🔊 Turn Up the Radio… and Maybe the AC: A Morning Jolt and a Taco's Wisdom

Song of the Day: “Turn Up the Radio” – Autograph

(Because sometimes the best motivation comes with guitar riffs, '80s hair, and a wise taco by your side.)

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The pre-dawn quiet was shattered not by a jarring alarm, but by the insistent, face-breathing presence of my four-legged companion. Unlike the polite, digital kind, this one operates on a “no snuggles until we’ve sniffed every blade of grass” policy.

So, the ritual began: sniff, squat, stare into the existential abyss of the neighbor’s azaleas.

Then—back to bed.

I was “up” for a bit, trapped in that weird limbo where your brain reboots yesterday while your body negotiates its return to gravity. Eventually, the allure of the pillow won. When I woke again, I was flanked by my faithful pup and Tobito, my emotional support taco, both buzzing with excitement like the day had already won.

They were ready to conquer the world.

I was still making peace with consciousness.

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💌 A Bathroom Surprise and a Taco's Encouragement

When I finally peeled myself out of bed and stumbled into the bathroom, I found a note on the mirror from The Refried Avenger:

> “Decided not to interfere with Tobito’s joy this morning. He deserves that.

You do too.

PS: Don’t skip your stretches—you’re not 20 anymore.”

Honestly? I didn’t just appreciate it—I almost framed it.

The Avenger has been more contemplative lately. Maybe Tobito’s optimism is contagious, or maybe he’s learned arguing with a Shih Tzu (or a taco) is a battle not worth fighting.

Tobito, resting cheerfully on the counter, wriggled slightly in response—his felt shell glowing with imagined warmth.

> “Sometimes,” his voice murmured, soft but certain, “the greatest battles are won by simply letting yourself be. And by stretching. The Avenger’s right about that. Flexibility is key—in limbs and in life.”

He was right. Again.

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🛠️ Carpet, Choices, and the Courage to Rebuild

Most of today was spent floor shopping—a long-overdue mission to retire my carpet, a historical tapestry of stains and mysterious crunches. (Salsa? Or existential regret?)

Surrounded by samples—oak, maple, vinyl with a superiority complex—I realized this wasn’t just about aesthetics. I was laying the literal and figurative groundwork for who I want to be.

It wasn’t just flooring.

It was a statement: I’m building something better.

This journey isn’t just about losing weight. It’s about aligning—with who I am now and who I want to become.

Tobito came along for the ride, tucked into my tote bag like a sage passenger. At one point, he peeked out and whispered:

> “Every step you take on these new floors will be a step toward your new self. Choose wisely. Imagine the happy dances you’ll do.”

I didn’t expect flooring decisions to feel like emotional growth—but hey, that’s the magic of tacos and transformation.

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💭 Takeaway Box: Today’s Real Stuff, Spiced with Taco Wisdom

What Helped Today

Going back to sleep instead of doomscrolling

The Refried Avenger’s note (and restraint)

Letting change be deliberate—flooring and feelings

Tobito’s endless belief in joy and forward motion

One Thing That Sucked

Self-doubt trying to RSVP to my progress party. I told it to wait in the car—with the windows cracked and no snacks.

One Thing That Sparked Joy

Tobito’s tiny tail (okay, embroidery thread) wagging like we’d already won the day. His quiet reminder:

> “Every day is a victory just for showing up.”

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🎙️ Final Thought: Steps on a New Floor, Guided by a Taco

I used to think progress had to hurt. Sore muscles. Sweat. Sacrifice.

And yes, sometimes it does.

But sometimes, it looks like this:

Kindness over chaos.

Hardwood over hesitation.

Taking the dog outside before your brain spirals.

And listening to the advice of a taco with emotional range.

You get to decide who walks across your metaphorical floor—and how that floor feels underfoot. Comfort? Strength? Joy? That’s the foundation I’m laying.

(Also: maybe vacuum. Just a little. Tobito says a clean floor is a happy floor.)

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What about you?

What’s your flooring metaphor today?

What choice—big or small—moved you closer to the version of yourself you want to become?

Drop a comment. Let’s figure it out together.

Because sometimes the biggest transformations begin with one quiet morning, one hopeful taco, and one well-placed step.

🎯 Catch more of my journey into weight loss, self-improvement, and real-life balance here:

📍 theselfrevamp.blogspot.com