Cold Weather, Full Days, and Learning the Rhythm of Florida Life

Let’s start with the obvious: it is stinking cold here right now — which honestly feels like a personal attack.
I did not move to Florida to wear layers. This was not part of the agreement 😂
Luckily, Florida is dramatic and forgiving, and in a few days it’ll be back in the 80s like nothing ever happened. I’m already mentally preparing for that first real hot stretch where I can disappear to the beach for an entire day, do absolutely nothing, let the sun cook my nervous system back into submission, and ground straight into the earth like a lizard with a purpose.

From the outside, life probably looks pretty uneventful right now. Not flashy. Not chaotic. No big “look at me” moments. Just… steady. But underneath that calm exterior, there’s a lot happening. I’m in a constant go-go-go rhythm most days, and I’m almost finding my flow. It’s that weird in-between stage where nothing feels automatic yet, but you can tell it’s coming.

Between working at the salon, making new connections, building Trident and expanding its presence, building at Aili Healing, and driving everywhere — partly because my martial arts training is far away and partly because I still don’t know where anything is — my days stay full. Florida distances are humbling. Everything is “only 20 minutes away,” which is a lie. But I don’t mind it. I’m building something here, and that takes movement.

And honestly? I still love it here.
There’s a quietness to Florida that feels different from Minnesota. Not empty — just spacious. The sun does a lot of the heavy lifting emotionally, and the palm trees feel like they’re constantly reminding you to slow down… even when you’re not actually slowing down at all.

Somehow, without trying, I’ve made it into the cool club at the gym with the trainers. I’m now known as the girl who only trains legs, always looks mad, and never smiles between sets. The guys have taken this as a personal challenge and love trying to make me laugh or guessing what I’m listening to based on my facial expression. Apparently, I have a very specific “true crime face,” because that’s almost always the answer. Intense stories. Dark details. Very motivating for heavy leg days.

Most people at the gym don’t speak English — or speak very little of it — so communication is often a mix of gestures, head nods, and mutual respect for effort. I might end up learning another language just so I can understand the full conversations happening around me. Until then, leg day remains universal.

My mom and stepdad are here for a few months, and it’s been really nice having them visiting. Familiar faces, extra hands around the house, and help with Charlie have added an extra layer of comfort during this season. It’s good to have family nearby while everything else continues to take shape.

And then there are the little discoveries — like finding Jungle Organics, this incredible place about an hour away, right by the water, and close to my friend Sue’s house. One of those spots that instantly makes you feel healthier just by being there. Completely worth the drive. Some places don’t just fit into your routine — they become part of it.

This season isn’t loud.
It’s not flashy.
But it’s deeply intentional.

It’s building a life piece by piece. Learning new rhythms. Letting things take shape naturally. And trusting that even when it looks quiet from the outside, something solid is forming underneath it all.

More sun. More beach days. More progress.
And eventually — less cold.

One Month in!

Alright. I am officially moved into my own place.
Which sounds calm and adult… but the process absolutely was not.

Moving is always this strange mix of excitement and chaos. You start with good intentions, a plan, and labeled boxes. And then suddenly you’re sitting on the floor, eating something questionable, surrounded by things you forgot you owned, wondering how it’s possible to both have too much stuff and also none of the stuff you actually need.

Case in point:
I did not pack a single dish.
No plates. No bowls. No silverware. No cooking utensils. Nothing.

For days.

I lived off fruit and beef sticks like some kind of feral minimalist while telling myself, “This is fine.” Eventually I accepted reality and ordered plates and forks. That is… as far as I’ve gotten. Cooking is still a future-me project.

But I’m in.
Keys work.
Bed is assembled.
Coffee is happening (thankfully). Big wins.

What I didn’t expect is how quickly Charlie and I slipped into a really good flow. Our mornings are spent outside so he can run around and burn off energy while I ease into the day. There are a bunch of stray cats nearby who love to taunt him through the fence. He finds this deeply offensive. I find it endlessly entertaining.

Unpacking is actually done — and I did it differently this time. I unpacked as I packed. Anything I realistically won’t be using in the next six months went straight back into clearly labeled, organized totes. No need to unpack things just to repack them again later. I’ll save that for when I buy a place — hopefully sometime in the next year.

Adult logistics update: the landlord never hooked up my washer and dryer when I moved in. That finally got handled, which means laundry is now operational. I also bought a clothesline so I can hang my clothes outside to dry. That was one of my favorite things as a kid, and honestly, it still is. Plus it saves money, so I’m calling that a win.

Work-wise, things are moving in a really good direction. The salon is picking up and my books are filling. Peptides are taking off too — more and more people are discovering just how life-changing they can be. With everything coming into the mainstream (and yes, RFK Jr. backing them hasn’t hurt), people are finally paying attention. They really are a game changer — for recovery, sleep, brain health, longevity… across the board.

I also found a new martial arts school that I absolutely love. It’s an hour and forty-five minutes away, which sounds insane, but the classes are three hours long and the training is incredible — so it’s worth the drive. The downside is getting home around 11pm when I’m usually asleep by 10, but some things are worth adjusting for.

Saturday night we had our salon holiday party. I’m not really a party-or-drinking person, but I actually really enjoyed it. It was great meeting the girls from the other location and spending time with the women I work with outside of the salon. Easy, relaxed, good energy.

Sunday was my birthday, and it was honestly a really good one.

Eighty-five degrees. Full sun.
I worked in the morning, hit a quick workout, then headed straight to the beach. A random woman from Alaska set up next to me and we ended up chatting for two hours. Total stranger, great conversation — one of those unexpected moments that just makes a day better.

After that, I went back to the gym to finish my workout, then spent the evening with my Florida MMS family. It was the best kind of day. All my favorite things — movement, sun, good conversation, training, community — all in one place.

And just to keep things balanced, Florida decided to humble me again. It was 35 degrees when I woke up one morning this week. Thirty-five. I had to turn the heat on. Beach one day, winter jacket the next. Makes sense.

Next week my daughter, my mom, and my stepdad are coming to visit. It’s going to be one very full, very tiny house — but I’m really looking forward to seeing them. Hopefully it warms up so Ains and I can get some beach time in… assuming Florida stops lying to us.

The days feel busy but steady. There’s a rhythm now — work, training, home, repeat — and it feels good.

I’m tired, but it’s the good kind of tired.

So here I am.
Moved in.
Organized.
Eating off real plates.
Laundry drying in the sun (when it’s not freezing).
Driving ridiculous distances to train.
Dogs being taunted by cats.
Family about to descend.
And feeling really good about what’s unfolding.

More soon.

day….??

Anyone still here?!
Hello??
Is anyone actually reading this thing?! 😂

Okay, so I took a few days off from writing. Mostly because I wasn’t doing anything wildly different, and partly because I had that moment of “am I just talking to myself on the internet?” So… if you’re here, hi. This is the catch-up post.

Big update first: I move into my new place tomorrow.
Which explains why the last few days have felt a little… chaotic. Boxes, lists, last-minute errands, mental juggling. You know the drill.

Work at the salon is officially picking up. I’ve had clients on my books every day I’ve been there, which feels really good. Peptides are taking off. Coaching is taking off. Everything is growing and moving at the same time. My days are full, and somehow they fly by. It’s kind of wild how much you can get done when the weather isn’t holding you hostage. It’s just… nice all the time. Sun, warmth, energy. You wake up and go, go, go without fighting the elements. Florida might be onto something.

Today was honestly kind of perfect — and also kind of funny.
It was 67 and sunny during the day. I hit the gym in the morning and I’m finally starting to recognize people and make gym friends (huge win). I came home with a solid list of things I needed to get done… and none of it was cooperating. Websites weren’t working, places weren’t answering the phone, and everything I needed to move forward just kept hitting a wall.

So I did what I could, waited on what I couldn’t, and spent most of the day outside by the pool with my laptop while the universe decided to move at its own pace.

There were good conversations, and I got help with a few things, which I’m really grateful for. Then it was off to the post office, straight into martial arts training, and home around 9pm. I packed up my things and cleaned the area I’d been staying in, because that’s just how I operate. You leave things better (or at least equal) to how you found them.

After that, we all kind of sat there in disbelief at how fast the last three and a half weeks went. It’s wild how quickly a place can start to feel like home… and how hard it is to say goodbye just as it does.

The dogs are going to miss each other the most.
Buddy waits outside the bedroom door every single morning so he can play with Charlie. All day long they run, wrestle, nap, repeat. They’re both really going to feel that absence — and honestly… so will I.

I’m excited to unpack and settle into my own space.
I’m also a little nervous about getting lonely.

There has been so much change in the last month. Like… a lot. And more is coming. That part feels both exciting and tender at the same time.

Also — random but important — I still haven’t been to the ocean yet. I know. Florida card revoked. I’ve just been busy. That’s happening in two weeks, non-negotiable.

Next week is absolutely jam-packed. And it’s my birthday this weekend. I’ve planned some really good things for myself: a massage, regeneration room, a couple of other sessions, time with the Orlando MMS community — and I’m meeting with a potential Filipino Martial Arts instructor to train with, which I’m genuinely really excited about.

Oh, and it’s supposed to be 82 degrees.

So yes — my birthday week will be spent in the sunshine, probably getting tan, training, and letting myself actually enjoy everything that’s unfolding.

One last Florida note from today: it does get cold here at night.
And by cold, I mean 49 degrees, which Florida apparently thinks is acceptable. I’m not convinced. The upside? Fireplaces. Who doesn’t love the smell of a fireplace? Cozy, grounding, very end-of-the-day energy.

That said… we may have gotten a little overzealous with it this evening. At one point, we were mildly smoked out, the dogs started sneezing, and it officially became a situation. Windows were opened, lessons were learned, and everyone survived. Fireplace enthusiasm slightly dialed back.

More soon.
If you’re still here… thanks for reading 💛

from the drive home from work last night

Today’s blog

Quick question before we begin: are you still here? Or have you all quietly unsubscribed from my wildly glamorous life of sun, dog chaos, and me doing the same three things on a loop? 😅 No judgment either way.

The day started, as it often does, with Charlie being released into the backyard like a creature who has been waiting his entire life for this exact moment. He doesn’t really run like a dog… he kind of moves like a horse. A very joyful, slightly uncoordinated, elegant horse. He gallops. He prances. And then, for reasons only known to him, he gracefully jumps over the retaining wall — like he’s competing in some kind of backyard equestrian event. Ten out of ten form. Judges are impressed.

So that was the morning: sun, fresh air, and my dog living out his secret horse fantasy. Then I went to the gym.

After that, I came home and did what I genuinely love about being self-employed — I sat in the sun, took a couple nutrition phone check-ins, and handled orders as they came in. No rush. No clock. Just responding to what the day asked for in that moment.

Then I did some very responsible adult things like cleaning, packaging up peptide orders, and going to the post office.

From there, I went over to Clermont and wandered around the lake for a while. Not exercising. Not sightseeing. Just existing outside long enough for my system to remember itself.

At one point on the trail, two girls actually stopped me just to tell me I have the most amazing legs they’ve ever seen, which was unexpected, kind, and strangely affirming — a little reminder that the body reflects the care we give it.

Later, I went to martial arts training, which always feels less like “working out” and more like returning to a language my body already knows.

Somewhere in there, I reached out to a colleague and ordered the quartz crystals wrapped in copper wire for crystal gridding the new space. Since Ainsleigh is now living in my house and the grid remains there, I don’t have a set with me — which is exactly how it should be.

For anyone who’s been to my house or to the Modern Mystery School, you’ve probably seen it — the quartz crystals wrapped in copper wire placed on the walls and the generator crystal in the center of each room. That’s what crystal gridding a space actually is.

According to the teachings of Sacred Geometry, crystal gridding creates an energetic sanctuary in your home that raises the vibration of the space and supports clarity, focus, healing, connection, and protection. It’s an ancient technique that installs a permanent energetic structure using geometric patterns and activation practices — not decoration, not casual objects, but a field woven into the architecture of the energy itself.

Because the grid is structural, once it’s placed, it stays exactly where it is. If a crystal shifts or falls, the grid collapses and must be placed again from the beginning. Its energy and you cant let the energy fall.

Right now, I’m mostly organizing the handful of things I actually have with me into a few totes in a bedroom at Calla and Ed’s. My storage unit is full of my real life, but this is the little, temporary version of it. A threshold. A hallway between rooms.

I’m sad to leave Calla, Ed, and Olivia. I love it here. Charlie loves it here.

But I’m also really looking forward to settling. To be still long enough for life to arrange itself around me again. To listen more than pushing. To notice what arrives when I allow it.

The new place is in this really sweet pocket of Orlando called the Hourglass District — lakes, little shops, and life happening within walking distance.

So yeah. Not a big day. Not a dramatic day. Just a good, simple day that quietly did its work.

And those are often the ones that matter most.

— Mary

Chilly air, a lot of movement, and a quiet yes.

Today was a good day.

Florida had a personality shift today. It decided to pretend it’s not Florida and dropped into the 60s, which felt very dramatic of it. I did not consent to winter.

The day started at home, packaging up peptide orders and getting everything organized to ship. There’s something oddly satisfying about that — being in your own little bubble, taping boxes, printing labels, knowing things are moving and reaching people. It feels tangible. Real.

At some point ,my friend Carissa called to check in, and we ended up talking for a long time about life, transitions, and everything unfolding in both of our worlds. She’s been a friend for a very long time, and it felt great to reconnect in that way. She’s waiting for me to get settled so she can come visit, escape for a bit, and sit in the sunshine by the water with me. That felt like a future moment I could already feel.

I drove into Orlando to look at a rental I had scheduled, only to find out it had to be rescheduled because maintenance was being done and the floors couldn’t be walked on yet. Instead, the owner offered to show me another property.

In between those two, I went to look at a different house that was absolutely beautiful — newly remodeled, massive fenced yard, genuinely stunning. The kind of place that makes you pause and imagine a whole life there. But the cost was well out of my budget, and while they said they might “work with me” about Charlie, it felt hesitant, conditional, and expensive. It wasn’t a no because of the house — it was a no because of the numbers.

Then I went to the salon for a bit. My boss was curious about peptides and ended up placing an order, so I helped him navigate that, and we talked about building books and expectations. It felt good to have that clarity — that sense of structure and mutual understanding.

After that, I went to look at another property owned by the original landlord — and this one felt different immediately.

The owner was great. Easy. Grounded. Human. We hit it off right away. No background check. No credit check. No extra pet rent. No drama. Just a conversation.

It’s a two-bedroom, one-bath. It’s old. It’s outdated. It’s small. And somehow… It’s perfect.

It’s two minutes from work. Walkable to lakes, little shops, and beautiful areas. Close to grocery stores and highways. In a safe, quiet neighborhood. And it has a fenced-in backyard for Charlie.

The house is nice enough that I can enjoy it, but not so precious that I have to stress about a dog being a dog. If he scratches a door or tracks in dirt, the world does not end. That feels like freedom.

So I signed the lease. Put down the deposit. Made it official.

Then I went back to the salon for a bit, then headed to the gym, got a good workout in, handed out a few cards, talked to a few members, shared a bit about what I do and what I’m building.

After that, I went home, filled in Calla and Ed, we chatted for a while, and then it was dinner, unwinding, and letting the day land.

Nothing wild. Nothing dramatic.

Just a lot of small steps in the right direction.

And one really important yes.

Tired, moving, and mildly amused by life.

I started the day at the gym, then went straight to work at the salon.

I had my first client today, which honestly felt really good. I haven’t cut anyone’s hair in two weeks and apparently I am not meant to go that long without working — it didn’t feel great. So being back behind the chair, scissors in hand, doing the thing I know how to do, felt grounding. Productive. Normal in the best way.

After work I went to look at a rental. I had a feeling it wouldn’t be a fit… and I was right. It was small, the yard was trashed, and I’m still trying to wrap my head around how rentals here work — like how so many places don’t come with washers and dryers and you’re just expected to bring your own? I’m sorry… what 😂

After that I literally just drove around for about two hours, up and down neighborhoods, looking for “For Rent” signs like a 90s movie montage. I found two places… and both of them don’t allow dogs. Of course they don’t.

So, back on the hunt tomorrow.

The evening was spent at Aili Healing with some friends who rent space there, which was actually the perfect way to end the day. After hours of doing and searching and thinking, it felt really good to just be with people, breathe, and soften a little.

It was a full day. A little tiring, a little chaotic, but honestly a good one. It felt like momentum.

Finding a place to rent isn’t easy, especially with a dog — but I’m here, I’m not leaving, and something is going to line up. It always does.

And tomorrow… we hunt again 😄

Not much to report (and that feels kind of perfect).

Today felt like one of those rare days where nothing dramatic happened… and somehow that was exactly what my nervous system needed.

It was 85 and sunny, and I soaked up every bit of it — the warmth on my skin, the brightness of the sky, the way Florida light already feels different from what I’ve known my whole life. Softer. Brighter. Like it’s constantly reminding me to slow down and breathe a little deeper.

This morning I trained with Train Kali from 9–11, about a 45-minute drive away. The drive itself felt like a small ritual — long stretches of road, palms, blue sky, that sense of leaving the normal world for a few hours to go do something focused and intentional.

Training was hard. It’s always hard. Mentally and physically. Filipino martial arts isn’t something you casually pick up — it demands your attention, your coordination, your nervous system, your humility. There’s no autopilot. Every movement requires presence. Every mistake is immediately obvious. It’s challenging in a way that’s both frustrating and deeply satisfying at the same time.

After that I rushed home, stopped at the post office, and then sat in the sun with the dogs. I didn’t put music on. I didn’t scroll. I just sat there. The only sounds were distant cars, birds, and people walking their dogs. That quiet felt almost loud in the best way — like space finally opening up around me.

Later I went to the gym for a workout. It was almost empty, which felt like such a gift. No waiting for machines, no noise, no rush. I just moved through my workout slowly and deliberately. The gym has changed a lot since October — new machines, a full-time cleaning crew, and now they’re literally knocking down a wall and expanding into the space next door. It makes sense. The place is full of bodybuilders, powerlifters, and then people like me — just there because we love moving our bodies and feeling strong.

The evening stayed simple. I ran the dogs, ate dinner outside by the pool while the light softened and the air cooled just a little, and then came inside to unwind and get things ready for tomorrow. Nothing big. Just life, happening quietly.

One more thing before I close this out: I found two schools that teach JKD and Wing Chun. They’re both over an hour away, but the contrast between them — and the styles themselves — is interesting.

(For anyone who doesn’t know: JKD — Jeet Kune Do — is about efficiency, adaptability, and what actually works under pressure. It’s less about memorizing forms and more about learning how to move, respond, and think in real time.)

(Wing Chun is a Chinese martial art focused on structure, sensitivity, and close-range efficiency — learning how to stay rooted, relaxed, and precise while redirecting force rather than meeting it head-on. It’s subtle, technical, and deeply internal in its own way.)

One of the schools offers training four days a week — not mandatory, but available. It’s high-frequency, high-access, very structured. You could really immerse through repetition and volume.

The other is the place where you have to apply. The instructor only accepts serious students, and training is once a week for 3–4 hours. Fewer sessions, but deeper ones. More focus. More intention. More “this is a path” than “this is a class.”

Both have value. But right now, the second one feels more aligned for me — less about squeezing something in and more about choosing something deliberately.

I emailed him tonight to ask how to apply and told him I’m interested. We’ll see what he says.

It feels like a small thing… but it also feels like another thread quietly weaving itself into this new life I’m building here — one slow, intentional day at a time

Daily Blog: Embracing the Flow of a Fresh Routine

Today unfolded like a gentle breath of fresh air—quite literally. Charlie and I started our morning early, stepping out into that beautiful fenced-in backyard that’s quickly becoming our little sanctuary. It’s been our daily ritual: he runs around joyfully, and I savor my coffee, just soaking in the cool breeze and the quiet moments without a phone. The weather right now is absolutely perfect—like a little gift every morning.

After that peaceful start, I headed over to the salon. It was a client-free day, which gave me a perfect window to dive into some behind-the-scenes work. I focused on marketing—tinkering with social media plans for the salon, for MMS, and of course, for Trident. There’s something special about finding your rhythm in a new place and feeling those pieces fall into place.

Midday brought a lovely little discovery: I found a gorgeous lake nearby called Lake Como and took a stroll around it. I even stumbled upon a spot called the Purple Ocean that serves organic açaí bowls and all sorts of wholesome bites. The universe is dropping little gems for me to find around every corner.

The afternoon was exciting too. I set up three tours for potential rental properties. None of them are the perfect fit yet, but it’s all part of the journey. And on the business side, we had a surge in peptide sales, which is a fantastic sign that the local buzz is starting to grow. People are hearing about peptides at the gym, on social media, and it’s awesome to see that spark of curiosity that we can nurture into a real community vibe here.

After a solid gym session, I got my first taste of Orlando turnpike traffic on the way home—bumper-to-bumper and apparently a regular occurrence. It was an adventure in itself, but I made it back eventually.

In the evening, we wound down with dinner, a bit of meditation, and some journaling. We’re currently staying with our wonderful hosts, Calla and Ed, and it was nice to chat with them about weekend plans. They’re super busy and always out and about, and though I’m working and can’t join everything, I’m really grateful for their hospitality and the sense of community they’re offering us.

So that was my day—full of little discoveries, a touch of patience, and a lot of gratitude for the people around us. Thanks for following along on this journey!

The Great Headache Day

Today was… very low key. And by low key, I mean my body absolutely hit the brakes.

I got hit with a headache from hell last night right before my Zoom call, and it just kept getting worse through the night and into the morning. Every time I woke up it felt like my head was in a vice grip and my arms kept going numb — which I’m pretty sure is the universe’s gentle way of saying, “Ma’am. You are dehydrated and stressed. Please sit down.”

So today became a “do not push, do not override, do not pretend you’re fine” kind of day. And honestly, it felt like a relief to actually listen instead of forcing myself through it.

I spent most of the day by the pool napping, tanning, and very intentionally trying to get rehydrated. I don’t know if it was dehydration, new pollens, travel stress, sleeping weird, or all of the above — but being by the pool in the sun still felt like exactly what I needed. It reminded me that sometimes rest isn’t avoidance, it’s integration.

Also… I did move to Florida for sunshine and a year-round tan, so I consider this part of the plan. I have to build my base now so when the UV hits 10 or 11, I’m ready 😄 Strategic tanning. Very professional.

Later in the day I went to the gym — not to lift, but to foam roll and walk, which felt like the responsible adult version of training. Just enough movement to get things unstuck without making anything worse. It felt good to take care of my body instead of asking it to perform.

After that I met up with the MMS Orlando team and spent some time with them, which felt really grounding in a very human way. These are people I train with many times a year in Canada, so we already have a shared language, shared experiences, and a shared understanding that goes much deeper than surface-level conversation.

Being with them reminded me that even though I’m in a new city, I’m not actually disconnected — I’m just in a new location with the same people who know me, see me, and understand the parts of life I care about most. They aren’t just people I know… they’re my spiritual family.

Sitting together, talking, laughing, and just being in the same physical space again made me feel more settled here than anything else has so far. It felt like a quiet internal exhale — like my system finally realized, “Oh… I belong here too.”

People here complain about the heat and say they stay inside all day, which honestly feels wild to me. This weather is perfect — 80s during the day, 60s at night. I haven’t even turned on the AC in my car yet. It’s windows-down weather, fresh-air-at-night weather, “why would I go inside?” weather.

I also found a few rentals close to work that I’m going to check out tomorrow. None of them are exactly what I want, but it feels like movement — and right now, movement feels like trust. Plus we locked in dates for my daughter and my mom and stepdad to come visit and help me move my stuff — so now there is officially a timeline, which means I should probably secure a place for them to sleep 😅

So yes. Headache day. Pool day. Foam roll day. Connection day. Small steps forward day.

And what I’m noticing in all of this is that I’m learning how to let days be what they are — not always productive, not always exciting, but still meaningful in their own quiet way.

That’s about it. It’s late and I’m catching up on the sleep I apparently didn’t get last night.

Today’s Blog — A Chill, Uneventful Day

Today was one of those quiet, uneventful days that don’t sound exciting on paper, but still feel really good to live.

I started the day at the gym, which has become a nice anchor in this whole moving-and-settling-in process. It’s familiar, grounding, and gives me something consistent while everything else is still in flux. After that, I worked for a bit, and in between I drove around looking for rental properties — still in that “get to know the area” phase, feeling into different neighborhoods and what might eventually feel like home.

While I was working, I sat in the sun as much as I could. It was 82 degrees and sunny, and honestly, that alone feels like medicine. The warmth, the light, the blue sky — it does something to my nervous system that I didn’t realize I needed this badly.

After work I came back to the house, ate something quick, and then spent a little time running around outside with Charlie. He’s been loving all the outdoor time and new smells and space, and watching him be happy honestly makes me happy too.

Then I had a long Zoom call from 7:30 to 10:30, which wrapped up the day. Nothing wild. Nothing dramatic. Just a full, simple day.

I’m also really excited for tomorrow evening. I’m hanging out with a few people I know — one friend who moved here from Minnesota years ago, and a couple people I usually see when I’m in Toronto. I didn’t realize how much I needed to see familiar faces until now. There’s something really comforting about being able to get (and give) a hug to someone you actually know.

It’s a little lonely living somewhere new where you don’t really know anyone yet. Very few people at the gym speak English, so making friends there hasn’t really happened yet — at least not in any meaningful way. I know that will come in time, but right now I’m just really grateful to have a few familiar humans around.

I’m still really loving it here. A lot is happening internally — emotions, processing, integration, letting go of old layers and adjusting to new ones — but it all feels a little lighter here. The sunshine helps. The space helps. The change helps.

It’s not that everything is suddenly perfect or resolved… It’s just that it feels like I’m in the right place to let things unfold.

And for now, that feels really good

A Day of Sun, Alignment, and Unexpected Wins

Today was a beautiful day.

The sun was shining, it was 83 degrees — almost perfect weather. I started my morning outside with coffee and my computer, answering a few emails, working on marketing materials, and looking for a place to live. There’s something deeply grounding and calming about starting the day outside — hearing the birds, feeling the warmth of the sun, and letting my nervous system wake up slowly before the world asks anything of me.

After that, I headed to Titusville (about an hour away) for a chiropractor appointment. I left a few hours early so I could find some water, lay in the sun, get grounded, and just listen. The UV was low — only a 4 — but it still felt nourishing. I felt my body soften, my breath deepen, and my mind slow down in a way that doesn’t happen when I’m rushing from one thing to the next.

The chiropractor was amazing. I was referred to him by a mutual friend, Avo. His name is Dr. David Daly, and his work is fascinating. His approach looks at how the brain communicates with the body — how the nervous system holds patterns that show up as physical pain, fatigue, inflammation, anxiety, overthinking, and even structural imbalances like one leg appearing longer than the other.

It was honestly wild to watch him connect dots so quickly — things that felt disconnected suddenly made sense as part of one system trying to find balance.

He was also just a genuinely kind, curious human. It turns out he’s speaking at a conference in Titusville in March that Avo invited me to volunteer at. Even better, he and his staff all use peptides and are switching to buying from us.

So it became a triple win:

✔️ My body received support

✔️ I made a new connection

✔️ Trident grew

And on top of that, a few people signed up for our affiliate program — which felt especially meaningful since I had literally just launched it the day before. It was one of those quiet confirmations that when you take aligned action, the world meets you halfway.

From there I drove back, stopped at the gym, and then went to a JKD class.

That part was… challenging.

The style itself is very close to what I want to train, but the energy in the room wasn’t fully aligned. One of the other students moved very quickly into my space, touching and engaging physically without any communication or consent — no “is this okay?”, no explanation, just immediate contact and force.

Yes, martial arts and grappling are physical by nature. That wasn’t the issue. The issue was the lack of awareness, attunement, and respect. I’ve never trained in a space where someone didn’t first communicate, ask, or establish consent before working that closely with my body — especially with someone they don’t know.

It felt less like training and more like ego.

And maybe that’s why it bothered me more than I expected — because the standard I hold for training is high. I’ve been trained by truly exceptional teachers in Minnesota and Toronto, and once you’ve experienced that level of presence, skill, and integrity, it’s very hard to accept anything less.

I have no desire to train in environments that don’t carry that level of awareness and respect.

By the time I left, it was about 7pm. I drove the 40 minutes home, grilled some venison and goat burgers, ate outside, and ran around with Charlie to wear him out. The air was warm, the sky was soft, and it felt really good to be outside in the open, darkening backyard where it was quiet and still after a full day.

Needless to say, I love it here. I love staying with Calla, Ed, and Olivia. I love coming home and having people to talk to, eat with, and simply not be alone. In the middle of the stress of trying to find a place to live, rebuilding at the salon, and growing Trident, being able to come “home” to connection instead of isolation brings me more joy than I can really put into words.

The rest of the night was simple — prepping for tomorrow, cleaning up, slowing down.

Before winding down for the night, I also received a distance Seiheki healing session from my good friend Kristina. It was incredible — subtle, deep, and exactly what my system needed. As I move through all these life changes, I’m more grateful than ever for the healing work and the people who walk with me through it.

Truly… bring on the healing sessions.

If you’re curious about Seiheki or any of the healing work I offer (in-person or distance), you can learn more here:

https://www.makesyoustronger.club

Nothing flashy.

Nothing dramatic.

Just a day well lived.

A day of tending to my body, my work, my relationships, and my path — in small, steady ways.

And honestly? That’s the kind of day I want more of. 🌞🐾

Day 9: Settling Into the Florida Flow

Today was one of those beautifully balanced days that makes me feel like I’ve truly started to find my rhythm here in Florida. I kicked off the morning with a good old gym session. The holiday lull is definitely over—the place was buzzing with energy and people returning to their routines. Honestly, it felt great to have that lively gym vibe back, and I even got to meet a few new folks. Building those little connections always makes a workout feel that much more motivating.

After the gym, the sunshine was calling my name. It was a perfect 75-degree day, and I spent a few hours just lounging by the pool. The dogs were in heaven, playing and running around, and I got to relax and chat with Olivia, who’s just stepping into her post-high school plans. It’s really nice having those heartfelt conversations and feeling like part of a family here.

The evening was a bit of practical stuff—ran some errands to the library and post office, and did a little exploring around Kissimmee to get a feel for the area. And then, as the night settled in, I joined my usual Monday night Zoom meditation with friends from across the country. It’s kind of our weekly ritual, and it’s a grounding way to end the day.

All in all, it was a day that balanced productivity with a whole lot of ease. I’m soaking up the warmth, both from the Florida sun and from the wonderful people I’m surrounded by. Even though I miss my friends and that camaraderie back home, this place is starting to feel like a second home in its own right.

Today’s Business + Life Update

This morning was one I’ve envisioned for a long time.

I started the day early with coffee and time outside in the backyard with Charlie — just walking around, enjoying the quiet, the warm air, and the stillness of a slow morning. I made this move so I could live this way: time outside in the warmth all year long, more space to breathe, and a life that supports clarity, consistency, and long-term growth.

And I’ll be honest — this morning the loneliness really set in.

My first thought when I woke up was how much I craved a big hug from someone I know, a familiar face, a familiar voice, and an easy conversation with someone who has known me for a long time. I talk to people all day, but there’s something deeply different about the comfort of shared history and real presence. It’s a reminder that building something new doesn’t mean you stop needing connection — it just means you become more aware of how meaningful it is.

Also… I really wish there were organic places to eat here 😅
I genuinely cannot find a single organic restaurant in Orlando or the surrounding areas. I just remember that places like St. Petersburg, West Palm, and Clearwater used to have good co-ops and clean spots when I visited years ago — so hopefully more options start popping up here in the coming year.

And if anyone feels inspired to ship me a Brim cookie or banana bread, I would not be mad about it.

At work today, I didn’t have any clients scheduled, so I used the time to work on the Trident website. I added our new affiliate program and made several other backend updates and refinements that were needed. It felt good to strengthen the infrastructure so the business can grow cleanly, responsibly, and in alignment.

If you’ve ever wanted to share Trident with others and earn from it in a simple, transparent way, that option is now live — no pressure, just available for those it resonates with.

After work, I drove around a few nearby neighborhoods looking for rental signs and potential housing options as I continue getting settled here. It’s part of creating stability so I can stay focused on expansion, service, and long-term vision.

Training was also part of the day — not for performance, but as a way to clear my mind, process what’s moving through my life, and physically move stagnant energy so things can flow again. It’s one of the simplest and most reliable ways I stay clear and grounded.

The evening was intentionally quiet: time outside again, a simple dinner, and reading. I’m currently reading
You’re Not Perfect the Way You Are
And I genuinely think it’s a must-read for anyone committed to real growth. It cuts through self-help fluff and gently brings you back to responsibility, clarity, and conscious change — without judgment.

Grateful for this season of building, refining, and aligning — and grateful for everyone walking alongside me in it.

Back to Training, Back to the Body

Today was my first day of martial arts training with Train Kali.

I trained with them when I was here in October and enjoyed it enough to want to come back, but I’ll be honest — it’s very different from how I’ve been training, and it’s not really my natural style. It feels unfamiliar in my body, different in rhythm, and structured differently. That doesn’t make it wrong — just different.

The style I’m most aligned with is about two hours away, which isn’t realistic right now. So instead of not training at all, I’m choosing to adapt, stay open, and let this stretch me. There’s value in learning different approaches, even when they’re not your favorite. It keeps you humble, flexible, and evolving.

I’m about four years into training now, and while I still feel very much like a student, I also feel like I’m close to being able to teach kids and basics — especially foundations, movement, awareness, and respect for the art. That feels meaningful and exciting in a quiet way.

After class, I hung out and chatted with the group for a bit about range time and some of the other things they do together. It’s nice to be around people who care about training and building skill.

On the way back, I stopped at the gym and got a lift in, then headed home to take care of Charlie.

Oh — and I finally got a SunPass 😅 because the tolls here are no joke. Between getting to the gym and work, I’m on the turnpike a lot, and it was turning into about $50 a week just in tolls. I’m about 25 minutes away from both, which honestly isn’t bad — that’s about what I used to drive back home.

The rest of the day was spent outside working on social media marketing, with breaks to let the dogs run and play.

The evening was spent with Calla and Ed — all of us sitting outside at the bar with our computers, working side by side in the warm air. Later, I caught up on Stranger Things, updated inventory, and labeled the most recent peptide order.

The weather is kind of perfect in a strange way — warm, breezy, about 75 degrees, with that “it’s probably going to storm later” feeling in the air.

That’s about it for today.
Movement. Work. Sunshine. Adaptation.

And I’m grateful for the growth — even when it’s uncomfortable 🤍

Sun, Small Wins & Settling In

Not a whole lot to report today — and honestly, that feels kind of nice.

It was my second day working at J. Bauman. I had a client on my books, but she canceled, so it ended up being a pretty quiet day. I spent a good chunk of it sitting outside in the sun… apparently I had some “tan work” to do 😄

The women at the salon are really nice — friendly, welcoming, and easy to be around. It feels like a relaxed, supportive environment, which I’m really grateful for.

After work, I drove around some neighborhoods looking for houses for rent. No luck yet — but the search continues, and I trust the right place will appear when it’s meant to.

On that same adventure, I found a local place that works directly with organic farmers for raw dog food — and they carry one that’s really similar to what Charlie has been eating. That felt like a small but very real win for the day.

I hit the gym for a quick lift, then headed back to the house.

The evening was gentle and grounding — walking around the yard with Calla, looking at her fruit trees, keeping an eye out for the black snake that lives somewhere back there 😅, and watching the dogs run and burn off energy. There are also a surprising number of bats around here, which feels a little strange… and honestly, they’re not doing a great job of handling the mosquitoes.

We spent the rest of the evening grilling food for the next few days and sitting around talking with Calla and Ed for a few hours. Simple, human, nourishing.

One funny side note: Charlie is up around 6 a.m. every day — which means I’m up at 6, and then somehow in bed by 9 like I’m 80 years old 😂

But honestly… I think my system is just on a little bit of overload. There’s a lot of good happening — and also a lot of change all at once. New state, new work, new routines, new people, new environment. It’s beautiful… and it’s a lot.

So I’m letting myself be tired.
Letting myself be human.
Letting the good land slowly.

A lot of good.
A lot of change.
And I’m finding my way through it one day at a time 🤍

New Year’s Day in Florida — Easygoing Start to a Fresh Year

Happy New Year! Today was the first day of the year, and to be honest, it was pretty low-key and chill — exactly what I needed.

I started the morning at the gym, which has kind of become my little hub for both workouts and connections. I had some really good conversations with a few trainers there. We talked about peptides, Florida life, and just got a feel for what people are like here — their personalities, their needs, and how this place has its own rhythm.

After a couple of hours working on the Trident website right there at the gym, I headed home and spent the rest of the afternoon by the pool. The dogs played, I soaked up a little sunshine, and just kept grinding out some prep work, making marketing materials and getting things organized for the days ahead.

There wasn’t anything super dramatic about today, and that’s exactly what made it perfect. It was just a day to ease into the new year, get my bearings, and set up for success. Tomorrow, I’m heading into my second day of work at the salon, and I feel like I’m stepping into it with a sense of calm and readiness.

Here’s to a new year, a fresh start, and all the good things Florida life is going to bring.

Finding My Rhythm

This time change is messing with me a little.

Charlie is up at 7 a.m. sharp, full of energy and ready to go — which for my Minnesota body is 6 a.m. I’ve always had this idea that I wanted to be someone who gets up “early” and starts the day with intention… so I guess here we are.

We started the day at the gym. I got in a solid workout, felt strong, felt awake, and then headed to the salon for my first day at J. Bauman. Charlie came with me on all my adventures today — it’s a little cold out, so it actually worked perfectly.

Also — it was 60 degrees today, which somehow felt way colder than 60 😂 Bring on the warmth.

At the gym, I met a woman in the locker room who lives in the exact neighborhood I’ve been looking at for a rental. I’m choosing to take that as a sign that I’ll find a place and it will all work out the way it’s supposed to.

My first day at the salon was really good. The women are wonderful — all my age or older, grounded, kind, and real. The owner came in to make sure I was all set up and to check in. He’s awesome — really chill — and we even ended up talking about peptides. He’s been hearing a lot about them and is thinking about trying some for his shoulder, which felt like such a funny full-circle moment for me. New city, new salon… same passions finding their way into the conversation.

I didn’t have any clients today, and honestly, that felt perfect. It gave me space to get a feel for the place, the energy, the people, and the flow — to just land instead of perform.

At one point I mentioned that Charlie was waiting in the car, and Jes (the owner) immediately said, “Oh no — bring him inside! We love dogs. Clients love dogs.” So Charlie ended up hanging out in the salon with me most of the day, which made it feel even more welcoming and human.

The day ended quietly and sweetly — back on the pool deck with a fire, dinner, and Charlie and Buddy hanging out beside me.

It feels like the beginning of something really good.

Not rushed.

Not forced.

Just gently unfolding.

And I’m really grateful to be here

The Stillness Before the Storm (the Good Kind)

Today was a really chill day — the kind of day that feels like a deep breath before everything truly begins.

I started it at Iron Religion with a workout, and then ended up staying there most of the day working on the Trident website. It felt grounding to be in a space built for strength and discipline while also building something digital and long-term in the background. I was aware all day that this was my last true “off” day before life here officially starts, and I really let myself enjoy that.

The evening was simple and quiet. I sat outside on the pool deck with a fire (because apparently 60 degrees is considered cold here — yuck 😅), laptop open, still working on my website, researching where to get Charlie’s food locally, and making an appointment at Daly Chiropractic. That turned into some social time with Calla, which I’m realizing is something I need just as much as movement or productivity.

Tomorrow it all starts.

I begin at J. Bauman Salon. I start actively looking for a house to rent. I start making deeper connections in the community to grow Trident here. I start planting roots instead of just passing through.

I didn’t even realize tomorrow is New Year’s Eve until my new boss casually said I could probably leave early because it would be dead due to the holiday. That’s when it hit me — oh yeah… it’s the end of the year and the beginning of a whole new chapter.

One of the coolest moments today was when someone at Iron Religion walked up to me and said, “Where have you been? We were wondering what happened to you.” I explained I finally moved, and he asked how the peptide business was going and said he was glad to see me back at the gym. It’s wild how even a short amount of time in a place can build real relationships. That moment reminded me that I’m not invisible here — I’m already part of something.

Yesterday at Kissimmee Muscle, the owner looked at my license, saw Minnesota, laughed, and immediately started teasing me about everything going on there. “Good thing you left and moved here — that place is a mess.”
Yeah… I know. I’m hopeful it all gets cleaned up with time. But it did feel affirming in a strange way — like this move isn’t just emotional or intuitive, it’s also practical. This really is the right place for the next phase of my life and business.

I love it here. I feel it in my body.

And… I also feel the grief. I miss my daughter. I miss my friends. I miss my clients. I miss the familiarity of people who know my face, my voice, my rhythms. But I also know — deeply — that I’m exactly where I need to be.

I am so profoundly grateful that I’m staying with Calla and Ed. I truly cannot imagine making a move like this and being alone. I already feel lonely sometimes while living in a house with people I really like — I can’t imagine doing this completely solo. I’m only four days in and I already crave hugs and long conversations with people who know me.

Everyone said that would be the hardest part. They were right.

Thankfully, we have voice messages. I get to hear people’s voices. We probably send 20 a day, and it has been such a bridge for my heart while my life rearranges itself.

This season feels like a delicate mix of courage and vulnerability, ambition and tenderness, expansion and homesickness. I’m building something new while grieving what I left — and I think that’s exactly what growth feels like.

Tomorrow, the work begins.
The roots go in.
The next chapter opens.

And I’m ready 🤍

It was so cold - I had a fire, a blanket, and layers, and I was still cold!

Charlie is loving this big backyard. He was so tired from running all day that he cried to go inside at like 6:30 and jumped into bed and passed out ( he’s still passed out)

Sunshine, Muscles & Much-Needed Stillness

Charlie and I both slept like rocks last night.

We woke up around 7 and hit the ground running. Charlie and Buddy ran around and played while I got myself ready for the gym. I checked out a place called Kissimmee Muscle — an old-school bodybuilding gym. It was great… but they had the heat on. 😂 It’s 80 degrees outside — why is the heat on?!

The rest of the day was intentionally… not much.

I planted myself in the sun by the pool and rested and tanned for about three hours. I really needed the downtime after four days of nonstop movement and minimal sleep. It felt so good to just be still and let my system reset.

Also… my plants barely survived the move 😅🌱 — but I’ll bring them back. They’re resilient, just like this whole transition. After that, Charlie, Buddy, and I hung out by the pool and completely rebuilt the Trident page on our website. There’s still more to do, but it’s a solid start — and it felt really good to get that refreshed and aligned.

That brought me into a Zoom meditation led by Jordan — a beautiful way to close out the day and come back into myself.

That’s all, folks.
A day well spent. 🌞🙏

Day 2 — Finding Our Rhythm

Charlie was up most of the night. His bowels are a little off with all the change and instability, so neither of us slept great — but that’s part of the transition and I know he’ll settle soon.

Our day started early at 7 a.m. I took care of both dogs, got everyone fed and settled, and we were on the road by 7:30 to meet the U-Haul at the storage unit. My friend Chris drove it down for me (absolute lifesaver), and we unloaded everything quickly before heading to the house to unpack just what I needed right away.

We spent about an hour organizing, setting up the essentials, and putting Charlie’s new kennel together so he had his own familiar space. Then we headed back out — returned the U-Haul, and brought the extra things back to the storage unit. That took us until about 3:00 p.m., when I dropped Chris off at the airport.

After that I found a car wash and gave my poor car a much-needed cleaning — it felt so good to have that done — and then headed to the gym.

It’s 82 degrees and sunny here, and I couldn’t waste that kind of weather. I walked around outside for a bit, soaking in the sun and the warmth, letting my nervous system finally exhale before going in for a much-needed workout.

(More after the gym…)

The evening ended quietly and perfectly — dinner by the pool while the dogs ran around, happy and free.

This weather is almost ideal. Around 80 degrees during the day and about 65 at night. If I’m being honest, my personal perfect weather would be 90 during the day and 65 at night — but this is pretty close, and I’m not complaining.

That’s about all I have to report for today.

Tomorrow is my last day to relax before it’s time to get to work and settle into a new routine.

And that feels really good.