Pinched Nerve, Plant Windows & The Countdown to an Empty Nest

Since mid-March, I’ve been dealing with what I thought was just a pinched nerve.

Plot twist: it’s more complicated than that.

Turns out I have some neck issues, and I’ve been working with Matthew, Jacob, and Carlos in physical therapy since May. What started as two sessions a week has now shifted to once a week until I “graduate” (do they give diplomas for neck rehab? Because I want a cap and gown). I've been given a nice list of exercises to do at home—and apparently Ring Fit counts, so I’ll be trying that out tomorrow.

🧘‍♀️ About That 75 Soft Challenge...

My goal this year was to complete the 75 Soft Challenge and blog my progress along the way. But instead of updates like "I crushed my goals today!" it became a constant loop of:

"I'm still in pain. My arm is numb. No progress again."

Spoiler alert: no one wants to read that every week.
Honestly, even I didn’t want to write it. So I stopped.
I even took a Facebook break because everything felt like a Debbie Downer spiral.

🛫 Big Changes Ahead

In just two short weeks, my kiddo and her best friend are heading out of state together for the first time ever—for over two weeks.
And then it hit me:
She’ll be gone until September.
That’s right, folks—my husband and I are about to experience our first taste of empty-nesting.

And while I’m obviously a little emotional about it, I’m also wildly motivated to tackle a bunch of long-overdue projects maybe even before she goes!

Operation Organize Everything

This weekend, without any help, I took on part of the kitchen—something I’ve been chipping away at for the last few weeks. Here’s the progress so far:

  • Dusting everything (added to my weekly chore list)

  • Cleaned out the “pantry” cabinet near the fridge

  • Cleaned out the freezer

  • Tackled the “cereal cabinet”

  • Moved the plants and deep-cleaned the plant window (and anchored the shelf with help from the hubby)

  • Propagated some pothos (the green viney looking things that sometimes have big leaves)

  • Scrubbed a few more things while I was in the zone

  • Cleaned out the bathroom sink—again (don’t judge, it was still on the list)

Upcoming Tasks (a.k.a. The Ultimate Nesting List)

I thought about putting my entire to-do list in this post but before I jinx it, let's just focus on the kitchen.  I'm giving myself plenty of time to complete these tasks.  My ultimate goal is to clear the clutter, not exactly declutter.

Kitchen (June 30 - July 4)

  • Clean under sink

  • Clean out window sills

  • Organize plasticware

  • Clean out spice drawer

  • Clean pantry cabinet above the microwave

  • Clean microwave, oven, toaster oven

  • Clean out fridge and freezer (again)

  • Clean off fridge exterior

  • Dust ceiling fan

  • Clean light fixtures

Kitchen Table / My Office (July 5 - July 7)

  • Clean off and organize (again) 

  • Decide what stays and what goes


It's a lot.
But after months of feeling stuck—physically, mentally, and emotionally—it feels good to start making progress, even if it’s one cabinet at a time.

Let’s see how much I can get done before the house feels a little too quiet.
(And let’s hope my neck holds up long enough to finish this list!) 

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