What I've Been Reading - A Slight Change of Pace

I was an avid reader growing up.  While in college, I spent most of my time reading textbooks.  In my adult years, I decided to get back into reading and I remember buying one of the very first Kindles - back when they were black and white and all you could do on them was read books.

I've always enjoyed mysteries, especially those by Sherlock Holmes.  I cannot recall how many times I've read "The Red Headed League" or "The Hounds of the Baskervilles" both in tangible book form and e-books.

I got into a habit of reading a lot of "self-help" books with so many of them being weight loss fads, diets, and trends.  I recently finished The Mountain is You which I definitely recommend if you are like me and struggle with worry, fear, and other self-sabotaging behaviors.

Since my vacation in mid-October, I've started reading more for enjoyment than help or learning.  

Free through Prime Reading, I obtained the book Lotus. When I first started reading the book where a young man returns to his childhood neighborhood after being kidnapped as a child, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it.  It was classified as "dark romance" as Oliver, the young man who had been kidnapped, had a lot to work through which he did while also falling in love with his childhood friend Sydney.  There was a happy ending; I don't want to spoil it for you.

I'm signed up for the Gemma Halliday Publishing mailing list and I have the opportunity to get free Kindle books and I recently read two books from her publishing company.

My Old Kentucky Homicide is part of the "Bourbon B&B" series.  Yes, a recovering alcoholic can read books set in "bourbon" country as long as you enjoy a cup of tea and not bourbon while reading.  This story is about a new bed & breakfast started by two of three sisters named "Three Sisters." The sister who lived in DC came in to help her sisters during opening weekend.  The guests for the weekend were from a group reviewing the B&B for possible admission into a tourism co-op. One of the guests was a cranky gentleman sending bad vibes in the lobby as the guests arrived for the weekend.  The man cited a migraine and laid down for a nap prior to a tour of a barrel factory. When arriving for the tour, the man seemed unwell.  When the tour bus returned the guests to the B&B after the tour, the man was found dead.  The death of a guest along with family drama among the sisters made for story that was hard to stop reading. I will not give any spoilers as to how it ends.

My son and his wife have a dachshund named Mabel and I enjoy taking her for "walkies" whenever I have the opportunity.  My wiener dog grand-pup lead me to choose Pups, Pumpkins and Murder.  I just finished this book and very much enjoyed it.  I might have also enjoyed a pumpkin spice cocoa during one of my reading sessions. My husband found pumpkin spice cocoa k-cups on manager's special at Kroger.  Anyhow, this as another book that was hard to put down.  The main character Samantha or Sam and her wiener dog Porkchop seem to find themselves in the middle of police investigations and that is how Sam met her detective boyfriend Hank.  The community of Wings Falls was having a fall festival to raise money for a camp that helps inner city youth.  There were costume contests for children and pets, a barbeque contest, and a 2,000 pound pumpkin.  Again, I won't spoil it for you other than to suggest that you do not put lavender oil in your pulled pork and that a 2,000 pound pumpkin should be securely tethered to flatbed so it doesn't fall off.  

If you're interested to learn what else I've read, you can find me on Goodreads.  

Imagine a Country of Courage and Compassion

Imagine a country whose citizens—and even its leaders—are brave, calm, and open toward one another. A nation where people listen before they speak, seek to understand before they argue, and extend grace before judgment. 

What would it look like if we all recognized that every human being belongs to the same family? That no matter where we live, what we believe, or how we appear on the surface, the same light flickers within us all.

It’s a powerful vision, yet it begins not in government halls or global treaties—but in the quiet chambers of the human heart. Real change, the kind that heals and unites, doesn’t come through force or policy. It comes through consciousness: an awakening to who we truly are and what we are capable of when love guides our actions.

Imagine leaders who lead not with fear, but with calm strength. Citizens who respond to crisis not with panic, but with peace. Communities that choose compassion over competition.

When we rise above our divisions and remember our shared humanity, we plant seeds for a new world—a country of courage and kindness, grounded in truth and open-hearted awareness.

Perhaps the greatest revolution is not political at all, but spiritual—a change of heart that reminds us we are one people, created to walk this journey together.

So today, let us begin where we are. Let us embody that courage, calm, and openness in our daily lives. For the country we imagine can only come to life through the consciousness we carry within us.

Resources:

Bible Verse Image from YouVersion

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Finding Sensitivity in a Hurried World: Why Slowing Down Matters

 We live in a world that glorifies busyness. From the moment we open our eyes in the morning, our minds start racing through a list of things to do before sunset — errands to run, messages to reply to, deadlines to meet, meals to prepare. We move so quickly through our days that we often forget to see the people right in front of us.

But to love — truly love — we must be sensitive to those around us. And sensitivity can’t thrive in a soul that’s always in a hurry.

When we rush, we miss the subtle cues: the quiet sigh from a loved one who’s had a hard day, the unspoken worry behind a friend’s smile, the gentle nudge from the Spirit prompting us to reach out. Love requires presence — a heart that listens, eyes that notice, and a pace that allows space for connection.

Love doesn’t grow in the noise of constant motion; it blossoms in the still moments when we pause long enough to care. Jesus modeled this beautifully. Though He had a divine mission and crowds pressing around Him, He always took time to stop — to listen, to touch, to heal, to love.

Perhaps the invitation today is simple: slow down. Look up from the checklist. Notice the person beside you. Offer a kind word, a listening ear, a smile. These small acts of attention are sacred — they are the purest expression of love.

Because in the end, love isn’t measured by how much we get done, but by how present we are to those who share the journey with us.

Resources:

YouVersion - scripture image

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Dabbling in Video updates - Check Out my YouTube Channel

Hi all!

Thanks for stopping by the blog.  I decided to try something new in addition to my writing/blogging and that is making videos!  I have linked my YouTube channel below.

While I was getting a massage, the idea popped into my head that perhaps I should record a video.  I got back from my appointment and tinkered around on my laptop not sure what I should use and that's when I found Microsoft Clipchamp.  

My first video was 10 minutes log and I cut it to roughly 4 minutes.  While I tried to cut it at what felt like a right time, I might have cut it in the wrong place.  Ah, live & learn as they say.

I recorded another vide today and made an effort to keep it under 5 minutes.  

I am not a professional videographer or professional script writer.

I am simply a woman sharing her thoughts on YouTube. 

You'll hear updates about my menopause journey and how HRT is going.

You'll hear about strength classes and powerlifting. Despite not feeling as strong as I did when I did a powerlifting comp back in May, I am going into my next comp with a positive attitude.  I've put in the work through the strength classes and I'm going to do my best.  I think that's all my friends, coaches, and other meet participants expect from someone showing up at a competition.

Psalm 34:4–5, 8

I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

The above scripture is from "15 Bible Verses to Encourage You." 

Jodi Santini YouTube

Protect Your Peace and Know Your Best is Good Enough

Go the EXTRA mile!

You're on vacation but you give the EXTRA effort and check in periodically.

Don't just come to the gym for scheduled classes, do EXTRA credit on your own time!

How about some EXTRA help?

Do any of these sound familiar?  All of these reflect EXTRAs in my life over the past several weeks. 

The extra mile was Google Maps having a brain cramp that was resolved by pulling into a parking lot, closing out and restarting the map to get me back home.  Regarding the extra effort while on vacation, I will not rehash what you can read in these blog posts Choosing Health over Wealth and When Job Stress Becomes too Heavy to Carry. The Extra credit workouts at the gym started this past week.  I completed two out of three.

By Friday evening, I felt like I'd been hit by a truck; not a little pickup but a semi with a double-trailer.  I opted to turn off my alarm for Saturday morning. When I woke up on Saturday, I had a fever and swollen glands. I decided to lay low and just putter around the house.  I folded some laundry left from Friday and tidied up clutter. 

By Saturday evening, I was still feeling lousy so I let my girl friends at the Lewis Center AA group know that I wouldn't be at Sunday's meeting.  I turned off my alarm again.  When I woke on Sunday, I was feeling a little better but grateful I wasn't going anywhere although I would miss seeing the girls and going for our coffee after the meeting.

On Sunday, I saw this image.

This really hit home.  I was so worried about disappointing my customers that I worked during parts of my last vacation.  I don't want to disappoint the coaches at Steadfast so let's put in extra workouts despite my body saying "shouldn't you consider some extra rest?"  

I see my OB this coming week for my annual appointment.  I think it's time that we discuss some extra help for me.  By "extra help," I mean possible hormone replacement or whatever she might recommend to help me in my perimenopause journey.  It might sound funny that "itchy and bitchy" describe how I've felt for the last month but it's actually the truth.  My ears itch so horribly that I've irritated them.  My mood has frankly been foul or "bitchy." Not all of it is my husband being well, my husband or my coworkers being themselves.  I do think some of it could be hormonal. 

It is also time that I start putting myself first instead of putting myself last.  Will I disappoint people with decisions that I make?  Sure, I probably will but don't I deserve to be happier, well-rested, and less stressed?  I think so.

Resources:

Image from BuddismPage

Previous blog posts about perimenopause:

Coping with Perimenopause

How to Support a Friend going through Menopause

Why Am I Always Tired?

Live in the Present: Trusting God with Tomorrow

There’s a quiet peace that comes when we stop trying to control what hasn’t happened yet. So much of our energy is often spent worrying about tomorrow—what will come, what might go wrong, what we still need to accomplish. But God doesn’t ask us to live in tomorrow. He asks us to live here—in this day, in this moment, where His presence already is.

When we choose to live in the present, we begin to notice the small gifts that often go unseen—the sound of laughter, the warmth of the morning sun, the kindness in a friend’s message, the simple breath of life itself. These are reminders that God’s grace meets us now, not someday in the future when everything feels secure or complete.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” — Matthew 6:34

Each day has its own rhythm, its own purpose. Some days are busy with tasks that demand our attention. Others are quiet, inviting reflect
ion and rest. In both, we can choose to do the things that need to be done, and to do them with love. Whether it’s a small act of kindness, a word of encouragement, or simply doing our best in our daily responsibilities—these moments of good are like seeds we plant in faith.

We may not see the full harvest yet, but we can trust that God is tending to it. The future will unfold in His time, just as it should. Our part is simply to keep showing up—to live fully today, to love deeply now, and to trust that each faithful step we take today is part of a greater story being written by His hand.

So breathe deeply. Let go of the what-ifs. Live this day with purpose and peace. Do all the good you can, right where you are. The future will unfold beautifully when you walk hand in hand with the One who holds it.

Resources:

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Choosing Health Over Wealth: A Hard Lesson Learned

There was a season in my life when I thought success meant pushing through, no matter the cost. I skipped meals, sacrificed sleep, and wore stress like a badge of honor. I thought I was being responsible, even admirable—working long hours to provide and “get ahead.” But in reality, I was slowly running myself into the ground.

The truth hit me hard when my body started showing signs of exhaustion. Headaches became constant, my energy dipped, and my mood was a shadow of who I used to be. I didn’t feel like myself anymore. And all for what? Sure, perimenopause isn't helping but most of my ailments were the result of my paid work. A few more dollars in the bank, a sense of achievement that faded as soon as the next demand appeared?

That’s when I realized something had to change. Wealth, while useful, is fleeting. Health—both mental and physical—is priceless. When we burn ourselves out chasing money, we often end up spending that very money trying to recover our health. I didn’t want that to be my story.

My blog post When Job Stress Becomes Too Heavy to Carry was just the tip of an iceberg that I didn't know what coming.  Minutes before I was to start my vacation time for my son's wedding, one of my coworkers punted a ticket to me for resolution.  I did what I could to investigate before I logged off but I couldn't resolve the issue.  Of course, the next day and the day after that I proceeded to log into work resources breaking the vow I made to myself of not working during vacation.  After the wedding and on my final day of vacation, I logged in and found NOTHING had been done except for what I did when I logged in during vacation.

I resumed work the next day absolutely LIVID.  I grew up listening to classic country music with my late father and the song "Take This Job and Shove It" by Johnny Paycheck was going through my head.  Despite the temptation, no, I did not quit my job.  I shared my concern with our department director who attended a meeting we had to follow-up on the ticket.  He agreed the team could/should have done better but also indicated that I set a high standard for myself, a standard that others do not share.

I followed the advice that I wrote about in Take a Break, Take a Pause - Take Care of Your Mental Health and I took a sick day.  Yes, I just got back from vacation but my work experience robbed me of the ability to relax and enjoy that time. Rather, after three vacation days and a weekend, I found myself feeling angry and depleted.

So, I will begin making small but powerful choices: saying no to extra work when I needed rest, choosing a walk outside instead of scrolling through emails late at night, and giving myself permission to prioritize peace. It won't be easy. I know I'll feel guilty, over time, I hope to find a richness that money can’t buy: clarity of mind, energy in my body, and joy in the present moment.

I still value hard work, but I refuse to let it cost me my well-being. Because at the end of the day, no paycheck can replace peace of mind, no material possession can heal a weary heart, and no job title can bring true fulfillment.

Choosing health over wealth doesn’t mean giving up—it means choosing life, in its fullest, healthiest sense. And that’s the kind of richness I want to hold on to.

Resources:

YouVersion - Scripture Image

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