Life In 'Cruces
Welcome to My Journey -
from moving to Las Cruces to hiking in Silver City,
I am going to take you on many adventures throughout
New Mexico and the Southwest!
New Post...
Life In 'Cruces - I-10, Driving, Special Spots
One of my favorite highways in Las Cruces is I-10. The highway merges with I-25 (which runs north to south from Albuquerque to Las Cruces) and runs west to Arizona and beyond. The I-10/I-25 intersection is beautiful – the sky always seems to be blue and the clouds in the sky are fluffy like marshmallows. Check Out the Intersection's website by clicking here!
Once you merge onto I-10, your first exit is Avenida De Mesilla. This exit takes you to the Old Town of Mesilla, New Mexico. It is gorgeous and if you look at the photo gallery on this site, you will find pictures of Mesilla. The Old Town is the historic area of Las Cruces and it is filled with history, places to stay, places to eat, and the famous St. Clair Winery, also known as D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro – check it out by clicking here!!
I love Mesilla and I love St. Clair. This area is one you could spend the entire day in and still have things to see. If you keep driving on Avenida De Mesilla, you will eventually see the Rio Grande River and all the greenery around the river. It is a relaxing area and a perfect getaway from everyday life. Check Out the Rio Grande website by clicking here!!
OK...once you are done in Mesilla, jump back on I-10 and go west. You will see signs for U.S. Highway 70 exit and to your left is a gigantic roadrunner standing next to the rest stop. You must exit Highway 70 to visit this big bird. This is a must-see. Now...back to the highway. Keep going and you will zoom by the Southern New Mexico/Dona Ana County Fairgrounds and the regional airport. The fairgrounds is host to a variety of events including rodeos, fairs, trade shows, and other events. The airport is not a commercial airport, but it is cute to visit. Check out the Southern New Mexico State Fair website by clicking here.
Keep going on I-10 west and you will start to see signs for Akela, New Mexico – a tourist spot that offers a lot of tourist items including odd foods, clothes, shot glasses, pictures, and other novelties. Akela is deemed as a Ghost Town since the only business is the tourist spot immediately off of the highway. Check out the Ghost Town site by clicking here!!
Once you have enjoyed the ghost town of Akela, keep going west my friend to Deming. Now...I want you to stop here and visit this little town for at least a day. And when I say little...I mean little. But Deming is cute and I have a big surprise coming in a few blogs from now about Deming. Check out the town's website by clicking here.
Well...I am going to stop here and let you enjoy Deming and then I will continue this post announcing my big surprise later.
Welcome to MY Life In ‘Cruces!!
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Life In 'Cruces - Labor Day Fun!!
Happy “The End of Summer 2021 Day” … well not really, but folks call Labor Day the end of summer. I never observe this holiday as being the end of my “summer”. Summer continues, for me, until the end of September. I love summer and I extend it until September 30th.
As far as Labor Day, I am working tomorrow and coming home to a list of car projects. So...no holiday for me. I celebrated, a little, on Saturday and of course today, Sunday. I never really liked this holiday and I don't really celebrate it other than relaxing.
In other news, I had a great time at the 16th Annual Franciscan Festival of Fine Arts at the Holy Cross Retreat Center. Look to the right for the photos.
Welcome to MY Life In ‘Cruces!!
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Life In 'Cruces – August Recap and What is Next!
My birthday month has been SOO much fun. I have really enjoyed August 2021. I have one word to sum up the month – Splendid!!
I have had so many great meals, drinks, drives, and buys. I have also worked a lot and got a lot of things done. I love my place and all of the cool things I have found for it. I love my vintage bar, my vintage TV set, my cool curtains, and all of my other 1970s stuff. This month has been the BOMB!
Well...like all good things...August has to come to an end. I hate to see the month go. September is trying her best to come in. I am kicking off September with the Hatch Chile Festival, Saturday, September 4th – 5th.
So...what is next after the Chile Festival? September is all about work, paying off bills, dieting, and exercise. I have to get back on track with EVERYTHING. I didn't venture off track too bad this month (August), but September is going to force me to do right.
Also...September is all about “Self Care” and accomplishing as many goals as I can before Fall swings in with its many cool nights and short days.
Before I go...let me rant about how I am going to handle Fall 2021. Well...not really rant since I am in the “Positive Mode”...I am going to embrace Fall and do lots of yoga as well as keeping a positive attitude. I am not going to be mad about the time change. I am going to take advantage of those long nights...more reading, more writing, more exercising, more living, and more enjoying my life.
Well...let me do some meal prepping and some Dr. Phil watching!!
Welcome to MY Life In ‘Cruces!!
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Life In 'Cruces – Thrifting In 'Cruces
I love thrift stores. I love thrift stores...let me say it again...I LOVE THRIFT STORES. Where can you find anything you want (most of the time) at a fraction of the cost? I love thrift stores. I try to frequent at least four thrift stores a week. I never really set a budget for my thrifting, but I have to be smart and go with my gut. If an item is overpriced, I will leave it and find the item on eBay. I love knowing that I can go to eBay for items that some smaller thrift stores are trying to sell for more than the item's worth.
Thrift stores here in Las Cruces include Goodwill (my favorite), Salvation Army, Savers, and a few small “mom & pop” stores. Always be on guard at small stores. Some owners try to jack up their prices and label items as “antiques” when the items are really just junk. I also love to stop at thrift stores I find in surrounding towns like Deming, Alamogordo, T or C, and other towns. Also, I usually carry cash when I am out thrifting. A lot of stores do not accept credit/debit cards.
Along with thrifting, I also check dumpsters outside of thrift stores to see if I can find any damaged items I can repair. A lot of times stores will toss out stuff they deem as damaged or worthless. Grab those items only if you really want them.
I have even come up with a weekly thrifiting schedule:
Sundays – check Goodwill
Mondays – check Savers
Tuesdays – check Salvation Army
Wednesdays – check small stores in Las Cruces
Thursdays – check out of town stores
Fridays – recheck Goodwill
Saturdays – check as many thrift stores I can find
The Salvation Army here in Las Cruces has the best prices and the best goods. One thing I found out...if you see it...you better grab it. Especially at the Salvation Army.
Well...now I am off to work on some of my thrift store finds!!
Welcome to MY Life In ‘Cruces!!
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Life In 'Cruces – Big 48th - One Week Later!
Well...it has been one week at 48 and I have been CRUSHING a lot of my small goals. I had originally planned to write a post about Las Cruces' nightlife...but I have been so busy working in my apartment and working period. I have not had a chance to really go out to any bars. Covid-19 is resurging and some of the bars/eateries have returned to restrictions. So...I took the money I would have spent out in bars and pumped it in my place. I have also returned to a “spending diet” – I have been saving more than I am spending. Even though I am spending some money...it is not as much as I used to spend. I am liking this diet!
Speaking of dieting...I am on the right path and so far I have dropped about 10 pounds since moving to Las Cruces. I am more active during the day now and the pounds are coming off. I also seem to not really want to eat a lot. I think it is due to wanting to get my place the way I want it. I come home from work around 3 p.m. and I immediately start working on a project. After about an hour, I go on a 30+ minute walk. I love walking and it gives me such a rush. After I return home, I jump right back into a project until it is time to go to bed around 10 or 11.
Today, it is rainy and cool. I am sewing the last set of curtains for the living room and I am so excited. I have enough projects to keep me busy for the next year. LOL!! I am loving it!!
Welcome to MY Life In ‘Cruces!!
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Life In 'Cruces – My Birthday – Big 48th!
I am speechless – in a few hours...I will be 48 years old. I don't feel a day over 22...but I am older. I am thanking the angels and devils for bringing me through life. I am EXHALING all over Las Cruces today. I am playing Whitney Houston right now and EXHALING.
I am in a good place saying goodbye to 47. I have accomplished a lot at 47 and I kept my nose to the ground to get everything done.
Sooo...my Saturday kicked off with doing laundry first and then going on a worksite for a few hours. I like working Saturdays most of the time. Today, I wanted to be free from a work project...but I had to do it! Once that was done, I headed to Goodwill and I found a great bookcase for $5.99, a pillow for $2.99, an album for $.99, and a few more little items. I love my second home – Goodwill.
After my little shopping session, I headed to my storage unit and got some stuff out of it. I don't have much left in the unit. I am soo happy!
On the CRUSHING IT side...I shaved my head, did a facial, took a long shower, and got all of the laundry put away. I have to say...I have so much more energy here in Las Cruces. I think it is due to leaving a set of jobs that were SOOO draining. I also think my old apartment was draining. I am still in a surreal state here in Las Cruces. It doesn't feel real even with a busy work schedule, boxes to unpack, and pounds to drop.
Now...I am working on house projects including designing my custom headboard, unpacking boxes, tossing out items I don't want, and of course...sipping white wine.
Well...tomorrow...I turn 48. I have two years to get ready for the Big 50 and I can't wait. I am going on a picnic tomorrow and I'm attending a concert at Plaza de Las Cruces.
Welcome to MY Life In ‘Cruces!!
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Life In 'Cruces – 'Cruces Living!
Well...one week in Las Cruces and I have been busy as ever but loving it. The week was filled with working, learning new things, unpacking, walking, and living life. I am finally resting today – Saturday, July 31st. It is a cloudy day here and I was going to the Farmer's Market, but it is rainy. So...I am staying in and working on some more boxes.
On the work front...I have already been on a work trip to Alamogordo, NM. I have some work projects there each week...so I will be traveling there often. Alamogordo is a cute little town to the east of Las Cruces. Look for “On Location” posts from there soon.
On the home front...I love my new place. I am slowly getting it together, but I am in no rush. I have my curtains cut out and I am ready to sew them. I still have a lot of boxes in the storage to bring over and open.
On the learning front...I am learning my way around Las Cruces and other cities/towns around here. Most of the towns in southern New Mexico are small and on or off Highway 70. This highway is a major US road that runs east to west. The only problem with Highway 70 is the lack of gas stations in some of the remote areas. When traveling throughout southern New Mexico, you really have to plan your gas and restroom spots.
On the diet/life front...I am dropping some much-needed pounds. Since I am not in an office anymore, I am getting more exercise and eating less. My fridge only contains water, Slim Fast shakes, salad, and salad dressing. I have also cut back on eating out. I am no longer winded when I climb stairs.
This week has been filled with so many new discoveries. I am excited and resting at the same time. My sleep pattern has also improved – I am really happy about this!!
Well, August is tomorrow...my birthday month starts in a few hours and I am looking forward to 48!! My birthday weekend is next weekend. I am mostly going to work and relax at home. No big plans. I have too much to do in Las Cruces. I am taking off on my birthday though, Sunday, August 8th, and the day after. I am going to go on a picnic and just rediscover myself.
Well...if the rain lets up...I am going to go walking and exploring.
Welcome to MY Life In ‘Cruces!!
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Life In 'Cruces – I Did It!!
I am a resident of Las Cruces, NM now and I am LOVING IT!!
I am still in a surreal state...I can't believe after three years of planning, two years of Hell, a pandemic, working multiple jobs, and holding my tongue to keep from cursing folks out...I made the move to Las Cruces.
I am not even going to recap the last three years though. I am on a positive kick now and I am loving this. I can't stop saying it...I AM LOVING THIS!! I spent last night in my big place. It was a night of watching shows I had saved on my Chromebook. I am so glad I have a nice collection of shows and movies.
I slept great and woke up at 7 a.m. – ready to hit the ground running. I have spent the bulk of today shopping and waiting on the Internet installer. I talked to a co-worker today (we have worked together before) and she has my upcoming week planned out. I am excited and ready to work with her.
Now...I am now enjoying Discovery+ and unpacking boxes from my storage. I may go walking in a bit. I am loving my “slow-paced” life now. I may even take a nap!!
Welcome to MY Life In ‘Cruces!!
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Life In 'Cruces – Wrapping Up ABQ!
This Is It!!
I feel like a young adult going off to college. LOL! I am wrapping up my time in ABQ this week. Let me recap the weekend...are you ready?
It all started Friday night...I worked into the evening because I had to get Job II done on Friday and Saturday. Sooo...I worked my butt off Friday night and all day Saturday. Then Saturday evening...I got ready to take the Baby Volvo down to Las Cruces on Sunday.
Sunday started off great. I drove out of ABQ at 6:30 a.m. The drive was wonderful until I got to Dona Ana County and the rain came in. I hate driving in the rain. It was a blowing rain that stayed with me until I got to Las Cruces (Las Cruces is in Dona Ana County – sort of in the middle of the county).
Once I got to Las Cruces, the sun was out and the temperature was OK. I parked the car, got it unpacked, and then headed out for food and coffee. Once I got back in my place, now known as “Nick's Las Cruces Palace”, I ate and enjoyed the peace of my own place. I spent the day unpacking, decorating, cleaning, and making the place my own.
I made myself stay in the entire day except for 30 minutes of running to Wal-Mart. I needed some shower hooks. I am so proud of myself. I didn't spend that much money, I stayed focus on unpacking, I didn't spend the day in the streets, and I didn't drink too much. I had food in the palace and I had a picnic indoors. It was soo much fun.
I worked into the evening and then I stopped. I took a shower and got some rest. I had to leave out around midnight and head to the bus station. I only recommend taking a Greyhound bus if you absolutely have to. You have to be prepared to wait on the bus for a few hours. It is not comfortable and it is slow. But the bus was an easy way to get back to ABQ.
Now...I am working the last days here in ABQ and then it is off to the little town in the south known as Las Cruces.
It feels good to be off on an adventure. I'm finally reconnecting with myself. I am finally back to enjoying the things I used to enjoy like traveling, decorating, crafting, trying new things, and focusing on ME!
Welcome to MY SOON to be Life In ‘Cruces!!
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Life In 'Cruces – Big Move – Part I
I don't even know where to start...I moved into my Las Cruces place this weekend. It feels so surreal, it feels so refreshing, it feels like a glass of red wine, and it feels like exhaling after holding my breath for soooo long.
My place feels like the next chapter in my life. I feel like I have been spinning my wheels since 2011. I have been doing nothing but working and just going through the motions. This move, this place, and this overall city – Las Cruces is a “fresh start” for me. It is time to put away the negative, it is time to end the daily grind of life, it is time to enjoy life once again, and it is time for ME.
Back to the weekend...it was great...great food, great drinks, great shopping, and great fun in the little town in southern New Mexico. I love the slow pace of Las Cruces. I can't wait to stand in the middle of Main Street and scream. I can't wait to wake up to a different sunrise.
In 11 days, I will be moving to Las Cruces full-time. I am ready to relax and enjoy life. Unlike other moves, I am in no rush to get everything unpacked. I am going to take my time and stop rushing life. I am really going to adopt “manana” - an indefinite time in the future, futurity, time to come, hereafter - the time yet to come.
Well...I am back in Albuquerque for the next week and a half. I have to wrap everything up and put an ugly bow on the stuff.
I am so ready to EXHALE!!
Welcome to MY SOON to be Life In ‘Cruces!!
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Life In 'Cruces – Lease Is Signed
I did a little BIG thing last weekend...I signed the lease on my Las Cruces apartment. I am moving this coming Friday and I am over the moon. The U-Haul is booked and I have a car trailer for Baby Volvo. I am ready to ride down I-25 with the last load of stuff.
So...let me tell you about the apartment...it is very vintage and fits my 1970s theme. I hate I didn't take any pictures while I was doing the walkthrough. I had to rush through the process because it was raining outside. I had to sign the lease, pay my money, get my key, and rush out of the city to get back to ABQ for work. It rained all day last Monday and the drive back was a rough one. But it was worth it to get in my place. You may be asking...what about the travel trailer? Oh yes...I am still purchasing one and going on the road with many trips.
Check out the latest TT Post...
https://www.lifeincruces.com/restoring-tt
Well...I have been super busy on this adventure. I am returning to ABQ next Sunday and then I will only have 13 days until my LAST day in Albuquerque!! Saturday, July 24th will be my first full day living in Las Cruces.
Welcome to MY SOON to be Life In ‘Cruces!!
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Life In 'Cruces – Summer Road Trip
I am going on a road trip tomorrow, June 27th, I am going to Las Cruces for an appointment on Monday. I am beyond excited to end this month with a road trip. A much-needed escape from ABQ. A much-needed escape to the city I am moving to. My Baby Volvo is READY and excited too!!
I had a great week of unexpected money, unexpected good news, unexpected CRUSHING IT, and the first week of Summer. Summer is official here and I have been working hard getting ready so I can relax in the coming months.
Let me recap the month:
My multiple jobs are all transferred to Las Cruces except for one. One job I will still be doing here in ABQ. I am going to do it until I can't do it anymore.
I found some great 1970s fabric I am going to use in my new place.
I managed to get both cars road-ready for the move.
I did cut some of my expenses...but I need to work harder to cut expenses. I just love to shop though. I know I need to save more and spend less.
My diet is up and down. I still need to walk more.
And finally...I am loving the hot weather. Come on 100+ temperatures.
I am SUPER EXCITED!!
Welcome to MY SOON to be Life In ‘Cruces!!
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Life In 'Cruces – I Am Ready for Summer 2021
Summer 2021 is coming in two days. I am on fire this month...here is what is happening:
I returned to a previous job this week that allows me to set my own schedule, take off whenever I want, work alone, and enjoy lunch out every work day. I start next month once I move to Las Cruces.
I CRUSHED it on Job II and Job III.
I got all of my house chores done this week – EARLY!
I only have a few more boxes to pack.
I am taking off Monday to do some training on my previous job. I got to get on my A-Game with this job and blow it out of the water.
In almost a month...I will be in Las Cruces. I am excited but the move really hasn't hit me yet. I turned in my 30+ intent to vacate notice. I also went ahead and got my driver's license renewed. My next big thing is to get my UPS Store mailbox down in Las Cruces.
I must say though...I am so ready to move on with my life. I am leaving Job I and not looking back. I am stepping out of office life for at least two years. I am not going to miss dealing with all of that mess. I am not going to miss any of that mess.
I feel like a spinning wheel. I am still waiting to exhale...I am waiting to scream at the top of my lungs. I am waiting to get all of this bottled up tension out. I am waiting to look at the sky differently. I am waiting to focus, once again, on my success and my moments. I was asked this week if I cared about leaving jobs without notice...I said without a pause, HELL NO! Jobs use you and I use jobs. No job is a career and no career is a job. Read that again!
I am good with this move and this rebirth of Nick A. Davis.
Tonight...I am working on computer stuff and relaxing. I had a 10-hour day today and I am done. It is hot outside, but nice and cold inside. I am loving my relaxing Saturday night!!
On the website front, I am adding some new photos to the online photo gallery this coming week.
Welcome to MY SOON to be Life In ‘Cruces!!
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Life In 'Cruces – Pride and What?
Well...I skipped the Pride parade this year. I didn't even think about the parade. I worked Job II early Saturday morning and then I came home to do chores. With the move...I don't really have time to enjoy all of the Pride events. I didn't even watch the news to see any highlights from the parade.
I also didn't visit Facebook Saturday morning, afternoon, or evening. I shaved my head, got the patio cleaned off, made a salad, cleaned the bathroom, and did all my ironing. This morning...I got up packing stuff from under the bed. I have a laundry list of things to do today and I am ready!
Looking back at last week... I was busy but not too busy. I CRUSHED a lot of goals and managed to find the 1970s fabric for Little Nicky. I also picked up the wooden numbers “7” and “3” for a special project for my birthday. I also found the Mickey Mouse Disco album from the 1970s. I grabbed it off eBay for only $6. I am slowly collecting all the 1970s stuff for my next place.
Well...let me get back to CRUSHING life!!
Welcome to MY SOON to be Life In ‘Cruces!!
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Life In 'Cruces – Happy June 2021 and Happy Pride Month!
I am writing this post from a lovely patio in Nob Hill, Albuquerque. I am taking a "Diva Day" to reset my mind, body, soul, and overall EVERYTHING. It has been a big week of working hard, saving money, crushing life, and counting down the days before my big move!
Let me begin with Monday - I had a great holiday of relaxing, sipping wine, and watching my shows. I was in bed the entire day and I loved it. Tuesday - OMG! Work, Work, Work, and more work. Tuesday was like two Mondays combined. But I had no idea that Tuesday would lead to "Kick My Ass" Wednesday. I worked from 6:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. doing two jobs. Job I was all about end-of-month billing and Job III was all about stocking magazines. I love both jobs though. I can't gripe about it...I only have 48 days left before I leave ABQ!
Well...back to my week. Thursday kicked off with me taking Little Nicky to the shop for a timing belt. I was late to Job I and that seemed to toss my entire day into "late mode". I was blessed in the end though - Little Nicky didn't need the belt replaced, the car only needed front brakes and an air filter. My boss took me to get the car after the repairs were done, and I saved $400. I was beyond happy.
Friday came in smooth and I drove Little Nicky to Job I. I worked slowly and relaxed most of the day. Now, I am kicking off Summer 2021 by enjoying myself - a good breakfast, a cocktail, some good coffee, and some light shopping.
Now...it is time for ME!! Time for ME to CRUSH some ME goals this weekend!
Welcome to My SOON to be Life In 'Cruces!!
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Life In 'Cruces –
Memorial Day and Everything After
May has been a month of “Crushing it” in all areas of my life. I kicked off a new diet plan, I worked extra hours on Job III, I resumed the packing process, and I got Little Nicky scheduled for his timing belt change. I have been BUSY as hell!!
On the spending front, I did overspend by $400, but I am OK with it. At one of my spending parties, LOL, I got a gorgeous, white, vintage Mac iBook G4 laptop. I have always wanted one and I found it on eBay for only $63.00. I had to get it...an early birthday gift.
Well...it is now Memorial Day weekend and I am off Monday. I wish I was going out of town, but I am staying in and packing boxes. I am going to grill some tasty treats later on today though. Monday, I am going to stay in bed all day and watch my shows.
So...what is happening after Monday:
Little Nicky is going to the repair shop Thursday
I am booking the second UHaul truck Friday
I am purchasing the ball assembly/hitch for Little Nicky Saturday
"No Spending June" starts Tuesday
June is all about wrapping up loose ends – packing the last of the stuff, paying off little bills, and SAVING money!!
Welcome to MY SOON to be Life In ‘Cruces!!
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Life In 'Cruces – Summer Is Coming
Spring is still springing, but summer is right around the corner.
The summer of 2021 is all about moving, turning 48, and kicking off the next chapter in my life. I have spent the last 12 years in Albuquerque and I am ready to get out of my daily grind. I am ready for new adventures and the ability to “exhale.” I keep going back to “exhaling” - the ability to breathe out in a deliberate manner.
Check Out – Whitney Houston – Shoop
I have held my breath for so many years. I have worked hard, did what I had to do, worked out problems/issues, and let things go that needed to go years ago. Now...it is time for me and my goals. It is time for me to reinvent myself, my brand, my life, and my happiness.
So...exhaling is my concept – my letting go and picking up my life in 2021. So far...five months in this year...I have been crushing bills, crushing jobs, crushing this blog, and crushing future plans.
On the diet front, I am adjusting to my Keto Diet and all of the foods I need to avoid. It has been going well. YEAH ME!
Welcome to MY SOON to be Life In ‘Cruces!!
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Life In 'Cruces - Me and Keto Diet
Well...I kicked off my Keto Diet today and so far...so good!!
I have to admit it...I went off the road last year and enjoyed everything from ordering DoorDash to having wine and cocktails daily. I really enjoyed myself last year and most of this year. Now, I am ready to shape up and get healthy before my birthday.
I am turning 48 on August 8th and I want to have more energy and live a healthy lifestyle. I have gone on so many diets over the years and I know I will continue to try different diets until the day I die.
My latest...I am trying the Keto Diet. It is very similar to the Adkins Diet.
So...this is my plan:
I am not going to call it a diet. I am going to call this a “lifestyle change”.
I am going to walk every day for 30 minutes.
I am going to put down the alcohol until August 8th.
I am going to log my food and exercise – I am using the Slim Fast app to do this logging.
I am not going to think about all the food I can't have.
So far...I kicked off this “lifestyle change” today and I feel great. Usually...I have a headache when I start a life change, but today I feel just fine. I worked earlier today and then I did some shopping. I had a Keto shake this morning and an oatmeal protein bar for lunch. I walked for 30 minutes and had a cup of coffee. Now...I am about to start drinking water and get some house chores done.
I am SUPER excited!!
Welcome to MY SOON to be Life In ‘Cruces!!
