Happy Thursday! And happy belated Valentine’s Day, friends! 💗
What are you currently doing/feeling/looking forward to? Here’s what’s going on with me!
Reading… to distract myself. When we fly I engross myself in books to distract me from my anxiety. I finished Girl Waits With Gun on our last flight. I’m still working on Dead Wake. I’m about to start Three Dark Crowns.
Eating… out very often. Trade show season drops us in new hotels and cities so we get to check out the local cuisine. This week it’s guacamole and steak and so many good veggies!
Drinking… mixed drinks. And also coffee. And tons of water. #TradeShowSeason
Feeling… proud of myself. After lots of prayer and some serious self-talk, I managed to get on a plane and fly without totally freaking out. My palms got sweaty, but I didn’t death-grip K’s leg and my stomach stayed out of my throat. Haha.
Wishing for… a new president, a world without school shootings, no homeless dogs.
Thankful for… our fabulous dog sitter/house sitter. I feel so good knowing Ly and E are being loved on when we leave.
Planning… a vacation. It kind of sucks because by the end of spring we are sooo traveled-out, but our five year anniversary is in April and K has agreed to go on vacation. (Whew!) I’m trying to find some place interesting but relaxing. Bonus points if we can find a direct flight 😉
Loving… Kyle. We didn’t really do anything for Valentine’s Day, but we were together all day. We’re together all day, every day. I couldn’t spend this much time with anyone else. He’s the best (and the most annoying sometimes, lol).
Praying… for God to take my worries and for our travels to be safe and uneventful. Also praying for those hurting from tragedy, sickness, financial struggles, etc. I can’t stand these shootings. Every week, guys. Multiple times a week, in fact. WTF. (In addition to praying I’m also voting, donating, volunteering, etc. I think you should pray for the guidance and opportunity to help and remedy the pain people feel- not just hope it gets better for them.)
Excited about… K’s birthday (nothing planned), being home for a few weeks (nothing planned), the *hopeful* slowness of March (nothing planned), & a food and wine night in Cleveland with my favorite gals next Friday.
Ok, your turn! Tell me what’s new with you! What are you excited about?
Life as Louise 
Interested to see how you like Three Dark Crowns. I didn’t finish it, I wasn’t enjoying it. But maybe if you say it picks up I’ll try again.
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I’m about 30% in to it and enjoying it. I don’t mind the slow building of story lines and worlds, although I feel like there are a LOT of major characters to keep track of. Ha. I really like fantasy and I’ve had this one on my TBR list for a long time, so I’m hoping I end up loving it. I can’t really decide yet, though.
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Trying new restaurants while traveling is what I live for! Though, I rarely travel by plane out of fears. Where are you thinking about going for your anniversary?
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We had some duds this time, but usually we get GREAT food. Totally get the fear of flying, though 😉
I’m not sure yet. We were talking about the Florida Keys/Key West.
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I am with you on the wishing & praying… so much tragedy in our world right now – its so disheartening.
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It really, truly is. Every time I log onto FB or turn on the news I feel my spirits sink and my anxiety spike 😦
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One of the best parts of traveling is enjoying new cuisine. I believe you said you were in Texas? They truly do have the best beef there. And I LOVE those addictive Texas Roadhouse Rolls. Could seriously just make a meal out of them. Now I know these will be fighting words to any Texan but I believe Mexican food in Southern CA is much better than Tex-Mex. Glad you were able to fly without too much anxiety! Reading is an excellent distraction. So is playing games or watching a movie on your phone. They always make the time pass quickly for me. Also, sitting towards the front of the plane means you experience less turbulence too. And a solid AMEN to your wishing and praying for. This insanity has to end.
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Hmmm…. I’m going to have to travel to southern California some time and try out your Mexican food 😉 Haha!!
Reading helps me SO MUCH on flights. Music, too! When we can get seat upgrades for less than $100 K usually pays the money because he knows I feel a little easier when I have more room and more distractions.Now knowing that being toward the front of the plane reduces turbulence I will always push him into that 😉 Lol. I moved some of our seats for the flight home after reading your comment!! LOL
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I cannot wait for your thoughts on Girl Waits with Gun!
I love months with nothing planned. At this point, I’d settle for just one weekend.
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Next Show Us Your Books 😉 Haha! But spoiler alert, I really liked it!
March is busy for us, and I think K is traveling, but I at least am chilling at home with the dogs 🙂
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I am so happy to hear that flying was a bit less stressful. Having a good book must help a lot. I haven’t heard of Girl Waits with Gun! I hear everyone reading Dead Wake but I wasn’t super impressed with Devil in the White City so I’m kind of on the fence if I want to read it or not.
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I think you’d enjoy Girl Waits With Gun! I’ll hopefully have Dead Wake done by my next book review post and you can make a decision off what I think (if you want to, lol). I’m not far enough along yet to truly say it’s amazing 🙂
Every time I fly it gets a little easier. I’m grateful for that.
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I am 100% with you on wishing and praying, and that praying is not even close to enough – We need action.
Current excitement is that I just scheduled a girls weekend with my Denver BFFs. Not until Sept but it’s something else to look forward to!
I’m glad that flying is getting a little easier for you.
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We need so much action 😦 Ugh. So frustrating.
Yay for a girls’ trip!! That’s so exciting! And totally something to look forward to!
I’m glad to be home and I don’t want to leave for a few weeks, but my girls’ night this weekend is a total exception. Ha!
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Ooh vacation! I’m trying to plan a trip to Florida to stay with my grandma. I wanted to do a babymoon, but we decided to bring Caleb.
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That’ll be so much fun for you guys!! We might end up in Florida, too! Haha!
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Your “wishing for” section hit me right in the feels, girlfriend. What a heartbreaking world we’re currently living in. I just pray and pray that some action will FINALLY happen this time, but it just seems like I’m winding myself up for disappointment.
On another note, good job on making it through your flight without too much anxiety! That’s a major win, friend. Also, totally looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the books you’re reading!
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I honestly can’t wrap my head around the fact that nothing changes. I just don’t understand… (I know it’s money and power driven- but accepting that makes me sick.) Pray for a change of heart & mind, vote to kick them into action I guess. Sigh.
Each flight gets a little easier. I’m feeling very very thankful about that 🙂
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Glad you were able to fly okay. I don’t get anxious, but flying makes me so nauseous! I’ve thrown up on the flight before. Not fun. So heartbreaking to hear about another shooting. Definitely praying!
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Oh no! I feel very fortunate that flying and driving don’t make me nauseous. Whew! That would most definitely NOT be fun.
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Dead Wake was a looooong read for me. The end definitely picks up. How fun that you get to travel all over for work, but the anxiety has got to make it tough. Where’s your anniversary trip?
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It kind of reads like a very interesting history book. I’ve been alternating some fiction out alongside it, ha. Glad to hear that the end picks up a bit. Hopefully I get it all done before the next Show Us Your Books link-up!
I’m thinking maybe the Florida Keys? I don’t know… We did an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica once and the price/convenience were kind of unbeatable. I’m still on the fence. Suggestions? lol
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The best part about being in new cities is all the new restaurants! What places are you thinking of going? Glad you had a successful plane ride!
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Indianapolis is one of my favorite places to travel to for work because of the food 🙂
We’re thinking maybe the Florida Keys, but maybe an all-inclusive in the Caribbean? I’m not 100% sure yet. Ha.
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There is so much bad in the world. Thank goodness for reading.
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Books most definitely transport us to a new world when we need it.
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eek, flying makes me more nervous as I get older! It’s an amazing way to get around, but still nerve wracking!
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Right?! I never gave it a second thought as a kid. On my flight to India we dropped altitude and things got rocky for a bit. It didn’t scare me then, but on my next flight a year later I was a wreck. So I’m slowly bouncing back from that, I think.
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Oh, I’m not a plane fan but I’ve definitely gotten a lot better over the years. I’d rather take a direct flight though. LOL I hope you find somewhere nice to go for your anniversary.
I’m so sick of hearing about all these school shootings too. Around me, there have been 4 threats at different local schools (all in the days since the Florida shooting). Also, Florida was apparently the 18th school shooting…this year. It’s insane, and it needs to stop.
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
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This trip has been my least stressful one since India (2012). I had a dicey flight to India and I think it gave me long term trauma. But each flight is better and better, thankfully. Definitely a fan of direct flights, though 😉
I can’t understand how we haven’t figured out this problem. And the fact that it directly affects youth who are being kids and trying to learn and totally unsuspecting…. so terrible.
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I’m right there with you on the wishes. 😦 I’m glad to hear that your flight went well though! I read through them too! Mostly because I get a little physically uncomfortable (cramped, achy, restless)…. and also I’m super impatient. Plus, I mean… uninterrupted reading time is the best… ALWAYS! 🙂 Woohoo almost your five year anniversary! Congratulations! 🙂 XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
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I actually really enjoy reading on planes because it’s so uninterrupted 🙂 K doesn’t even bother me because he knows I have to get lost in a book in order to keep myself calm. When we fly I always finish a book or two!
Thank you! I need to decide on a destination!! Ha!
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That’s great that you were able to fly with slightly less stress. I’m wishing for the same things you’re wishing for right now.
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Each flight gets a little easier. Still not my favorite, but I’m working at making it a better experience 🙂
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ugh i can’t stand flying either. not out of fear but just having to sit there cooped up for X hours.
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Haha. I kind of like the downtime. Also, my husband is pampered so if he can upgrade for cheap at the last minute, he does it. I don’t mind that 🙂 I used to love flying- now it’s definitely not my fav…
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There are so many things I’m wishing for too!
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❤
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I also don’t enjoy flying. I get stressed out beforehand and it is getting worse as I get older. We flew on Friday after a holiday and it was a short flight but still I was so glad when it was over.
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I’ve learned that distraction is my friend. Lol
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i am so glad to hear your flight anxiety went down some on your last trip! have you heard of ‘tapping’? i’ve been starting it and it REALLY is helping my anxiety like whoa- i’m gonna email you about it!
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Hmm… I watched the video you sent but I wasn’t anxious at the time, lol. I’m going to have to put that into practice and see how I feel! Thank you! I’ll respond to the email, too 😉 I’m always looking for ways to keep those feelings under control!
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