103 Comments
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Elizabeth A Woodruff's avatar

I found Yoga with Adriene completely by accident. She has something for everyone no matter what your mood. Walk & yoga. Yep. That's about it.

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Rebekah's avatar

If you love Mandy Patinkin, I highly recommend listening to the musical "The Secret Garden". His voice and performance is absolutely breathtaking.

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Kelly Elms's avatar

This is the most amazing one person performance I’ve ever seen! This lady deserves as Oscar! It’s one lady lipsyncing Beauty and the Beast and it’s beautiful. https://twitter.com/mneelzy/status/1253384036854034432?s=21

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shawna's avatar

No's- guilt, showers, designated meal time, alarm clocks.

Yes- treats, tv, staying up as late as I want, walks, parks (not playgrounds), alllllll the snacks, school breaks, no- school days, meal requests.

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Rachel's avatar

I’ve been saying yes to a lot more online shopping which isn’t great for my checking account but is good for morale.

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Rachel's avatar

Also I just saw on that Twitter for the Patinkin video that he sent them a kiddush cup after the birth. ā¤ļø

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Lorien's avatar

I’m trying to say yes more to admitting when I need my people (a FaceTime, day update, funny gif, whatever). As someone with a crippling fear of rejection who loves being needed and hates needing, this has often been a struggle, but my need is so great and the stakes are so low relative to everything else going on.

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Danielle's avatar

I've been saying yes to waaaaay more TV than I normally watch, snacks I don't normally eat and desserts I don't normally crave. Understandably so, I've also said yes to elastic, spandex and all forms of unencumbered cotton clothing.

I have also been saying yes to a daily (socially distanced) walk with my neighbor at noon on workdays. It's been nice to get outside, have contact with another human and feel like I'm taking care of myself just a little bit in that way.

My television said no to being alive and died today. Dear baby Jesus, Imma need best buy or Target or SOMEONE to have a ding dang television I can purchase, plug in and use by tonight, because I AM SAYING NO TO A PANDEMIC WITHOUT A TV. Sweet and tender mercies from heaven. It would be too much.

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Erin H Moon's avatar

YES TO ELASTIC! I had to do a pick up the other day at Best Buy for a cable, and their curbside was great. Here's to getting a new TV asap!

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Christy Thompson's avatar

I am feeling quite lost right now, to be honest. I love my job but also my supervisor has made it clear that using my FMLA will cause me to lost opportunities. This isn't right I know but I don't know what to do because anyone who goes to HR usually leaves soon after because nothing gets done. I feel so discouraged and sad. Today a job opportunity for my dream school to work at came in my email but it would mean my husband leaving a job he just got and LOVES. I could look into other universities around GA but I just don't know. So today I am just sad.

I am saying a lot of yes to small things like spending more time marco poloing with friends because it means catching up in a different way than we are used to but it's good. We still have really good conversations and some are really deep. In a lovely way. I am so glad this app exists. I also say a lot of Nos to things like anything with people which makes me sad. I haven't been to a store in a month and a half and I haven't seen my family for that long. My mom wanted to come over but she has been with other people so we had so say no. I was bummed. It is hard to see people go out and ignore the rules and me be stuck at home. BLURGH.

Also, my favorite hobby, reading, has been hard to do lately. That makes me sad.

Also, Erin, that quote you shared from your friend on Insta. She is private... could you share a snapshot with us because I would love to see it as it has been a rough week.

The good. My nieces in pictures. I love that my SIL shares with me.

My husband let me splurge and got me AirPods and I LOVE them.

I cannot get enough of talking to my friends on Marco polo!

I still love some Instagram. It's my social media hiding place. I follow no one who gets me down!

We started summer hours at work so on Friday's I get off at noon. Woot. Woot!

This lovely little group. It's fantastic and I love encouraging y'all!

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Danielle's avatar

Thanks for sharing so honestly with us. Hugs to you for the hard stuff - the job stuff that is as it should not be...the losses.

May your Marco Polos be all the richer through the dulcet tones of those Air Pods, lady.

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Rebecka's avatar

I'm so sorry about your job situation and that you're feeling lost! Sending you a virtual hug.ā¤

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Noƫl Gieringer's avatar

That Stanley Tucci article was amazing and took me down a rabbit hole of R. Eric Thomas's other articles on Elle. I am stockpiling his romcom reviews to read later as I start my movie-watching quarantine journey. I made a note on my phone (my favorite things to do) titled "Does It Hold Up?" followed by a list of favorites I haven't seen in 5-10 years. This weekend is time to dive in and then read Eric's reviews :)

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Melissa G's avatar

Speaking of the Tuc' --- I could watch that video of him making a Negroni on a loop. ALL DAY.

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Sarah (@sarahthelibrarygirl)'s avatar

I defo watched it several times and then started a poll about how Florida should be pronounced. Im VERY attracted to the way he said Florida for some reason. šŸ˜‚

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Patricia's avatar

I'd like to say no to schooling and just let my kids enjoy what will be a 6 month summer break but alas....

We have discovered Cards Against Humanity Family Edition. It has been a treasure of laughter and giggles. Kid friendly as long as you don't mind a lot of reference to poop. They released it as a print at home version for free but I will be paying real cash money when it comes out in stores. Whenever that will be.

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Sarah (@sarahthelibrarygirl)'s avatar

two things that have brought me joy this week:

1.) I have chalkboard painted every feasible surface in my library at this point in Quarantine "essential" library work. This means I can now create chalk outlines on my desk for organizational purposes. In exerting order in this way, I am fighting against all the other chaos in my life.

2.) some of my library babies called me last night to sing their abc's and talk about minecraft and say "I love you." It felt so good to be remembered and loved on even as a non-family member! <3

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Christy Thompson's avatar

This is so cool! I love a good chalkboard surface! Sigh. I would love my own house to do things like this with. There would be so much trouble going on right now if we had one. haha!

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Erica's avatar

I too have found myself saying yes more to things that I would have convinced myself I didn’t have time for or shouldn’t do bc of this or that. Yes, I can have happy hour on the back porch every evening and watch the sunbeams through the trees. Yes to morning baths bc- uh there’s time for that now. Yes to afternoon walks with my MIL. This is making me realize how important and needed being kind to myself is. Not in a super indulgent way but with the ā€œnoiseā€ clear I’m actually listening to what my body and mind need.

My little treasure this week has been Rick Bragg’s book: My Southern Journey. They are short essays about life in the south and make me smile so wide reading them. There are true and funny but not in that cliche way that everyone else describes living down here. It has been a delight and given me more appreciation for home.

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Nancy's avatar

Saying yes to all the new recipes, especially the ones my teenagers are picking out--The Barefoot Contessa's marshmallows are on the agenda this weekend!

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Christy Thompson's avatar

Her marshmallows looked SOO GOOD. She has a chocolate cake on insta today. I drooled. So yummy looking. She always has the best looking recipes. I followed two more food accounts this week. Meanwhile we were suppose to have chicken alfreado last night and ended up with grilled chicken sandwiches and fries. haha!

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Heidi's avatar

I've been saying yes to my kids more, and I think it's because I haven't had to say yes to anyone else. I feel like I actually have the energy to help install the slack line in the back yard, and field questions about cooking projects. I know our family is extraordinarily privileged to not be concerned about finances or jobs right now, and to own a comfortable house with a big yard. But our circumstances are making this Stay at Home order a really nice respite from our regular, suburban lives.

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Sarah Clark's avatar

Survey says: I am saying yes more to shopping local, playing board games with my kids, going for walks with my family in the evenings, Zoom get togethers. Nos - there haven't been a ton, but when reflecting on it, I am saying no to doing menial tasks for my kids that they can handle and no to good things that feel just too overwhelming right now.

Little joys this week:

1. I jumped on the Some Good News bandwagon this week and even though I cry every episode, I love it so much. I think am near tears through the whole thing because it looks like John Krasinski is sometimes just barely holding it together, and seeing men in touch with their emotions gets me every time (first episode where Steve Carell was near tears? BAWLING.)

2. Disney Characters in Quarantine Part 2! https://youtu.be/ARhg7SZLAow

3. Talking through The Favorite Files with some girlfriends over Zoom. I now have a long, long list of television shows to check out....

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Melissa G's avatar

Can we just clone John K? I mean he has zoomed to the top five of my "Man Ranch" LOL

For backstory- it began as a joke in college that all of us ladies are allowed a Man Ranch where we all just live comfortable and have men of our choosing sort of living free range that we can call upon for entertainment, comfort and skills. John has just been checking so many boxes with his amazing content right now.

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Danielle's avatar

"and skills."

snort.

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Melissa G's avatar

Lisssssteeeennnnnn (laughs) ... we all have different gifts. ...... and skills

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Rebecka's avatar

The thought of a Man Ranch is now my Lil Treasure forever and ever.

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Melissa G's avatar

I'm so glad I could share this element of my lexicon to now be used far and wide :)

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Patricia's avatar

MAN RANCH!!!! So much better than hall pass. I am stealing this.

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Melissa G's avatar

HA! Yeah I just the idea of some big beautiful rustic house and sprawling lands and these men just roam about LOL ;)

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Hannah Myer's avatar

I am HERE for the Man Ranch. 🤣🤣 Off the top of my head, John would DEF be on mine, as well as Donald Glover, Andrew Scott, David Tennant. That’s the short list, at least.

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Melissa G's avatar

Stanley Tucci = for his culinary skills and looking gorgeous --> ON THE RANCH

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Melissa G's avatar

OMMGGGG YES ANDREW SCOTT!!! "Honey, you should see me in a crowwwwwn" and I just screamed over David Tennant (and then also said "MILLAAAAH" under my breath).

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Sarah Clark's avatar

Man Ranch! Ha, I love it!

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Melissa G's avatar

So yes when a male celeb/public figure does something of note it's always like "so are they on the Ranch?" LOL -- or when they do something that makes them unworthy "They are OFF the Ranch!" I'm trying to think of someone I recently exiled from the Ranch (laughs into my coffee mug).

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Anna Murphey's avatar

I've been loving staying in with Kumail and Emily podcast. Kumail Nanjani (silicon valley) and his wife are doing a podcast while we are all stuck at home..it's delightful and funny and honest. She also was a therapist and has tidbits of wisdom..but you reminded me of it when you said you cried to Mandy's excitement. They have started asking weekly to each other, "what weird thing have you cried about this week in the weirds? (that's what they call this time and it's perfect).

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Sarah (@sarahthelibrarygirl)'s avatar

okay, offically calling This Time, "the weirds"

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Anna Murphey's avatar

Right? It's perfect.

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Rebecka's avatar

I need to listen to that!

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Melissa G's avatar

Morning all....

Greetings and Salutations from MN.

So my list of observations, thoughts, feelings and such from this past week.

1. Squealing in my kitchen getting a shout out on a BF of the Show ep The Popcast for my spicy take comment regarding Brad Pitt. Picture me catching up on the Tiger King ep 3 podcast and all whisking scrambled eggs with my earbuds in and then I'm dropping said whisk and laughing hysterically in my kitchen. Then cue me freaking out and sending this information to fellow PMG fans (Danielle hey girl hey!)

2. My husband had a birthday. We had a fun Zoom meeting/game night with his family. I was a winner of some Fibber game? Also, whomever has such a competitive streak that they feel the need to Google info to win an online game between family members, yeah I side-eye.

3. Adding alcohol to a number of drinks I never would have before. Sometimes ones fruit smoothie needs rum or schnapps or an infused vodka.

4. Having to say no and not watch certain entertainment content because you know it will unleash an Ugly Cry you might not be ready to handle. That was me and Crip Camp. I am loving it but I know it will make me cry. Seeing it was executive produced by the Obamas alone made me gasp and know it was going to be a lot for me. that being said, I will finish it this weekend.

5. Coming to grips with going back to the office full time on Monday. So full transparency I work at the headquarters and manufacturing facility for Aveda products (haircare and skincare). It was decided our production facility (which has been open all this time with adaptations made for staffing and scheduling) will drop all adapted scheduling and have all our full time manufacturing employees on each shift return "to normal" -- we have staggered scheduling between shifts and have made tons of social distancing improvements - but we were splitting crew teams and having them come in every other week. I was also only going to the office every other week and WFH all the other time I was not in the office. But now that ends. I go back, FT M-F every week. Guys. I'm struggling with this. Because so many other "office jobs" are NOT having to come back until at least June 1. I support department leads so technically my job is very "officey" -- but I am going back. My husband will now have to manage all the distance learning for both of our kids and WFH for his job. It's a lot.......... which is probably why this week has been a "lets mix all the things with a dollop of hootch" kind of week.

6. Schools have been officially called for the remainder of the year (to which I say, no doi!) my 13 year old is totally cool with this, but he is sort of upset that baseball may be cancelled as well for the summer. I have been quasi grateful for some of this distance learning as there are some jerk kids at his middle school that he hasn't had to be around. Also its made him focus on his academics purely and not have to worry about those social pressures.

Well I have babbled on enough for this week's installment.

Love all you guys.

Mel

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Christy Thompson's avatar

UGH. Mel I am sorry about work. I think I would feel overwhelmed and anxious. You've got this and we will be here cheering you on! You can babble to your hearts contentment here as I am a babler too! I even do it to my friends on marco polo...haha!

I have completely abandoned any shows that will make me cry right now. Only funny things or things that will scary me....haha!

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Melissa G's avatar

Thanks Christy! For me, I know all I'm doing to keep myself and my family safe, its just a lot of faith on others being smart too. But I will also be a hand washing, purel-using, bleach wiping crazy person.

I do love shows that bring out the feels...I'm just really portioning them right now. I can only take so much of any strong emotion and its scary to think how easily I can lean into some over others.

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Rebecka's avatar

Greetings and Salutations to you Mel!

It's always nice to read your updates and I wish you luck with the new job situation.

And please let us know when you release an "enhanced fruit smoothie" recipe book. šŸ˜‰

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Melissa G's avatar

One of my recipes: Take the slightly off looking berries your sons will no longer touch as they don't look perfect and freeze them. Put a nice amount into your blender Mix with any juice you have available because its a wacky world and a mix of OJ, fruit punch, capri sun and lemon sparking water seems on brand. Add a glug of whatever alcohol you also have on hand while doing a deep exhale. Blend to desired consistency and then enjoy!

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Sarah Clark's avatar

What is it with sons and not perfect fruit??? My 3 boys are the same way...I have SO MUCH FROZEN FRUIT. Enhanced fruit smoothie mode activated...

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Sarah Clark's avatar

1. Melissa, I look forward to your updates on this every week. 2. Ooooo, I am on ep 3 of the Tiger King Beat recaps - I am gonna have to listen for your spicy take!

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Melissa G's avatar

It's in the last 2 minutes :) *squeals*

But awww thank you, I was worried some of my lists/updates were slightly novella-esque. But glad you like them. But no lie girl, I DROPPED MY WHISK LOL.

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Sarah Clark's avatar

I legit GUFAWED out loud hearing your comment, and Dana's reply - (loud whisper) you're not wrong...

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Melissa G's avatar

(leans in whispering like how a preschooler whispers back) I know riiiiight? ;)

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Apr 24, 2020
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Melissa G's avatar

I soooooo didn't see your comment as an Egg On, more as a "YES SPILL TEA SAY MORE" .........and I did LOL. But really, Brad. (full body eye roll)

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Apr 24, 2020
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Melissa G's avatar

Oh make no mistake they are both problematic for different reasons and both need some therapy. (as we all do) ..but at the same time when he split from Angelina, I felt bad as he did legally adopt her kids and then they had biological children -- so whenever people are like "OMG GUYYYSSS JENNIFER ANISTON AND BRAD ARE BOTH SINGLEEEEE" I'm all "yeah and he has 6 kids, show more of them reuniting"

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Apr 24, 2020
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Danielle's avatar

This thread between the two of you may be my favorite treasure of the treasures thread this week. (pops popcorn) Go onnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn....

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Apr 24, 2020
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Melissa G's avatar

Oh hun. I get this. I am typically very much a Yang in my reaction to things. I feel like I have to Keep with the Doing. Because if I stop All the Doing I have to recognize the Feelings and Feelings = AAARRGHHHH. I did have an ugly cry last week over finally watching the finale of Schitt's Creek. I'm not sure if the content itself was inspiration or just the feeling like "why does this have to end?" -- all of it hit me and I turned into puffy faced yoda (I'm not a pretty crier to any degree). Again, you are going through one of the hardest losses now in the midst of all of this other insane stress. Grief is one of the hardest emotions as it really piggybacks on all the others. Like you think "can I laugh? can I feel joy even for a moment?" -- so if DA is your safe space, watch it, if it does lead to tears, those are tears you need to release. This time, this new world you are in. It's ever evolving. But please know, you need to reach out -- email me, we can exchange cell # or find each other on another messaging platform and know I am here for whatever venting you need. Even if you don't want a reply but a safe space to shout into the void. I offer that.

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Rebecka's avatar

Oh my heart, that Mandy Patinkin clip was the purest thing I've ever seen!

I'm doing much better than I was last week, the stupid cough is gone (for now) and my brother got a job, so yay! I and other members of my family still have a lot of health issues that very much overwhelm me, but today I will choose to focus on the positives. Like the fact that I now have access to chocolate and wine again. šŸ˜‰ I've discovered that my favorite lipstick also can be used as eyeshadow, who knew? šŸ¤·ā€ā™€ļø Oh, and I bought a Mandevilla for my patio. 'Tis very pretty! šŸ˜

šŸŽ­ Fellow Shakespeare nerds, The Globe Theatre (my very favorite place on earth) is streaming plays on YouTube. Romeo and Juliet will be available until Sunday 3 May and then they'll release a new play. Last week I watched Hamlet, it was really good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSAlPJ0FG_0&feature=youtu.be

šŸŽµ If you need some calming and peaceful worship music, here are 37 minutes of just that. I've been playing this while resting/napping in the afternoons and 10/10 would recommend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjM1NfVhb8w

(Erin, I'd love to help with your survey, I really would, but since I'm not quarantined although due to chronic illness have been more or less isolated in my home for the better part of 10 years, this honestly doesn't feel like a new season for me. Just wanted you to know I didn't ignore the question.šŸ˜‰)

Have a lovely weekend, friends!

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Erin H Moon's avatar

I too had to google mandevilla, but it's so pretty! And this is the best news about The Globe!

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Rebecka's avatar

Right? I watched Romeo and Juliet last night, it was a lot funnier than any other production I've ever seen!

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Danielle's avatar

Hooray for you and Dana both feeling better! Hooray for chocolate and wine!

I made a scrunchy face at the computer when I read that your lipstick can be used as eyeshadow b/c I can't picture it, but YOU GO GIRL. I also had to google Mandevilla, so thank you for giving me an opportunity to grow as a human. May it bloom and grow.

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Rebecka's avatar

Hooray indeed!

Perhaps I should have said it's a nude-ish lipstick. I don't think I'll try the red one on my eyelids. šŸ˜‚

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Lindsay Stadter's avatar

I feel like I am saying a lot of no's (No, my 2-year-old is not interested in a Zoom class meeting. I kind of feel bad like he's missing out, but I also don't want to add something else to supervise to my daily schedule). But also yes to DESSERTS. So many desserts we never buy during Normal Times. But bring on the Oreos, Easter candy, Klondike bars, and Blue Bell because we can't have normal lives right now.

Twins are coming Monday, so my goal this weekend is to relax and enjoy our last days as a family of 3. I'm feeling less anxious about bringing newborn twins into Pandemic World. We've had people sign up to bring is dinner for 3 weeks at least and have a safe plan to bring in quarantined help. Still wrapping my brain around our toddler not being at daycare, but we will manage.

My treasure for the week is Instagram account that's just various performances of "If you care to find me, look to the western sky" part of Defying Gravity. Lots of cringey moments but also some genuinely good and funny ones. I weirdly teared up at the trained dog performance? And I love the show choir/glee club renditions! https://www.instagram.com/every1deservesthechance2fly/

Also I embraced my first pigtails of the pandemic and I feel like they will be a staple in my postpartum life. If you need to mix up the quarantine hair, it's a good option.

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Erin H Moon's avatar

Your two year old is not missing out on Zoom calls, promise. So glad your people are rallying on the food front. We can't wait to hear about how perfect they are if you're up for it next week! ā¤ļø

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Danielle's avatar

Pre-congrats, from someone else who is wearing pigtails today for the first time in this pandemic. :) Looking forward to hearing of their safe delivery and your first week together next Friday.

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Heidi's avatar

My twins just turned 10 last week - I know just how you feel! The best part about having them was being able to roll over in bed without having to do a four-point turn.

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Lindsay Stadter's avatar

4-point turn! THAT'S EXACTLY HOW IT FEELS. hahaha I'm dyinggggg. I woke up at 4 am and did the 4-point turn for my second pee of the night and couldn't go back to sleep, so at 5 am I decided to start my work day... I'm 38 weeks today so I am large and in charge the doctor expects the boys to be 7-7.5 lbs each...

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Heidi's avatar

Let's hear it for term twins! I was 38 and one day and I was like, "do whatever it takes to get them out of me". Mine were both between 6.5 and 7 - it's a lot of baby in there!

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Christy Thompson's avatar

Ohh pigtails. I am thinking I might try this on the weekend. Also I watched Melissa Radke's fake braid tutorial and I am all about trying it now too! Twins on Monday.... Congratulations! You sound well prepared and two sweet babes coming into this chaos is the beauty our world needs. Sweet baby toes and smell. Sigh. Enjoy those snuggles and breathe in that scent for all of us okay. You can do this Momma! We believe in you!

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Emily W's avatar

Speaking of Parks & Rec - I hope you saw this! Ron Swanson living on is getting me through.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_V3uy_HO_S/?igshid=upcy16a0auan

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Jackie's avatar

Last week, a friend turned me on to the Dwell bible app that reads the bible to you, and John Mark Comer's Bridgetown Church daily podcast. Both of those have been so educational and encouraging during these wild times.

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Mona's avatar

I don't feel there is much to say yes to because we can't do much but I do say yes to more icecream after dinner and to my mother in law who wants to do complicated sewing projects over Google Hangouts while I supervise (I don't sew and I don't care) and calls to tell me she'll be coming to awkwardly hang out with us in our driveway (during my husband's work hours so it has to be me out there to make sure the baby doesn't rush her and everyone keeps their distance)...honestly wish she'd just stay home. But I wished that before the pandemic too...I can admit that now that I'm my grumpy pandemic myself. I have been saying yes to online counseling because for once in my life I can afford it because my insurance is not charging any deductibles or copays and I've been saying "hell nah" to everything coming out of my husbands mouth and all we do is bicker these days. He's excited (not) to see a virtual therapist with me next week. Generosity hasn't been my defining feature this month but I am going to be entertaining my MIL in my driveway tomorrow so honestly, maybe I'm the most generous person I know. I have been watching an incredible amount of tiktok and I don't know to to link it but there have been several gems. May I recommend tiktok? Also last night we watched "About time" on Netflix which managed to be cute and thought provoking (the only way thought provoking is digestible these days). I recommend it if you're done with little fires on Hulu and train wreck that is tiger king.

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Sarah (@sarahthelibrarygirl)'s avatar

About Time with the darling Dohmnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams? cause thats a GEM of a movie!

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Mona's avatar

Yes!! It was great!

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Jacki's avatar

In general, I feel like I’m saying yes more. I feel like everyone is having such a hard time that I want to do what I can to alleviate it- a friend gets a ridiculous case of pink eye and I put a care package on her door, or my super small church needs someone to help with worship every week so I spend an evening each week recording. Not bad things (and some of them are very life-giving), but some situations have been draining (*cough* family drama)

On a less dreary note- tomorrow is my youngest’s first birthday. A local bakery decided to give away a free birthday cake to anyone turning 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 in the month of April. We’re going to pick that up this morning, and I’m sure going to buy a fancy coffee drink while I’m there, you know, just to support a local business and not for any caffeine reasons 😬 Local businesses are doing such kind and creative things and I love it.

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Christy Thompson's avatar

I love that the bakery did that! It is a weird season to have a birthday in so free cake is always fun! I hope your sweet babe has a very fun first birthday despite it all and feels ALL THE LOVE! <3

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Hannah Myer's avatar

It is so hard to know how to celebrate big milestones like a first birthday during this time. Hats off to that bakery for their kindness!! Maybe someday your kiddo will think it’s cool that they turned 1 during quarantine?? šŸ˜‚šŸ¤·šŸ»ā€ā™€ļø Enjoy your fancy coffee!

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Melissa Davenport's avatar

I've been saying yes more. Mainly because my enneagram 7 brain needs something, anything, go look forward to. But also because my kids (8, 11, 13) are so dang sad. You want an ice cream sandwich, sure. Go on ahead.

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Hannah Myer's avatar

A friend sent this & I got a good laugh out of it - ā€œExplaining the Pandemic to my Past Selfā€ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ms7capx4Cb8

As far as yes/no for me, I’m probably saying no more just because my three year old is very much in a season of asserting his independence & it is a trying time for all of us. šŸ˜… Other no’s have been more disappointing, like saying no to my sister coming over until this is all over because she is still going to work. But I’m also saying yes to other things like my first virtual counseling session, singing a ā€œsocial distancing duetā€ with a friend, reading a new memoir (There I Am by Ruthie Lindsey), texting my best friend when I’m doing really poorly/just need to complain or celebrate something, etc. So, I guess to answer your question, I’m probably saying no more often, but each yes is important for my own well-being.

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Rebecka's avatar

"Each yes is important for my own well-being." I love that!

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Hannah Myer's avatar

Also gotta share this cover Penny & Sparrow did of Colin Hay’s ā€œI Just Don’t Think I’ll Ever Get Over Youā€. It’s a short version, but it is basically perfection: https://youtu.be/51y7Qth4IvI

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Jackie's avatar

I was supposed to see Penny & Sparrow last weekend during "normal times" and I agree with this cover posting! Fingers crossed the August reschedule goes through.

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Hannah Myer's avatar

JACKIE! Have you seen them live before?! I hope their reschedule goes through, too!

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Jackie's avatar

Yeah! I saw them in summer 2016 when they opened up for The Oh Hellos. One of the best shows of my life. I MISS CONCERTS.

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Hannah Myer's avatar

AH. I saw them twice last year. They are a dang delight. I miss concerts too!!

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Mady's avatar

This ā€œco-workerā€ story had me cracking up!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B94YKeLlmog/?igshid=1armg2mrl89e8

Survey answer:

I’ve said yes to going outside more, and that feels good. Physically, walking around is a good thing of course, but just sitting in a chair breathing fresh air helps me to feel better mentally.

I’ve said no to visitors since I came home from the hospital yesterday with our new baby. (Is this part of my answer just a way to announce this news? idk but I’m going with it) This makes me feel sad. The time we’ve been spending together has been unique and so special, but when am I going to feel comfortable enough for our parents to meet their grandchild? I miss seeing our people at church, but when will it feel safe enough to go? I feel the need to stay home now, but is there going to be some magic day when it feels right to go back out into the world? I’m ready for things to go back to normal, but what will normal look like now?

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Erin H Moon's avatar

NEW BABY! Congrats, Maggie! This is such a weird time all around, but this is wonderful news.

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Danielle's avatar

Oooooh, congratulations on your little one!!!! How lovely - even with all the complications of Covid-19! May you have copious grace for yourself as you transition to life at home with this sweet new little one.

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Christy Thompson's avatar

Congratulations on the sweet babe! I had a co-worker who just had a sweet one 2 weeks ago and it is so hard for her to say no but know that those who love you completely understand and want all of you to be safe and healthy! They can wait to meet that sweet bundle of joy when the time is right! I too am ready for normal whatever it may look like but am also so scared of what it will look like. Sigh. Change is scary.

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Rebecka's avatar

Congratulations! (May your new "co-worker" never make you spray poo-pouri on your you know what šŸ˜‰)

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Hannah Myer's avatar

Congrats!!! I pray the day will come soon for your people to meet your baby. Until then, may your days be full of those sweet newborn snuggles šŸ’—

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Apr 24, 2020
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Danielle's avatar

My mother made a post about wearing jeans during this pandemic and I felt personally offended. ;)

YES to all things elastic and free.

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Christy Thompson's avatar

YES. All the pants that are not pants. HELL NO TO JEANS! I am on the Lily train forever with this one as long as we must live through this quaranhelltine.

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Melissa G's avatar

Confession: I wear jeans M-F even when home, they are my "do the things" pants. I feel like if I put on pantsy-pants I need to keep to certain schedules and routines. But also this week I have been going in 1/2 days to the office, so leggings are not allowed. But Weekends = leggings.

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Sarah Clark's avatar

YES. I am wearing real pants today only because all my non-pants are in the wash...

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Rebecka's avatar

I feel your pain.

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Apr 24, 2020
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Danielle's avatar

It's good to see you here. We're holding you in our hearts, Lily. For real.

Kudos to your husband, and to friends who knew just what to do. May those kinds of gifts keep coming. Screw the corn teen police. Some risks are worth it.

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Rebecka's avatar

Lily, I'm so glad you have wonderful people (and mimosas) around you at this time. ā¤

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Christy Thompson's avatar

That husband of yours does sound like a peach with the very much correct yes and nos! Good job to him. And I think sometimes hugs are necessary no matter what is going on in this world. You just NEED a hug and I am glad you were able to get some along with friend time and mimosas and bacon. Keep remembering her beautifully and take your time in doing the hard things. They will still be there as you move and grieve in this crazy time. <3

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Melissa G's avatar

Lily, you get to do all the things right now. Sleep, nap, feel all the feelings. We are here for you.

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Apr 24, 2020
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Rebecka's avatar

That song is stuck in my head now! šŸ˜‚

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Apr 24, 2020
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Erin H Moon's avatar

Listen I rewatched TSN this week, too, and found myself very annoyed. I love the movie, I love almost all the performances (it made me miss new little baby Andrew Garfield), but I was like...ugh. MZ is such a jerk. I don't really need to watch an entitled white guy become a billionaire. So I get it.

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Danielle's avatar

Hallelujah for a doctor who is so delightful. A treasure, indeed.

Thankful to read you're feeling better Dana!

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Rebecka's avatar

She sounds like a great doctor! Also, I'm glad you're feeling better 😊

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