Daily Planner and Journal: 31.10.17 “MAJOR sweet tooth, Thank God my party is behind me and I wish I didn’t buy on WISH” edition

Good morning everyone!!

Happy Tuesday!! Better than Monday, am I right?

Monday was not a very good day for me. I was still extremely tired from the weekend/birthday party and not feeling so well. It is kind of weird because I was in bed by 1 a.m on Saturday, slept until noon on Sunday, took about 2 naps and was in bed by 10.30. I’m so getting old.

We had done 0 for the party during the week so we had to get everything done on Saturday by 5 p.m. Thankfully, I had Rui and his brother who did most of the work, as I was very tired from a difficult work week and was extremely slow. Whatever they did in 10 minutes, took me 30. They trimmed the outside trees and cleaned the patio, we went shopping, we cleaned kitchen, living room and bathroom (there was no way we would manage to clean the bedroom and office), took the sofa covers to the wash station to be washed and dried, baked the cake (Rui did, I just made some  butter cream icing and iced the cake), got the tables set and got everything ready for the party. Rui spent the whole night by the grill, feeding everyone.

By 6 p.m, guests were arriving, I was just out of the shower, trying to fit in the 3 dresses I had picked and not succeeding. I decided I would just throw on some pants and top and call it a day. I was too tired to get my hair done or put on makeup, wishing I had cancelled the party lol

The party was fun but also very stressful. Do you have any crazy, awkward, family members? Well, I sure do. Two family members decided it was very fun to get VERY drunk and spend the whole party in a corner, talking about life and sad things. When they were not being philosophical, they were being annoying and trying to hug me. My anxiety was building up. Thank God my mom and sister were there to handle the situation.

Same guests, plus a third one, decided it would be fun to turn my patio into a graveyard for cigarette butts. We don’t mind at all if our guests smoke outside. Not at all. But we DO mind the cigarette butts all over the floor. Do you know what we also mind? When guests decide it is a lovely idea to smoke a joint at my party in our patio. What the actual fuck? You DON’T smoke that shit at my house without even asking. You don’t smoke that shit at my house at all. I have NOTHING against weed. I don’t mind if people smoke it. Just don’t do it in my house. I have neighbors, my neighbors have kids and we have a neighbor who is a cop.

Imagine if someone complained about the noise (which they wouldn’t because it was a Saturday night and our neighbors are very nice people) and the police got there to find drugs… Not a very good scenario. Funny thing is that we didn’t even notice. My mom told me yesterday and I got extremely mad. Rui is pretty pissed as well. I’m sure some of our guests saw it which is pretty embarrassing.

Anyway, thank God that fucking party is over. Some people will never be invited to our home again. I’m not even sorry.

Well, it was fun anyway, as I got to spend time with very nice people. I got nice presents, which I will show you soon. I’ll do a post showing you all of my birthday gifts.

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I’ve been having this stupid issue with sweets and food in general. I could eat sweets all day long. I crave them all the time and I must have something, otherwise I cannot focus on anything else. It’s bothering me because I know how unhealthy it is, because it makes me gain weight and because I HATE when I’m unable to control something. I wake up during the night and eat all kinds of shit and don’t even remember it properly in the morning. What the what? Am I sleep eating?

Steps I am taking to solve this issue:

1. Talk to my psychiatrist (I’ve texted her to call me and am waiting for her answer). She might be able to tell me if this has something to do with my medication or not and what I need to do in order to solve this issue.
2. If my psychiatrist cannot help I am scheduling an “eating disorders” appointment at my local clinic.
3. I might schedule a therapist’s appointment as well.
4. I am NOT buying any kind of sweets or candy to have at home.
5. I will start going to the gym.

I’m trying to have this “find a problem – think of how to solve it” approach. I hope this inspires you to do the same and just look at any problems or issues proactively.

I’ve just picked up my blood tests and, apparently, my cholesterol levels are pretty high. Oh shit. It’s the first time I have gotten such results. I really need to do something about it.

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I have been buying things on Wish for about a month now. I’m very sad to report that 50% of my purchases come with some kind of issue, usually related to poor quality, damages or wrong number.

How disappointing.

However, I must say that they are very helpful and quick to solve the problem and provide a refund.

Do you shop on Wish?

Have you had any issues?

I am definitely interested in knowing your experience with this store/app.

We’ll talk soon.

 

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Daily Planner and Journal: 24.10.17 – Happy Anniversary to my Blog, Birthday Recap and “to-do lists” update

Good morning everyone,

First of all, I must wish a Happy Anniversary to my dear blog, Pink For Days. It’s been 9 whole months. Have I ever thought I would be blogging for so long. Never. But I’m so glad I started this blog and very happy for everything it has given me.

Happy 9-Month Anniversary to Pink For Days!

9 Months mean:

• 444 posts;

• 2 219 followers;

• 67 997 views;

• 20 518 visitors;

• 31 268 likes;

• 15 608 comments;

I couldn’t be happier or more proud of this blog and what it means to me. Thank you for your support. My readers are my motivation and joy. 

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Moving on, let’s talk about my birthday.

As you know, I turned 26 yesterday. I have mentioned I’m not so happy about my birthday this year, which is very unusual for me. My birthday used to be my favorite day of the year and, yesterday, I just wasn’t feeling it. It turned out to be a good day anyway, spent with Rui, followed by dinner with my family.

I got very nice gifts:

• 2 bags, black and brown. I was in desperate need of new bags for this season.
• A pair of beautiful black boots.
• A Fujitsu Instax Mini 9:

This Polaroid taking beauty! 

• A beautiful purple Chrysanthemum (I love getting plants).
• An earring stand, to organize my earrings.
• A makeup organizer for my vanity table.

I’m so grateful for all my gifts and I thank my dear family for them. They certainly know me well and do whatever they have to do to make me happy. Thank you, guys!!

My actual party is on Saturday and it has become much bigger than I was expected. It’s a barbecue party, in our Patio, on Saturday at 5 p.m.

My guest list:

1. Rui
2. Myself
3. My sister
4. My mother
5. My stepfather
6. My aunt
7. My aunt’s boyfriend
8. My brother-in-law (Rui’s brother)
9. My friend Alison
10. Her boyfriend
11. My friend Catarina
12. Her boyfriend
13. My friend Patricia
14. Her boyfriend
15. My best friend Ricardo (He can’t come)
16. My friend Déborah (I’m not sure she can come)
17. My friend Joana (she’s actually more of my friend’s friend than mine, but I like her so much and would like to become closer to her) (I hope she’s coming)
18. Her boyfriend (He’s invited but I’m not sure he’s coming)
19. My friend and former student Ery (has family over)
20. My friend and former student Raphael (will be out of the country)
21. Our friends Marlene and César (our favorite couple) (will be away for the weekend)

I have also invited a couple of Rui’s friends, but I have no idea if they’ll be able to come. My parents-in-law are obviously invited but won’t be able to come because they live 2 hours away and my father-in- law works Saturdays.

I’m not sure about the number of guests yet but I’m guessing it will be fun. I wish some people were still in my life so I could invite them but such is life.

Rui and I will make the cake ourselves. I also need to take a cake to work tomorrow because it’s tradition to take one when there’s a birthday. It’s supposed to be a homemade cake as well, so Rui and I will bake it tonight.

Enough about my birthday.

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Over the past few months, I have made countless to-do lists. I’ve realized I have never updated most of them. I know some of you are as obsessed with lists as I am, so I thought I might give you (and myself) a little update. Prepare yourself for a few big lists.

These tasks were supposed to get done before I began working again, but I think most of them have been ignored. Let’s check.

Color code:

1. No longer applies
2. Changes/justification
3. Need to get done
4. Done. Might need to be done again when it comes to housework

 

MY AFTER VACATION TO-DO LIST – AUGUST 16TH TO AUGUST 31ST (PART I)

 

SCHOOL AND WORK

• Study for the 3 exams I need to take in September to finish my degree in Languages, Literature and Cultures with a Major in North American Studies and a Minor in English. Sadly, I’m not able to take the 4 exams I need to take my second minor in History. The exams will be between September 5th and 7th and they are: Business English (I can do this one with my eyes closed, two broken arms and in a coma), Italian A 2 (I might be able to do this one with just one good eye and two broken arms, while juggling glasses) and North American Cinema (for this one I need to study my ass of because I have about 200, 475, 973 pages to read). I need to remember the sign up date which is from August 28th to August 31st. 
•  – Didn’t happen. No longer applies as I decided I was not healthy enough to take the exams. My memory and focus are still nonexistent and my stress levels need to be kept low, so I can manage my anxiety.
• Do some revisions and prepare material for my 8th and 9th grade kids. I haven’t taught Portuguese grammar since last year and I always need some revision. Sadly (or proudly) I know every single English grammar rule by heart but I can’t say the same about my own language. – There was no need. Apparently, I know more than I thought I did.
• Get the works of fiction and poetry they kids will be studying (Hello, Camões) because I don’t have all of them. I may need to borrow some from my sister and find others online.  – No need. There’s plenty of material at work.
• Make a list on all the books I have lent to old students and ask them to return them to me. There’s a bunch of people out there with my books.
• Return all of the ficking books I have from about 4 ficking libraries. I’m late and the old librarians will kick my butt.
• Buy a pencil-case!! (exciting) – Found a good one at home.
• Maybe wash my work bag? Maybe. 
• Get Rui to format my PC and then organize it.
• Take care of some social security/tax documents.
• I should probably get a school year planner instead of my yearly one. – Got one for 16 months.

 

MY AFTER VACATION TO-DO LIST – AUGUST 16TH TO AUGUST 31ST (PART II)

 

PERSONAL AND HEALTH

• I need to get on a sleep schedule. Right now my sleep is all over the place. I might sleep for 12 hours, if no one is there to wake me up. What are alarms for? Well, they’re useless if I can’t hear them at all and sleep through them. I need my sleep, I’m not one of those people who is happy and satisfied with 6-7 hours. I’ve done that and I can’t function properly. I need to be in bed with enough time to sleep 8-9 hours. I know that is too much for an adult, but it’s what I need. I might not sleep the 8 or 9 hours, but I need to be in bed for that long. I need to talk to my doctor and find a way to fall asleep faster, when I get to bed. I takes me 3 hours, sometimes. Other times, I need to get up and take an extra pill (prescribed by her, of course) or I can’t sleep at all. Problem is, the emergency pill is powerful. I take it at about 4 a.m if I’m not asleep by then, and then I sleep till 2 p.m, which is very bad. My doctor and I need to find a good balance and cocktail of pills so I can get in a good, healthy sleep routine. 
• Schedule a dental appointment. I haven’t been to the dentist for about 3 years? Shame on me, I know.
• You know that gynecology appointment I’ve been talking about since I’ve started the blog? It hasn’t happen yet. I REALLY need to take care of that as soon as possible.
• I need to go and do my blood tests and then schedule and appointment to show the results to my doctor. 
• Schedule an appointment to check on my back.
• Find a meal plan that works for me. I need to eat every meal at the same time.
• Make sure my clothes and shoes are ready and in good condition for work. Also, make sure they’re in the right place and organized. Look at my fall wardrobe (Although it only starts on September 21st) and see what’s good and what I need to buy. Go to a thrift store for whatever I need. They’re great for sweaters and cardigans. 
• Let my nails look half-decent. Which means stop biting them. Very hard.
• Create a beauty routine schedule, example: Monday – hair mask; Saturday – shave legs;
• Finish the two books I’m reading now and create and TBR list for the next few months.
• Go and spend one afternoon with my grandmother.
• Take my sister to the beach.  – Didn’t happen but she went with friends!
• Maybe get my eyes checked.
• Choose a back pain yoga video to alternate with my yoga for relaxation video.

 

MY AFTER VACATION TO-DO LIST – AUGUST 16TH TO AUGUST 31ST (PART III)

 

BLOG, SOCIAL MEDIA AND ONLINE WORK

• Update my about page. I have written it 6 months ago when I started this blog and haven’t looked at it since. It’s been half a year so I’m changed, my life has changed, so I need to update it.
• I feel like I want to change some things about my blog. About its appearance, theme, maybe some features and widgets, categories, etc. It needs a bit of attention and organization. And nope, I’m not going self-hosted. It’s a personal choice that I still maintain.
• Take a look at my contact list on my phone. I’m sure there are people there I haven’t spoken to in about 20 years and will not speak again this century. Same for Skype.
• I do some work as a virtual assistant and I have about 2 deadlines to meet and expect to get more work this month.
• I need to pay some more attention to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin and Pinterest.
• I’m now part of a Portuguese bloggers Facebook group and I want to be active there. – Didn’t like it. No longer a part of.
• I’m also part of a Portuguese bloggers website and I need to explore it. – Above.
• I need to come up with a good, solid, blog schedule. 
• I need to film my “Anxiety and depression” related videos.
• I need to go back to publishing more than once a day. My views used to be between 400 and 600 and now can barely reach 200 daily. No way I’m okay with that.
• I’m currently at 1,853 followers, so I think I can expect to be at 2000 by the end of August?Maybe.
• I need to read about a month’s worth of blog posts from my favorite blogs. – Never happened, unfortunately. I’m always pretty late.
• I have about a million comments to answer too. 
• I have a bunch of links left by readers that I definitely want to check.
• I have about 30 awards posts to do. Not sure how I’ll go about them. – Gave up on them. I’m way behind.
• I’ll continue to work with my fellow blogger friends on our magazine. – Not published yet.
• I want to update my Goodreads account.
• I have to publish my H&M haul. – Never happened.

 

MY AFTER VACATION TO-DO LIST – AUGUST 16TH TO AUGUST 31ST (PART IV)

 

HOUSE CLEANING AND ORGANIZATION

• Clean kitchen appliances (microwave, fridge, freezer, oven, stove top, coffee machines, dishwasher, washing machine, iron), including behind and under;
• Deep clean surfaces in the bathroom – scrub bathtub, wash shower curtain, etc.
• Disinfect toilet, taps, rearrange bathroom shelves;
• Organize and deep clean office;
• Clean windows inside and outside;
• Clean and dust details – mirrors, pictures, knickknacks, door knobs, outlets, light switches;
• Clean medicine cabinet – throw away everything empty or expired, make a list to buy what’s needed;
• Organize closets, drawers, throw away everything that is not needed and in no condition to be sold or donated;
• Clean behind and under furniture;
• Wash sofa and seat covers, cushions, curtains, bedroom rug, pillows, mattress cover;
•  Clean and organize “pantry” – wipe down, throw away expired things, organize, make a list to stock up on things (food storage);
• Clean the kitchen sink and under the sink – get rid of empty bottles, etc.
• Clean TV and other electronic devices;
• Clean your vacuum cleaner;
• Clean doors and door frames, especially your front entry;
• Clean or patio, take out all trash;
• Dust ceiling lamps and cobweb the house;
• Empty all trash cans and clean them
• Sweep and de-clutter the outside storage unit;
• Clean inside kitchen cabinets and drawers;
• Get rid of old Tupperware containers;
• Organize papers;

 

I hope you guys like this huge post. It has definitely helped me remember a few things I need to get done. I’ve also realized I got more done than I thought, which is great.

As always, thank you for coming by.

Happy Birthday to me – 26 goals for year 26 + One year challenge

Good day to you people!!

I hope everyone is having a good, stress-free, easy Monday.

As you might have noticed from the tittle, it’s my birthday.

26 years ago today (close to 5 p.m), mom was probably in a lot of pain, poor thing. Thanks mama, for pushing me out, I know it must have been hard for you, despite the fact that it was probably the only time I was ever thin.

I used to love my birthday, but I’m NOT feeling it at all this year. For several reasons:

• I’m no longer in my early twenties;
• I’m close to 30, my scary age;
• I’m NOWHERE NEAR where I thought I would be by now, if you had asked me 10 years ago.
• I had the shittiest year, 25 being extremely hard. Is it going to be over now?
• I’m still going through some of the consequences of my mental health issues, meaning I’m still a fat ass and I hate my body and can’t stand looking at myself;
• I have some small family issues, nothing to big, thankfully;
• I have lost one of my best, childhood friends, probably forever.

I told Rui that the only thing I wanted to do today was try a pumpkin spice latte and go thrift shopping. I need some cardigans. I have decided to just go to Primark to get them because it’s closer and near Starbucks.

I’m going to my mom’s house for dinner. Not feeling it at all, but I need to do it for them.

Rui always takes my birthday off and so we have enjoyed a lazy morning, talking about my birthday blues and eating my favorite cereal (me).

I still have to work from 5 p.m to 7 p.m, which I don’t mind at all. I like being with the kids, even if they drive me crazy most days.

Because 25 was so bad, I’m kind of determined to TRY and make 26 way better. I came up with a few goals and also a few challenges.

26 goals for year 26:

1. Finally get my f*cking driver’s license;
2. Finally get braces and endure all of the suffering. At least high school has been over for many years so there’s no one to make fun of me;
3. Lose the damn weight;
4. Travel somewhere; Anywhere. Just see some new place, outside the country;
5. Get into that second degree I want to take so bad; (shhh, you all know what I’m talking about but I won’t say anything so I don’t jinx it. I’ll be doing my best to accomplish this goal which is more than just a goal, but one of the things I NEED to do with my life.
6. Write an e-book. (I have, but as a ghostwriter); 
7. Double my number of followers on this blog;
8. Go back to being a red; I just love it so much.
9. Share some exciting news in May; Can’t talk about it yet, sorry.
10. Learn Spanish so I can help the kids; 
11. Join the church choir. So, this might be happening already, I just haven’t said anything. I’m not particularly religious, as you already know. I have faith and I pray and I love to read your posts about faith and God’s word. But I don’t consider myself fully catholic and I don’t go to church. But I feel the need to sing. I haven’t in a long time and my spirit longs for it. So I looked into different options and the easiest and friendliest was the church choir. I have talked to one of the ladies and she lives near me so she even offered a ride. I’m going next Monday and try it out.
12. I had this idea or this calling after all of the things that happened in Portugal for the past few months. I would like… and bear with me… to train to be a volunteer  firefighter. Putting out fires is not all they do. They are the first at car accidents, 911 calls, they ride ambulances, help in all kinds of situations and are the first ones to be there for people when they need it the most. I thought it sounded stupid and impossible because I’m so far from being fit and I have no physical strength or resistance. I have talked to a girl I know who is a firefighter and she told me that’s not an issue at all. She said the physical test are minimal and that I could always get better and lose the weight before or while I’m taking the preparation course (250 hours, I think) because it would be long before I had to actually do something. I talked to my local fire department and they said I should go there and speak to them in person. I don’t know. Rui and I are talking and trying to figure out  what this would mean to us and how and if we could make it work. I don’t know if I dream too much of if I’m just someone who really wants to make a difference.
13. Learning how to sew;
14. Keep collecting plants and turn our patio into a beautiful garden;
15. Double my income;
16. Do my best to get organized; For the past few year, maybe more, I’ve had this problem where I can’t seem to get my shit together. If I’m working and being successful there, my house is a mess and the dog needs a bath. If I’m off, I should be cleaning the house but I seem to always feel tired and lazy so nothing gets done anyway. Laundry is an issue too. I’m always behind on errands. People keep telling me I don’t call or answer their calls. I just need to find a way to balance things better.
17. Really help someone;
18. Learn how to dance;
19. Volunteer at some charity or event;
20. Finally decorate this house;
21. Go off my medication completely. 
22. Meet some new people and make new friends. Be open to people and to the world in general;
23. Be in more pictures;
24. Just go to places and get out more;
25. Try new things;
26. Challenge myself;

Year 26 Challenge:

• 1.5 L of water every single day for a year;
• Exercise every single day for a year; (even just 15 minutes of yoga)
• No McDonald’s or soda for a year; (here’s looking at you, coke)
• 1 book a week for a year;
• 1 post a day for a year;
• 1 selfie a day for a year;
• Mandatory full skin care for a year; (Never go to bed without washing my face, never leave the house without sunscreen, never forget to moisturize after showering, remember to clean and moisturize my face on the weekends)
• Write 1 nice thought about myself every day for a year;

I guess I’m ready to take on this year. I just need to accept being 26 and try to make the best of it. I don’t to let another year go by and feel like I haven’t tried hard enough or that I haven’t accomplished anything. It’s the worst feeling.

Does anyone want to join me in one of the above challenges? We can be sodaholics anonymous together!!

Thank you for being here, friends.

Daily planner and journal: 03/10/17

Hello everyone,

I hope you are well.

First of all. I would like to start by saying that I am so sorry for what happened yesterday in Las Vegas. I cannot even imagine the pain those families must be feeling. Your son, daughter, mother, father or someone else you love goes to a concert where they feel safe and they never come home. This is so sad and I can only imagine the heartache. I am sorry for all of you American friends in general, who no longer feel safe in your country. This is a tragedy and we should all be in mourning. My heart goes out to you. I am so sorry this is happening in your country.

Secondly, I need to say that one of my dearest friend is going through something very difficult and that we would appreciate some prayers and thoughts. Her uncle died in the most painful circumstances, because of a stupid accident that should never have happened. Life can be so hard and sad. Please pray for his soul and for the strength of those who lost him, especially his mother who is going through one of the worst pains one can feel. I can only imagine how desperate she must feel. For my friend, who I love so much, I send so much love and my own prayers and positive thoughts. I hope you read this. I love you so much. You can go through anything. You are strong. We’re here for you.

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On another note, I thought I would do a little update, for those who have the time and patience to read it.

I am still in love with my job. I love the kids, even when they are difficult. They say they love me too, which is the best I can ask for. When kids hate you, they really hate you and have no shame in making your life a living hell while you are trying to work. I am blessed with patience and I think that is one of the things they like about me. I listen to them, I answer their questions, I am funny and approachable. I need to be firm and focus on discipline sometimes, which I honestly hate because I don’t like to be mean and hard on my not so little guys and girls. I love my colleagues and the work I do. I love the hours, which allow me to work on other things and still have plenty of free time. I am blessed with a good salary for the hours I work, which is more than I could ask for. I cannot describe the feeling of getting my first paycheck after 6 months of being home. I feel like myself again, finally.

My online work is going really well. I have regular clients for whom I do book promotions, write articles and other general assistant tasks, which is something I love and am good at. You know how much I love organization, which is the one of my main tasks for such job. I also make extra money which is so helpful and rewarding for me. I have never had less than two, three or four jobs. I love the different planning and schedules and multitasking side of things. I like to be busy with different projects and to feel productive. I am very happy and fulfilled when it comes to my professional life.

 

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October is my birthday month. I usually love my birthday but I ‘m honestly not feeling it this year, for several reasons that are not worth mentioning. Last year my friends threw me a surprise birthday party.

The year before, when I turned 24, I had a big party at home, with about 20 people, friends and family.

When I turned 23, I had a pretty big party as well.

For 22, we ate at a restaurant and my friends decided to sing happy birthday after I demanded they wouldn’t. Well, the restaurant was absolutely full and I had to endure about 50 people singing happy birthday while I was blushing like I had never had before and had no idea where to look. That was interesting.

For 21, I had a small dinner with my best friends at a shopping mall. My mom and sister came by to deliver some cake. Pretty simple.

For 20, I was very sad. I had just been accepted into college, had pushed away most of my friends (after a very difficult couple of years – screw 2010 and 2011) and was working a job I absolutely hated and that made me feel like a slave. My best friends surprised me with a birthday cake that I accidentally dropped.

For 19, I was pretty happy. I had many friends attending my birthday lunch and movie (at the mall). I had breakfast with my grandmother and grandfather (we were in good terms after a long time of arguing). My grandfather died exactly a week later. My birthday was the last one he was alive for.

For 18, I had a big lunch at the mall. There were about 20 friends plus the guy who had broken my heart a few months before and decided to crash my birthday lunch. We had lunch, went to see a movie, came back to my house where I had a big family party waiting (I was allowed to bring two of my best friends), as well as a laptop as a present and a birthday cake that was a book and which had my face on one said and sad something like “18 years ago I looked at you for the first time. You were my first love”. Thanks mom. Both ironically and not so ironically. After dinner, I was allowed to go out and party for the first time, with both my best friends. I invited the heart breaker (stupid, stupid, stupid) and he decided it was a good idea to make out with a girl right next to me, at the club. Oh, you bastard. I hope you are a better person now.

For 26. Only God know. Let’s wait and see what October 23rd has in store for me.

When is your birthday? Do you like celebrating it?