What’s the first thing you do when your computer starts lagging or responding slowly?
You reboot it.
Right?
At least I hope that’s what you do.
Rebooting your computer frees up RAM, resets apps and connections, kills background processes that are using up resources, and installs updates.
It basically refreshes the entire system, resolves glitches, and returns everything to a stable state.
That is exactly what my little spring break break trip did for me.
I came back with a lot of mores.
More stable.
More motivated.
More patient.
More clarity.
I’m noticing more positives instead of focusing on the negatives all the time.
There is no doubt: I need to reboot myself more often.
And I found the perfect place to do it.
Here’s an updated photo of our favorite little cabin escape.
This is the second time we stayed at Shadow Mountain Escape, and it’s my preferred reboot location.
We didn’t get to connect with the owners, Ralph and Karen, this time, but they still made our stay memorable with homemade treats and an anniversary card for us when we arrived.
There is no cell service on the property. They do have WiFi, but it’s really easy to disconnect here, especially when you are literally going for that purpose. There’s a DVD player with lots of fun movies, a short nature walk marked on the property, and the cabin is comfy.
While there, we explored Skyline Drive and wandered around Luray, just enjoying each other’s company.
I’m literally smiling as I write this. That’s how much of a positive effect this short little trip had on me.
And on that note… let me revisit my goals with a refreshed mind.
2026 Goal Tracking
Cooking/Food
#SaladTime
Goal: Once a Week ❌ On Hold
No new videos, but I made a super fun salad with all my Easter dinner leftovers.
That’s leftover pork loin, pineapple, asparagus, roasted potatoes, and crispy onions over mixed greens. For the dressing, I just drizzled a little balsamic, which is my current obsession.
I stocked up on greens when we got back, so my goal this week is a salad every day. So far… I’m nailing it!
You can see all my current #SaladTime videos here in a YouTube playlist.
Weekly Soup/Stew
Goal: Once a Week ✅ (On Hold)
I didn’t make one, but Mom gave me some of her taco soup this week. It’s delicious and makes the perfect lunch! I forgot to take a photo, so you will just have to trust me.
Sourdough
Goal: Once a Week ✅ (On Hold)
I am building up my starter to make a loaf tonight!
Homemade Pasta
Goal: Once a Month
- January 1/9 ✅
- February 2/15 ✅
- March 3/1 ✅
- April
Planning to make some pasta this weekend! I’m thinking a Fancy Friday is in order!
Evan in the Kitchen
Goal: Once a Week ❌
Still trying. He starts his part-time job on Thursday, so it’s about to get even harder!
Fitness/Weightlifting
Olympic Lifting Training
The one thing I really missed while away was the gym and my training. Don’t get me wrong, I think I needed a break from that as well, but now I’m more motivated than ever to give my training 100%.
Handstands/Pull Ups/Jump Rope
Still planning to put together a formal program for these once classes end.
Daily Walks
Every day we’ve been back except Pickleball day, which gets Ev out there for a walk too, since the dog still needs to go.
Hikes
- Goal: Twice a month
- January 1/3, 1/15, 1/23 ✅
- February ❌
- March 3/21, 3/28
- April 4/3
It wasn’t the longest hike because The Husband isn’t a fan, but I persuaded him to get into the woods with me on our trip for a short one.
Hot Yoga
- Goal: Twice a month
- January 1/4, 1/11, 1/18 ✅
- February 2/1 ❌
- March 3/1, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29 ✅
- April
I decided to skip this past weekend, even though I was home by Sunday. I needed a break from that as well, and now I’m already looking forward to going this coming Sunday.
Pickleball
Our second league started last night, and it was awesome! I cannot express how much I am enjoying the Pickleball league. For starters, it’s just a fun date night for The Husband and me, but beyond that, I’m getting addicted to the competition of it and the pursuit of getting better at it.
Creative/Other Pursuits
Music
Okay, confession time, it’s been exactly one week since I picked up the guitar! This is the longest stretch all year, and I plan to remedy it tonight and pick up where I left off in my video series.
Painting
I’m currently working on a card for someone. I’ll post a photo of it once they get a chance to see it.
Acting Class/Drum Lessons
I found an acting class this summer and just inquired about how to register! I’ll keep you posted.
Drumming is still on hold until I wrap up this semester.
Spanish
Keeping up with Duolingo… no other progress.
Alcohol Reduction
- Goal: No more than two days of drinking a month.
- January 1/1, 1/31 ✅
- February 2/1, 2/21 ✅
- March 3/21 ✅
- April 4/1, 4/2
I enjoyed some wine and cocktails with The Husband while in Luray. I also have a dinner party planned this month, so I may fail this in April, but that’s okay. My commitment to this has reduced my alcohol consumption greatly, and that’s the real goal here.
Looking Ahead
You know what.
I’m very much in the moment right now, and I’m going to stay here for a bit.
Day-to-day.
Not overthinking.
Not getting ahead of myself.
Just existing, doing what I can when I can, and holding on to this feeling for as long as I can.
One reply on “Rebooted (y02w15)”
WYC WYC 😀 I use that term all. the. time. lol