Why Sugar-Free Jell-O Just Became My New Secret Weapon!

This week ended up being a full mix of work, travel, health checkups, early workouts, and a little fun on the back end. It was one of those weeks that felt long in all the right ways, and I came out of it feeling pretty grateful for a lot of things going on in life right now.

I was out of town almost the entire week. Holly and I flew down to Miami because I had a conference from Wednesday through Friday with my business group. Before the conference kicked off, we used Monday and Tuesday to complete something we had been meaning to check off our list for a long time, executive physicals and a comprehensive set of medical tests. These appointments basically scan you from head to toe. They take more blood than you think you have, and they run every test under the sun to make sure there are no hidden problems, no early issues, and nothing to worry about down the line.

The good news, which honestly was a huge relief, is that everything came back clean. For both me and Holly. That alone made the entire trip worth it. What really surprised me was my cholesterol. It was so good that the doctor actually paused and asked if I was taking medication for it. I had to laugh because no, I am not. It is really just the chicken-and-rice lifestyle I have been sticking to, with barely any sugar and hardly any fat. Fat is actually the macro that gives me the most trouble because my trainer caps me at 41 grams a day. It is not a lot. But apparently it is working. Holly’s numbers were great too, which made both of us feel good heading into the rest of the week.

With some free time before the conference started, we swung by a mall near the hotel. I saw a really fun, bright, kind of quirky shirt from a designer I like. It just had this happy feel to it. I did not buy it, mostly because I liked it but not quite enough to justify it, but it was still cool. One of those little things that sticks in your mind as something fun you saw on a trip.

Somewhere in all of this, I also discovered that sugar-free Jell-O is secretly packed with collagen and protein. I had no idea. I actually found myself taking a picture of the label because I thought, “How did I not know this?” It might have to become part of my regular routine now. A guilt-free snack that helps hit the numbers is a win in my book.

Once Wednesday hit, it was conference time. A lot of people in this group are really into fitness, so they all work out before the sessions start. But here is the catch: they work out at 5 in the morning. That is earlier than my body likes to admit exists. Still, I showed up. And honestly, it was a great workout. On Wednesday, I did chest and biceps. On Friday, I did shoulders. They even paused for a group picture afterward. Being pushed to stay consistent, even while traveling, was actually motivating.

Holly and I are also deep into the planning stages for our house build, so anytime I travel I seem to find random tech or design ideas to add to the “maybe” list. This time, I came across a central thermostat hub that connects every thermostat in the house to one screen. With kids who like to freeze out the upstairs whenever they are in town, the idea of controlling everything from one spot sounds amazing. I am curious if anyone else has one of these systems because it looks extremely convenient.

One perk of getting up for a 5 am workout is that you get to see the sunrise without rushing. Miami sunrises are a different level. Slow, bright, colorful. It was a nice, quiet moment before the intensity of the day kicked in.

Another funny moment from the trip: Holly’s favorite beer is Blue Moon, and we found out that the Atlanta airport actually has a full Blue Moon restaurant inside. I had never noticed that in all the times we have flown through. Next time we travel, I am definitely taking her there since she will think that is the best thing ever.

By Friday afternoon, I was back in Georgia. And on Saturday, we jumped right back into life here. There is a night-time renaissance festival in Fairburn that we like to go to, and this year we went in our steampunk outfits. It was a blast. The costumes, the music, the lights, the whole atmosphere, always a fun way to spend an evening.

Before we left for the Ren Faire, Luna, our dog, did her usual thing. She likes to wedge herself behind me on the chair and sleep with part of me basically leaning on her. It is her routine. Every time. She is happiest right there, and it always makes me laugh before heading out somewhere.

So overall, it was a solid week. We got great news about our health. I made progress on business planning. We got in some early workouts. Picked up a few new ideas for the house build. And we wrapped it all up with costumes, festivals, dogs, and a solid reminder of how much we have to be thankful for. With Thanksgiving coming up, it feels good to take a moment and just appreciate family, health, and all the simple things that make life feel full.

Until next week,
Shane

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