Update: The Rona Got My Husband But Not Me (A Covid Rant)

You guys, what a couple of days.

It all started yesterday morning, when we were about to leave the house. My husband was going to the office to work and I had a driving lesson. Before we left the house, husband said his throat was feeling funny and that he was going to take a self test. He took the test and went to shower. After his shower, he went back to look at the test and it showed as positive. He immediately showed me the test but said he might have waited too long to check the results, which you shouldn’t look at after 30 minutes, so he decided to take a second one. Well, the second one turned out to be positive as well. I decided to take one myself (yes, we keep a shitload of tests at home, just in case) and it came back negative. Weird. I went ahead and cancelled my driving lessons, in case I might have to stay in isolation.

I’m sure it’s different for every country but here in Portugal, if you get a positive self test, you have this form to fill online, after which they’ll give you further instructions. Rui filled the form and was told he’d have to call our free SNS (National Health Service) line, which he did. He spoke to this operator who asked if he had any symptoms and he said the only thing bothering him was his throat. She said that because there were symptoms, even if mild, he’d have to be transferred to a nurse.

2.5 hours later – That’s how long he waited in line – he was able to speak to a very kind and helpful nurse. He described the situation and added the fact that his wife was pregnant. The nurse immediately booked us for two (free) PCR tests that same afternoon.

We both went to take the tests (him wearing a mask the whole time, even in the car) and were told we had to wait up to 48 hours for the results. We came home and went about our days, while keeping our distance from each other, which is not super easy if you live in a small house. We ate dinner apart and he slept on the couch while I slept in our room. When I say we slept, I’m probably exaggerating because we didn’t sleep much at all. The waiting for the results and the whole of the situation was giving major anxiety so I didn’t fall asleep until after 4 in the morning.

Next morning I woke to the results via text (they both text and email us) and was very surprised to find out that I’m actually NEGATIVE, while he’s positive. HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE? We spend a lot of time together, drive in the same car, use the same bathroom, sleep in the same bed in the same tiny bedroom.

Anyways, we’re now going through the motions of avoiding each other while living together. He has to quarantine for 7 days, which means he can’t leave the house at all. With him being the driver and me not having a license and being quite far away from everything, I’m not leaving the house either. I had to cancel my driving lessons, a hair appointment and we’re going to miss our second birth preparation class.

As for the arrangements, he’ll keep working from the garage/his man cave during the day and then stay and sleep in our bedroom at night. I’ll be staying and sleeping in my office, in the sofa bed. We’ll try not to cross paths in the kitchen or bathroom and we’ll wash and disinfect our hands after using the common areas.

I won’t lie and say that I’m absolutely okay with this. I miss my husband as we’re used to spending a lot of time together. I hate sleeping and eating without him. I’m grateful for the fact that I’m healthy and that he’s mostly asymptomatic but I’m still afraid I might catch it and that he’ll get really sick. I’m upset I had to cancel my driving lessons and my driving theory lessons because it means I won’t be able to finish my first set of driving lessons and my driving theory exam in February, which sucks because I really wanted to be done with my license before the baby is here in May.

Such is life. I honestly have no idea how we even managed to catch it because we’re both vaccinated and have gotten the booster, we wear masks everywhere we go and we’re super careful in general. Still, I should probably stop complaining and just be grateful that we’re both okay.

Sorry for the rant, I’m in a foul mood.

Hope you’re all healthy and safe.

Wear a mask, wash your hands, get the jab!

Love,

Cheila

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Huge Life Update – 15.05.2021

Hello everyone!

I hope you are all healthy, safe, and hopefully vaccinated.

Do you still remember me? It has been months, I know. I’m a terrible blogger.

I think about blogging almost every day, but then life happens, and I never manage to write anything. You see, I love writing, but it is not something that comes naturally to me, meaning I have to kind of force myself to do it. Not that I hate it or anything, I’m just a super lazy writer. Does that make any sense? Probably not. Anyways, I better just get on with it instead of just making excuses for my absence.

I have so many updates that I’d like to share, so I’ll just leave you with a list.

1.Work

This is not really an update as I’ve been working for this company for two years now. I’m still working for a social media platform (Sorry I can’t tell you which), doing content moderation, which means I basically spend my shifts watching videos and seeing things I’d rather not see, but someone has to do it, right? Thank God I have a very strong stomach, though.

I will explain why in a second but I’m exclusively working the night shift right now, from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. You’ll probably think “poor you” but I actually prefer to work nights, so it’s all good.

2. Studies

I am finally finishing my degree, which I have either been slowly doing or putting off since 2011. I feel like a geriatric student at this point, as most of my colleagues is either 18 or early 20’s. Thankfully, due to covid and online learning, I don’t really have to interact with anyone besides the professors. I’m taking my two final courses (Related to my minor in English) and I cannot wait to finally be done with it.

Surprise, surprise. I have decided to finally do something about my dream of being a doctor, so I am (very) slowly climbing the health professional ladder. I’m now studying to be a Nursing Assistant. I have started the course in April and will be finishing and starting my internship in August. I am absolutely loving to learn about anatomy and have been studying super hard. I hope to get into nursing school next September. This is why I’ve been working nights as I have classes on Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 2pm to 6 pm.

3. Home

We have moved! We have rented a bigger house with a huge backyard as it was becoming quite crowded with both of us working from home full time. We finally have a guest room, which is basically my office, full of my stuff but with a sofa bed that can sleep two people. Rui got the garage which is big and comfortable. He calls it his man cave but it’s also the place where we store whatever we don’t use and can’t fit in the house as well as all the farming tools my husband keeps purchasing because according to him, he absolutely needs them. In his defense, we have a big ass backyard and new lawn which needs to be trimmed or mowed or whatever you do to lawn lol. Anyways, we are all happy with our new place, but we have to try very hard to ignore nosy neighbors (me), stray cats pooping all over our garden (Rui) and the neighbors’ chickens who jump into our property when they’re feeling suicidal (Rosa).

4. More Work

So apparently, I was feeling like I was not busy enough, so I have decided to go back to tutoring part time. One of my favorite things to do in the whole wide world is to tutor kids and help them pass their university admission exams and I miss it terribly, so I have found myself a couple of students.

5. Diet

I have been doing intermittent fast and eating a low carb, low sugar (processed), plant-based diet for the past month and a half. I have had many cheat days, hard days, and times when I have wanted to stuff myself full of chocolate, but I have managed to somehow keep it up most days. It is NOT easy at all, but I try to think of the benefits and about how happy I’ll feel once I have lost the weight. I think that it helps that I still eat whatever I want if I go out to dinner or to a party because it makes me feel less deprived or frustrated.

I have just realized that this will have to be a two-part post, because I’m not yet done with my updates and this is getting long enough already. I’ll be back soon with part two.

Love, C

Photo by monicore from Pexels

5 Things

Hey there everyone,

It’s been nearly 4 months since my last post. That’s a third of the year without posting. That’s very sad and disappointing but life is happening and I’m not the person I’d like to be and definitely not the blogger I’d like to be so let’s get over it and talk about something else already, Cheila.

I have so, so much to tell you all because well, 4 months. I need to control my writing and rambling urges though so I’ve decided to pick 5 things. I’ll tell you 5 things and that’ll be it for now.

1. My wedding is in less than 2 months. The planning has been intense. I’m doing a whole series about the wedding and on wedding planning as I feel that I’ve learned so much that can be helpful to future brides. Also, I know that some people love weddings and enjoy reading about wedding planning in general. The most surprising thing about the wedding is how much of an emotional ride you’re in for. I was not expecting that at all. You get to know some people all over again and realise that when people say “I’m here for you”, they don’t always mean it. Not everyone, at least. Sometimes I feel like I’m planning a big party and that everyone wants to attend and look their best and eat and drink but no one remembers why we’re throwing it in the first place.
2. I’ve changed jobs. I’ve changed jobs 4 times in one year and it has been exhausted for someone who had been doing the same for so many years. I’m not back at teaching. Not even close. I work for an online bank now. I’ve been here for 3 months. I like it very much. I’ve learned that people actually pay for sex work and write “pussy lick” as a description for a bank transfer. I’ve lived enough. I can die peacefully now, I’ve seen it all.
3. I’ve made new friends. You know it’s hard to make friends as an adult because everyone has their own life to live and their own problems and spouses or relationships, kids, parents, jobs, stress sources. So it makes me very happy to say that I made a very special friend at work. I don’t know how it happened but she became one of my best friends and she’s coming to my wedding. Last time I met someone I can consider a best friend was my first year of university, 2011. I’m either picky or special people don’t come my way very often. I feel so lucky to have met her.
4. We’re going to Gran Canaria for our honeymoon. I’ll do nothing but reading, sleeping, going to the beach and the pool for a whole week. I’m already looking at bathing suits online.
5. I’ve been reading like a maniac for months. I wish I wasn’t so lazy so I could do some reviews. I’m currently on book 70 since 27/11/2018. This makes me happy. I’m currently reading Scarlet by Alexandra Ripley, the “sequel” to Gone With the Wind. I’ve been watching series as well. Since April I’ve watched:

• Chernobyl (5/5)
• Big Little Lies, Season 2 (3/5)
• La Casa de Papel, Season 2 (4/5)
• Divorce, Season 3 (2/5)
• Game of Thrones, Season 8 (1/5)
• Currently watching season 7 of Orange is the New Black and Season 3 of The Handmaid’s Tale.

I guess that’s it for today. I miss blogging but I wanna do it by tiny pieces.

I also want to redesign the blog as I’m done with the way it looks now. I’ll get to it.

Have a lovely day.

Chey

 

 

 

 

The longest Time

It has been 84 years…

Joking, but almost.

My last blog post was almost 4 months ago, which is insane.

I’ve even made my blog private for a while for reasons I won’t go over now but it’s back to being public.

I miss blogging and I miss you all.

This is just a general checking in post to let you know that I’m alive and well and that I miss you all.

I’ve changed jobs again, but it’s all good. I work for a startup now.

Our wedding is in 7 months away (October 5) and pretty much planned. I even have a dress.

I deleted all my social media 4 months ago and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.

On Deleting Social Media

I’ve read about 30 books in the meantime, which is more than I read in the past 2 years combined. Some of my favorites include:

Paper Wife

The Little Orphan Girl

The Lost Letter

All She Left Behind

My Heart Remembers

Yellow Crocus

Mustard Seed

Say Goodbye for Now

Waiting for Summer’s Return

The Widow of Larkspur Inn

The Wedding Dress

Some of them have been really cheesy regency novels. Would you like a full list and reviews? That could be fun.

And that is it for my little update.

Hope to talk to you all soon.

Love, Chey.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

I have Great News!!

Everyone,

I just wanted to stop by and tell you that I had an appointment with my psychiatrist yesterday and she said I looked like a different person. She said I’m so much better and that she was very happy to see me. She reduced my medication and so I’m no longer on Bupropion and Mexazolam, which I have been taking for the longest time.

I’m just so happy about this.

It’s the first time I’ve seen a real improvement and reduction on my medication, after years of increasing it, changing it, trial and error. I’ve been dealing with anxiety and depression since I was 18. I was diagnosed and first medicated at 22. I’ve been through 2 psychiatrists, 5 therapists and I know 75% of antidepressants, mood stabilizers and anti anxiety pills on the market.

I wish I didn’t have so much information. But since I do, I need to make sure I share it with others. And I promise you I’ll do that. For those of you who are still struggling, I’ll share my detailed experience and do my best to help.

Today, I just want to tell you it’s possible to get better. I’m not cured and I don’t know when/if I’ll ever be, but I’m finally so much better.

Trust me, I have seen the darkest side of life. I’ve felt it. I’ve lived with a huge cloud over my head for years. I’ve been through life carrying a backpack full of rocks for way too long. I’ve hated myself, everyone else, life itself. Everything has seemed pointless. Everyone has looked like an enemy. Death has been a wish.

I know it’s difficult and sometimes unfair/hard to compare, but I can tell you I had one of the most serious and difficult cases of clinical depression. I know quite a few people who have suffered from depression and they all got better so much easily, faster, sooner. That was frustrating and I would get angry because I seemed to have it worse than everyone else. I actually did. Years of extreme stress, heartbreak, responsibilities, growing up too fast, taking care of others, being strong for them, a bad childhood, among other things had collapsed on me, so I was dealing with 20 something years worth of trauma, damage, exhaustion. I wasn’t having an episode of depression. I was having THE episode of depression I had been holding inside me forever. It hit me hard, with no mercy.

God knows how much I’ve been through because of my mental health.

God knows how much Rui has been through because of it.

That guy is a saint.

I don’t say this because I love him, I say this because I know him. He is a rock. He’ll take care of you, provide you with whatever you need, comfort you, be there for you emotionally, know how to handle an anxiety attack, do extensive research on all of your medications, make sure you take care of yourself, cook for you, clean for you, understand when you simply cannot get out of bed, cuddle you, give you hope, say you’re beautiful when you’ve put on 60 pounds, make you laugh when you really want to cry, protect you, tell you you’ll find the best possible doctor and care, no matter how much you’ll have to spend or how you’re going to find the money for, do his best to make you smile, be your shoulder to cry on, defend you, tell people who think “depression is in your head” they’re fucking idiots and ignorants who should go and get some information, be your mother’s best friend, your sister’s big brother, be there for your appointments, get you the things you like because they’ll make you a little happy, get really angry at you because you don’t eat properly, be your absolute best friend, caretaker, boyfriend, husband, lover, confidant, partner, fan, the one who makes up for whatever is missing.

I think everyone should have someone like Rui in their lives.

We’ve been through thick and thin and we’re still together. We’ve really been through some real “grown up” problems for the past 5 years we’ve been together. There was never cheating, jealousy, cellphone checking, lying, issues with exes. We’ve been dealing with real, hard, old married couple problems since we were about 22 and 22, up until now. I guess we’ve passed the test.

What I really want to say is, I’m not cured. I may never be. I don’t mind really, as long as I have the proper care. But today, finally, I can say that I am far BETTER. Better is a beautiful word. So I’m happy about better. Better is more than enough.

Thank you for everything, guys.

If you’re going through a similar journey, we’re together. Talk to me. Let me be there for you.

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.

❤️

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.

And I’m back! – July reflection + Updates (Sorry for the long post, but I know you miss my rants)

Hello everyone,

How are you? I hope you’re all doing very well.

I’ve been MIA, haven’t I? I know. I have been lazy and doing other lazy things instead.

My monthly update is long due, since I always do one. I’m going to do a simple one and just tell you what I’ve accomplished and where I didn’t do as I had plan. I’m fine with everything, though. Whatever got done, very well. Whatever I didn’t get to, I will, when I feel like it.

• I have obviously completely ignored my cleaning challenge, for the second month in a row. I still mean to do it during the second half of this month, because I want to deep clean the house before I go back to work. I do it every Summer and sometimes Spring so I need to get to it.
• I’m still doing my movie challenge. Not watching one every day, but picking movies from the list to watch, instead of going for others. I mean to finish this list by the end of the month and creating another one from September to the end of the year.

My movie list:

Day 1: The Godfather

Day 2: The Godfather: Part II

Day 3: Casablanca

Day 4: Memento

Day 5: Sunset Boulevard

Day 6: Requiem for a Dream (I’ve started this one but gave up. It was late and it was confusing. I’ll obviously get back to it)

Day 7: Before Sunrise (Already waiting on my computer so it will probably be the next one to watch)

Day 8: Lion

Day 9: Les Miserables

Day 10: Babel

Day 11: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Day 12: Munich

Day 13: The Aviator

Day 14: Pulp Fiction

Day 15: Suicide Squad

Day 16: Inception

Day 17: It

Day 18: It’s a Wonderful Life

Day 19: Selma

Day 20: Apocalypse Now

Day 21: Cinema Paradiso

Day 22: To Kill a Mockingbird

Day 23: Rebecca

Day 24: Winter’s Bone

Day 25: Hotel Rwanda

Day 26: Mystic River

Day 27: Chicago

Day 28: Beauty and the Beast (Waiting on my computer)

Day 29: The Zookeeper’s Wife

Day 30: The Shack

I still have many to get through but I don’t mind at all.

I’ve been watching series, which is probably the reason why I haven’t been watching that many films.

Currently watching:

• Poldark (season 3)
• Married at First Sight (don’t ask)
• Upstairs, Downstairs (already in season 2)
• Game of thrones (Season 7)

I’m waiting for, in the fall:

• The Crown
• Outlander
• Victoria
• The Walking Dead
• American Horror Story
• Stranger Things
• Call the Midwife

I’ve been also watching documentaries and a bunch of YouTube videos, both from my favorite YouTubers and fact and educational videos, which I love.

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As for my blog, I have been neglecting it for a long time, not following any schedule, not posting regularly and ignoring most of my series.

I still mean to record and post the bipolar/depression/anxiety videos I was supposed to have done in July.

Here’s the list:

1. “When did it all start”
2. “The moment I realized I needed help”
3. “First diagnosis and treatment”
4. “From doctor to doctor”
5. “Medication”
6. “What do depression and anxiety feel like”
7. “Relapses and acceptance”
8. “Bipolar Type 2 – misconceptions”

I think I might leave these for September. I might record them during this month, so I have enough time to have everything ready and in order. I’ll probably publish them every Saturday and Sunday in September. I’ll let you know.

• I have completely been ignoring my meal plan and grocery haul posts, which everyone seems to really like. I’ll get back to them as soon as things as back to normal, when it comes to blogging.
• I’m not sure when I’ll go back to my daily journey and to-do list posts because I’m technically on vacation until August 16th, which means Rui is home and I don’t go about my normal routine, obviously.
• I’ll do a What’s Up Wednesday post on the 9th and on the 23rd, only twice this month.
• I’m still deciding what I’ll do about the huge list of tags and awards I’m nominated for.

My main goals in terms of blogging and social media were:

• I would like to get to 16,000 views. – Obviously didn’t.
• I also like to get to get to 1,600 followers. I’m at 1,402, at the moment. – I’m at 1,820
• 300 followers on Instagram would be nice. I’m currently at 272. (I would also be nice if people stopped following and then unfollowing, it happens every day and it makes me really pissed) – Currently at 310 but, with Instagram, you never know. 
• I would like to get to 250 twitter followers. Currently at 189. – I have new people following me every day but, apparently, I have a big number unfollowing too, since I’m still at 200.
• I’m at 134 followers on Pinterest. I’d be happy to get to 150. I’ve been slacking on Pinterest, which is sad, because I love it so much. Let the pining begin. – I’m at 145.
• It would be nice to post (each day) twice on Instagram, Twice on Twitter, Once on Facebook. – I haven’t.
• I want to make more blogger friends and meet new people. – I have!
• I want to help newer bloggers. – Sorry, haven’t been there for anyone this month.
• I’m starting to consider and research on self-hosted, but I won’t do it before I reach, at least, 2000 followers. I feel like there’s a right time for everything and this would be the right time for me. I need a solid audience and it doesn’t make sense to me to go self-hosted before a certain number. – I’m not going self-hosted anytime soon. I still don’t see the point, for me.

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My Personal Goals: Health

• 2 l of water every single day. Be very careful not to forget to drink it on weekends. – I drink plenty of water. Not sure about 2 liters though, simply because I haven’t been paying attention.
• A daily walk of at least 30 minutes. – hahahahahaha
• My daily 20 minutes of yoga (It feels amazing). – I love it so I have no idea why I’m so lazy about it.
• My 5 portions of fruits and veggies. – Oh yes!!
• Eat my seeds every single day. – Yeah!!
• Take my pills on time: that would be 10 a.m, 8 a.m, 10 p.m. – I’m supposed to take them breakfast and before bed. I’ve been doing well by taking them every single day and always on time at night, but not at the same time in the morning.
• Have my meals and snacks on time: 10 a.m, 1 p.m, 4 p.m, 7 p.m, 10 p.m. – Not at all.
• Cut dairy, except a tiny bit of milk for my oatmeal and plain Greek yogurt. – I have. I’ve been eating only cottage cheese, milk sometimes and tonnes of plain Greek Yogurt.
• Cut carbs. No carbs for dinner. Only for breakfast and lunch. Small amount. – I have cut carbs. I have just a small portion each day, unless I’m cheating and eating a whole box of cereal.
• Actually lose weight. I’d be happy with 4 kg to keep it healthy. Because I’m way too heavy for my height weight and structure, I might be able to lose more than that. I gain fast but lose fast also. – People keep telling me I look thinner but I haven’t noticed.
• Sleep no more than 9 hours. – It’s almost impossible. Medication makes me really tired.
• Take care of my skin, hair and nails. – I’ve cut my hair shorter because it needed and started using natural soap instead of body wash. Not so bad.
• Spend time outside every day. – Almost.

My Personal Goals: Entertainment and relaxation goals

• Read at least 30 minutes a day. – No.
• Listen to music at least 30 minutes a day. – I’ve done more than 30 minutes. I’ve been listening so much relaxation music. Every single day, sometimes for more than one hour. I’m very happy about it.
• Do some gardening every day. – I pretty much just water. It’s been too windy and I’m scared of getting a bad sinus crisis because of my ears.
• Crochet for at least 15 minutes a day. – Haven’t touched it.
• Color for at least 30 minutes a day. – Haven’t touched it.
• Call and see people more often. – I think I can say yes. I have been talking to my friends often and I think I can say I have a new group of awesome best friends. We’ve talked every day and we’re getting closer and bonding 🙂 Love you, ladies.
• Read blogs. – Failing miserably.
• Watch YouTube videos. – Yes, every day. 
• Play with Rosa outside. – Well, she’s pretty much napping all the time, the little lazy girl so not much play. She wants to play at night, when we’re relaxing on the couch. Crazy bitch.

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I guess I can say I’m doing better in general. Maybe because I’ve been resting and relaxing and watching nice movies and series and taking time to do what I really want to do. The house is a mess but I’ll get back to my domestic efforts soon. For now, I’m still on relaxation mode.

I’ll come back tomorrow with my plans for the second half of August. I’m not making many plans for the next two weeks, other than being with mah man and relaxing.

Thank you so much for reading and for always being there.

Love you all and always.

Chey.

Day by Day – Health Journey (26.07.17) First to-do list in a while + movie update

Hey there,

How is everyone?

I should be doing a What’s Up Wednesday post today but I’m lazy and I don’t feel like doing it. It’s a very calm day, I feel well, just a bit tired. I’m spending time with my sister and Rosa. Even if I didn’t want to spend time with Rosa, I would be forced to, as she makes sure she follows me around all day, every day.

I have a TON of laundry to fold and a ton of laundry to do. I’m taking care of the latter, having a load drying and another one in the washer. I’m super lazy recently haha, what can I do? I still have a small to-do list for today:

• Call back to know about interview results. It’s been a week.
• Answer emails.
• I was approved for one of those online projects as a freelance writer and I need to get the details straight and start working on the project. The other is almost settled as well, which is great.
• I need to answer comments, I have so, so many.
• I also need to read blogs, I’ve been lacking in that department.
• I need to unload the dishwasher and then load it again.
• I need to cook dinner.
• I need to go and buy some medicine I finished yesterday.
• I have to water the garden and take care of the plants.
• I need to drink enough water and keep up with the healthy snacks.
• I will listen to my relaxing music before bed, as I’ve done every day.
• I want to read a few chapters of the two books I’m going through.
• I’ll watch the last episode of The Handmaids Tale, and I’ll miss it. Have you watched it/read it?

I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow for my back. I’ve had back problems since I was a child, so I need to pay them some attention.

I’ll now show you an updated list of the movies I was supposed to watch this month:

Day 1: The Godfather

Day 2: The Godfather: Part II

Day 3: Casablanca

Day 4: Memento

Day 5: Sunset Boulevard

Day 6: Requiem for a Dream (I’ve started but not finished, a bit weird for me)

Day 7: Before Sunrise

Day 8: Lion

Day 9: Les Miserables

Day 10: Babel

Day 11: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Day 12: Munich

Day 13: The Aviator

Day 14: Pulp Fiction

Day 15: Suicide Squad

Day 16: Inception

Day 17: It

Day 18: It’s a Wonderful Life

Day 19: Selma

Day 20: Apocalypse Now

Day 21: Cinema Paradiso

Day 22: To Kill a Mockingbird

Day 23: Rebecca

Day 24: Winter’s Bone

Day 25: Hotel Ruanda

Day 26: Mystic River

Day 27: Chicago

Day 28: Beauty and the Beast

Day 29: The Zookeeper’s Wife (I need to finish this one. I was watching it and it started to act funny. I need to “buy” another version)

Day 30: The Shack

Extras:

The Truman show

Many documentaries and YouTube videos on various topics

Poldark

Game of Thrones

North and South

The Handmaids Tale

I’m starting Upstairs, Downstairs today. Do you have any TV series suggestions? I’m especially fond of period dramas. That’s my thing as you can probably tell.

I also want to share the albums I’ve been listening to on Spotify, to relax before bed:

I go to “moods” and choose “sleep”.

Then, my favorite albums are:

• Peaceful Piano
• Jazz for Sleeping
• Peaceful Guitar
• Night Rain
• Sleep Tight
• There are several just called “sleep” which are very good as well.

These help me with anxiety and to unwind and feel sleepy. It has become a nightly ritual I look forward to, just being in the dark, earplugs, soft music and relaxation. I highly recommend it.

I’m off now. Which movie, from the list, do you think I should watch tonight?

xx