SOCIAL MEDIA

Friday, July 14, 2023

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. 



11 comments :

  1. Replies
    1. It has been such an unexpected surprise! People can be so wonderful :)
      - Lauren

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  2. Awe, I teared up reading that last one, what a nice support system out there! Glad you're finding some good NA beers, there are certainly so many choices out there. Can't wait to see you ring the bell (I assume this will be an Instagram moment!!).

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    1. Oh it sure will! I CAN'T WAIT to ring that bell!!!!!!!!
      - Lauren

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  3. Thanks for sharing! I love the countdown chain idea. One of my kiddos read to a dog over Zoom during the pandemic! I need to see if they are back to in person yet.

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    1. Our chain is so short now-- we LOVE seeing it!
      - Lauren

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  4. I love the therapy dogs at the library...what a cool thing for the kids! I definitely couldn't handle a wig in the heat, and that is so heartwarming how people - random strangers - are giving you encouragement. Not much longer til you ring that bell!

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    1. Isn't that so sweet? It's been wonderful to see that people can be so kind to others.
      - Lauren

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  5. Aw, that last one is really sweet!! My niece was struggling with reading; especially reading aloud since she's really shy and since they have a lot of pets I suggested to have her read to one of the dogs or cats since we learned a lot about that during my elementary literacy classes. I just started The Paris Daughter and while I'm only on chapter 3 I'm really enjoying this historical fiction book.

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    1. I'll add it to my list, thank you!
      - Lauren

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  6. Reading with the pups is sweet! I know everyone must have been over the moon with excited to get to the end of the chain
    Jen - showmeandsweettea

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