are weird, aren’t they? I’m always afraid I’m gonna fall in the shower and die. I’m not 80 years old, but still. Don’t like to shower when I’m home alone.

I won’t show you our wedding rings yet so here, take a photo of our pupper begging for the hamburgers I was making for dinner.

If we were having coffee…

I’d tell you that between November 27th and today, I’ve read 41 books. I’m currently reading book 42 and 43 (yes, at the same time). I’m so in love with reading right now. My goal for 2019 is 100 books and I’ve only read 24 so far. Better hurry. Do you follow me on Goodreads? https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/25856029-cheila-cruz 

A few favorites from the past couple of weeks:

If we were having coffee…

I’d tell you about the movies I’ve watched lately and ask if  you’d seen any of them. If you’d like to check how I rated them you can follow me on Letterboxd: Chey23

Finally,

If we were having coffee…

I’d ask you to tell me all about you. What’s happening, what you’ve been doing, how’s life, what’s making you happy or sad. I’d ask all the things. I’d love it if you’d share what you’ve been up to in the comments.

This post is now longer than I intended. Anyways, if you do get to finish it, thank you for coming by and putting up with my randomness.

Love,

Chey

***All book and movie covers were stolen from google images***

***Spelling mistakes may be present because I don’t have glasses for my brain***

 

If we were having coffee…

I don’t think I’ve done one of these before, so I thought I might do one now because we do need to catch up, so we might as well do it over coffee, right?

If we were having coffee…

It would have to be iced. We’re going through a major heat wave right now and I might not make it through the record breaking temperatures. I don’t do well with hot weather at all, so I’m going through hell. My feet and ankles are extremely swollen by noon, I got this weird sweat burns under my boobs, sort of like a diaper rash but under my breasts. It burns like a motherfucker. On top of that, I have this small heat rash on my chest and tummy, very itchy. Good genes here. Send help.

If we were having coffee…

I would tell you, after trying my hardest not to talk about it, that I’m having some family issues that are affecting my health. I don’t deal well with conflict and I can’t stand the suffering of those I love, so I can’t keep my balance when something happens to someone close to me. This situation that I won’t get into has triggered my anxiety, something I hadn’t had to deal in many months. My doctor has chosen to increase one of my meds until I learn to deal with what is going on. She says I’m doing well except for this episode and that we only need to keep an eye on my health once fall comes because it is a difficult time for those who suffer from bipolar disorder.

If we were having coffee…

I’d tell you I love my job. I’ve met great people and laugh all day long. It’s pretty easy and the day goes by very quickly. I leave at 5, when it’s still really nice outside.

If we were having coffee…

I’d talk about how much I wanna throw half of our things away. We own too much stuff and I’m so tired of seeing junk everywhere. It’s harder to clean and it stresses me out just by looking at it. I’ve been getting rid of things every time I clean and it feels great to simplify.

If we were having coffee…

I’d mention how I wish I was reading more. I haven’t been reading at all. I would then ask you if you’re reading anything good at the moment.

I’d talk about shows, I do love my shows. I’ve been watching The Affair and Sharp Objects and wanting to get into Orange is the New Black. I’d want to know what you’re watching.

I’d definitely talk about my podcasts. I listen to at least one episode every night. We would end up talking about true crime which might freak you out a little if you’re not into it.

If we were having coffee…

I’d tell you how much I miss blogging and everyone and how bad I feel for slacking. We’d talk about blogging and everyone we know.

What would you tell me if we were having coffee?

I miss you.

Love,

Chey.

Daily Planner and Journal – 09.02.2018 “Smelly, Paranoid, Stormy, Hairy and Cold + Love You Jack Pearson Edition”

It’s Friday everyone!!

You happy? Hope so.

You know I’m only half mean girl, right? But the truth is: I’m on the bus and someone really smells. Not sweaty, more homelessy. It’s making it hard for me to breathe. I refuse to breathe through my mouth because if I don’t want to smell it, I certainly don’t want to eat it. I’m probably going to hell. I hope it’s clean there.

Oh, I just got a sign. The driver decided to turn on the heating. I’m not making this up, you guys. There’s hot air coming from the vents. Just what we needed in this crowded, smelly bus.

Moving on…

We’ve finally watched This is Us. Rui loves the show as much as I do but he was not too impressed with the Super Bowl episode. I wish I could discuss this and not spoil it. I loved the episode. I cried a lot. Let’s leave it at that.

It’s the just the best show. If you aren’t watching it you’re 100% missing out, both on the show and the endless changes of conversation with the rest of the world, since everyone is talking about it.

By the way, doesn’t Mandy Moore have this beautiful good person smile? In every single picture.

---

I’m finally off that awful bus, thankfully. Yes, I’m working. I’m with a student. I do blog while they’re doing their exercises. Or I read or pretend to update my schedule. I think it’s DEAD CREAPY to stare at them from across the table when they’re working. They get 100% my full attention when I’m helping them, teaching, explaining, answering questions, but I give them some “privacy” while doing their worksheets or writing.

I remember sitting across from a teacher countless times and some of them would look at me while I was working (or worse, taking a test) and I would get paranoid: “Why are they looking? Can they read what I’m writing? Can teachers read upside down? (WE CAN) Is she looking because I’m doing something wrong? Does she think I’m stupid? Maybe I shouldn’t write this, she’ll judge me”.

So, you see. The paranoid student became a paranoid teacher, who doesn’t like to stare. I’m not as discreet if we’re working as a group because I look around at everybody.

Did you experience such issues as a student?

---

Remember I told you I had to work on about 1500 beauty product descriptions for a website. I’m lucky I can write because, apparently, I cannot read. It’s 1000 actually. I didn’t work too much yesterday so I’m still at about 320, I think. Thankfully, it’s work I like to do. I was hoping to work this morning but I took my pills too late last night and I slept in (and still feel very snoozy). I think I’m working a little tonight. Or maybe I’ll leave it because it’s Friday night and work on Saturday and Sunday. I’m hoping to be done by Sunday, that would be great.

---

If you (not so) secretly follow the Kardashians (which Rui always uses against me) you probably now by now that Kylie Jenner had given birth and that she named her daughter Stormi. I mean, when I first saw it I thought it was cute because I thought it was short for something. Nope. It’s her name. Okay, it’s kind of nice that her parents like butterflies and that butterfly effect shit about causing a storm but I don’t know. I like candy and I’m not naming my first born “Skittle”. I guess I’d like it better if it were spelled “Stormy” or “Stormee”. I’m not feeling the final “I”. Just needed to discuss this with someone, obviously not Rui 🙄

---

I’ve began reading this book – which means I’ve got it, opened the first page and haven’t touched it yet. The app is new too, for my non-kindle ebooks that I get somewhere online.

Are you familiar with this tittle or author? I picked it randomly and have no idea what to expect or what’s it even about.

---

It’s Carnival here on Tuesday, which means people get costumes, get drunk, there’s parades and parties and such. It’s similar to Halloween but scarier because there are a bunch of dudes that decide to dress up as women so you see way too many manly, hairy legs in skirts.

I haven’t celebrated since 11th grade since my girlfriends and I dressed up as FBI agents. I’ll probably get back at it once I have kids and dress them up as little bees and such.

So…

At least we get Monday and Tuesday off. I get Wednesday too (Rui doesn’t) but I need to get to work in the morning for this tutoring session for a student who needs extra help.

---

I’m sitting at my classroom with my colleague and exactly two students. Everyone else is either gone already or not coming. It’s usually like this before a holiday.

It’s freezing and it’s going to rain but that doesn’t seem to stop the parades or party goers.

Yes, it’s cold for us. And it gets way colder at night.

It’s taken me 3 hours to write this post.

I would love to hear about your past costumes!!

xx

Daily Planner and Journal – 05.02.2018: Trying to bring it back (about 8 hours late) + weekend

Good afternoon guys,

How are you facing Monday?

It’s a hard one right?

• Hangover from drinking while watching Super Bowl?
• Depressed because of THAT This is Us episode?
• Shocked/ecstatic because Kylie Jenner has given birth?
• All of the above?

Right.

May your coffee be strong and your chocolate be plenty.

I’m actually fine. I don’t care for the Super Bowl, I haven’t watched THAT episode yet (Lord help me) and I’ve been googling “Kylie Jenner pregnant” every day since September, waiting for news so I’m pretty satisfied. I’m not joking about the google part.

I really want to go back to my early morning planning and before bed journaling and update on how my day went and how I tackled my to-do list. I know you guys enjoy it and I feel more organized when I do so.

I would like the planning to be published at about 8 a.m and the update to go up at about 8 p.m. it would be nice to have somewhat of a schedule. I hope I can pull it off.

About the weekend: I did nothing. I was expecting it so I am fine with it. I needed a break. For real.

I have this huge freelance writing project to finish until the end of the week so I’m working on that.

I’m so much better than last week, thankfully.

See you soon, guys.

❤️

Not a nice week + plans for the weekend

Happy Friday everyone,

I’ve never been happier too see the end of the week. I’ve had the shittiest week and I can’t wait for it to be over (still need to work 4.30 hours). I have some freelance writing work to do over the weekend but I don’t even mind because I can do it at home, alone, quiet and comfortable, wearing pajamas.

Because I had this huge family crisis on Monday, which turned out to be solved by Rui on Tuesday (as I’ve said, that guy could have stopped both world wars), the rest of my days were affected by that bad start. I didn’t go to the pool at all, not even once. I barely ate or ate too much, depending on the meal, I didn’t drink as much water, I didn’t walk, didn’t worry about my step count, taking care of my skin or anything else, for that matter. It was a “barely surviving week” and I’m so done with it. My energy levels were extremely low, my sleep was not good and my body ached all over. I was not patient with the kids at work. I ate a whole chocolate yesterday before dinner.

I should say that not everything is bad and that that huge issue that broke my heart and made me cry for 24 hours straight is now over and done with.

I had dinner with my friends yesterday and it was nice. I was finally brave enough to meet their big dogs (after 3 years) and they’re just huge pups looking for belly rubs. Their paws go up to my shoulders so I got a few stolen kisses while standing up which was pretty funny. They’re not scary at all, I feel so silly.

My pregnant friend is now showing! I’m just so happy. She took most of the clothes I got for her, which makes me happy to help. She’ll be able to wear it for a few months. Pretty great to have a friend who wears a bigger size and likes, flowy, empire waist, tops, tunics and dresses, right? A few leggings and she’s fine.

My brother-in-law is staying with us for a few days and not sleeping on the couch. We’re finally using our tiny guest bedroom. Still sleeping in a foldable guest bed but it’s better than nothing, I guess.

---

As for the weekend,

I would like to:

(I say I’d like to because I’m feeling very lazy and not expecting much)

• Clean our bedroom/my office
• Clean our living room/Rui’s office
• Clean the kitchen
• Decide where to store a few things. The house is small, the bedroom, living room and kitchen are big, but it seems like we have nowhere to store random things, even thought we have and outside storage and garage. I also think we have too much stuff. I’ve been getting rid of so much and being pretty strict about it (donating, giving a few things to my mother and trashing a bunch, which includes burning old collage notes), but I think I might need to go for a second round. I know I’m losing weight but why keep a pair of 10€ jeans that I’ll fit in again in about 3 months when I can buy a new pair for 10€ in 3 months and reward myself for losing weight? I am keeping things I might use when I’m pregnant one day. My friend had them now and the idea is for them to get passed around all of us, but that’s just because pregnancy clothes are expensive and only last for so long.
• I need to clean the bathroom which I feel like I’m always doing.
• Put away some laundry and do another load or two.
• Pay for my Kindle Unlimited subscription and go back to reading again. January was not a good reading month.
• Take care of some receipts.
• Do some self-care.
• Watch some of the Oscar nominated movies. So far I’ve watched Get Out, Dunkirk and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri. We want to watch The Post and Lady Bird.
• Cook something.
• Go grocery shopping.
• Get ready for the week, I really want to make up for this one.

Do you wanna share your weekend plans?

xx