5 Random Things

 Hello there friends! I hope you had a nice week and are enjoying your summer!

Today I am going to share a little bit of randomness with you. A little bit of what I've been reading, eating/drinking, and what we've been up to. Almost like a mini "What's Up Wednesday" since I missed the last one.  😊

1. Back into reading! I took a break from reading and am FINALLY getting back into it. My book list is embarrassingly long, but if you have any good historical fiction recommendations, I am always down for a new one to add to my list! I just finished While Paris Slept and really enjoyed it. 

2. Yummy Hummus and Non-Alcoholic Beer-- I think I've written about this hummus before, but if you like a little bit of spicy, this Boar's Head sweet chili garlic is delish! We grabbed it at Kroger, but Harris Teeter and Publix carry it too.

I am not able to drink alcohol right now due to some of my medications but have been craving an ice-cold beer on a hot summer day. Well, to my surprise it turns out there are a lot of non-alcoholic beers that actually taste really good! The picture above is a Heineken Double Zero, which is Heineken's non-alcoholic beer. It tasted like a regular Heineken to me, and I don't have to worry about the alcohol. Yay! I also love Athletic Brewing Company's beers and Sam Adams Just the Haze. I'm happy we live in 2023 and there are good alternatives!

3. Reading to Dogs-- Our local library has been letting kids come and read to service animals this summer and it has been a BIG hit with Lily Grace! I think it's such a sweet idea that the little kiddos can snuggle up with a pup to practice their summer reading. 

4. Our Countdown Chain-- At the end of the school year, Lily Grace's teacher recommended that we do a countdown chain to my last day of chemo. We started on June 19th, with my last chemo being July 19th, and I LOVE seeing how small that chain is getting!! I am so dang close to ringing the bell and being able to move on with my life!!

5. Being Bald-- Since it has been so hot and humid here in the Carolinas, I've been rocking my bald head with a hat more often than the wig. It has been so heartwarming how many random strangers have come up to me at the pool/beach/grocery store to say "hang in there, I'm a survivor too. You've got this." Especially if I'm with the kids (which I usually am). Random little old ladies come up, hug me, and say. "If I can beat it, you can beat it too." People go out of their way to tell me, a stranger, how strong I am. It's a wonderful way to see how good people are, and a nice reminder that a kind word to a stranger really does make a difference.

Thanks for reading along today! I hope you have a wonderful weekend with the people you love. 💗

Today I am linking up with Andrea and Erika for Friday Favorites.