Stay Home: Journal Notes from Week #3

Pamela Lutrell remembers Lake Buchanan on Over 50 Feeling 40

I am beginning this Friday ( the official end of week #3 for staying home) with an image I recently placed on my computer wallpaper.  I took this picture from the balcony of a lakehouse my entire family shared together one July 4.  Apart from Christmas celebrations, this was one of my favorite family times and helps me to have fond remembrances of a family I have not been able to hug in a while. 

Joyful memories are so important right now and help us get through this long period when we are “distancing” from the rest of the world.  I confess when we finally return to normal…whatever normal really is…I will still be apprehensive of this virus.  I have asthma and after listening to a doctor fully explain the dangers of COVID-19 for asthmatics, I was convinced to be happy at home.

But when you think about returning to normal, are there some parts of what was normal for you that you would like to leave behind? I was not home very much at all during my normal life the last four years.  I want my new normal to include being home…I have loved it and want to make a commitment to get my house in order.

STOP THE EXCUSES

Making Weights a priority on Over 50 Feeling 40

I have said for three weeks that my biggest challenge is now balancing a work-at-home life with my time to work out.  When you come and go to a physical office that is not in your home, it is easier to compartmentalize your life.  Something about working here has resulted in more work. Actually, it may also be due to the pandemic which has created more work for those of us in higher education. OK, OK…it is time for me to stop the excuses!

My latest attempt to get some weight work in, is to bring the weights from downstairs into my office upstairs.  I think this does work better.  Even small amounts in between projects helps. So, for now, I am going to continue this plan.  I need to bring the rest of the weights upstairs, though!

HOW TO SAY HELLO

Pamela Lutrell introduces Heart Shake on Over 50 Feeling 40

San Antonio is a beautiful, multi-cultural community where overall people love, accept and support one another.  The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce put out this video to encourage us to greet one another with a double heart tap and I loved it.  Especially when, Anthony Fauci is now recommending Americans stop shaking hands…forever!  See what you think of their way to now greet one another.

Watch #HeartShake

SLIDESHOW UPDATE

Pamela Lutrell introduces Kohls on oVer 50 Feeling 40

Recently, I told you that Macy’s and Dillards are presently not paying affiliate bloggers for sales, so I can no longer include them in my slideshows.  But, I am pleased to announce that in addition to many other brands, I can include KOHLS.  I am still having problems with Nordstrom Rack, but hope to resolve those soon.  Until, then let’s enjoy some fun items from Kohls……

GOOD FRIDAY

KLOVE Easter graphics on Over 50 Feeling 40 

Today is a somber day in my faith and has been a day I grew up commemorating.  This is the day we remember Jesus’s Death. One year I came out of a Good Friday service at noon as a dust storm blew into town and it was chilling. It seemed to place me right at that moment in time.  Since then, I always think about Jesus’s trail and time on the cross throughout the day on Good Friday. 

Later today, my husband and I will attend online church and take communion in remembrance.  But, as a powerful pastor once said, It’s Friday but Sunday is Coming!  

I hope today is special for you whether you are remembering family, friends, your faith or all three. I also love Passover and hope my Jewish friends are able to commemorate the time while distancing.

Jennifer and I are taking you window shopping for Would You Wear It tomorrow. Get ready for some fun. Then I hope to have something special for you on Easter Sunday.

Thank you so much for being here… stay home…stay safe…stay hopeful  and…………

Remember, in our social distancing world, your smile is the way you send hugs!  

KEEP SMILING….and HUGGING!

By Pamela Lutrell

11 Comments

  1. Thank you very much for the ” Love each other” reminder. I have a few friends to send that to today as well. In all your new busy schedule, I am happy to hear you are doing a drive by Would you Wear it. Still needing these even though the closet is too full for stay at home, there is always daydreaming for sanity. Have a wonderful Easter and thank goodness for virtual church services at this time.

  2. Hi Pam, Nice to see Kohls here. This is my store for basic tees, workout wear, running shoes, bath towels, etc. When I need a baby gift, this is the place. Happy Friday!

  3. Stay well! Love your blog. Visited your lovely city a couple years ago. More appreciative of such trips now. Like kohl’s so will follow what you show .

  4. Pam, count me in as one in education … and one who is working harder than ever, but I’m so thankful to still have my job. One funny suggestion from my immediate boss to bring a smile today … she confessed to muting her face and mic periodically in big meetings and using her arm weights and bands while listening and waiting her turn to present. Now I watch for her little face icon to blink off and imagine her getting healthy. I don’t have weights at home, but was thinking to get some big cans and try it!

  5. What a beautiful gesture with the double heart tap. While I admit I do feel like I’m on house arrest, I am still looking forward to the days when we get to return to our lives. I am also attending an online service at my church at noon today, for communion and the reminder of what Jesus did for us on the Cross. He is in control. Looking forward to the window shopping! That will be fun. Thank you for keeping up the blogs in spite of doing more work now, working from home. You’re right about compartmentalizing our lives. I was much more scheduled when I was working full time. I’ve kept up a pretty regular routine in retirement because I like the structure. Good for you bringing the weights in to your office. Sometimes we just need to have things visible to remember to stay the course.

  6. Stay healthy, and happy to hear your home will be part of that everyday plan going forward! As a retiree my home IS definitely part if my stay healthy and fit plan.
    Though I go to tai chi and yoga classes (in normal times) I can practice these at home anytime…..and I do. I also make time for a good strong walk fortwenty plus minutes two to three times per day. (Retirees can do this). I love walking and finding new walk -streets and paths especially in Spring when flowers are bursting onto the scene.
    Thank you for your wonderful blog!

  7. Pam, I have been following you for a while and love your blog. One of the features I enjoy most is the variety I find…faith, recipes, skincare, work, family, etc. It excites me that you feature many clothing places including Good Will and consignment shops. Good for us retirees who wants to be fashionable but are on a budget.

    I am glad that you shared about this day, Good Friday. What a beautiful reminder of Christ love for us! Happy Easter…looking forward to a special virtual church service on Sunday!

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