Rantings, Ravings, and Ramblings

[Mamatigerj]

A very belated ! Glad that it was lovely & snowy for you!

 

[JCU]

• @GentleOx
• Thank you, @Mamatigerj!
• Basics
• Tyler helped relax my back so well today
• But even better?
• Theo!!

• He almost completely ignored Mom and curled up in my lap!!!
• I got so many kisses!!
• I am still so happy!
• I've been trying to figure out what I wanted on the back of my bike
• Several websites, 2 stores, and I finally found it!
• ...tucked away in a closet in the guest room...
• Hey, it's free!
• (It's an old picnic basket; I'll get a picture once everything is cleaned up)
• Now I get to play around with attaching it!
• Good: quiet family day
• Happy: Theo!!!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Casper has wanted attention from all of us today
• No idea why, but we're not complaining!
• I definitely had both him and Nox on my bed, though!
• Didn't do much, which made it quite a nice day
• Fingers crossed I'm in bed much earlier today
• Good: plenty of water the last few days
• Happy: cuddles from cats who are not Nobu!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Good news: Nobu cuddled last night!

• Bad news: the blender may be my nemesis

• Just... how?!?
• Give me any other piece of kitchen equipment and I'm good!
• But that blender...
• On the bright side, I had the cats very curious with my going about and Nobu stayed!
• This is why I shouldn't be left alone
• I get ideas that no one can talk me out of!
• If I had someone to rant at, I would have remembered the food processor and avoided all of this!
• It's been a night...
• (At least the spot treatment worked and I didn't have to wash my hair)
• Otherwise it's been a good day and I've had the evening to myself!
• Good: cleaned everything
• Happy: it could have been so. much. worse.

 

[Gandhalfit]

That's either a massive blender or the picture makes it look massive.

Is that a new Nobu collar?

 

[JCU]

The picture definitely makes it look like a huge blender, @Gandhalfit! It's a normal size, but makes huge messes

Same collar, just a different angle!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Tried a new restaurant for lunch and it was excellent!
• We'll definitely be going back!
• And it reminded Mom that driving to Buffalo takes only 20 minutes
• That opens up so many options!
• Nobu wanted so many cuddles!

• He just loves to stretch!
• Otherwise we watched both Top Gun movies and had a quiet day in
• Always lovely!
• Good: didn't take a nap
• Happy: kitten cuddles!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• I accidentally overslept and Casper is definitely the cause
• I just can't seem to move around him when half asleep!
• It's been a slow day
• Nobu cuddled with me a lot
• He's also been getting into everything, so typical cat behavior
• This is my new background

• Mom didn't realize she was buying a 4 pack of tea, so I have a lot of new tea to drink!
• I sincerely hope I can get to sleep early-ish today
• Good: tried a new recipe for supper
• Happy: it was a very good recipe! And Nobu!

 

[CODawn]

 

[Froud]

HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY!
It is late so we can have cake again! See!

 

[JCU]

• @CODawn
• Thank you, @Froud! That's an excellent idea!
• Basics
• Power Punch Challenge (x2)
• 
  
• Power Squats Challenge
• 
  
• I'll see what February's challenge is before deciding on a program
• I will definitely be doing January's no matter what
• I need to add something for cardio, and I think it may be dancing
• Not anything in particular, just moving my body
• Casper wanted attention and high shelves
• My brother is definitely his favorite
• Good: it was a very quiet day
• Happy: coffee after several days without!

 

[MadamMeow]

Congrats on completing your challenges!

And always get happy seeing Nobu!

 

[Mamatigerj]

Happy Double Badge Day!

 

[CODawn]

Congratulations!

 

[NancyTree]

Congrats on your challenges!

And such a cute Nobu!

 

[Deadoks]

Congrats for the 2 challenges!

 

[Froud]

Woop woop! Bravo

 

[Fremen]

Congrats

 

[Anek]

Double congrats!!

 

[JCU]

@MadamMeow, @Mamatigerj, @CODawn, @NancyTree, @Deadoks, @Froud, @Fremen, @Anek

• Basics
• February's Routine:
• Daily Exercise w EC
• Epic Cardio Challenge
• Power Hold Challenge
• 1-Minute Yoga Challenge
• Splits Exercises
• Following the inspiration of @Anek, I started February's routine today
• No program, and I'm redoing the yoga challenge to add just a little something more
• I should be ready for a program next month!
• And I may be adding in dance on the cardio days that don't have high knees
• I definitely didn't do the full splits routine last month and am feeling it
• That's easy enough to fix!
• My sister watched the first episode of The Walking Dead last night. Alone.
• I spoke with her for 2 hours and 23 minutes until she finally went to bed
• I'm still feeling that in my throat
• She was much better this morning!
• Good: I'm pumped for this month's routine
• Happy: Mom found a bead store that I'll visit tomorrow!

 

[JCU]

• Basics Yesterday and Today
• The day got away from me yesterday!
• Lunch settled heavily in my stomach and I had to give it time to settle
• I exercised at midnight!
• I thought I'd hate exercising just before bed, but it turned out not so bad!
• Still glad I did it at my normal time today, though
• The bead shop was mildly disappointing
• Seed beads in all sizes and colors, plus bugles galore!
• They have tables of loose beads you can fill a small cup with that's actually really handy
• But the more exotic and unusual beads I was looking for were missing
• Mom loves it, at least!
• To my dismay, it's Pączki season
• I can almost never say no!
• Nobu has cuddled

• And also knocked things down
• Nox has been seen more, too!
• Casper wouldn't cuddle with me today
• Cats!
• Good: didn't allow myself to skip exercising
• Happy: Nobu is such an adorable brat!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Even with DOMS, I managed 5 pushups more per set today!
• Just had to remind my body how that works
• Last night, Nobu got under the rug in front of the fire. He then used it as a bed. He was happy?

• This morning, Nox joined Casper on my bed and it was delightful
• Casper has been enjoying the rug today, as well

• But Nox??
• He followed me into my bedroom and demanded petting! I got video of his purring!!

• I don't know if it's the phase of the moon or what, but I'll be keeping an eye on waning crescent after this!
• Good: completed chores despite not wanting to
• Happy: all the kittens!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Lunch resulted in leftovers for 2 meals!
• It also sat heavily (in a good way?) and had us binging TV
• We rewatched the Doctor Who Specials and it was wonderful
• My cats were catting again today!
• I woke to this:

• Nox did leave when he noticed I was awake, but I had him!!
• Then there was a scuffle

• Dad brought out the catnip
• And then!

• We don't know how long he was there!!!
• Nox! In the family room!! Sleeping peacefully!!!
• Nobu wasn't best pleased when he noticed, though
• Good: tons of leftovers
• Happy: Nox has been so affectionate and close!!!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• I couldn't think of songs that make me dance
• Then my sister shared her playlist!
• Since the slow climbers don't raise my heart rate, I thought to put it on!
• First song is Holding out For a Hero by Bonnie Tyler
• That's a 6 minute song
• 
• The best way to dance is to be so crazy someone asks if you're taking inspiration from Richard Simmons
• (Thanks, Dad )
• Nobu cuddled!
• But the best was waking up
• Casper apparently really wanted attention?

• I'm not complaining!!
• I'm glad he wasn't too heavy combined with my weighted blanket
• No problems breathing at all!
• Good: danced
• Happy: Nox joined us on my bed and looked very confused as to what Casper was doing!

 

[JCU]

• Daily Exercise w EC
• Hoped to do more, but Lady Flow said no
• Should be back to normal tomorrow!
• It's been a super easy month so far, so this should be the only unpleasantness!
• I've done not much more than rest on the couch
• It's been a day
• Good: got some exercise in
• Happy: Casper and Nox on my bed and so long as I didn't turn around, Nox stayed curled up at my back!

 

[JCU]

• Basics Yesterday and Today
• As I hoped, yesterday was the only bad day!
• Pushing through both days did leave me with minimal pushups, though
• I'll take that for the energy to exercise at all!
• Nobu has been ignoring my lap in favor of the back of the couch or Dad's lap
• (I'm plenty salty about that one)
• So, of course, he insisted on joining me in the bathroom
• Cats!
• Speaking of:

• I was very warm, but didn't have the heart to turn off the fire!
• He was also upset that I got out of bed before he could cuddle this morning
• Good: caught up on exercising
• Happy: Tyler tomorrow and Bee on Friday!!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Split things into Cardio and Yoga to fit my schedule
• That was quite pleasant!
• Also got a nap in and I feel much better for that
• Theo gave me lots of love!
• And it's always lovely to see Tyler
• Nox let me pet him while I was in my bed!!!
• (He's currently staring at me )
• I startled Nobu so much last night he jumped two feet straight up!
• I laughed so loud
• Good: Tyler only had to do maintenance today
• Happy: chores are done and Bee tomorrow!

 

[JCU]

• Daily Exercise w EC
• I somehow got a knot on my shoulder after my nap yesterday
• I didn't want to push it, so I just let Bee work on it
• She did!
• And my head has been hurting for a while and she really worked that over well!
• It's been a quiet day after that
• My day started with Nox demanding attention again!!
• It's been a good day
• Good: saw Bee
• Happy: I met 2 puppies that wanted to give me kisses desperately

 

[JCU]

• Basics Yesterday and Today
• I skipped the push-ups in Power Hold again
• My shoulders are still a bit tender
• I'll do 6 sets tomorrow to make up
• I woke up diagonal today

• There are far worse things!
• (Though, if they could just sleep on the other side of me??)
• I learned a very important lesson today:
• Nobu is fickle enough to withhold affection because of a lack of treats
• I gave them today instead of Dad
• Nobu really cuddled with me for the first time in a month

• I will be the only one giving treats from now on!
• Nobu also climbed up things he is not supposed to climb up in an attempt to find the treats
• He's such a menace!
• Good: walked to the bakery
• Happy: feline affection!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Caught up on Power Hold
• I got a cupcake at the bakery yesterday
• It was very disappointing
• Supposed to be cherry. Was not cherry
• Cherry Pop Tarts, though?
• Those are cherry!
• (I need to dance a lot more to make up for these sweets...)
• Got to the store and bought everything I need to make gumbo!
• Pro tip: when making a dark, nutty roux, use a nutty flour; sorghum is both gluten free and super quick to darken!
• It's always great to not need an hour to properly darken roux
• I could not care less about the game right now; Budweiser brought back their Clydesdales and I want that commercial!
• (I have already seen it, but I want it on the big screen!)
• Good: big salad with supper
• Happy: it's been a good day!

 

[MadamMeow]

Glad you had a nice day and thanks for the tip with roux. I never thought about that.

 

[JCU]

• Thank you, @MadamMeow! I'm glad to help!
• Basics
• I was missing Nobu, only to hear him scratching the door to the back room
• Apparently Dad let all 3 out there and Nobu stayed
• Silly kitten was cold!
• Gumbo tomorrow!!
• Plus, I'll have all the ingredients to make vindaloo this weekend!
• Good food coming
• My sister and I have been sharing a phone call for the past two and a half hours
• Much better than last time, we've just been chatting
• Always great to spend time with her!
• Good: planned tomorrow
• Happy: talking with my sister!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Gumbo was a success!
• I didn't tone down the heat and Mom pushed through like a champ!
• (I'll halve the cayenne next time)
• It's been long enough since making that I forgot to do it automatically
• This is sorghum roux at 7 minutes

• I would have liked the color darker, but the flour was on the edge of burning
• Still came out excellent!
• I had some Nobu cuddles!

• I don't like that he didn't stay long
• I do like that I didn't have to push him off to start supper
• Silver linings!
• Good: kitchen is clean
• Happy: good food part 1! Sister tomorrow!!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Lovely day with family!
• My siblings and I went to the store and I got a picture that captures the gorgeous sunset very well!

• Such a stunning pink!
• My brother had a good birthday, as well
• Mom always gets us a small gift for a Valentine's Day and this year is one of the best yet!

• LOOK HOW CUTE!!!
• And so soft, too!
• It's been under my chin for a few hours now
• I didn't buy any sweets at the store and am now craving Pączki
• Good for my waist, sad for my taste buds!
• Good & Happy: great day with the family!

 

[MadamMeow]

Glad you had a great time with your family and that is a cute elephant.

He can hang out with my Fergus. Also got it in Atlantic City on my birthday. He's super soft too.

Although I was really drunk when I got it. Now I can't tell if it's a cat like I thought or a pug dog. Half kidding. lol

 

[JCU]

• Thank you, @MadamMeow! Fergus will be great company for my as yet unnamed friend!
• Daily Exercise w EC
• Overindulged last night and am suffering the heart burn today
• Could be much worse!
• (The lack of caffeine headache is worse. so much )
• It's been a quiet day with tons of Nobu cuddles!!
• I got so many pictures!!

• He's so precious
• Good: took it easy and had a nap
• Happy: NOBU!!!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Caught up yesterday and completed today
• I realized at about midnight last night that I forgot to post!
• In my defense, B Dylan Hollis was on live and I can't miss that!
• It's been so lovely and quiet since yesterday afternoon
• My parents are out celebrating the anniversary of their first date
• 34 years!
• I indulged in naan pizza last night and vindaloo tonight
• Yummy, yummy food!!
• The cats are both entirely nonchalant about me being the only one here, and slightly strange
• I thought it was crazy that I woke up with only Nox on my bed, but it turned out it was Nobu!!

• He's been cuddling a lot

• And not at all happy when I have to get up
• Good: no tv!!
• Happy: quiet time, good food, cuddly cat!!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• I miss the silence already
• I have music to block out things, but it's nice not to need it
• Still, I'm glad my parents are home
• Modified the splits exercises to avoid touching the ground
• Some days I just don't want to
• I'm learning how to adjust instead of ignore
• It's been a calm, if not quiet, day
• Won't complain about that!
• Nobu wanted cuddles, but also to roll over. He almost rolled off my lap twice

• He settled eventually!
• Silly kitten!
• Good: ate supper
• Happy: breakfast for supper was an excellent choice!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• I may need to substitute the pushups with something else on Wednesday
• The daily exercise combined with pushups caused some serious pain in my collar bone
• If I'm lucky, it'll calm down tomorrow!
• Fingers crossed on good news for my sister tomorrow!
• (I'll explain more when superstition won't jinx it!)
• It's been a good day, weather headache notwithstanding
• (These weather changes really need to stop)
• Nobu cuddled with my toes
• Only my toes, because he's a cat
• Good: adjusted exercising to help my collar bone
• Happy: things should be excellent for my sister!!

 

[Mamatigerj]

for your collarbone and headache, and good thoughts for your sister.

 

[Deadoks]

for your headache and some good vibes overall

 

[JCU]

• Thank you, @Mamatigerj, @Deadoks!
• Basics
• My collarbone is better, but tender enough I'll figure out substitutions tomorrow
• My wrist also started hurting randomly last night, so that's fun
• My headache is better, and Dad massaged my temples, which helped immensely
• Thankfully, I see Tyler on Thursday and he should be able to help!
• It's been a decent enough day with kitten cuddles and some great news

• Her name is currently Tiny, but my sister may be changing that!!
• She's full grown but looks like a kitten still
• There will be growing pains: Tiny lived all her life outside before this
• But! My sister is ecstatic and ready for all troubles that will arise!
• I've been all but jumping in joy for my sister, who has wanted a cat for a long while
• The cat distribution system worked again!
• Good & Happy: Tiny!!

 

[MadamMeow]

Some extra healing vibes.

Tell Nobu to give you some purrs to help!

 

[JCU]

Thank you, @MadamMeow! I will relay your message to Nobu as soon as I see him again!

 

[NancyTree]

hope you feel better soon

And yay for your sister!

 

[JCU]

• Thank you, @NancyTree!
• Basics
• I replaced the pushups with various elbow plank variations
• My collarbone is feeling much better!
• Nox demanded attention this morning! He was purring away!

• He's such a void
• Nobu cuddled, which caused me to push the laundry back an hour
• It was the last load, thankfully

• Could you deny that sprawl??
• Tiny is acclimatizing!
• My sister has her in the back room and connected her phone to a camera on her computer
• She could watch Tiny all day at work!
• Tyler tomorrow!
• Good: all chores done
• Happy: that cuddle was delightful!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• Tyler was even better than usual today!
• He taught me how to take care of my collarbone, realigned my neck, and worked on the tension causing headaches!
• No Theo, but the visit made up for it!
• Nobu loved the lotion as usual. He might have been a bit high...

• They saw something outside!

• Nobu was very cuddly after all that!
• A stop at the store revealed a new banana muffin that's entirely gluten free!
• Not great for me, but my siblings are ecstatic!
• Good: productive visit with Tyler
• Happy: my collarbone is feeling much better already!

 

[MadamMeow]

Glad you are feeling better!

 

[JCU]

• Thank you, @MadamMeow!
• Basics
• It's been an absolutely calm day
• It started with 2 cats on my bed and me thinking it was Monday
• It could only get better from there!
• Inarguably, the best part of the day was remembering last night:
• My sister sent me tons of pictures and video of Tiny!!

• This is our favorite
• The very close second is Nobu actually curling up in my crossed legs

• He never does this!
• (My legs are a bit numb, but that's not a complaint!)
• It's been a great day!
• Good: ate a big salad
• Happy: kittens!!

 

[JCU]

• Basics
• I somehow managed to put something out in my back
• It's more annoying than anything, but has kept me rather immobile today
• It should be better tomorrow, and if not, I'll make an appointment on Monday
• Nobu cuddled with me last night and today!
• We had some magnificent sprawls that resulted in this picture:

• So cute!!
• I had 2 cats this morning and my sister labeled it perfectly: "Copy. Paste. Invert."

• They both heard Dad
• It's been a good enough day!
• Good: worked around my back
• Happy: cuddles!!