Favorite Five Friday (150th Edition)

Hiya Friday! This week we’ve been taking it nice and easy…

FAVORITE FIVE FRIDAY

1. I married a man who is just as OCD as me. We both love things to be neat, clean, and organized. All of our belongings have a specific place they go. I love that we are on the same page about it. Recently we have turned to a more minimalist page. We are focusing on having things that we need and that make us really happy… Everything else has gotta go! We started with our bedroom, and the progress we’ve made has been awesome. It feels so good to just declutter, be able to donate, and feel happy to have the things we do.

2. This week called for us to press the pause button and take some time for rest. Dan wasn’t feeling well, we were both tired… So we took a little time for ourselves. We’ve been rewatching LOST – we got to snuggle up in the couch for several episodes. We even went and got massages to feel more relaxed. It was definitely what we needed. I think it’s so important to be able to tune into your body/mind and give yourself a break when you need one.

3. We have passed the halfway point for our Whole30! I can’t even believe it. I’m feeling really proud of all we’ve accomplished… We have made great strides with meal planning/shopping and food prep. Both things I plan to continue once 30 days is up. We have both been feeling really good, and we aren’t even done! During the 30 days we are not weighing or measuring ourselves, but we can already see a difference. While we worked on our closet minimalizing, we tried on clothes. It was so wonderful to have so many things fitting better than they had in months. Feeling pretty victorious.

4. We have been missing time with our friends – everyone has been so busy with life lately. Us included! This week we were able to get together, grill our food, play games, and generally catch up. Some much needed socializing with some of my favorite people.

5. Because they are cute and I can’t help myself…

Happy Friday!

Favorite Five Friday (143rd Edition)

Heya Friday. Still trying to get back to normal after a crazy, wonderful time last week. Normal feels pretty good too…

FAVORITE FIVE FRIDAY 

1.  Slowing down and resting was essential this week. I had to go back to giving myself permission to relax. I’m so thankful for the couple days off I had with Dan so we could recuperate. I’m still feeling a little bit like I just got back from a trip (you know that tired feeling?). I would love some new ideas to relax! Some “me time.” Any suggestions?

2.  Happy to have worked another Tour Guide Open Call open call this week! More fabulous folks becoming part of the Tramily. I love feeling their energy and enthusiasm… It’s the perfect reminder of how lucky I am to have this job.  

3.  Being back in acting class is wonderfully uncomfortable. It’s certainly the kick in the butt I needed. As an actor, it’s important to keep working those muscles. Right now, it’s been a little while since I’ve been in a class… I’ll be honest, my muscles are feeling a little weak. Working them out right now is a bit uncomfortable,  but I know it’s making me stronger.

4.  Cats. They are insane, trouble-making monsters. But, man… They are adorable. Can’t help but love them. 

Yes, she is hugging my head.

 5.  As of last night, I am caught up on the most recent episode of Dr. Who. I guess that makes me an official Whovian. Pretty safe to say that the show lives up to the hype for me. I already miss it. It took me a while, but now I know! I’m Joanna, and I love Dr. Who. 

Happy Friday, guys!

Favorite Five Friday (141st Edition)

 Friday, you have never looked so good! The rest of my week wasn’t so bad either…

FAVORITE FIVE FRIDAY

1.  Little Lemon turned ONE this week! The three best words to describe her are spunky, sweet, and chunky. She constantly makes us laugh with all the ridiculous things she does. We also fully appreciate the many snuggles from this sweetie. Both our babies are one! We haven’t had them for a whole year yet, but it’s safe to say they’ve made our lives better. I adore being a cat mom. Happy Birthday, Liz Lemon!

 2.  You know when you are so busy and exhausted that you could just fall asleep anywhere? And you finally get a chance to relax, but you can’t because your mind is overwhelmed with thoughts of what you still have to do?! Ugh. It’s an endless cycle, and it’s endlessly frustrating. Well, I’ve been trying something new… I’m giving myself permission to relax. When I know I have a day off with some time to unwind, I will “plan” to do that. I have found that if I don’t plan this, give myself permission, I end up sitting there feeling guilty and stressed. What a waste of time! So, I’m changing the perspective and the thought process. When I want to, I will give myself permission to sit on the couch and do nothing. Without worry or stress or guilt! Sometimes you just need that. How am I feeling so far? Much more relaxed, thank you.

3. We celebrated Easter this week! Resurrection Sunday has always been a special time in my life. Sometimes it’s easy to go along each day and forget the sacrifice Jesus made for me, to forget grace, to forget love. Easter brings that all right back into perspective, and I’m so grateful for it. I shared one of my favorite bible verses in my Speaks To Me Sunday post, and it had me reflecting on our purpose in life. Jesus rose to his purpose so perfectly, and I am in awe. He is Risen, and I am eternally grateful.

4. I was in a commercial a few months back, and this week I saw the finished product! To see me get my sassy face on…

5. We are a week away from opening The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood, and I am getting excited! My husband did something very sweet to celebrate, he got me my very own Hermione wand! (I might have cried). He knows me so well. If you want to see just how much this meant to me, check out my Instagram (@JoannaHackman) and read the caption for this photo. Now that I have my wand, I am ready for some magic!

 
Happy Friday!

Enjoy April, fools! 😝 (See what I did there?!)