Monday Randomness

Tonight's DWTS is a Grease music theme, and someone in the #BooCrew made the following memes that are cracking me up!  

Thanks to using Hulu and not having TV channels, I can't watch it until tomorrow, but that sure doesn't mean I won't be text-voting for Cody 10 times tonight! lol

To be honest, I've been struggling with feeling more loneliness lately...  I deeply understand that God is always with me and that I have multiple good friends and family members who would show up strong for me in any crisis, but I'm missing the day-to-day feeling of real connectedness and belonging and being seen... It's obvious that life stages are rapidly shifting in very positive ways but also ways that make them less available for most of my closest friends, so I want to take responsibility for my own happiness and step up and work on finding a new Bible Study group and building more community rather than wallowing in feeling melancholy.

I'm reading Suzanne Stabile's The Path Between Us about Enneagram connections, and this little section about the Nine (my personality on that chart) really hit me:  

"Nines have the ability to disconnect in any relationship.  Nines have a tendency to erase themselves from events.  Nines manage relational exposure/vulnerability by assuring themselves that their presence doesn't matter.  They can contribute what they have to offer... or not... believing that it won't affect the outcome either way.  Your presence in the lives of those around you matters a lot.  You can't be healthy and whole if you spend you life setting yourself aside in order to connect with others.  There are times when you must assert yourself regardless of the cost.  There is no such thing as a healthy relationship that is void of anger, disappointment, and conflict."  

Eek, I so resonate with the idea of erasing myself from events and believing most group events would look largely the same whether I was present or not (perhaps with the exception of the lovely photos I usually take).  I thought that was just a quiet introvert thing, but perhaps not.  So I want to get better at engaging and believing my presence does actually matter to people not just in one-on-one conversations, but also in group hangouts!  Anyway, some little things to work on as I grow forward there. =)

I'm also feeling this... and planning to do a fall cleaning weekend soon!

On Cody's latest Pop ride, he went on for a while about Halloween candy, and specifically his love for KitKats and Rolos.  I was very inspired by that speech! lol

I'm trying Lara Casey's "Power Sheets" for 2022... a calendar to help you set and cultivate personal goals!

I'm excited about it already, and happy with the floral cover I chose!

Truth.  I'm feeling this more lately too, which doesn't necessarily help with the lonely feeling, but it gives me more reason to keep building new memories and new connections!

A card I made for Grandad several years ago... ❤

And one for Babah, as well.  I feel like I should start incorporating illustrations into more of my cards - even with simple stick-people drawings, it makes it much more fun! lol

The Peloton obsession is still going strong - I'm such a fan, and it does give me a sense of virtual community/joy even in the midst of a season where I've felt far more aware of loneliness/emptiness than I did pre-reconnection.

 

Above is what I see in front of me, and this = the view to my left on the bike! =)

A Cody Rigsby quote to add some pep to your day! lolol

I picked up my happy rental car on Friday... a silver Kia Optima with California license plates.  It's an adjustment being so low to the ground, but I remembered to get my garage door opener, and I immediately paired it with my phone, so all is well! =)

The best girlfranz in the world are doing well... they'll be turning 8 years old this coming Sunday!  David sent me this picture, and it made me laugh that Bella-Bellsy is so calm while Sam-Puff is right in his face needing attention! lol

Some fried mozzarella from Maggiano's right in the comfort of my own home!!

When I saw them listed on DoorDash, I was very confused!  It turns out that Maggiano's Italian Classics is a partnership they have with DoorDash at certain Chili's locations where they only make their top 10 bestselling dishes... including the appetizer above, the lasagna, the chicken parm, etc.  Yes, please! =)

And a very random final photo, just because turtles in their little shells with all their slowness and shy-looking smiley appearance make me very happy! ❤

Happy Monday, friends!!  If all goes as planned, tomorrow begins our first Jury Trial in over two years!  A full day of jury voir dire with everyone in masks will be the actual worst, so prayers appreciated!