Once a Bookworm, Always a Bookworm

Reading has always been one of my favorite hobbies. Since childhood, I have been in love with books. I was that kid who would stay up late in bed with a flashlight reading. When I was home sick from school, I didn't want a stack of my favorite movies to watch. I wanted a stack of books from the library to lay in bed and read. 

As the years passed, my love of books never changed. To this day, if you leave me in a bookstore unsupervised, I could get lost in there for hours. The only thing that has changed is time. Often demanding school schedules and work schedules would make it difficult to find time to read, and even those nights spent reading before bed were short lived as I would soon crash from a long day. 

Although many of us, myself included, have had a lot to complain about this year, there are still so many things for which I am grateful. One of those things is having an abundance of time to read and read and read some more. Since mid-March, I have been able to read 30 books. Some were new, some had been on my to-read list for years, and some were old favorites when I was needing an escape back to a world I already knew and loved. 

Most recently, I finished reading The Guest List by Lucy Foley. It's a book that hit my radar after seeing it mentioned on Reese's Book Club's Instagram. I'll admit that, for me, it started out slow and took a while to get into it. I think this was mostly due to it being a book with multiple POVs making it difficult to follow exactly who is who and keep track of the progressing storyline. However, as I started to get a handle on each character, the pace picked up along with the intensity. Although I found some elements of the book predictable, it still hit me with some unexpected twists and turns. Overall, The Guest List is a fun, quick read that is perfect for a relaxing weekend at the beach.

As for the rest of the books I have read over the last few months, I actually keep track of everything I read on Goodreads because I am that nerdy, and I also think it's a wonderful place to keep track of books I want to read and what my friends are reading. Everything I have read since mid-March:

Failure is Not an Option by Gene Kranz

The Justice Game by Randy Singer

The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher

Year Zero by Rob Reid

Seriously...I'm Kidding by Ellen DeGeneres

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith

The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith

The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino

Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Lethal White by Robert Galbraith

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Five Presidents: My Extraordinary Journey with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford by Clint Hill

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon

Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis

Lifeguard by James Patterson

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Home Before Dark by Riley Sager

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

Yes, the last few months have been rough and stressful, but I am grateful for the silver linings during this time such as reenergizing my reading time to full power. I have finally started to make a dent in my To Read List (although it has grown too) and for that I am thankful. When things start to return more to normal, whenever that may be, it is my goal to stay on top of reading and not letting it fall to the wayside like it has in the past.

What about you? Do you enjoy reading as much as I do? What's your favorite book you've read so far this year? If not, what is your silver lining during this global pandemic? Comment below, and as always, thanks for reading!

Staying Active and Having Fun

With most gyms closed, many out there are changing up their workout routines. Personally, I have not been a member of a gym for almost three years because I prefer getting outside for a walk or a run. My favorite workout spot is along the Dunedin Causeway because it is right outside my door. Unfortunately, it is a favorite spot for many people, and the last few times I went for an evening walk, I found it difficult to maintain safe distances from people.

As a result, I started looking for creative ways to workout at home on those days I don't wake up early enough to walk before everyone else. The free app Zombies, Run! is something I have used in the past. As the website describes it: "Run in the Real World. Become a Hero in Another. Only a few have survived the zombie epidemic. You are a Runner en-route to one of humanity’s last remaining outposts. They need your help to gather supplies, rescue survivors, and defend their home."

This app turns your run into a game, and who doesn't love games? If you are able to get outside for a walk, jog, or run and stay safe, this app will add a new level of fun to your daily workout. There are over 200 missions, and the app has made many of them free right now in light of current events.

If you are unable to get outside everyday, they have added some new stay at home missions. Essentially, you're all stuck inside because of an increase in zombie hordes outside (a little relatable, yes?). The 30-minute workout includes beginner and intermediate exercises. The first mission includes a lot of dance breaks (and who doesn't love dancing?!) with some other at-home exercises mixed in.

If you are interested in downloading the app and adding a new level of fun to your workout, download at the links below. Have fun!

Tower Life... Day ... Ummm... What day is it?

I have not posted recently about what I have been doing to pass the time while social distancing, and honestly the last few days have all been fairly similar as I worked out a new routine. One thing is for sure, no matter what I just keep swimming and remain grateful for all the good still surrounding us.

As most of you know, I am a Realtor®, and I am lucky enough to work for a brokerage, eXp Realty, that is completely virtual which means we have always been set up to be able to work from home easily and efficiently. That said, I have been spending a lot of time working at home and at the office (with only about 3 of us at the office at the time, we are able to practice social distancing and stay safe). In these changing times, the Floridays team is doing everything we can to still serve our clients and keep the health and safety of everyone our top priority. You can see the video from our team leader, Mark Middleton, explaining exactly what it is we are doing on our Facebook page HERE.

Many have asked me how the real estate market is doing right now. In some ways, things have slowed down. However, I have buyers who are actively looking, and I showed some properties at the end of last week. There are still sellers looking to list their homes. We had a new listing last week, and two more this week so far. With the ability to look at properties online and virtual showings and virtual open houses, there are still many ways to sell real estate and practice social distancing.

Personally, when I have met with buyers for showings, we greeted each other with a wave and a smile. We maintained distances from each other. I traveled with my long-time, loyal companion: hand sanitizer. Honestly, you can see it is well loved, and when I had a buyer tell me they couldn't find any, I gifted them an extra travel size bottle I brought along. To be honest, I have been collecting and storing hand sanitizer for years. I did not panic buy hand sanitizer or soap because it was not necessary. I already had that much stocked up. Will I need to stock up again after this is all over? Yes. Absolutely. 100% yes.

As for life outside of real estate, I really have started to turn into Rapunzel living in her tower. To date, I have completed five puzzles with another in progress, and one and a half books. I made two shirts on the Cricut. I did laundry. I have been cooking. Cleaned and cleaned and sanitized. I've colored. Played Sudoku and Words with Friends. FaceTimed with friends and family.  I have escaped my tower for a few outdoor walks as well for some much need fresh air and sunshine.

If you are like me and still feeling a little stir crazy at times, hang in there. For now, enjoy the time at home with family, play that game you've been meaning to play, do that craft project you bought supplies for months ago, read that book on your shelf, do that at home project you kept putting off. 

I believe as people calm down and adapt to the changes, find their new routine and normal for the time being, things will stabilize and get better. We will bounce back from this. Be kind to one another, take care of each other, and together we can flatten the curve.

Day 2 - The Tower Life Continues...

Today was Day 2 of social distancing. It was the third day I didn't have to go to work, and it started to feel a bit weird. Another day at home, another day of finding ways to keep away the boredom.

First of all, as was pointed out to me yesterday, Rapunzel did meet her husband while living in isolation in her tower, so maybe there was hope for me yet. I decided this morning I would wait to see if my future husband would come bust me out. At 7:45 am, I was tired of waiting and busted myself out for a morning run/walk along the Dunedin Causeway. There were not too many people out that early, so it was fairly easy to maintain social distances. It was a gorgeous morning for a run. It was not my best run, but it was better than being stuck inside all day.

After breakfast, it was time to tackle a new project on my list: adding a second shelf to our laundry area to provide more storage. Proving once again that I don't need no stinking man, I hung these shelves myself with assistance from my mom. (Future Husband - if you're reading this, of course, I need you. Don't abandon me!)

With one of the at home projects complete (this social distancing thing is going to last for a couple weeks, don't want to do it all in one day), I turned to one of my favorite activities to do when passing the time - puzzles. The first one I picked to do was fitting given the recent themes of my blog posts. In the short time I worked on it, I made some decent progress. Yes, I am putting it together on the floor, on top of Magic Carpet. It's the perfect puzzle mat because it flies out of the way when I'm done working on it.

Before you start thinking I forgot about my other job as a Realtor, don't worry I did not. I made a few phone calls today, and in the afternoon with the assistance of my team leader, I had photos taken of a new listing and returned to the office to post the listing in the MLS. That reminds me...

NEW LISTING in New Port Richey, Florida! End unit condo in a wonderful 55+ community! Click on link for info and to contact me to schedule a showing!

I returned home in the early evening ready to relax and prepare for tomorrow. Each day we don't know how things may change, so although I am doing all that I can to "social distance" myself, I am also working hard each day as much as I can to keep my real estate business going.

Since I am not a quitter, I devoted most of the rest of my evening to finishing that puzzle, and while doing that, to catch up with a friend via video chat.

How was your social distancing today? Stay safe, friends!

Living that Tower Life Like Rapunzel

Although many of you have been practicing social distancing since the weekend, today felt like the first real social distancing day for me. I should have been at work at 6:00 am this morning to process shipment. Instead I slept in this morning and started wondering what in the world I would do all day and for the next couple weeks. That's when it hit me that all of us are about to experience what life was like for Rapunzel trapped in that tower. On a happy note, she provides lots of great ideas of what you can do to pass the time.

Here are some suggested activities to do to pass the day per Rapunzel:

• Sweep 'til the floor's all clean
• Polish and wax
• Laundry
• Mop and shine up
• Sweep again 

Once done with all those chores, Rapunzel provides some more entertaining items on her activity list:

• Read a book...or maybe two or three
• Add a few new paintings to your gallery
• Play guitar 
• Knit
• Cook
• Puzzles
• Darts (be careful!) 
• Baking
• Paper mache
• Ballet 
• Chess (and so many other games!)
• Pottery 
• Ventriloquy (ummm... okay...)
• Candle making
• Stretch
• Sketch
• Take a climb
• Sew a dress
• Brush and brush and brush and brush your hair 

Rapunzel starts her day at 7:00 am. I used to do that, but then we changed the clocks. Now, I continually wake up after 8:00 am. First task to tackle on this self distancing journey: getting back to the 7:00 am wake up routine.

Once I finally dragged myself out of bed, first on the agenda was getting in some exercise. I dusted off the old Nintendo Wii, popped in the Michael Jackson Experience, and started dancing the morning away. Per Rapunzel's suggestions, I also should have stretched... I did not...

Next on the list was cooking. Today, I decided to tackle Keto friendly chocolate chip waffles. They were Mickey shaped (of course!) and delicious. The recipe was from Simply Keto by Suzanne Ryan, and you can order her cookbook from Amazon. By the way, if any of you are missing the Disney theme parks and Mickey shaped waffles, you can buy the Mickey waffle maker I own from ShopDisney It makes 6 waffles at a time, and they are the exact size and shape as the ones sold at restaurants throughout Disney resorts. A little piece of Walt Disney World and Disneyland right at home!

By the time I was done with breakfast, it was about 10:30 am. Oh goodness, this was going to be a long couple of days. I know there are many of you reading this who are totally content laying around watching Netflix all day. I am not that person. Based on past experiences (i.e. 7.5 week medical leave), I get bored easily. I work two jobs partly because I just always need to be busy with something.

Luckily, I work in a small office which means I ventured into the office for a bit to stay motivated and up to date on all the changes happening rapidly in the real estate industry as a result of COVID-19. Don't worry, even with only 2-3 of us in the office, we still practiced social distancing...

 

(Side note: I have also determined that makeup is not necessary at this time.)

While working at the office, the news was released that the Governor of Florida was ordering the closure of all bars and nightclubs at 5:00 pm today, and restaurants were required to a max of 50% capacity. With the tide of things so quickly change, we ventured out for a late lunch at our favorite spot, Clear Sky Draught Haus, across the street for what may be the last time for a while. On the way back to the office, we continued to be in high spirits and channeled the Beatles when in the crosswalk (also worked great at maintaining acceptable social distances).

Once I returned home in the late afternoon, I knew I would be home for the rest of the night... no place to go, right? So it was time for some at home pampering! While relaxing with a face mask, it hit me that I won't be opening boxes upon boxes for a few weeks which means I could paint my nails and not have it be a waste of time! #Bonus!

I decided one way to make good use of my extra time was to work on finishing projects I started but never finished. So after months, I am excited to announce I finally finished knitting a pair of baby booties. Those cutie only took me about as long as it takes a human to grow a baby. So... win?

As you can see, my day was a mix of activities and work. As of now, it is my plan to get through the next few weeks without going crazy. Take note that I am finishing this blog post at about 7:00 pm. The rest of the night will be a usual evening for me, though. Relax, watch some TV, read a book, play the ukulele, color, and do a Soduku puzzle or two. The secret is out... each night I channel a 6-year-old and a 60-year-old. #sorrynotsorry

How was everyone's day of social distancing? What fun activities did you do today?

Stay strong! Be safe! Wash your hands! Don't touch your face!

Just Keep Swimming

Let's face it in the last week, a lot has changed. A LOT. Just over a week ago, COVID-19 aka Coronavirus was a news story popping up on social media feeds, a reminder that we all need to be better about washing our hands, and a real concern overseas, not in the US. Within a matter of days, the number of cases escalated quickly, and we went from business as usual to working from home, schools closing, events being cancelled, and the temporary closing of theme parks, stores, bars and restaurants. Now, all of us have quickly learned what social distancing is and doing our best to do just that. (Although, if you're an introvert like me, you've probably been training for social distancing your whole life...)

 

I am not going to use this blog to start discussing COVID-19 or anything related to that. First of all, I am not a doctor. Second, there is plenty of videos, articles, and opinions on that... every where. Instead, I'll take some time to discuss what I am doing outside of real estate work to socially distance myself to entertain you and give you some ideas of things to do when the boredom sets in. 

Having worked all weekend, today was really my first day off, which means it felt like a fairly normal day. I spent it getting a few errands done as quickly as possible. I picked up some supplies for a home project I've been meaning to do for months and will finally get done in the next few days (stay tuned...), grocery shopping (no, I didn't panic buy - grocery stores are not closing, there is not a food shortage, stay calm, folks), laundry (because that's never going away), some real estate work on the computer, and lastly playing the ukulele (when everything is changing just keep calm and jam on). In all honesty, it was a pretty average day off for me. Don't worry though, future posts will be way more exciting than today.

I know many people are disappointed, frustrated, and upset about cancelled plans, vacations, and events. Social distancing may seem extreme and crazy to some, but it does help and will make a difference. It's not a new concept, and during the 1918 Flu Pandemic, social distancing proved to help slow the spread of the virus and save lives. Embrace the time at home with your family, stay calm, and just keep swimming.

To end today's post, I will leave you with something to make you smile - penguins at the Shedd Aquarium on a field trip. 😃🐧