A Disabled Car Trip

In a little over a week my mom, myself, Max and Margo will all pile into my mom's Jeep and embark on an eight hour trip to the small beach town my grandpa lives in. I'm very much looking forward to taking both dogs to the ocean and showing them new things. They are great travelers, so I don't think we'll have issues. In fact Max has done this exact trip before.

Max and I the last time we were there. 
This time NO CHAIR!!!

But the big question you might be wondering is what am I packing? And how is that different than what a typical person would bring on a road trip?

I'm so glad you asked.

• Food. This is one of the big differences. I have to bring lots of protein with me and things I can eat. It's hard to eat while on the road and find healthy options. I'll bring the protein balls I like to make (almond or walnut butter - chocolate chips - rolled oats YUM!) Some gluten free crackers, dried fruit, sandwiches and chips. I have powdered vitamin and caffeine drinks that I can just pour into water bottles (to save on space.) I might bring a jar of almond butter with me just to keep in our hotel room. My mom already secured my favorite oat milk creamer for my coffee. 
  
  
•  Drugs. Lots and lots of drugs. I'll need my two different inhalers, my filled pill box's, migraine medications, migraine ear plug (for altitude changes), anti nausea wrist bands and patch, tummy medication in case I eat late... I will have a big bag of drugs with me.
  
  
• Braces. Many of my joins and muscles are still weak. Since I'm not sure exactly how we'll be helping out my papa I'll bring some braces just in case. Ankle, elbow, hands, knee, back. That should do it.
  
  
  Max loves the beach
  
  

These are all things that a typical person doesn't need to even consider when traveling. They can stop and eat anywhere without much of an ill affect. Maybe they'll bring some aspirin or Tums, but that's about it. Not a giant bag of drugs. They'll toss a pair of flip flops in their bag and not think about their joints or muscles much (if at all.) 

We're also going to make frequent stops to stretch, walk the dogs and take turns driving. That will keep all of us healthy on such a long drive. 

Wish us a Bon Voyage!

Don't forget Margo!

What a Difference!

 A few days ago we had our holiday open house. The last one we did in 2021, two years ago. Here's me in 2023 (left) and 2021...

Even though I look happy in both and am smiling in both, I look a little weary and fatigued in the right one. And it's not just the natural hair. Although after seeing these picture I don't think I'll ever have anything other than black hair again.

I'm close to the same weight. My makeup is similar. But as my mom likes to say "You look about 20 years younger!" I feel about 30 years younger.

I'm savoring this Christmas season. All the bustle and time spent with family and friends. I've also been very creative this season. Doing pottery, making crafts to decorate my house, drawing on wrapped gifts. Even though we've been incredibly busy I've made time to rest too.

My husband even went with me to Yoga yesterday. He said he can see why it's so helpful for me.

What a difference two years, one year, five months, one day makes. I'm so happy to have my time back.