2020 resolution - shopping my own bag and wallet collection. Any one else?

[whateve]

Congratulations on your first cut - you are fearless!

Thanks! Not fearless! I was afraid but there really wasn't another option.

 

[whateve]

Thank you so much for this. I really needed it. I've been really demotivated about everything, just because I don't know what I want to be when I grow up. I had hoped to work in radio (behind the scenes) but now I'm second guessing everything.
I'm not someone who thrives off of working remotely. I am very introverted, and whilst working from home is not a challenge in terms of getting things done, it is a challenge for me emotionally because it means I will turn into even more of a hermit.
Working in a professional setting, donning my suit and grabbing one of my beautiful bags, commuting and seeing other people working...it's important to me and forces me out of my shell.
I hate offices, I hate office politics, the endless gossip, and boring long meetings (can you tell I've worked in toxic environments? LOL) and I actually speak very little during a typical workday, but the routine of going to work and working with other people is good for me. I'm missing that a lot now, partly because I just spent some time back in hospital and partly because this virus has killed any chance of me being "a normal human" anytime soon.

Sorry, this is unrelated to bags and has turned into a confessional!
I don't even have pictures of my bags to post in here right now, so imma exit stage left...

You're welcome. I understand being introverted and needing to be around people in order to not be a hermit. We were very worried that our son would turn into a hermit but we've been surprised at how many friends he has, even though he has always been quiet and shy. I remember being helped by the structure of going to work. My favorite part was going out to lunch!

Have you considered doing something adjacent to your current career? I imagine there will still be events, just the way they are held will be different. It's best to pick something that you enjoy since you may end up doing it for many years.

I'm sad that the new clothes I bought in February aren't getting worn. I was excited at some of the tops I bought for warmer weather. I ordered 2 pairs of jeans right before lockdown. I don't even know if they will still fit me when I finally do get to go out. What I've heard recently is that the best we can hope for is to be able to return to normal in the Fall.

 

[Bag peace]

You're welcome. I understand being introverted and needing to be around people in order to not be a hermit. We were very worried that our son would turn into a hermit but we've been surprised at how many friends he has, even though he has always been quiet and shy. I remember being helped by the structure of going to work. My favorite part was going out to lunch!

Have you considered doing something adjacent to your current career? I imagine there will still be events, just the way they are held will be different. It's best to pick something that you enjoy since you may end up doing it for many years.

I'm sad that the new clothes I bought in February aren't getting worn. I was excited at some of the tops I bought for warmer weather. I ordered 2 pairs of jeans right before lockdown. I don't even know if they will still fit me when I finally do get to go out. What I've heard recently is that the best we can hope for is to be able to return to normal in the Fall.

I'll definitely consider every available employment option. Life's just been messier than usual and it's made me unable to focus on finding my way. I'll get myself back on track, I'm certain. Thanks again.

I feel the same way about not using my things. I create capsule wardrobes for each season (stuff I already own + any new bits), and I'd created mine for spring/summer right before having to go for my surgery, which was immediately followed by my mum having to have emergency surgery, and that was on the first day the quarantine was put in place, so nothing is getting used at all.
I feel like I'll have to wait a full year before I get to enjoy any of my things. Frustrating, but at least we can pack this stuff away and bring it out when the time is right.

I know a lot of people who are still dressing up and wearing a full face of makeup at home. Whilst I get that this is good for their mental health, I cannot increase the amount of laundry I'm doing (unnecessarily bad for the environment) and waste my beautiful clothes lounging indoors. I'm living in various PJs that will likely be burned (as someone posted above) when this is all over.

 

[Rhl2987]

When I have negative thoughts or am frustrated I try to think of actions I can take to change the situation if within my control. If not in my control then I ask myself how things could be worse and why the situation is not so bad. It is partially just about changing perspective, especially now with all that is going on. I am finding thinking more positive gets me to not dwell on things that don’t go as well. I have always been able to do this at work - use failures as a learning opportunity and move on - but not my life in general. Whereas my husband is a glass half full person. He is rarely sad or stressed and I believe he lives a happier life being able to see the positives and move on from set backs. I am trying to train myself to be like that too and I actually believe it is working!

That is so wonderful!!! I'm glad that you're training yourself and I will try your techniques! I started the book Solve for Happy and I want to continue reading it. I think there are similar things in there.

 

[Rhl2987]

It’s BBQ night! No cooking for me which is great since I find it booooooooring.

Anyway, Mr. Sparkle is NOT a cook but, the super geek + meat eater in him looks at grilling like a chemistry experiment (which in part it actually is, right?) so he thinks it’s fun. Like with his cocktail making, he devours tons of books and videos on grilling. That means his grilling is (ironically) the very best of cuisine despite his uselessness in the kitchen. Yum!

Tonight is steaks!! I am not a huge beef eater but I do love a great steak. In large part because of my career - men who are decision makers love their steaks - I’ve eaten at some of the best steakhouses in the world. Yet, his steaks exceed any of those I’ve ever had.

So, I‘ve taken a nap (in my super sexy NASA themed pj’s) and now I have his (not so) famous “Filthy” martini in hand whilst enjoying the sunset in the backyard. My stomach growls ever more loudly as the minutes tick by.

Tell me about your quarantined Friday night.

We finished The Outsider on HBO! It "only" took just over a week since we don't have much time to ourselves and don't watch TV when the baby is around. Gone are the days of TV and relaxing all night after work is done! We've been having leftovers a lot of the week, which I'm happy about. We're ordering a very, very nice meal to be delivered on Sunday. I did an add-on of a Bloody Mary and also a small bouquet of flowers! I'm excited about it.

 

[dcooney4]

Thank you so much for this. I really needed it. I've been really demotivated about everything, just because I don't know what I want to be when I grow up. I had hoped to work in radio (behind the scenes) but now I'm second guessing everything.
I'm not someone who thrives off of working remotely. I am very introverted, and whilst working from home is not a challenge in terms of getting things done, it is a challenge for me emotionally because it means I will turn into even more of a hermit.
Working in a professional setting, donning my suit and grabbing one of my beautiful bags, commuting and seeing other people working...it's important to me and forces me out of my shell.
I hate offices, I hate office politics, the endless gossip, and boring long meetings (can you tell I've worked in toxic environments? LOL) and I actually speak very little during a typical workday, but the routine of going to work and working with other people is good for me. I'm missing that a lot now, partly because I just spent some time back in hospital and partly because this virus has killed any chance of me being "a normal human" anytime soon.

Sorry, this is unrelated to bags and has turned into a confessional!
I don't even have pictures of my bags to post in here right now, so imma exit stage left...

We are all in this together. There are going to be times like this that it gets to us. Better to speak up than let it brew inside of you. Trying and do something fun in your home today. For me it is the middle of the night that I start to get really worried.

 

[dcooney4]

Sent a bag out this morning, so at least I am now even for the month so far. Though thank goodness I don't count shoes. I ordered quite a few sandals . May need to order more pants soon if I keep sticking with my diet. It seems to come off so much slower than it did when I was a bit younger. Ten pounds down so far though .

 

[Bag peace]

We are all in this together. There are going to be times like this that it gets to us. Better to speak up than let it brew inside of you. Trying and do something fun in your home today. For me it is the middle of the night that I start to get really worried.

Thank you. I've spent the day tidying up and distracting myself on here. I feel much calmer overall.
I used to get a bit of that middle-of-the-night anxiety and then I discovered cardiac coherence. It's helped so much. It's just a breathing exercise that you follow along with on Youtube, but it works really well to calm me. Worth trying.

Ten pounds down so far though .

Oh wow! Well done on the 10lbs!

 

[dcooney4]

Thank you. I've spent the day tidying up and distracting myself on here. I feel much calmer overall.
I used to get a bit of that middle-of-the-night anxiety and then I discovered cardiac coherence. It's helped so much. It's just a breathing exercise that you follow along with on Youtube, but it works really well to calm me. Worth trying.

Oh wow! Well done on the 10lbs!

That is a great idea. I actually have something like that on my fitbit. Just never thought to use it at night. I totally forgot it is on there. Thanks!

 

[momasaurus]

Thank you. I've spent the day tidying up and distracting myself on here. I feel much calmer overall.
I used to get a bit of that middle-of-the-night anxiety and then I discovered cardiac coherence. It's helped so much. It's just a breathing exercise that you follow along with on Youtube, but it works really well to calm me. Worth trying.

Oh wow! Well done on the 10lbs!

I'm using some apps with recorded nature sounds to help me sleep. First it was just to get to sleep, but now I keep it going all night. It seems that I love birdsong!

 

[More bags]

Sent a bag out this morning, so at least I am now even for the month so far. Though thank goodness I don't count shoes. I ordered quite a few sandals . May need to order more pants soon if I keep sticking with my diet. It seems to come off so much slower than it did when I was a bit younger. Ten pounds down so far though .

Congratulations on the weight loss - 10 pounds is amazing!!!

 

[Sparkletastic]

There are people on at least two continents who have admired his cocktails and who know how excellent they are. So technically, he has an international reputation as a mixologist.

I showed him your post and he grinned from ear to ear and said “thank you!”

We finished The Outsider on HBO! It "only" took just over a week since we don't have much time to ourselves and don't watch TV when the baby is around. Gone are the days of TV and relaxing all night after work is done! We've been having leftovers a lot of the week, which I'm happy about. We're ordering a very, very nice meal to be delivered on Sunday. I did an add-on of a Bloody Mary and also a small bouquet of flowers! I'm excited about it.

That sounds lovely for Easter.

Sent a bag out this morning, so at least I am now even for the month so far. Though thank goodness I don't count shoes. I ordered quite a few sandals . May need to order more pants soon if I keep sticking with my diet. It seems to come off so much slower than it did when I was a bit younger. Ten pounds down so far though .

Congrats on the weight loss! In case you were wondering where it went, 8 lbs of it is “safe” with me on my thighs.

And, good job on getting rid of the bag!

 

[dcooney4]

I showed him your post and he grinned from ear to ear and said “thank you!”
That sounds lovely for Easter.
Congrats on the weight loss! In case you were wondering where it went, 8 lbs of it is “safe” with me on my thighs.

And, good job on getting rid of the bag!

Lol Thanks!

 

[keodi]

Hi everyone, another few weeks have passed and I’ve not been on here due to everything that’s going on. Just popped back to see how everyone was doing. I’ve got about 40 pages of posts to read to catch up.

Thanks for all the good wishes for my siblings. My sister is mostly recovered and back at work (she’s an NHS DR but probably caught this from her kids via school before they closed). She’s constantly tired 3 weeks after the initial infection but otherwise ok. My brother has been a lot worse but is generally better although left with chronic asthma now so still can’t do much. Hopefully that will get better with time. He’s only in his mid40s.

I’ve had a couple of weeks “off work” for the Easter break. Been gardening like mad and having lots of family time. Mostly eating outside when it’s warm enough, family walk/runs/cycling, playing board games and watching movies. School goes back for the kids in Tuesday so back to “work” then.

I’m in a routine with remote shopping for my 3 families. It’s a lot of work but we are getting there. Income isn’t an issue for us at the moment fortunately. I’ve been doing some online shopping for more Tshirts and other comfortable casual clothing, hobby activities for my family (I’ve taken up adult colouring which is very relaxing), board games (highly recommend “Ticket to Ride”), garden items and technology (Laptops from the children). While delivering is still allowed it seems like it might help the economy to spend a bit.

Currently we are still allowed out for essential shopping, exercise etc but that is it. My Mini Mulberry Cara is my faithful companion for walks, effortlessly worn on my back containing my phone, wallet and keys plus a tiny bottle of hand gel. However, I’ve made more use of an tiny running pouch (Week 3 of C25K) and a big reusable garden rubbish bag for weeding! My garden now has a massive compost and pruning heap as we can’t get rid of that.

I see everyone else is keeping busy and look forward to reading your individual posts to catch up. Meanwhile, I’ve missed black and grey weeks so I’ll try to post some pictures soon.

Take care of yourselves!

Thank you for checking in with us, i'm so happy to hear that your siblings are doing much better, and you are spending time with your family.

I hope so. We are doing a big family zoom on Sunday ,since we can't be together in real life.

Same, our family will be getting together on zoom as well, i'm s excited to see and chat with everyone. Congratulations on the 10lb weight loss! that's fantastic!

When I have negative thoughts or am frustrated I try to think of actions I can take to change the situation if within my control. If not in my control then I ask myself how things could be worse and why the situation is not so bad. It is partially just about changing perspective, especially now with all that is going on. I am finding thinking more positive gets me to not dwell on things that don’t go as well. I have always been able to do this at work - use failures as a learning opportunity and move on - but not my life in general. Whereas my husband is a glass half full person. He is rarely sad or stressed and I believe he lives a happier life being able to see the positives and move on from set backs. I am trying to train myself to be like that too and I actually believe it is working!

I love this! really good tips on staying positive!

It’s BBQ night! No cooking for me which is great since I find it booooooooring.

Anyway, Mr. Sparkle is NOT a cook but, the super geek + meat eater in him looks at grilling like a chemistry experiment (which in part it actually is, right?) so he thinks it’s fun. Like with his cocktail making, he devours tons of books and videos on grilling. That means his grilling is (ironically) the very best of cuisine despite his uselessness in the kitchen. Yum!

Tonight is steaks!! I am not a huge beef eater but I do love a great steak. In large part because of my career - men who are decision makers love their steaks - I’ve eaten at some of the best steakhouses in the world. Yet, his steaks exceed any of those I’ve ever had.

So, I‘ve taken a nap (in my super sexy NASA themed pj’s) and now I have his (not so) famous “Filthy” martini in hand whilst enjoying the sunset in the backyard. My stomach growls ever more loudly as the minutes tick by.

Tell me about your quarantined Friday night.

Your BBQ night sounds divine! I love Steak, and that martini, yum! i spent my Friday night having dinner with my mom on zoom. mom was finally able to get a test for covid. She tested positive, and i'm happy to report that she is doing much better this week. She had soup while i had a pokay bowl.

 

[ElainePG]

I have placed 2 orders with Instacart. I'm happy with the service. The tomatoes they picked out were nice. I was afraid they would give me lousy produce. They don't always get everything on the list. You can pre-pick substitutions. One thing I can't understand is sometimes I would rather have the substitution but it isn't a choice. It is helpful if you stay by your phone when they are actually shopping because they will communicate with you, send you pictures, and you can approve substitutions. You can watch as things are found in the store. The first order was delivered in about 2 hours. The second order took 36 hours - they were so backed up.

I placed my order on Wednesday morning, and it took until last night (Friday) before the shopping was done. Once he shopped, though, he was at my house in 5 minutes. I didn't mind the lag time, because I wasn't in a hurry, but I can see how backed up they are. Now I've learned! You can specify either a range of days, or a specific day, and next time I'll pick a specific day if that option is available.

I was very pleased with the service. I had my phone with me, and it pinged when Justin wanted to ask me a question about a substitution. He even sent me a photo when there was some confusion, which I thought was very nice! I only ordered a few things, but I have a longer list for next time.

They tip the shoppers next to nothing, but gave me the option to increase the tip, which I absolutely did. They also let you rate the shopper, and I made sure to give him 5 stars plus some extra comments. These InstaCart shoppers are working VERY hard, keeping those of us who are at risk the security of sheltering in place. (I was also glad to see that he was wearing a mask and gloves when he came to our door. At first, I read that the InstaCart shoppers weren't being given protective gear. But this is obviously being fixed.)

Are you and your DH going outside for neighborhood walks, @whateve ? We think we should, since we are in such a spread-out area and exercise is good, but we will wear face masks. What's your thinking on this?