Before anything, I’m sorry that yesterday’s post was such a Debbie Downer. I’m usually so perky but I also believe that we all have those kinda days. Thank you for all of the supporting comments and messages. I truly appreciate and cherish how caring my family, friends, and blends are. From a simple “I’m thinking of you” to offering me a piece of advice… The little things in life can mean the most.
Moving on, I’m happy to say that Monday ultimately shaped up to be quite marvelous! It was my first day back to work after the holiday + sick break. I received a nice little holiday gift. I worked up a sweat from intervals on the elliptical and TNT. I goofed around with Ryan and Charlie. I got caught-up in reality TV. And I woke-up this morning feeling bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, with the mindset that today was gonna be terrific!
Terrific #1… Worthwhile TV shows. From The Biggest Loser, to The Bachelor, to Nashville, and yes oh yes, Mob Wives. My TV viewing is at an all-time high. Ironic that all of these shows reappear just as football is ending? Ryan has no excuse not to join in on the fun!
Terrific #2… Raisins. The way they plump up when they’re warmed in [peanut butter oat] pancakes. They transform from shriveled-up and wrinkly fruit tidbits, to plump and sweet fruit candies. Dried fruit = nature’s candy?
Terrific #3… Green lights. This morning I soared through all of the intersections without breaking. Traffic is hit or miss in the DMV- some mornings it’s smooth sailing, other mornings it’s a parking lot. Unfortunately, this morning it was the latter but all of the green lights made up for it.
Terrific #4… Avocados. After many weeks of no avos, they’ve reappeared. I bought a 4-pack from TJ’s over the weekend and have been enjoying their creamy goodness ever since. Bring on the healthy fats, I’m guilty of polishing off 1 a day and have no shame.
Terrific #5… Purple pantyhose. Try saying that 3 times fast! Or better yet, patterned purple pantyhose! I bought a couple pairs of pantyhose for my momma and sister-in-law for Christmas and since they were BOGO, I took advantage of the deal and purchased a pair for myself.
Terrific #6… Oatcakes. For a long while it was pancakes, then over the holiday break I dabbled in french toast, but as of lately I cannot stop eating oatcakes, or oat pancakes, or oatmeal cakes, whichever you prefer. They’re made with half flour + half oats [recipe tomorrow].
Terrific #7… Illness and injuries. First it was his ankle, then it was my sinus infection, now it’s his back. Ryan nor I have had the best luck in terms of health over the past few months, but every cloud has a silver lining. We’ve been there for each other. I’ve helped him when he was down [literally] and he’s tended to my stubborn patient tendencies.
Terrific #8… Medicine. I don’t wanna jinx anything, but ever since I started taking magnesium and probiotics [on Sunday], I have had little to no digestive discomfort. Ironic timing? Maybe. But I’m wishfully thinking and keeping my fingers crossed that this is a small step towards success.
Terrific #9… New toys. Toys are not only for tots. After much chatter via social media, I fudged and purchased a Polar FT60. It’s pink, it tells time, and shows me my heart rate and calories burned. I don’t know really what I’m doing with it yet but I’m sure that I’ll learn in due time [once I read the manual].
Terrific #10… Cruise countdown. In 11 days Ryan and I will be soaking up the sun. Sitting on-board, or on shore, without a care in the world. Bring it on!
Question: What’s terrific about your Tuesday?
Question: Do you watch The Biggest Loser, The Bachelor, Nashville, or Mob Wives?
— Allison
lifesabowl
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lifesabowl
lifesabowl
lifesabowl
lifesabowl
Ummm you’re awesome. Can you say Ten Things Terrific Tuesday? Quadruple alliteration
I’m going to hide myself in your suitcase when you leave in 11 days. Be prepared for a surprise when you unpack everything in your shoebox sized room on the ship!
Anyways, I’m glad you turned things around
Haha, I hope it’s bigger than a shoebox! We at least have a balcony if it’s THAT tight
I’m with Sarah on hiding in your suitcase!!! Where are the two of you going again?? KUWAIT.. yes that’d be wonderful! Ha Ha.
&& um I love your purple pantyhoses. Way too adorable!!!
Sadly, it’s not Kuwait… We’re going to the eastern Caribbean!
I’m glad your day turned out much better. We all have those days! Yay your tummy is feeing better! I hope it’s not just coincidence
I must have missed it, where are you cruising to? My hubby and I went on a cruise in Europe a few years ago and loved it! I’m sure you will too!
It’s the first time either of us have been on a cruise so hopefully we like it
We’ll be leaving from FLA and sailing through the eastern Caribbean!
11 days?!?! EeeeEEEEE! No way! So excited for you, girlie!! And I’m really glad to hear that you’re feeling better, too. There’s definitely something going around, though, because I was in a funk pretty much all morning today… Luckily a late night coffee (tea) date with a friend managed to turn the day around
I agree, there seems to be a bad case of the flu and the blues going around… Glad you shook yours away!
Crazy tip about raisins I recently learned: when making cookies or bread that have raisins in them, soak the raisins in a bit of water and baking soda for a few minutes first. Holy cow–it makes them so plump and juicy–it’s awesome! Then, in the baked good, they are incredible!
That’s an awesome tip! I’ve cooked them in water before but never thought to add baking soda- does that change their flavor at all?
oh my gosh take me with you! i need sun, bad! and i won’t bother you! haha, maybe a little. glad you are feeling better too.
Haha, you should join everyone else in my suitcase- it’s gonna be quite the party from the sounds of it
First off, don’t you dare apologize for posting something honest! Seriously, love, life isn’t rainbows and sunshine all the time, and while it doesn’t always help to dwell I understand, pretending everything’s ok doesn’t help either, so I’m glad that you were honest about how you were feeling. And this post is wonderful
Especially the feeling better and cruise part….can’t wait to hear about that 
Thank you, thank you! I have definitely learned over the years that it does no good to keep things pent-up inside…
I’m so glad that your digestive system isn’t giving you any grief! Also, we’re all allowed to have debbie downer days (trust me, I’ve had my fair share), and what I admire about you is your ability to jump right back up! You go girl.
Can’t wait for that oatcake recipe! My mouth has been watering ever since I saw your instagram picture. 
My fingers are crossed that it isn’t just a coincidence! And I hope you enjoy the oatcakes if you try them, but fair warning: they’re addictive [although anything with PB is IMO]
11 days till the cruise that’s so exciting! Totally jealous, I want to go on a tropical vacation! And I love those purple tights…and I’m also jealous of your green lights. I was hitting every red light this morning, grr!
Tropical cruise, purple tights, green lights- that’s a tongue twister to read
Thanks girl!
I love those days where you hit all the green lights! It feels so good to just roll into work (or even better, just coast on home) without the usual stop-and-go. And I don’t watch Nashville, but I live there. That’s almost the same thing. Sort of?
Haha, totally the same thing…?! I visited Nashville years ago when I was applying to colleges- looked into played lacrosse at Vanderbilt, it was bea-uuu-tiful!
mmmm raisins and avocados. Delish. So many of my friends dont like raisins! Bunch o’ crazies they are.
They are cray cray for sure, I love raisins
SHITTT how did I forget you got some cruise in 11 days, if you find a human in one of your bag it is probably me. just saying. loving the purple tights. ok, so I used to down raisins like it was my job – now let’s just say my stomach hates them. sad day
You should join everyone else, it sounds like it’s gonna be a party in my suitcase
The more, the merrier!
I love all of these terrific things!!! I watch the Bachelor and have every single season. It’s so entertaining! And I am beyond jealous of your cruise coming up. You are going to have the most fabulous time. Glad you are feeling peppier and are back to your cheerful self
Haha, The Bachelor[ette] is hilarious- some of those girls this week, woo wee
Although, I am envious of all of their adventures and expeditions, they always go to the most awesome destinations!
Oo a cruise – that’ll be fun! I love that meme about the traffic. Too true. And that penguine meme reminds me of one of my beloved childhood movies, Pebble & the Penguin!
I’m so glad your tummy is feeling better – whether it’s mental or the meds, who cares as long as you feel great! OMG I love Nashville. I’ve been listening to ‘Telescope’ all week. Those purple pantyhose are so so so so awesome.
That traffic meme is spot-on… I’ll never understand why people break at the times they do and I swear, people around here drive worse when it’s sunny outside than when it’s snowing!
Ahh!! I’m so jealous over your cruise!! I am loving Nashville. I’m so glad I’m not the only one!! I also love Duck Dynasty!
Thank goodness I found Nashville when I was sick- I finished season 1 in a day
I’ve never heard of Duck Dynasty, what’s it about?!
I think that as bloggers we cannot possibly post cheerful and overzealous posts every single day. I loved your post yesterday, it was so raw and honest. I really hope the medicine/supplement works wonders for you!
Thank you and thank you! I’ve definitely learned over the years that it never helps to hold things in… And I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it’s not just a coincidence with the meds!
I love avocados! It’s been forever since I’ve had one, though. It’s so embarrassing, I eat them like it’s just a snack by itself… I cut it in half and just scoop out with a spoon and enjoy! My boyfriend always looks at me like I’m disgusting when I do that, haha. He’s not an avocado fan!
No shame, I do it too! With a dash of salt + pepper, or a scoop of salsa, or a sprinkle of parm cheese… SO good
I haven’t had time to watch Biggest Loser yet!! Hoping to catch up on it tomorrow!!
And I looooove raisins, but I will never, ever, ever, ever, EVER wear a pair of panty hose again. It’s been 16 years and hope to make it about 76 more!! The purple ones are cute on you, though!!
Haha, why no more pantyhose?!
I love Nashville! It makes me want to move there! I love the purple pantyhose. And I love all of these terrific things! Where are you cruising to?
Love, love, love Nashville! We’re going to the eastern Caribbean