What's Up Wednesday

 Hi friends! I'm linking up with Shay and Schaeffer today for What's Up Wednesday! I can't wait to read your posts! 

What I'm Eating// 

Everything as usual! Haha

((I know this may seem funny I mention this every month but there were years when I was in a Crohn's Disease flare and I didn't want to eat anything/ate only for calories.  I am always so excited to be able to want to eat))

What I'm Loving//

The summer like weather and lots of outside time and all the colorful clothes that is filling up my closet. I am also loving the fact its JUNE tomorrow!

What I've Been Up To//

Living my best life with some really awesome people. Running a monthly 5K, spending time outside, thinking about my future. 

What I'm Dreading//

Nothing, I am pretty happy to be in the here and now.

What I'm Working On//

Posts for the upcoming month; a more sustainable workout plan and what I am going to eat for lunch
Also, packing for vacation- send help!

What I'm Excited About// 

Vacation. Mets Game in Philly. Friday's off. Life and the future

What I'm Watching/Reading//

Just finished Succession-ohmygosh! ohmygosh! What a crazy show!

Keith and I also have watched Fast X, The Mario Bros Movie, The Covenant and we just started Jury Duty. Someone please tell me it gets funnier!

Still not reading anything besides my word search book. Really hoping to change this soon.

What I'm Listening To//

Daily mixes on Spotify and a mix of Back to the Beach with Kirsten and Stephen, Welcome to Our Show, HBO's Succession Podcast, Just Like Other Girls AND TED Talks Daily. (what a mix huh?!)

What I'm Wearing//
Sundresses, shorts and boat shoes.

What I'm Doing This Weekend//
We are leaving for vacation!!! Check back tomorrow to see where we are off to.

What I'm Looking Forward To Next Month//

More days outside; Red Bank Classic 5K, Mets game in Philly, Vacation, my Summer Friday's off and Couch to 5K.

Favorite Amazon Find Of The Month//
BALORAY Lunch Bag 

I needed a new bag and  I thought this was the perfect upgrade. 

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Love sharing what I have been up to each month and I look forward to reading your posts!

[[The best is yet to come]]

Dear May

Land of the Free because of the brave

What a month! I know I've been saying that for the past few months, BUT its really true! This month was filled with so many wonderful things. I honestly feel like I have lived 5 different lives this month (after looking back in my camera roll. It is a really cool feeling. Let's jump in shall we?

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Here are some words that were prominent during my month:  

Focus/// I felt like this month I really focused on what I'm eating- more protein, more veggies, less mindless snacking. I have definitely seen a difference in how my clothes are fitting and how I'm feeling. Now have I been perfect with this- absolutely not but its a work in progress and  I am really proud with the changes I have made and stuck with all month. 

Connections// I reached out to local bloggers, like me, to chat and network. It was scary to reach out to internet friends but the reward was definitely worth it. Making friends as an adult (especially for women) is hard. Taking baby steps helps soften the scariness and makes it slightly mor easier. 

Sunshine/// so many days with beautiful sunshine. It was so nice to feel the warmth on my face and to see how everyone's mood seemed to drastically improved when it was sunny outside. I felt like I wanted to be outside all the time. 

Grace/// A lot of new things happened this month (yes, still being vague and yes, things are still really amazing ) and it's been a lot to juggle at times and some things fell to the wayside- WGJ for example. I know WGJ will always be here for me, when I do come back. I gave myself so much grace this month and  I didn't stress when I couldn't do everything. I know I am not superwoman.  Grace is a funny thing and I think the more I give myself, the happier I am.

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Emoji of the month:

😌
(contentment, calm and peace) 

Last month, I shared I was feeling unsettled and in between. This month those things have seem to have gone away and life is fun again. There is no unsettled feelings and that in-between feeling will always be there to some degree BUT the 😌 emoji has been very appropriate for this month.

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Flashback

In 2022, I was being really active and I was in a different season of my life; in 2021, I started dating again; "life becomes lighter when the weather is warmer;" in 2020, we were knees deep in the pandemic and I was all about spending time outside. in 2017 and 2016, I was a book worm, reviewing over 50 books; and lastly in 2015, Keith and I were dating. Weird how life comes full circle.

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Gym Update

I didn't get to the gym once this month BUT I did go for many many many walks. 

I also ran my monthly 5K at the beginning of the month. 

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Looking Forward

June is filled with A LOT of goodness. I am kicking the month off in Florida and then its the Red Bank Classic 5K, Mets Games and Couch to 5K. Oh, how can I forget about all the sunshine and warm weather?!  I am very excited for June!

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Posts

Did you miss any of my posts from this month? Find them below:

Random #16 | April Work #OOTD | Prayer Journal | 12 in 12: May | Happy Mother's Day | WGJ vol.41 | Diary #41 | Notes on Memorial Day | 

Friday's Joy 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 

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May, you were amazing! I felt like I had heart eyes all month! JUNE, you're up! I can't wait to see what you hold for me!

[[It's already yours. Joshua 1:3]] 

Notes on Memorial Day

These are a few notes on Memorial Day:

I wrote this last year and I still think its appropriate:

May we always remember-All gave some but Some gave all-for our Country. May we pause on this day of barbecues and good times to remember what this day actually is for- those Soliders who gave their lives to protect us and the Country we live in. May we never forget the scarfice that these men and women have made. 

God Bless America

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This video is from the 2017 Super Bowl, featuring Johnny Cash's " Ragged Old Flag" It's definitely worth the watch. Subsequent Super Bowl's have featured "Ragged Old Flag" spoken by other notable celebrities including Sam Eliot and Kyle Carpenter, member of the United States Marines.

I shared these in my last Friday's Joy post but I felt that its appropriate to share again:

Stripes and Whimsy's Memorial Day Post/// Katie, a veteran herself, talks about why its important to talk to kids about Memorial Day not just on Memorial but all year round. 

Artie Muller and Rolling Thunder/// I can't talk about Memorial Day and not talk about Artie Mueller, a true American Badass. He's a family friend and co-founder of Rolling Thunder. This is a good read and true to form for Artie. Isn't he the epitome of a man who you want on your side?

 Thank you for your service. There are still Americans who are proud to be Americans. 

[[This nation will remain home of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. -Elmer Davis]]

Friday's Joy

Before I jump into my favorites, I have to share this is the 800th post on my blog!  It's hard for me to believe that I have written and published 800 posts, and to think I have come up with many more posts that were not written/posted. This blog, has become a public diary of my life over the past 11 years. There are moments that I am very glad I have documented, there are some moments that I wish I didn't share but overall WonderGraceJoy is really special to me. I appreciate all of my readers for stopping by my corner of the internet.  

What a fun filled week! 

I am linking up with Erica and Andrea for Friday Favorites and I can't wait to read your posts. 

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Week in Review 

Happy MDW! I love that this is the unofficial start of Summer. Living on the Jersey Shore, this is when things get crazy-traffic, influx of people and all the summery sandy fun you can find. 

What a fun and fast week this was! 

Last weekend, Keith and I saw Fast X after work on Friday. We had been catching up on all the movies and we were super excited to see what the next installment had in store. It was unbelieve and really awesome. I'll admit some of these circumstances are a little out there but they make for a good film. The last Fast and Furious film we saw together was Fast and Furious 7 in 2015. 

Saturday was filled with rain and a postponed baseball game for Keith. So lazy Saturday was in full effect and we binged Succession and got through 4 episodes leaving us with 3 to watch during the week to catch up before the series Finale on Sunday Night (28th). 

Sunday was a great day. Keith went to the Mets game and I spent the day alone. I went to church, did a few errands, worked on my blog, did a few things around the house and then I was in bed by 9 doing a word search. It was perfect and it made me smile when Keith came home so excited that the Mets won and told me all about it. 

Monday night we went to a paint and pour class at a local brewery.  I wasn't sure what to expect BUT it ended up being a lot of fun, we got to do something do different and make cool art! 

Work this week has been pretty good this week. That huge pile of work that has been growing and shrinking and growing over the last few weeks has finally been conquered. What a relief it has been to get to the bottom of that and to be able to breathe for a bit. I am also wrapping up the bookkeeping from the beginning of the year and that is another relief for me. I seem to be in a good rhythm lately and I really hope this lasts.

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Looking forward 

Its a 3 day weekend! Saturday is a busy day- I am meeting a local blogger for coffee and then I am going Stand Up Paddleboarding. After SUP, Keith and I are having an early dinner with my parents THEN we are going to a BBQ with his friends. Sunday will be church and relaxing. ALSO watching the series finale of Succession. We have watched all the episodes except last weeks and we are so excited to see what happens. Monday will be a bonus day to relax and regroup before a short week and VACATION!

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Links

Stripes and Whimsy's Memorial Day Post/// Katie, a veteran herself, talks about why its important to talk to kids about Memorial Day not just on Memorial but all year round. 

Artie Muller and Rolling Thunder/// I can't talk about Memorial Day and not talk about Artie Mueller, a true American Badass. He's a family friend and co-founder of Rolling Thunder. This is a good read and true to form for Artie. Isn't he the epitome of a man who you want on your side?

Taylor's Philly Fans/// This is the true definition of where there's a will, there's a way. Can you imagine hanging out in a parking lot with other Taylor Swift fans living your best life in sparkly outfits?!

Quiet wealth/// I love this idea. I love the idea of the seemingly simple person next door is really a bajillionaire. I am all for keeping wealth secret. Succession is an interesting example of this. What they wear, what they do, etc. 

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Posts

Did you miss any of my posts this week? Find them below:

WGJ vol. 41 | Diary # 41 | Prayer Journal

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[[Bold stripes, bright stars, brave hearts]]

Diary #41

Another month of wonderful memories captured...

I actually laughed out loud when I saw this book. 

I could have sat and looked through this book for hours

When someone offers you a cupcake and snacks, you say "yes please!"

All the yellow and 11:11

I was so drawn to this tree. I think it's the texture

Cool bug

I live for this view

Hallway selfie 

I kid you not, these colors are not enhanced. 

Love them

I need a frame for this. 

Buster was blowing me kisses

I love this candid moment

This dog was having the best day

These make me happy

Police Unity Tour

Love getting selfies from these two

New stamp to add to my collection
2001 Heroes stamp

Blue eyes and word finds

Weekly reminder that life is precious and I am filled with Gratitude

💓🤍💙

Raspberry Lemon Scones

Happy Mother's Day mama

Not where I wanted to be on a Wednesday Morning

It's weird this is not our first selfie outside of a hospital

Afternoon lunches with these two at the EGDB

Picture Perfect
Look at all the different shades of color

They grow up so fast! 😍

8 years later and we still watch Fast and the Furious together.

Pour painting class

These paintings describe our personalities PERFECTLY

Monday night date night. 
Paint and Pour night

I know, I know. This is a weird obsession but LOOK they are getting their
black feathers. 

[[“The most important thing in life will always be the people in this room. Right here, right now.” Dominic Toretto]]

BONUS:

Flashback to 2015 when Keith and I seeing Fast and Furious 7

WGJ vol. 41

Another month, another soundtrack full of great music!

WGJ Vol. 41
Out Of That Truck- Carrie Underwood
Whatever She Sees In Me- Trey Lewis
Dirty Looks- Lainey Wilson
I'll Take The Chevy- Parmalee
Faithful- Tucker Beathard
Ask Me How I Know- Mitch Rossell
While You're Gone- Drew Parker
Get Down Life That- Gary LeVox
2 Years Back- Greylan James
Walking Each Other Home- Dierks Bentley
Looking For You- Chris Young
Life's Incredible Again- Gasteiz Big Band
Prayer List- Drew Green
Another Right Now- Logan Mize
I Wouldn't Be Here- Dalton Dover
Ain't No Cowboy- Jon Langston
I Should Have Married You- Old Dominion
Back To You- ILLENIUM, All Time Low
Best of Me- David Nail
Lookin' For Love- The Swon Brothers
Can't Take It With You- Eric Church
Beauty In The Bad Things- John Harvie
Forever and Ever, Amen- Brent Morgan
Fall For You- Gable Bradley
One Good Move- Charles Esten
Smoking Section- Jelly Roll
Women In My Life- Sam Hunt
More Than Yesterday- Two Friends, Russell Dickerson
Tough Crowd- Jason Aldean
Different 'Round Here- Riley Green, Luke Combs

Listen Here.

[[She remembered who she was and  the game changed. Lalah Deliah]]

Friday's Joy

Happy Friyay!

I am linking up with Erika and Andrea today; I can't wait to read your posts!

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Week in Review 

What a wacky week!

Mother's Day was really nice. We spent it at my parents house for a really lovely lunch filled with laughter and family. I ended up making mama these yummy raspberry scones. She was so surprised and LOVING them. 

In a weird twist of events, I ended up in the hospital on Wednesday for what I think is a Crohn's Disease Flare. It came out of nowhere, like my other flares and it went away pretty quickly as well. I knew that the hospital was the right thing to do BUT it was still scary. Keith was a rockstar supporting me in the hospital and my parents were a great support as always. In my haste of getting out of the house, I forgot my favorite hospital companion, Penelope. She was happy I was feeling better but was sad to be left home. 

Thursday was a day to get myself back on my feet and adjusting back into the world. I know the hospital is a scary experience for me as the patient and I can't imagine how my parents and Keith feel. It has to be extra scary and unsettling.  I am so thankful for the prayers and good care I did receive. 

On a happier note, Keith and I have been watching Succession every night to catch up to be able to watch the Series finale on May 28th. We are already in Season 4 (!!!) (I honestly did not think I was going to make it!!) and 7 episodes to go until the finale. We have 10 days to get through those episodes for the big finale. 

Other than the hospital episode, life has still been really good. I know last week I talked about adjusting to new things and while I am still in the adjustment phase, I am very happy. I know I am being intentionally vague BUT I promise its for all the best reasons. 

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Looking forward

Tonight Keith and I are going to see Fast X in IMAX. We are so excited. The last Fast and Furious movie we saw together was Furious 7 in 2015. Its been a minute! We have been rewatching the whole series to give me a recap of it all! 

Monday night, Keith and I are going to a "Joy of Pour Painting" at a local Brewery and I am so excited! 

And can we talk about how MDW is next week?! How in the world did that happen?

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Posts this week 

Did you miss my posts this week? Find them below:

12 in 12: May | Happy Mother's Day | 

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[[Brave women are not born from comfort zones. They are made in the fire. Cheryl Hale]]

Happy Mother's Day

 Happy Mother's Day Mom! 

You are my best friend and my confident. Thank you for all you do and all that you will do. I love all of our adventures together. I can't wait for what waits ahead for us.  I love you toots!

[[A mother is your first friend, your best friend and your forever friend]]