Spicy Motivators 2025: April, May, June

AJsRandom

AJsRandom

Well-known member
Welcome to the Spicy Motivators! Come and join us to be motivated:

" You might need encouragement in exercising more (that’s me). You might want to do more walking. You might need encouragement to eat healthier or lose some weight. Your desire might be to cook more home cooked meals. Maybe you need some push to get more memory pages scrapped or maybe a desire to do more other crafts like sewing, yarn crafts or painting. You might like to set yourselves a monthly goal of how many challenges you want to take part in... or how many pages you want to achieve for an album you are putting together. "

You are welcome to start a post to share your goals and edit to add when you achieve things. Otherwise just pop in here at the end of each week and share how your week has been in achieving your goals.

Also, please feel welcome to ask for any encouragement you may need. :)
 
I am at the moment away on a little holiday at a beachside town. Normally I would be getting lots of walks along the beach for my daily exercise but it has been raining.:(
But once back home Friday I will be back doing my daily YouTube walking exercises.
Still trying to improve my eating. Not doing as good as i hope to.
 
Keeping my Goals for 2025

Scrapbooking:
*Going to get ANOTHER page DONE in April

Cards:
*mailing birthday and anniversary cards every week

Life in General:
*journal daily
*log my meals
*LazyFit twice a day

Apr 6 - Thanks for getting us started again Miss Ane!
Sorry it’s raining on your holiday Anne-Marie. That’s a bummer.
Good luck on your goals, Belle.

Well, one daughter, the eldest of course, is back in the fold. Thank God. I knew she’d come around. She always does. It was just taking her a bit longer this time and neither of us had had time to get together in person to chat and that’s sort of critical with that one.
I’m afraid with the youngest, it’s almost a lost cause, until God decides to soften her heart and make her see what she’s been blind to. She’s got BPD. (not Bi-polar, Borderline Personality Disorder, untreated & unmedicated, at the moment) Research it. It’s pretty scary and we worry about her kids all the time. They’re not in danger. They’re old enough to recognize if they have to get out and call us. But we fear that they think what they live with is “normal” and that her constant mood changes and rationalizations are the way everyone acts and that they might start taking on some of her mannerisms just because that’s the way she does things. We just don’t know, because we’re not there. Sorry, probably TMI.
Anyway, prayers if you have them… not so much for us, but for those kids. Caddie and Hunter.

Starting back to school again tomorrow. In for the last, long, stretch! Nine-and-a-half weeks to the end of school and only two school “holidays” in that time. I know that sounds funny, but it’s tough when you’re used to having time “off” every three-four weeks. You start to get really used to it. And then these kids start getting Spring Fever really, REALLY bad! Oh man! Seriously, if any other time a day off is needed… it’s during these last buncha weeks of school. LOL. Wish us luck!

Love and Blessings!
Carla
 
Carla, I hear you about the family drama. My growing up years were, well, interesting, so I get it. (((HUGS))) and prayers for you & the kids! Good luck with the spring fever. South of you where I am, it's more like spring hay fever, though my allergy shots are helping like the drugs never did.

Grace, those are excellent goals! I wish I had time to scrap 20 pages a week. I used to, before I started my master's degree program, lol. Good luck to you!

I'm doing all right with my goals. Still haven't reached out to my family, and I didn't read much or exercise 3 days, but I'm getting the homework done! This coming weekend I have a paper due. Yay!
 
7 April. So, I did not go to the gate with the dogs so often last week. It was just too hot. Will do better this week.
I did 4 layouts. So that was done.
I finished the lovey and duck for Emma. (New great grand expected in August)
Still got to finish my 'homework' from Saturday's crochet class/social.
Go well everyone.
 
So last week was not so great for my goals. I didn't reach out to my family (though a brother reached out to me today). I didn't get much fun reading done, and I only exercised 2 days. But the big oratorio I've been practicing for is over, so now I have a little more time to do those things. :) I did get all my homework done, including a paper. Now I must prepare for a bigger research paper, and I have no idea what aspect of Darwin-related stuff to do it on. Due in less than 2 weeks. Sigh.

I'm glad to see everyone doing well on their goals! And Grace, it's ok if you've been working on a shawl since autumn. I have a cross-stitch I've been working on for a few years now. ;)
 
What about an essay about the social impacts of Darwin's work? just an idea, because his theory, as we all know, affected hugely sciences field, but as well the realms of politics, literature, economy and social structures. Sad thing unscrupulous people, as is often the case, took advantage of the theory of evolution to create the eugenics, and, as many anthropologists and historians have pointed that the origin of eugenics is closely related to the rise of social Darwinism in the late XIX century.
So glad you did all your work and I guess the oratorio went well, congrats my dear.
 
Planning to drink more water, but my exercise routines are complete. I need to find time to continue crocheting my autumn poncho :LOL: well at least I'm gonna have done my poncho for the next autumn ;)

Wishing a wonderful and blessed Easter weekend ✝️ 🙏 🐰 🪺 to all those who celebrate!
 
Last edited:
Keeping my Goals for 2025

Scrapbooking:
*Going to get ANOTHER page DONE in April

Cards:
*mailing birthday and anniversary cards every week

Life in General:
*journal daily
*log my meals
*LazyFit twice a day

Apr 13/20 - Well I was out of town PLAYING with paper, glue and glitter last weekend with my girlfriends and we had entirely TOO much fun, so that’s why I didn’t check in. We started on Friday at Lisa’s house and I stayed there. The other gals live close by, so they were able to go home at night. (well… into the morning most “nights” hehehe) But silly ladies need their McD’s fountain Coke every day (?) so they picked me up a Caribou White Mocha every morning! (think Starbucks, but MN brand name… so MUCH better… LOL) Lucky me! But what’s the deal with McD fountain Coke every, single day? IDK. But both Amy and Lisa grab one on their way to work every single day. I just don’t get it. smh. We had lunch at this place just across the river called Wing Kings. OMGosh! A plate that I ended up taking more than half of home for Freddy and I to have for dinner Sunday night! Yummy boneless wings, in two flavors. We didn’t need dinner. Sunday we sorta munched and then I stayed entirely too late to have to go to work on Monday morning. I like to have some downtime if I’ve been gone for the weekend, so I like to get home mid-afternoon. NO… this was dinnertime. Then we ate dinner. I was so tired and I still had “stuff” to get done at home. Oh well, it was a blast.

This week was just a week. Work/school. Our “baby-grand” Kolten turned 15 on Thursday! Oh man. He stopped by and showed off his permit. I can’t stand it. He’s so danged cute too. He’s got a devil-smile. Just like his dad, God rest his soul. He’s gonna be a lady-killer someday and drive his mother insane!

Heading out to church and brunch this morning. He is Risen Indeed! Happy EASTER! Love y’all!

Well done on your oratorio and homework and paper, Ane! Good luck on your BIG research paper. You are KILLING IT!
Great job on your goals, Belle! Sorry you had to start over on your scarf.
Good luck crocheting, Grace. Should be a lovely addition next fall.

Love and Blessings!
Carla
 
Awesome for you, Carla! Ladies should get glittered up from time to time. Sometimes I miss crafting with paper, but then I think about how much space all those supplies take and how I don't miss them, lol! I love reading about your exploits--keep it up! An thanks for your encouragement about my paper. It's a touchy beast, but I am purposely taking a break from it today. :)

I need to write that letter to my brother, argh, I keep forgetting! Reading every day is also not happening. Some days I just don't feel like it and I don't know why. I'm getting my homework done, so that is not a problem. I only exercised 2 days last week but that is better than none. Will be back at it tomorrow.
 
Carla dear, I think I should start planning my crochet projects one or two years in advance :LOL:and if I manage to finish them sooner, it will be a plus.

Ane dear I hope that you wrote the letter to your brother.

I started a new qi gong routine, actually we're going to have a qi gong session at the beach, on next Saturday to celebrate world qi gong and tai chi day, it's a cold beach, but it's gonna be interesting, I hope that won't rain.

Wishing you all a beautiful day dear ladies!
 
Keeping my Goals for 2025

Scrapbooking:
*Going to get ANOTHER page DONE in April... have to rush to get that done! (might even try to do digi again... hehehe)

Cards:
*mailing birthday and anniversary cards every week

Life in General:
*journal daily
*log my meals
*LazyFit twice a day

Apr 27 - Did you write your letter, Miss Ane? Come’on now girl. And how about that paper? I’m sure it was amazing and you aced it. Now onto what with your studies? It’s always good to take a breather and regroup.

Grace, I did Tai Chi for a long time years ago while our youngest was in Kung Fu training. That’s actually where the Kung Fu discipline began thousands of years ago. The monks trained to defend themselves against the Hun and other armies that threatened to take over the monasteries in China. Our/her Sifu Master Lam always began our lessons with a history lesson. Omgosh, he was a wonderful man. We became friends with his entire family. Anne got her black belt and then went into the Marine Corps. I’m guessing she could probably remember most of the movements, but there’s no way I could do half of those things anymore. I should maybe try some of the Tai Chi again to see if it might strengthen my knees a little. I do miss it sometimes. On the beach sounds heavenly. Unfortunately, no “beach” around here right now. Brrrr….

Let’s see, what did this week bring? Generally work, although on Wednesday night and all day Thursday I was at our Spring Forum about 80 miles from home and met with a bunch of others who do my job from around the state. That was fun. Out of the office, learning new things and confirming old practices. I really enjoyed myself. The only minor hair-raising five minutes was when my former “witch-boss” from the last two years walked in and actually had the gall to walk up to me and put her hand on my back (to physically TOUCH me!!!) and say, “HI Carla! So NICE to see you!” as if she didn’t put two notices in my permanent record last year! (first time in 25 years!!!) I really had to choke down “choking” her and smile and say, “oh hi, yeah, nice to see you too”... But the day was fun. I always learn something at these events and “something” makes it worth attending.

Love and Blessings!
Carla
 
Carla minicooper452 said:
(...)

Grace, I did Tai Chi for a long time years ago while our youngest was in Kung Fu training. That’s actually where the Kung Fu discipline began thousands of years ago. The monks trained to defend themselves against the Hun and other armies that threatened to take over the monasteries in China. Our/her Sifu Master Lam always began our lessons with a history lesson. Omgosh, he was a wonderful man. We became friends with his entire family. Anne got her black belt and then went into the Marine Corps. I’m guessing she could probably remember most of the movements, but there’s no way I could do half of those things anymore. I should maybe try some of the Tai Chi again to see if it might strengthen my knees a little. I do miss it sometimes. On the beach sounds heavenly. Unfortunately, no “beach” around here right now. Brrrr…. (...)


Love and Blessings!
Carla
Click to expand...
Dear Carla, everything you wrote is so interesting, and what a blessing to have a Sifu like the one you had!. I think tai chi and qi gong would help you to strengthen your knees. If you're not familiar with qi gong, I recommend watching videos on YouTube. It's easy and friendly on the joints and also strengthens muscles and tendons. And little by little, as you increase joint mobility and strength, you can start tai chi again, just an idea.
Our session on the beach was fun; a little cold, but it was better than the heat. There were three sessions: one of qi gong, one of tai chi, and a final yoga session. Although it wasn't a yoga day, it was included. I liked that there were so many participants. Afterward, we all had a small snack, mostly salads, and water. Obviously, we were commemorating a healthy day, so the food was too ;)

You too have a wonderful Sunday!
Love and Blessings to you too!
 
OK, ladies, I did not write that letter. :( I am a horrible sister! But now I have a week's break from school and can do it tomorrow! Finished the paper today and submitted it. Yay, it's over! I have been reading more and have almost finished this month's book club book. Then I can start next month's--and there are 2! I exercised 2 days last week, so at least I'm consistent, I guess. Friday I increased my weight on the machines and my speed on the treadmill. I was sore afterward, but it was that good kind of sore. :)

Took my desktop PC to the fixit shop last Tuesday and don't have it back yet. It must be pretty messed up! I already know I have to move all my digiscrap files because they are hogging the main drive. Oops! 1.2 TB! Yeah, that would mess up the booting of my computer.
 
Keeping my Goals for 2025

Scrapbooking:
*Going to get A page DONE in May??? (we’ll see…)

Cards:
*mailing birthday and anniversary cards every week

Life in General:
*journal daily
*log my meals
*LazyFit twice a day

May 4 - Not horrible Ane, just an exceptional procrastinator! How about that? Hahaha! You finished your paper and your book club and increased your weight on the machines and speed on your treadmill. That’s quite a lot of accomplishments. You’re just putting off something you’re not ready to do quite yet, I’m guessing. Start writing something down. Come back and write some more or edit. That’s what I do when it’s something tough. Took me almost a month to write that letter to Lacy. And I wrote an incredibly “nasty” email to my boss’s boss on Friday that will NEVER be sent because she BAILED on me while I was stuck working 2 hours past my duty day (seriously, that’s unheard of in the school system) and she wasn’t answering my email questions so I know she’d already gone home. But we were on a 7pm, Friday night deadline, so I had to stay to get things done. Who does that? A more carefully edited and worded email will probably go out sometime next week. Anyway, the point is, just start writing something.

Thanks for your encouragement Grace. I need something to strengthen my knees. They hurt so much, especially this time of year and fall when the weather changes constantly. I watched a couple of YT videos last weekend, but didn’t have time to follow through with anything this week with all the above going on at work. smh. But that DONE now and maybe I can get my life back.

And that’s really all I have. Well, I had a really fun day yesterday. Our card-making team had a “nutso-palooza” team event for NSD and we did some scrapbooking things instead of cards. I didn’t finish anything in full, but I’m hoping to get them done and actually have a page or two to share and complete my May GOAL here this month. LOL Wish me luck.

Our big home news is that construction is going to start on our deck next week! Mom and Dad left us kids quite a chunk of change and it’s more than enough to have our deck rebuilt. We had windows, doors and siding redone (after 25 years) about 4 years ago, I think, and ran out of money. If we’d known then how much lumber was going to INCREASE the very next year, we would have “found” the money! But alas. This way, though, we’re doing everything totally maintenance-free! I’m so excited. It’s going to be gorgeous! I’ll share pictures when we’re done.

Love and Blessings! And May the 4th Be With You!
Carla
 
Carla, that's a good idea to about writing my brother's letter. Write some and go back to it if I need to. Why shouldn't I break it into chunks when I do that with most everything else I do in life? Thank you. I'm glad you are getting things done too, and I'm sorry to hear about your knees bothering you again. That's gotta be rough.

So y'all know I haven't started that letter yet. I don't know if he needs it still or not (I suspect it was because he needs a Real ID). Are they still doing those or was there some kind of deadline? Anyway, I will write it regardless. This brother doesn't have an online presence (other than gaming) or a job and barely leaves the house (extreme social anxiety. Therapy? Nope).

No homework this week, but I'll have plenty within a few weeks as my homework for this class will be very interesting. Gonna step out of my comfort zone with this one, that's for sure. I am not reading for fun every day, but I need to, even when I get busy. Book club has 2 books this month and I've only read 1. I don't have to worry about practicing my clarinet anymore, though I should get it off the shelf more regularly so it doesn't degrade again. Is that all my goals? I'd better go check, lol. Ah, exercise 3x a week. I did exercise 3x this week- went to the gym Monday, worked out at home Friday, and did a mile walk for charity (Make-a-Wish) yesterday. Woo hoo!
 
I have not popped in here lately.... sorry for that.
I have been doing well with my daily exercises. I have added ones as I am seeing a physiotherapist to help me with my newly diagnosed osteoarthritis in my hips ( mainly left one). So far it seems to be helping.

I must have lost a little bit of weight as my upper legs are looking thinner and yesterday I tried on a pair of black jeans I discovered in the back of my wardrobe as previously I could not fit into them..... guess what? I can now wear them which makes me very happy.

Hope you are all doing well.
 
Good for you, Anne-Marie, at keeping up with your exercises! If I was as diligent as you, I would have lost weight by now, I'm sure! (((HUGS))) about the osteoarthritis. That stinks! But awesome that you can fit in your long-lost jeans! That's a definite plus! You go, girl! :)
 
Keeping my Goals for 2025

Scrapbooking:
*Going to get A page DONE in May??? (we’ll see…)

Cards:
*mailing birthday and anniversary cards every week

Life in General:
*journal daily
*log my meals
*LazyFit twice a day

May 11 - I’m glad you liked my letter-writing idea, Ane. Go for it. What’s the harm?
Yes, I think the real ID deadline was May 7th? I’m not sure. I wasn’t really paying attention because I’m going to get my passport again. I haven’t had a BC in years and still have to get that again. I’m adopted, so it’s a bit more of a hassle. I find it irritating that the feds are demanding “real ID” but they’re allowing the states to create their own rules for what’s required to get it. Yes, it’s true. NJ required SIX valid points of ID verification to get real ID. Most states require 1 or multiple if there were name changes. It just “bugs” me. Nice to have a little homework break. Enjoy. Well done on your Make-A-Wish walk and other goals!

HI Anne-Marie! Welcome intermittently. We love seeing you come back “home”. Wowzers on your black jeans. That must have been exciting. I am sorry about your arthritis though. Painful. I’m there too.

The deck is a buncha big holes in the ground right now where the footings are. hehehe… We’re waiting until Monday for the framework to begin and we start seeing real movement. Our yard is an unsightly mess! OMG. What we’re going to have to do once they’re gone! YUCK! We didn’t have much going on anyway, but now we have even less. I guess that’s a good thing, sorta? I’m just not looking forward to spending more money on that. Not much new or different other than that.

Love and Blessings!
Carla
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top