lindacleary.com

(Featuring weather anxiety, basement negotiations, and at least one emotional support rib-eye)

There are few things more uniquely Kansan than standing outside during a thunderstorm saying, “Huh… the sky looks a little green.”

People who don’t live in tornado country imagine that spring in Kansas is a nonstop panic attack involving sirens, flying cows, and everyone hiding in underground bunkers. In reality, it’s a strange combination of vigilance, weather obsession, denial, and casually grilling hamburgers while the local meteorologist is sweating through his suit jacket on live television.

Springtime in Kansas is beautiful. The grass turns green, flowers bloom, and the atmosphere begins trying to kill us on a semi-regular basis.

Still, there’s a reason so many people stay here. There’s resilience in Tornado Alley. There’s humor. There’s community. And there’s a shared understanding that if Dorothy could survive being transported to Oz in a farmhouse, we can survive another round of “radar-indicated rotation.”

The Psychological Rollercoaster of Spring

By March, Kansans start checking weather apps with the intensity of stock market analysts. Suddenly, everyone becomes an amateur meteorologist.

You know spring has officially arrived when your phone sends twelve weather alerts before breakfast and the tv station interrupts programming every seven minutes.

Living through tornado season year after year can absolutely wear on a person mentally. The constant “watching and waiting” creates a low-level stress that simmers in the background for weeks.

Even when storms don’t materialize, the anticipation can be exhausting. And then there are the sirens. Nothing raises your heart rate quite like hearing tornado sirens while trying to decide whether to:

1. Head to the basement immediately,

2. Peek outside “just for a second,” or

3. Continue folding laundry because the radar “doesn’t look THAT bad.”

Staying Sane During Tornado Season

(Limit the Doom-Schrolling)

Checking the radar once every few minutes is understandable. Checking three different weather apps, select Facebook storm chasers, and a YouTube stream with a guy named “MaxVelocityWX” at 2 a.m. is perhaps less healthy.

There’s a fine line between being informed and emotionally moving into the Weather Channel permanently. Choose one or two trusted weather sources and stick with them. Your nervous system will thank you.

Have a Plan Before You Need One

Nothing increases panic faster than trying to figure out where the flashlight batteries are while the sky outside resembles the opening scene of The Wizard of Oz.

A calm storm response starts with preparation. Every Kansas household (during the spring months anyway) should have a ready-to-go kit with:

• Flashlights

• Batteries

• A weather radio

• Bottled water

• Medications

• Important documents

• Phone chargers

• Shoes nearby (because apparently tornadoes love scattering broken glass everywhere)

• Snacks- Never underestimate the emotional value of basement snacks. If you’re going to sit underground listening to hail pound your house like an angry marching band, you might as well have peanut butter crackers.

The Basement Negotiations

Every family has one member who becomes difficult during tornado warnings.

Sometimes it’s a wife doing last minute jewelry sorting. (“But this is real gold!” “This was mom’s!”)

Sometimes it’s a husband insisting he “just wants to watch the clouds for another minute”, or take his new truck under the bridge to “avoid the baseball sized hail.”

And sometimes it’s a 90-pound German Shepherd who suddenly develops very strong architectural opinions about basements. Our large German Shepherd refuses to go downstairs during storms. Not afraid of thunder. Not afraid of lightning. Afraid of basement stairs. This means tornado prep occasionally includes two almost 70 year old adults attempting to carry a furry horse down a flight of stairs while sirens blare in the background. At one point, we considered attaching a steak to the sump pump.

Accept What You Cannot Control

This may be the hardest part of living in Tornado Alley. You cannot control the weather. You cannot stop storms from forming. You cannot personally fight the atmosphere, although many Kansans seem emotionally prepared to try. What you can control is your level of preparedness, your response, and your ability to stay grounded mentally.

Most tornado watches never become tornado warnings. Most warnings never result in direct hits. And even during severe weather outbreaks, the odds remain heavily in your favor when you prepare properly. Fear becomes much smaller when you have a plan.

The Wizard of Oz Preparedness Philosophy

Kansas and The Wizard of Oz are forever linked, whether we like it or not. And honestly, Dorothy’s journey offers a surprisingly useful tornado-season lesson.

When chaos hits:

• Stay connected to the people you trust.

• Keep moving forward.

• Don’t panic over every flying object.

• And beware of emotionally unstable individuals on bicycles.

Also important:

There’s no place like home… unless your home is directly in the tornado’s path. In that case, please go to the basement immediately.

Find Humor Wherever You Can

Humor is practically a survival skill in Kansas. We laugh because the alternative is clutching the weather radio while stress-eating granola bars in a lawn chair under the stairs. Kansans joke about storms because humor helps us manage uncertainty. We make memes about flying trampolines. We name our weather anxieties things like “spicy sky season.” Somehow, laughter makes the whole thing feel a little less frightening.

The Hidden Strength of Tornado Country

There’s something remarkable about communities in Tornado Alley. When storms hit, people show up for each other. Neighbors check on neighbors. Strangers help clear debris. Communities donate supplies. People open homes to displaced families. In difficult moments, the Midwest becomes exactly what it’s famous for: resilient, practical, and deeply compassionate. That strength matters.

Because living in Kansas means accepting both beauty and unpredictability. It means spring sunsets that look painted across the prairie… and skies that occasionally resemble the apocalypse. It means knowing where your basement flashlight is at all times.

And it means understanding that somewhere, at this very moment, a German Shepherd is refusing to cooperate with emergency preparedness plans.

Honestly, that might be the most Kansas thing of all.

Taking care of a loved one will change you

No one tells you that caregiving means becoming responsible for parts of your loved one’s life you never imagined.

Between schedules, symptoms, meds, side effects, pharmacy pick ups, appointments, insurance companies, lab results, cooking, and cleaning, YOU are the one who has to remember and DO EVERYTHING. (And you have to do it all on very little, if any, sleep)

It’s not just taking care of their physical needs. (As time goes on, you will have to see, smell, and clean up more pee and poo than in your whole life combined) It’s being witness to how much they will change right before your eyes. They will go from stubbornly independent to super needy. (At least my mom did) And they transform from energetic and wanting to do things and go places, to completely exhausted all the time. It’s painful to witness.

No one tells you how heavy the responsibility weighs on you. They took care of you as a child, but now you have become ‘their person’, ‘their advocate’. You have to make sure nothing gets missed, or if something is ‘off’, and you have to speak up about it. It doesn’t just go away when you walk out of their room, it follows you everywhere- even when trying to fall asleep at night.

Your life quietly starts disappearing into it. Your routines change, your priorities shift, your personal plans go on the back burner- or stop altogether. Your thoughts shift into an “let me just get through today” mindset.

You carry more than you should because family just doesn’t seem interested in helping or visiting. Of course they all came when she lay dying, and even more to her funeral. But she longed to know they cared enough to visit when she was alive. So why didn’t they? Were they uncomfortable with seeing her like that? Or just too busy? Then, of course, resentment will insert itself. Sit with that resentment for a bit- then LET IT MOVE ON- family is EVERYTHING, and we all mess up.

IF YOU DECIDE TO DO IT ANYWAY AFTER READING THIS-

Remember to:

Get out and shop, dine, and go to movies or the park together in the beginning while they still have energy.

Record them- videos, voices, still shots- these will be priceless to you later.

Something I regret not doing more of is looking at old pictures together and LABELING them. You will regret family tree knowledge ending when your loved one passes- and they will really enjoy doing that activity with you.

After that energy and presence of mind is gone:

Laugh together when you can.

Schedule time with your loved one to watch their favorite TV show with them. (For mom it was Wheel of Fortune)

Find small, quiet moments that still feel like the relationship you had before. Those moments matter more than anything.

No matter your frustration level, caregiving is LOVE. Showing up and staying. Not leaving—no matter how hard it gets. Because they need you, and love doesn’t leave.

 

In recent years, the ketogenic diet has exploded in popularity. Praised for weight loss, blood sugar control, and appetite reduction, keto has helped many people improve their health. But there’s a side of the keto lifestyle that is rarely discussed: the extremely high intake of oxalates that often comes with it.

Many staple keto foods are loaded with oxalates — naturally occurring compounds found in plants that can contribute to kidney stones, inflammation, pain, and other health problems in susceptible individuals. While not everyone reacts negatively to oxalates, chronic overconsumption may quietly create problems over time, especially when high-oxalate foods are eaten daily.

What Are Oxalates?

Oxalates (also called oxalic acid) are compounds naturally found in many plants. In nature, they serve as a defense mechanism for the plant. In the human body, however, oxalates can bind to minerals such as calcium and form sharp crystal-like compounds.

The body eliminates oxalates primarily through urine, stool, and sweat. But when oxalate intake becomes excessive — or when the body cannot efficiently remove them — crystals may accumulate in tissues and organs.

The most well-known consequence is calcium oxalate kidney stones, the most common type of kidney stone. However, researchers and clinicians increasingly suspect that oxalates may also contribute to:

 • Joint pain

• Muscle aches

• Vulvar pain

• Digestive irritation

• Bladder irritation

• Fatigue

• Skin problems

• Inflammation

• Thyroid issues

• Brain fog

Some individuals appear far more sensitive than others, especially those with gut disorders, mineral deficiencies, chronic inflammation, or impaired kidney function.

Why Keto Can Be Surprisingly High in Oxalates

The keto diet eliminates grains and many fruits while emphasizing foods high in fat and low in carbohydrates. Unfortunately, many of the “healthy” foods promoted heavily within keto circles happen to be some of the highest-oxalate foods in existence.

Common keto staples that are very high in oxalates include:

• Almond flour

• Almond milk

• Spinach

• Swiss chard

• Beets and beet greens

• Dark chocolate

• Cocoa powder

• Peanuts

• Nut butters

• Raspberries

• Sweet potatoes

• Chia seeds

• Sesame seeds

This becomes especially problematic because keto followers often consume these foods every single day.

A typical keto menu may include:

• Spinach smoothies

• Almond flour muffins

• Chocolate fat bombs

• Nut-based snacks

• Almond milk coffee drinks

• Chia pudding

• Peanut butter treats

While each food alone may not seem concerning, the cumulative oxalate load can become enormous over weeks, months, or years.

The Spinach Problem

Spinach deserves special attention because it is often marketed as a “superfood,” especially in low-carb communities. Yet spinach is one of the highest-oxalate foods on earth.

Just one cup of cooked spinach can contain several hundred milligrams of oxalates. Some experts suggest keeping oxalate intake below 100 mg daily for sensitive individuals — meaning a single spinach salad may exceed that amount several times over.

Many keto enthusiasts consume spinach daily in smoothies, salads, omelets, and casseroles without realizing the potential consequences.

The Almond Flour Explosion

Another major concern is almond flour.

Traditional diets rarely included large quantities of almonds. But keto baking transformed almonds into a daily staple. Keto followers may consume:

• Almond flour bread

• Almond flour cookies

• Almond pancakes

• Almond crackers

• Almond crusts

• Almond cereal

It can take dozens of almonds to make just a small amount of flour. This concentrates oxalates dramatically.

Someone eating multiple almond flour products daily may unknowingly consume an extremely high oxalate load.

When “Healthy” Foods Backfire

One of the most frustrating aspects of oxalate sensitivity is that many sufferers are diligently trying to improve their health. They are eating salads, nuts, seeds, and vegetables because they have been told these foods are universally beneficial.

Unfortunately, bio-individuality matters.

For some people, a diet overloaded with high-oxalate foods may slowly worsen symptoms rather than improve them.

People who often report improvement on lower-oxalate diets sometimes describe reductions in:

• Kidney stone recurrence

• Joint pain

• Burning urination

• Vulvar pain

• Digestive distress

• Brain fog

• Chronic fatigue

Though more research is needed, anecdotal reports continue to grow.

Gut Health and Oxalates

Gut health plays a major role in oxalate tolerance.

Certain beneficial gut bacteria help degrade oxalates in the digestive tract before they are absorbed. However, antibiotics, poor diet, gastrointestinal disease, and chronic stress may reduce these bacteria.

Conditions linked to higher oxalate absorption include:

• Leaky gut

• Celiac disease

• Crohn’s disease

• IBS

• Gastric bypass surgery

• Chronic antibiotic use

Ironically, many people turn to keto to heal gut issues, while unknowingly increasing another potential problem.

Low-Calcium Diets May Make Things Worse

Many people mistakenly avoid calcium because they fear kidney stones. In reality, adequate dietary calcium may actually help bind oxalates in the gut so they can be excreted safely.

When calcium intake is too low, more free oxalates may be absorbed into the bloodstream.

This is one reason balanced nutrition matters. Eliminating entire food groups without careful planning can sometimes create unintended consequences.

Should Everyone Avoid Oxalates?

Not necessarily.

Oxalates are present in many nutritious foods, and not everyone has problems with them. Some individuals tolerate moderate oxalate intake without issue.

The concern arises when:

• Intake becomes extremely high

• High-oxalate foods are eaten daily

• Symptoms are present

• Kidney stone history exists

• Gut health is compromised

Lower-Oxalate Keto Alternatives

People who wish to remain low-carb do not necessarily have to abandon keto completely. Instead, they can choose lower-oxalate foods more often.

Better options may include:

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

• Mushrooms

• Broccoli

• Zucchini

• Arugula

• Bok choy

• Eggs

• Meat

• Dairy

• Coconut flour (moderate amounts)

• Macadamia nuts

Rotating foods rather than eating the same ingredients daily may also help reduce overload.

Nutrition is rarely one-size-fits-all. Even foods labeled as “superfoods” can become problematic when consumed excessively or without balance.

Sometimes the healthiest diet is not the trendiest one — but the one that works best for your own body.

“I Don’t Procrastinate. I Do Side Quests.”

My brain: ‘Let’s get to work.’ Also my brain: ‘But first, let’s reorganize the spice rack.’ Procrastination has a way of disguising itself as harmless delay—“I’ll do it later,” “I need to feel more ready,” or “I work better under pressure.” But over time, it quietly drains your energy, adds stress, and keeps meaningful goals just out of reach. The good news is that procrastination isn’t a personality flaw—it’s a pattern. And patterns can be changed.

Shrink the Task, Not Your Ambition

One of the fastest ways to break procrastination is to make the task smaller—almost ridiculously small. Instead of “clean the house,” try “wipe the kitchen counter.” Instead of “write an article,” try “write the first sentence.”

Small actions lower resistance. Once you begin, momentum often takes over. Starting is the hardest part—so make starting easy.

Use Time as a Tool, Not a Threat

Rather than waiting for the “right mood,” set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes and commit to working until it rings. That’s it. You’re not promising to finish—just to begin.

This approach removes pressure and builds consistency. Ironically, once you start, you’ll often keep going longer than planned.

If it’s Not on the List, Does it Even Exist?

Vague intentions lead to vague results. Instead of saying, “I need to get things done today,” define exactly what “done” looks like.

Write it down:

• Call the doctor at 10 AM

• Sort one drawer

• Pay the electric bill

Clear, visible tasks create a sense of direction—and checking them off builds motivation.

Perfection isn’t Rare, it’s Impossible

Many people procrastinate because they want to do something perfectly—or not at all. This all-or-nothing thinking is a trap.

Give yourself permission to do it poorly at first. A messy first draft, a half-done project, or a small step forward is infinitely better than standing still. Progress beats perfection every time.

Motivation is a Spark, Not a Fuel Source

Motivation is unreliable. Action creates motivation—not the other way around. Think of it like turning a crank: the first few turns feel heavy, but once it starts moving, it gets easier. Waiting for motivation is like waiting for the crank to spin on its own.

The Bottom Line; KEEP IT SIMPLE

Stopping procrastination isn’t about becoming a different person overnight. It’s about changing how you approach tasks—making them smaller, clearer, and easier to begin. You don’t need a perfect system. You just need to start—one small action at a time.

Because the truth is simple: the life you want isn’t built in big, dramatic moments. It’s built in the quiet decision to begin… even when you don’t feel like it.

As we move through the later stages of life, we often accumulate far more than we realize—furniture, keepsakes, paperwork, collections, and everyday items that quietly build up over the years. While these belongings may hold memories or once served a purpose, there comes a time when it’s worth asking: Who will take care of all this someday?

For many older adults, decluttering isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about easing the emotional and physical burden on the people they love most- or it SHOULD be.

When my dad and step mom passed away, my two sisters and I were charged with going through their houseful of things to see what we could sell, what we wanted to keep, or what just needed to be pitched. Sorry to say the majority was thrown away. Years of accumulating what was meaningful and precious to them ultimately held little value for anyone else.

The Hidden Weight of “Stuff”

The process of decluttering can take weeks—or even months—and is often done during a time of grief. Making decisions about a loved one’s possessions while coping with loss can be emotionally exhausting. Even worse, family members may feel guilt over what to keep and what to let go. Decluttering ahead of time helps prevent this situation.

When my mom was unable to live alone, we made room for her with us. She was with us five years until the Lord called her home. Along with her came all of her things. We had modest sized rooms for her, so many of her possessions were put in the basement, and once in a while she would ask me to go search through her things for this or that item. She passed in 2020- and we STILL have some of her things in boxes that need to be dealt with. (Read my post on procrastination, lol)

Decluttering Is an Act of Love

Choosing to go through your belongings now is one of the most practical and compassionate gifts you can give your children. It says, “I care about you enough to make things easier.”

By simplifying your home, you:

• Reduce the number of decisions your children will have to make later
• Prevent potential disagreements among family members
• Spare them the physical labor of clearing out a full household
• Allow them to focus on honoring your memory rather than managing your possessions

It’s not about getting rid of everything—it’s about being intentional.

Keeping What Truly Matters

Decluttering doesn’t mean erasing your life or memories. In fact, it can do the opposite.

As you sort through items, you have the opportunity to:

• Share stories behind meaningful belongings
• Pass treasured items directly to family members now
• Preserve important documents and photos in an organized way
• Let go of things that no longer serve a purpose

Many people find this process deeply satisfying. It allows you to reflect on your life, celebrate what matters most, and ensure that your most meaningful possessions go to the right people.

Taking It One Step at a Time

Decluttering can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve lived in the same home for many years. The key is to start small.

Try:

• One drawer at a time
• One category (like clothes or paperwork)
• Setting a timer for 30–60 minutes
• Asking yourself simple questions: Do I use this? Do I love this? Would someone else benefit from it more?

Progress doesn’t have to be fast—it just has to be steady.

The Freedom of Less

Many older adults discover an unexpected benefit: peace of mind.

A decluttered home is easier to clean, safer to navigate, and more relaxing to live in. It can also make future transitions—such as downsizing or moving—much simpler.

Most importantly, it replaces the quiet stress of “what will happen to all this?” with a sense of control and clarity.

A Legacy Beyond Things

In the end, your children won’t measure your life by how much you owned. They’ll remember your stories, your values, your kindness, and the time you shared together.

Decluttering helps shift the focus away from possessions and back to what truly matters—relationships, memories, and peace.

By taking the time to simplify now, you’re not just organizing your home—you’re leaving behind a legacy of care, consideration, and love.

It’s never too late to develop new habits, and this applies to individuals of all ages. Whether you’re looking to improve your health, learn a new skill, or change your daily routine, forming new habits can lead to significant benefits.

Benefits of Developing New Habits

• Improved Health: Adopting healthier habits can enhance physical well-being and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Increased Longevity: Studies suggest that making positive lifestyle changes can extend life expectancy.
• Enhanced Well-Being: New habits can boost self-confidence and overall happiness.

Key Factors in Habit Formation

Forming new habits involves several important steps:

Repetition	Consistent practice is crucial for turning actions into habits.
Starting Small	Begin with manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Using Cues	Link new habits to existing routines to help trigger the desired behavior.
Celebrating Wins	Acknowledge progress to maintain motivation and reinforce the habit.

Timeframe for Habit Formation

While many believe it takes 21 days to form a habit, research indicates that the time required can vary widely. It can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days, depending on the complexity of the habit and individual circumstances. Your best bet is to create new habits today! That means work on it now when you actually WANT to do it as opposed to waiting until a life crisis FORCES you to!

***Here’s a tip I use- set a daily alarm on your phone to remind you to actually DO the new thing!