Dining

Staying Healthy on the Road

One of my biggest concerns is how to stay healthy on the road.  I am not starting off as the healthiest person around, so I need to take some precautions.

  • Essential Oils:  I am an Independent Distributor for Young Living Essential Oils, and as a result of learning everything I can over the last two years about the benefits of using Young Living Essential Oils, I have seen my overall health improve greatly.   My devotion to learning about safe and proper use of essential oils has only enhanced my primary objective of maintaining a simple health regimen using oils to help promote a more balanced lifestyle.   The many lifestyle changes I am making have helped me to decrease dependency on other health control methods which I had been utilizing prior to delving into the exciting world of essential oils.   I will be taking my entire arsenal of oils along on this trip to keep me healthy.  Oils which may help to protect me from the rigors of long distance travel.   These oils should enable me to manage many travel related health issues I may encounter such as stomach discomfort, ease restlessness, will help me remain calm in tense driving situations, maintain lower stress levels, and help me take care of many other wellness issues that may crop up.  I love my Essential Oils and I know that using them along with a more well balanced diet that I have a much better chance at having some wonderful experiences and ultimately a more successful trip.
  • Water:  I plan to always have water available in the car with me.  Another component of my increased health is I have traded sodas for water.  I never would have thought that would have happened in my life time, but it was one of the best decisions I ever made.  Staying hydrated is extremely important for organ function, mental clarity and detoxing.
  • Sleep:  Sleep is going to be a very important part of this trip.  I will try to plan the same get up and sleep times during the day.  I have never slept in my car for such long periods of time.  I need to assume that there will be some adjustments necessary.  I will be doing a few “dry runs” which to me are mini trips in order to help me sort of get used to the idea.  This is going to be very interesting.
  • Exercise:  With so many hours of sitting and driving, I am going to need to stop and move around a few times during the day.  I plan on practicing Tai Chi in the mornings and taking a walk at night.  But there needs to be more during the day.  I Hope to find interesting things to stop and see on my sojourn so that I may break occasionally and just stop for a while and move around to stretch and keep my joints and muscles limber.
  • Eating Properly:  My original plan was to eat MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) for lunch and spend $5 or less a day on dinner.  I really do not want to spend a lot of money on food.  I have started having some issues related to gluten and if that continues that will change my meal planning completely.  I have some more research to do concerning this and will post an update when I know more.
  • Personal Hygiene:  This will be a little tricky the nights I stay in my car.  I am only planning on staying in a motel one night a week.  I have to shower more than that, so I need to come up with an alternative.  I can wash my hair and brush my teeth with bottled water, so that does not concern me as much.  Obviously this needs more work also, but at least I am thinking about it.
  • Sanity:  I am going to try to be as low tech as possible on this trip, but I hope I can Skype several times a week back to home base where my support team can relay items onto this blog.   I am going to miss him very much since we have been married almost 25 years, so being away from him will be difficult, but I do think if we can see each other for a few minutes a day, it will be very helpful.  Part of this trip is to teach me to downsize in preparation to try and live in a Tiny Home someday soon, but I will still be taking a thing or two which hold significant meaning to me.  A couple small comforts from home should go a long way in keeping me sane.

It looks like I have some work to do yet, but having a general outline is essential to making this trip a success.  The last thing I want to do is not feel good many miles from home and all alone.  I need to make this a priority.  Luckily, I have lots of people praying for my safety and that gives me great comfort!!

Thank you for your time!!

Geneva On The Lake, Ohio

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A few weekends ago, Mike and I visited Geneva On The Lake in Northeast Ohio.  It was one of the first really beautiful days after a long and extremely cold winter, warm and breezy it was.  The lake was calm and absolutely beautiful. Although I live fairly close to Lake Erie, I do not take the time to visit it too often.  That day I was so impressed with the Great Lake.  Mike and I sat on a bench by the lake listening to the birds singing their songs as the cool lake breezes blew.  We sat speechless for some time and I felt the peaceful effect this was having on me.  I daydreamed of my upcoming time near the Pacific Ocean.

I believe the Pacific Ocean is going to heal and center me.  I have seen the ocean many, many years ago when my Mom, Sister and I drove to the West Coast to deliver my Sister to a new Air Force base she was stationed at.  I feel in love with the Pacific Ocean immediately.  It was truly love at first sight.  I have longed over the years to see her again.  She is a major part of my wellness (physical and spiritual) plan.

But until I get there in a few months, I do have the lovely Lake Erie close to home.  I may drive up there again before I leave just feel the wonder and beauty.   Thank you Lord for the majesty of nature, and I pray that as I take this trip that I take the time to see Your work wherever I go.

Dry Run – Donna’s Diner in Sharon, PA

In preparation for my upcoming trip Mike and I drove to Sharon, PA last weekend.  I’m not much of a shopper so there was not much for me but we found the best little gem of a diner, called  Donna’s Diner.  This diner looked like the hands of the clock had stopped somewhere in 1950.  The stainless steel outside, neon lighting, and Christmas bulbs make this diner extra inviting.  The inside is adorned with red vinyl booths, black and white tile floor and the most adorable decorations.

After looking at the extensive menu, my mouth started watering at the very sight of the hamburger (my absolute favorite meal) options.  Hamburgers, French fries and milkshakes are the standard and best fare.  I was not disappointed with my Donna Burger.  The service was great.  Our waitress, Kierstin, was funny and inviting.  She even sat down in our booth to chat.

I hope to find many more fun places with great food and great people.  My suggestion for the next time you are in Sharon, stop by and see everyone at Donna’s and enjoy and iced cold pop and a delicious burger!