Favorite Things, Garden, Grief, Life, Migraine, Nonsense, Tater Tots

screw it, i’m eating tater tots – episode 55

Kari

if you’re new to my blog, welcome! here is an explanation of the tater tot post.

i looked up how long i’ve been writing tater tots posts. it’s been four and a half years. woof…

look what my mom made

comfort

anna, ella, and i got together up at my mom and dad’s house saturday night for dinner, snacks, and home movies. it was exactly the comfort we all needed. my mom made special k candy. we had so much fun, and we’re all ready to take on another week.

last week was a doozy for us. this definitely healed me. i wish a comfort day for all of you, too.

fall into the gap

there aren’t many gap stores left near where we live. i think there are six in the chicago suburbs, which given the size, is not a lot. the one closest to us closed a few years ago.

anyway, long story short, i was recently near a mall with a gap and i decided to stop in.

i told mike that i was bringing him here to get some exercise for his good leg because there was hardly anyone here.

when i thought about the gap, i remembered the old jingle “fall into the gap.” it also reminded me that where i grew up in rural ohio, there was no gap store. so we drove to columbus an hour away to go to one.

this was a fun read:


Gap’s most iconic advertising campaigns

source

is that your rib or are you just happy to see me?

i now see a physical therapist once a week for migraines. it was originally intended for my back, but thanks to yoga, it healed on its own. but i ended up having to find a new migraine doctor, who suggested i get physical therapy for my right shoulder and neck muscle/skeletal area because it was very tight.

i finally got in two weeks ago, and when they checked my neck and shoulder, they were impressed (not in a good way). my rib appears to be a little higher than it should be. and yes, that could be making my migraines worse. the intake physical therapist isn’t sure how this started, but says the situation with my shoulder/neck/rib is definitely not helping my migraine situation. i cried happy tears that day at the prospect of it all.

so once a week for 30 minutes, i get the most painful massage that also feels amazing. i feel like i’m being put back together again.

if you listen to one thing this month

432 hz deep meditation playlist

i have trouble listening to background music when i write, but this one is perfect and doesn’t distract me at all. i thought i would share with all of you who might also suffer the same fate.

also, this song:

fallin’ rain by karl blau

source

if you read one thing this month

the sevenfold journey: reclaiming mind, body and spirit through the chakras

i’m currently reading another of the author’s books that i own, and it’s very good. this is a condensed version of that book, but it includes journal prompts. if you enjoy yoga, and believe in reiki, i think you will enjoy this author and everything she has to say. (it’s not for everyone, but nothing ever is.)

i’ve also just started this book, and it looks to be really good:

narrative healing: awaken the power of your story

if you watch one thing this month

everything, everywhere, all at once

very long. very good.

also, go here to see tracy chapman perform fast car in front of 60,000 people for the first time at wembley stadium in 1988. the backstory for this performance is pretty interesting, and it’s written in the comments section below the video.

if you click on any links this month

Are you doing what you said you wanted to do? | Seth’s Blog

On Children by Kahlil Gibran – Poems

Changing Colours – Song of the Day for Today

The Divine Right to Beautiful Things – by Frederick Joseph

How To Spend Less Money (25 simple tips)

9 of the Best Books About Friendship for Adults | Book Riot

On: Why We Cry When Things Are Beautiful | by Marlowe Padilla

source

if you read any quotes this month

“you will never feel loved until you love yourself” – arnaud desjardins

“most new discoveries are suddenly-seen things that were always there.” – susanne k. langer

Here’s to October…

my mom’s late blooming zinnias ❤️

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45 thoughts on “screw it, i’m eating tater tots – episode 55”

  2. Hi Kari, You’ve listed so many good things here. I have to say that the Special K candy looks really good, like a perfect comfort food. I’ll be checking out your links, especially the music playlist. I think massage has great healing power.

    Liked by 2 people

  3. Yes, the so many Gab stores have closed here in Philly as well. We have only one, and it’s a Baby Gap. I used to be such a HUGE fan of The Gap. It was back when they used to sell fragrances. I LOVED the one called Grass. It smelled just like fresh cut grass. Green grass, not marijuana grass. LOL!

    Sooooo glad you were able to get to your new magraine doctor and that the massages are helping. Isn’t massage and things like accupunture amazing tools that can really support our health?

    “Our stories live in our bodies” that is soooooooooo true!

    “you will never feel loved until you love yourself” – arnaud desjardins”

    I know that to be true because many people ask me if (because I’m single) I feel lonely, alone or unloved. And I say, “No, never. Because not only do I genuinely love myself, but I also have so much love around me through the people I know.”

    Beautiful zinnias!

    Love these posts, Kari! Have a fantabulous week, my friend! X

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I also loved their fragrances! I had the Heaven scent for YEARS. I think it is still available at Gap Outlet stores.

      Yes! Massage and acupuncture are wonderful treatments. I enjoy both of them.

      Journaling has allowed me to get so many stories out of my head and onto paper. That is why writing is so therapeutic!

      Ron, I know a lot of people who are miserable in relationships because they don’t love themselves. For a long time, I was one of them.

      I’m so glad you love them, friend. Have a great week as well! 😘❤️

      Like

  4. Here’s to October, indeed. I always forget how much September wrecks me, but October is when I turn this train around and get my act together! Bring on Spooky Season!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. I haven’t been in The Gap in probably a decade. I loved those stores at one point. I adore zinnias. All of them. I whole-heartedly agree with the Steven Halpern quote. That’s why I was wary of talk radio when it first came on the scene. Seemed like anyone who listens to it came away with some pretty skewed ideas about reality.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I forgot the last time I was in a Gap! It was like being in a high-priced retail time machine. 🤣

      I agree with you on talk radio. Very similar to the quote…”energy follows thought, be careful what you say”..

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Such beautiful zinnias! My mother in law has some blooming in her yard too (thought I didn’t know that’s what they were called). I always loved the gap but pretty much never bought anything there!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I had never noticed zinnias until a friend and I saw them at a farmers market a few years ago. The following year, I knew I wanted them in my garden!

      The Gap can be fairly expensive. I didn’t buy anything that day, but I do buy some basics on sale online.

      Like

  7. Thank you for this great post with so many delightful things to read, look at and listen to! Now I am intrigued and will go look at your tater tots post! And thanks so much for the shout-out for my blog post about the beautiful song “Changing Colours” by Great Lake Swimmers. 💙

    Liked by 1 person

  8. So much to say, where to start? Fast Car is one of my all-time favourite songs and I remember exactly where I was when I heard it the first time (the Village Square Leisure Centre in the wave pool).
    I am SO happy to hear that yoga helped with your back pain; now let’s hope you can get some relief from the migraines through this massage therapy.
    Those books look like they are right up my alley and also, I’ll come back to click on some of those links.
    I love the thought that we are what we listen to. After all, our brain absorbs what we give it.
    I also cannot concentrate when there is music with lyrics (or, say, when my retired husband has the TV on), and so that playlist sounds like something I should download.
    The zinnias are gorgeous, and so refreshing to the eye. I hope you are feeling more refreshed after such a difficult time. xo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I love how many of us can recall where we were when we first heard Fast Car. 🖤

      I never expected to love yoga so much, but it has helped me heal in ways I never imagined possible.

      I anticipate that each week will bring some difficulty, but I also make certain that I am providing myself with things that can help me in dealing with the difficulty.

      Like

  9. I fell into the Gap rabbit hole–loved watching those old ads. I remember really loving the Khaki Swing one when it was new. I also remember really loving Gap back in the day. We don’t have any close by any more. I miss them, even though the clothes aren’t what they once were. :-(

    And Tracy Chapman! I am generally not a concert-goer, but in 1988, I saw her and Bob Dylan at the Gorge Amphitheater in George, Washington. It was one of the first concerts in this gorgeous venue (maybe the first?). It was a beautiful August day, and we drank wine and talked with people sitting near us, and then the sun went down and she sang. (you can see photos of the place here: https://www.tpimagazine.com/pk-sound-delivers-for-canyon-festival/). It was magical. She is magical. I’m so glad I have that memory.

    Finally, I love the piece about poverty and beautiful things. There is an HGTV renovator who often does charity projects, and I used to really like her show, but she so put me off with all of her talk about who deserves a nice home, and–one time–about how they were using inexpensive materials because the housing was only temporary for those who would be living there. Implied that they didn’t want it to be too nice, or people might not want to move on. I’d bet money they are prosperity gospel folks, and I’ve got some opinions about that whole line of thought!

    As always, thank you for sharing. So many great things here.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. RITA. That venue is STUNNING. What a magical place to see Tracy Chapman perform. I remember hearing Fast Car for the first time the end of my senior year. I have that memory in my high school library, so I’m wondering if they were playing music at the end of the year in school, which would’ve been such a treat back then. I love that we both have fond memories of Tracy Chapman. 🖤

      I hate the quote “beggars can’t be choosers” which is used in that article. THE HELL THEY CAN’T BE. It reminds me of when people refuse to give money to homeless people because they are afraid they will spend it frivolously. Don’t even get me started.

      I am a mosaic of everything I read. So this is all a reflection of you and so many others. I appreciate you so much. Thank you for always reading and leaving comments. 🖤

      Liked by 1 person

  10. I had no idea that Gap stores were closing, but I guess since malls seem to be biting the dust, it was inevitable. Did you ever go to the Lodi Outlets? It’s nearly empty now, but they had a huge Gap store there which was great.

    What wonderful news to find an answer to your migraines. I hope you find relief. The zinnias and the comfort day made me happy. XO

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I was so sad when our local Gap closed several years ago. I’ve never visited that outlet mall, but I’ve heard of it. It’s too bad that it’s almost empty! I hate that malls are closing. 😶

      My pain has been significantly reduced by physical therapy and my acupuncture mat. ❤️

      Like

  11. So many great tidbits here, as usual! Thank you so much for sharing what resonates with you. That passage on shame — wow. And I really like the little nudge of the Seth Godin piece, and need to check out the books on friendship! Now off to play your deep meditation playlist and try to write. :-)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Isn’t that interesting about shame? I’m learning a lot about how we hold emotions and feelings in our bodies and what that does to their structure.

      Happy writing. 😘❤️

      Like

  12. I thought I commented yesterday, but instead I clicked on links here and went down a rabbit hole. I am ready to watch that movie EVERYTHING, ALL AT ONCE . . . or whatever. I hope it is on one of the streaming services that we get. That thing – ‘where can I watch this’, drive me nuts.

    I’m very interested in the how to spend less. I clicked the link and intend to go back and read more – my own lesson, remember to cancel the DAMN airbnb. Ugh.

    Goof physical therapists can work wonders. Whenever I have a headache, I beg Coach to work on me. Works most of the time. I’m so happy that you’ve found someone who seems to be able to help you. How great would it be if this leads to less migraines.

    Love the comfort food served up by your mom. I had a tough day yesterday and I so wanted to call my mom, but then I rememberd. She has Alzheimer’s and her problem solving thought process or comforting conversations are not what they once were, which is hard.

    Oh, also – the power of your own story. This looks like a book I would really enjoy.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I want to watch everything in ONE PLACE. It’s totally ridiculous.

      I am in awe of my PT and what she has accomplished so far. I’d be such a nuisance if my husband was a physical therapist. DAMMIT, JUST ONE BACK RUB!! 🤣

      I’m so sorry, friend. I’ll always share my mom. 💕😘

      That book is wonderful so far. I have to take my time because I need to be in the right frame of mind to answer each prompt, which isn’t possible right now given what’s going on with Mike. So I might end up buying it. But it seems to be worthwhile.

      Like

  13. First, I love that you’re still not capitalizing! Why am I so proud of you? Dunno but I am!

    I’m also so happy you found a PT who is helping you release the physical component. So so happy for you! I found something similar – a bodyworker who was trained in a few diff modalities. Took forever to find him (other providers were too aggressive/painful for me) but luckily I did! The physical changes were so unexpected. Measurements changed – shoulders, ribs were compressed (& I had no idea!). My walk. The tilt of pelvis. My range of motion with shoulders. Mind blowing! For context – I was super flexible, could touch my toes, etc. I had no idea I needed “fixing” beyond kinda tight shoulders. So I can deeply relate.

    You mentioned your PT didn’t know the start of your problems. Dunno if helpful – but my guy mentioned that he often saw people who only began consciously suffering physically after a big mental or physical trauma or even after a big sickness (like flu, etc). The physical problems were always there, a pattern built up over a lifetime…. but after a Big Event, he thought the body couldn’t continue to disassemble & the pain broke through – as migraine or other pain. I thought that was an interesting idea. And meshes up with the body storing trauma that eventually demands to be released.

    Anywho, so so glad you found another resource. You are inspiring in the way that you seek out & find these things!

    PS. Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car. Omg that song always makes me cry. I have a (mental) list of these kinds of songs and pretty sure Chapman’s was the first! What an amazing artist

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yet I continue to capitalize in comments. I guess old habits die hard. 🤣

      Isn’t the human body amazing? Reading what you wrote made me realize how little we pay attention to our bodies. For example, we go to the doctor, but our body structures are largely ignored. Also, massage therapy is SO important, so why do we treat it as a guilty pleasure? I had my first ever deep tissue massage last week, and it was the best thing I’ve ever done.

      I think that many people in the medical field fail to see the connection between mental and physical health. My current PT seems much more open to the mental health aspect of what is going on. We’ve only had two sessions, and I’ve opened up to her about a few things. We’ve only had two sessions, but I’ve already told her a lot about my life, and she’s done the same. Oh, and Maddie, she goes horseback riding every week. 🖤🖤

      That is one of my favorite songs of all time.

      Like

      1. Yes!!! All the yessess! Kari if you keep posting all this wisdom, I’m gonna run out of yessess! :-)

        Yah the poor medical system. Either you get a crap provider or you get a good provider who is burnt out, under-supported & has 10 mins to think about your incredibly complex problem that involves way more than one system.

        And the mental aspect or the nervous system aspect… low man on the totem pole (also nutrition & vitamins/supplements… even tho there’s some good research supporting some of them).

        I love that you’re bonding with your PT & that she listens! What a find! I had too many who would ignore me & I ended up hurt. Depressing. I know I’m biased but I think if she rides horses, maybe that’s key? You have to meet horses where they are. Some horses are extremely reactive. You make a small move & their amygdala freaks. Light pressure is either irritating to them or tooo intense- sometimes both! You have to listen with your whole body and react instantly to their feedback. Drop your preconceived notions of how it “should” or “always” is done. Other horses may be shut down. You have to draw them out, show them that you’re listening. And of course, they’re always changing as you work with them. The sad, shut down horse suddenly has a personality & preferences & curiosity! Horses train you to be present & listen & check your ego. Maybe she brings that responsiveness and thoughtfulness to her PT work as well?

        So happy for you Kari. You deserve to feel good in your body. You deserve to be whole – mind, body and spirit.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I love how we completely understand each other. I appreciate you and your comments so much.

        I didn’t even tell you that my massage therapist revealed to me that she is retiring in January due to hand pain. I was so sad because I absolutely love her, but she has become worn out (physically) from working on human bodies. I can only imagine how much more difficult it will be for the humans on the other side of the table who care for our bodies.

        We all deserve to feel good, don’t we? That is what I wish for everyone. I hope that mental healthcare becomes as common as physical healthcare. I hope to change that in the future. I have ideas, but I don’t know how to put them into action.

        Like

  14. I love that you and your girls went to your parent’s house and had dinner, treats and watched movies. That makes me feel all warm and fuzzy! My comfort day was yesterday – took myself to the beach. Today was one of those “horrible, no-good, very bad days” (for one, I think I broke my pinky toe) so I’m glad I got my comfort day in. I’m feeling like I need another one already though, lol.

    Ow on your high rib and getting it massaged (more like manipulated) by a PT. Will it move back into place eventually?

    Oh yes, I remember The Gap. I didn’t realize there were so few of them left. I haven’t shopped there in probably 25 years.

    Your mom’s zinnias are gorgeous! What is her secret?

    Going to check out all your links – thanks.

    xoxo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh, friend, the last week and a half has been a doozy, so I understand. I’m really sorry about your toe! I’m glad you had a comfort day! I also need another comfort day because this week has been rude. 😒

      The first PT said he is confident it will return to its original position, but he was in Lake Forest and I switched to a more convenient location. My current PT is also confident she can reposition it. She voiced disbelief that I was still able to function. It’s very validating, you know?

      She has that mommy magic. I also think her front yard location is ideal.

      Enjoy! I hope they give you a little comfort. 😘

      Liked by 1 person

      1. OK, seriously, I wonder what is going on this week?! Monday was good (beach!) but yesterday and today have been really yucky.

        My mom has had a rib out of place a couple of times and her chiro was able to put it back into place. Sounds really pleasant (said sarcastically). I hope you find relief!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. This week has had its ups and downs. Yesterday was poopy. Today is much better.

        Yesterday, while she was working on me, there were times when it hurt so much that it felt good that I wondered, “Is this what the song means?” no. That is not what I believe it means.” BUT IT HURTS SO GOOD.🤣

        I hope your week gets better. 😘

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Guess what? Today was indeed much better for me, too! Maybe Mercury was in retrograde or something. ;-)

        My toe/top of foot is black and blue and it hurts like hell to wear a shoe, but I don’t think my toe is broken because I can walk on it.

        And did I tell you our furnace died? It was the original one to the house – 35 years old! But the furnace guys are so behind, that we can’t even get it installed probably until the 16th. And this weekend is going to be COLD at night. So I ordered a space heater on Amazon.

        Hope you have a good weekend! xoxo

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Yay!!

        I’m so glad it’s not broken and that you can walk on it.

        Why do these things happen just before the weather changes? But it’s incredible that it lasted 35 years!! Wow.

        I wish you a wonderful weekend as well, my friend. 😘

        Liked by 1 person

      5. Guess what? I now think my widdle toe is indeed broken! It’s gotten worse. I see a podiatrist on Wed. And our new furnace is being installed Thurs.

        Liked by 1 person

  15. PS – I googled about an acupuncture mat since I’d never heard of it, but it came up as accupressure mat. Is that what you mean?

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Your Mom is the best. Special K, and I know she didn’t add in the bad stuff, just love. A comfort day is necessary on occasion and I’m happy you had one. 

    Our Gap closed a few years ago. I have such fond memories of The Gap! Can you imagine finding jeans in the mall for $13.95 now? NEVER GONNA HAPPEN. 

    I was waiting for you to say you’re gonna have a rib removed and you’d be just like Cher. Do you remember hearing that rumor many years ago? I hope the physical therapy is just what you needed!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Isnt she? 💕

      That commercial made me laugh out loud. We haven’t seen jeans that cheap in a long time! And I forgot that they sold jeans other than theirs.

      I remember hearing about it! When my pt was working on me yesterday, it felt like she was removing one of my ribs.🤣

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Awww Kari! I appreciate you and your comments so much too! I’m also struck by how often your words mirror my thoughts or you talk about a topic that I didn’t know I needed to learn about but your words resonate with me & I realize wow! I needed to learn that!

    Sorry about your PT needing to retire. That must be really hard for her on so many levels. Magic that you found her before she retired. Hopefully she can teach you about your issues and/or pass you on to another similarly thoughtful provider. My guy also took very few clients due to wear n tear & had to charge to make up the deficit. He began teaching to pass on what he’d learned. And he gave me insights into things I could do at home (tho ungaking ribs is beyond me!). I thought that was brilliant.

    Your words about healthcare & your having ideas but not knowing how to put them into action…. I think your blog & your amazing comment discussions are Every Day Actions. Your curiosity and openess and kindness. Your gentle & considered sharing. These things have a big ripple effect, I think. From where I sit, you’re already doing something to make the world better. And I imagine you do this irl as well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It warms my heart that you feel this way. This is why I enjoy writing: I love interacting with others who are going through similar experiences. Even trees, and how we both have the same reaction to them communicating with us. I think of you every time I see a tree, Maddie. I LOVE THAT. 

      Giving insight! Yes! That is why we are supposed to meet new people. I’m sorry she’ll be retiring from massage therapy, but I’m glad I met her and she helped me when I needed it the most.

      Thank you very much for saying this. I was discussing this with my physical therapist yesterday, and I was thinking about how energy follows thought and what we say. Maybe by putting my ideas out there in the world, they will come to fruition. I believe in manifestation, but I don’t want my ego to get involved. It doesn’t matter if I create it; all I want is for things to happen in whatever way they need to in order to help others.

      Maddie, you’re a good human. I’m so glad you discovered my blog all those years ago. 😘

      Like

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