I have no words, so here I will attempt to convey life in animated GIF form:
My brain currently:
My house currently:
Anytime I open an app to see what’s going on in the world/with people:
How homeschooling is going:
Our new parenting mantra:
Here’s the good news: even though it’s been a real turd of a week, we have some lil treasures to share. Shall we?
📸 We asked our friend Amy to come take some socially distant porch pics to remember what a weird time this is. I decided I wanted us to stay true to our whole shelter at home vibe, so when Marlo came downstairs wearing Umbro leggings and shirt from pre-school, I was like, sure! Whatever! Then Cy put his robot helmet on. So this is our porch pic. I gotta say it DOES stay true to how we’ve been living. I would also like to apologize for all the bare feet coming at you in this pic.
📚 The Bookshelf announced they’ll be doing a virtual book club based on the newly re-released Babysitter’s Club books (and Netflix series), so since basically all our camps and daycares are getting axed left and right (my inbox is the second to last episode of Game of Thrones right now), I signed us up. I adored the BSC (I’m a total Kristy, but I did try to convince everyone at school I had diabetes like Stacey for the attention, we’ve all done that, right?), and I’m hopeful it will be a good distraction.
📖 One of the weirdest and most fascinating parts of quarantine is seeing the inside of celebrity homes. Which is why this NYT article about what’s on the bookshelves of famous people while they Zoom is like catnip to me.
❤️ I don’t know who needs to know this, but I had a beautiful Instagram friend (who has sadly been lost to my DMs) share with me this fabulous collection of High School Musical merch and I’m trying to figure out how to get that East hoodie as an end-of-the-year teacher present to MYSELF.
⭐️ Anne Helen Peterson is my favorite doctor of celebrity gossip (as well as the owner of my two favorite internet dogs), although she’s made a pivot to different subject matter now. BUT when she tweets that a certain profile of Marlon Brando is her favorite profile of Marlon Brando (it’s by Truman Capote, so…it’s FINE), you drop what you’re doing, pretend to go on a walk and sit on the curb for 30 minutes to read the dang thing.
🎁 OH! In case you want to send a friend a copy of The Comfortable Words, you can now do that with a gift card option on the site. AND if you want a copy, I am still giving them away for free, currently due to the generosity of so many of you. If you want one, just raise that hand via email or DM.
Listen. Look at me. I know this is a crap situation and everyone is feeling differently and processing pain and trauma on different scales. This is not normal. None of this is normal. We can not be Kerri Strug, vaulting perfectly through our pain and *gestures vaguely* whatever this is for the past seven weeks or whatever. You’re allowed to throw fits if you need to. You’re allowed to call in sick for work (I think, don’t quote me on that). You’re allowed to tell your kid’s teacher that you’ll be doing the bare minimum. You’re allowed to cry about summer camps being cancelled (have I fully conveyed my grief here?). You’re allowed to stress and freak out about tiny, petty things that make life just a little bit harder than it has to be right now. And you’re allowed to grieve and mourn and lament over deep pain. It’s all on the table. It’s no use tamping that down or trying to push through because some people have it worse than you. As the patron saint of the Swipe Up, Mister Rogers, says: “What’s mentionable is manageable.” So if you need to mention something in the comments, do it. Big or small, petty or important. I do solemnly swear not to try and make it better or gloss over it, but I will tell you that it sucks and I hate it. You can also share tiny joy-bringers and large exciting times because we know both of those things exist together.
Okay. “Pep” talk over. Can’t wait for your treasures.
P.S. We’re recapping Tiger King over on the Popcast Patreon. It’s…really something. P.P.S. Currently in the middle of a new season of The Bible Binge all about pivots and it’s turning into one of my favorite seasons!
Target jumpsuit: I can confirm it is the most comfortable thing ever and I have basically been living in mine for six weeks. Also, in order to get the right fit I ended up setting a Target app alert and snagging them when they’d come back in stock... so .... I’m currently sitting on a small light grey and light and dark grey mediums that need returning. I’d be more than happy to send them someone else’s way. Lmk!
This week has kicked my butt. The drug store where I work is still insanely busy, to the point that we’re going to work at 4:30 am just to try to restock most stuff before customers arrive. There’s such a spectrum of customer types, from ones who will barely say hello they’re in such a hurry, to others who literally just come in to browse and spend 20 minutes picking up every single bottle of nail polish. We’re in the middle of a freaking pandemic, Crystal. Look with your eyes, not your hands! It’s very stressful being out in the world but I though I was handling it okay until last night when I found myself sarcastically asking my teen if he thought supper “magically appeared like I’m Molly effing Weasley”. On a positive note, I gave my husband a haircut and we’re still together, so that’s a win. Although he did also tell me my need to have a plan for the day is getting *rather* annoying and maybe I could chill with the lists. Ha! Not happening 😂 If you want a book to make you feel better about yourself, no matter your age or stage, I highly recommend You Are Awesome by Neil Pasricha. It’s like a weighted blanket for your soul.
Hard things: I work at a grocery store and this week was just a lot. This whole time has been difficult, but this week? We’re all feeling it really hard. The curbside orders keep pouring in, the phone won’t stop ringing, the store is full of customers, people are upset whether we wear masks or not, customer drama, employee drama, stress stress stress.
I am so happy to have a job. I love getting good and often local food to our customers. I’m just really done with this week and the incredibly busy, chaotic days.
Good things: spring is coming. The tulips are starting to bloom. I’m making a quilt for one of my friend’s kids. I’m going to reread a favorite book series. We’re going to make it through all of this.
Honestly my heart is so sad this week. I live in GA and this Ahmaud death is just so much. But I’m learning to speak up and to do something. I would not have done this years ago. I’ve begun to realize how much I’ve changed and how I can no longer let be quiet about injustice.
But I’m trying to find beauty in small things.
I got new comfy sweats just in time for it to be cold!
I also found new adidas slides. OMG. Why didn’t any one tell me. Basically my goal in life is now to be as comfortable as possible.
We talked about going back to the office and it will probably be August which made me scared and happy all at once.
I’m wishing for a zoom book club or bible study about now. I miss Human connection badly.
I’m thankful for you Erin. And this lil swipes and this little group. Y’all bring a bit of normalcy to my week. ❤️
Ok so this is what it has come to...my husband and I watched this last night and I actually kind of enjoyed it-small town people just trying to live their lives and be that small town kind of endearing.(And I secretly loved Tammi) Help me, we have come to the end of our sanity! I believe there must be two types of people - those who will, and those who will not buy products made out of poo 💩💩💩
While you’re at it with the HSM... if you want to donate to the Actual East High™️ in Salt Lake City, they have a food pantry that is still functioning and a lot of students rely on!! They also partner with peachjar - an organization that helps kids/families get food all throughout the school year. If you want to donate somewhere and support your fav HSM stomping grounds, that is it! (PS - I 100% have a jumping photo in front of East and it’s one of my favorite things I have done in all my years of living in SLC)
Trying to explain to my husband that I’m never alone anymore. I’m usually a stay at home mom and I get to get my crap done by myself. But now my only alone adventures involve grocery shopping. He tried to tell me after the kids were in bed that I was alone right then but didn’t have the heart to tell him that alone meant he was gone too. So I chose to sit in a 3 hours drive thru line (the place was brand new to my city) and listen to the popcast and talk with my sister without anyone in my space.
Also finished Zoey’s Incredible playlist and that show is a little hard for me. Next week will be 3 years since my Dad passed from the exact same rare disease. They did a really good job portraying it which sometimes made it a little hard to watch. But I liked the musical aspect.
My favorite treasure of the month so far is watching my boyfriend watch Battlestar Galactica for the first time while I get to be the one crowing "OMG wait til you see what comes next!" for once. Although sometimes it's a little too accurate for quarantine times.
This week has been better for me. I have had more to do and I am getting a new assignment at work which will keep me busy. I work as an Account Rep for a company in the electronic entertainment space which usually requires me to go from store to store calling on customers. That all came to a screeching halt mid March. I am very fortunate that because people are stuck at home they are spending lots of money with my company and so my company has continued to pay us even though we are doing next to nothing. Next week I get to start moderating some of our content online. I cannot imagine what content I will get to see, but I like the power of getting to ban people for being jerks. Lol
I wanted to say thank you to whichever of yous has paid it forward and paid for an additional The Comfortable Words. It just wasn't going to be in the cards for me right now and, while it was was humbling to raise my hand and say, "yes, please!" to Erin's offer, your generosity was a warm hug and a challenge to not just numb out but actually consider what this time might offer me that I wasn't expecting.
Also, I am TWO WEEKS away from finishing out the 2019-2020 school year. This high school English teacher is ready to be done remote teaching and have my singular focus be keeping my two young kids alive and happy. Having a split focus without the physical parameters of a workplace and homeplace has had me feeling like I am half assing everything! This too shall pass and be a blip in the grand scheme of things. Just one day at a time!
Update: Erin's jumpsuit from Target seems to be out in all sizes.
Two treasures:
1. Curbside library pick-up notification. My 7 year old is not an e-reader. He does not like to curl up with me and a tablet to read. So thankful our library a few blocks from our house has curbside pick-up now. I filled up my hold list so fast you guys, you don't even know. :)
2. A local band I *adore* called Yam Haus (seriously all of these guys are the cutest and sweetest and yes I am THAT person that I also have befriended two of their MOMS haha) dropped a new single and it has brought me such joy today: https://youtu.be/F4duTHFzxQ0
I WISH my library offered curb-side pick up. I'm also not an e-reader, but I've been trying to make do. Chicago Public Libraries are still closed through the end of May 😩
I'm sorry Megan! I am an e-reader and audiobook lover so thankfully I still have books to bring me comfort. But my 7 year old loves the tangible act of holding a book and turning pages. I'm so thankful our library re-opened for this delivery of materials.
Texas is been semi open for a week and I cant handle it. I'm the next gen coordinator at my church and suddenly my pastor is ready to go 1000% all at once and I'm so not ready. My 9 sloth is like but I'm so comfy here don't make me move" The public is also giving me a battle. I realized that I can't control everyone elses behavior and response but only offer grace and more grace. Currently sitting in my car with an iced coffee bracing myself for walmart. Help!
Erin! 🙌🏼 Your GIF game is unmatched and totally made my morning. Thank you!!
The little thing that saved our week: Making a distancing free ice cream truck - we loaded up on different frozen treats on our last Instacart order, made a big poster of the different kinds we had and taped it to our truck, and drove around the neighborhood blasting music and throwing popsicles and ice cream sandwiches to friends. Dressing in costumes optional but strongly encouraged. I HIGHLY recommend doing it - it broke up the monotony and made everyone smile and laugh more than we had all week!
Also - the Why Mommy Drinks podcast. I’m going through listening to old episodes now, and I LOL constantly. Betsy Stover and Amanda Allen have a hilarious guest parent on each episode, and they take turns going around answering the question of what broke them this week. SO FUNNY.
Hey all! Greetings from MN as I sit at my desk wearing a mask.
That's right
At the office, we are now required to wear masks. If you are in the building, you wear a mask. I'm on day 4 of office mask wearing and its been something to adjust to. But for me, its literally wearing a security blanket -- on my face. I know all *I* have been doing to comply to social distancing and sheltering in place, but I cannot say that for everyone I encounter when I walk in the building. So I will wear whatever they hand to me.
So....treasures time.
1. Not deserving my treasure is the fact gmail sent this email and put it in my promotions folder instead of my inbox. UM HELLO GMAIL THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST VITAL MESSAGES I GET ALL WEEK.
2. Rocking my lipstick even under a mask. I know, this is weird. But you guys I have been "that girl" with lip products since I was like 7 and I had a tinted lip balm from Avon that looked like a brown crayon but was chocolate flavored and gave you just this twinge of brown tint to my lips. Today I am rocking a rather dark shade that came in a variety pack --it #43.
3. Getting auto repairs. I know, this isn't exactly a treasure. But having my vehicle be safe is key. And thankful I was able to get this repair and not use a credit card to pay for it.
4. Using up beauty products - As I am also using up candles I am using up various face washes, lotions, potions, shampoos, conditioners, bars of soap, etc.
5. Foamy soap refills - Okay my 7 year old is a soap snob. he loves to just pump and pump and pump the foam soap container -- this company was referenced in an article about sustainable industy and I thought "eh, why not" - I got a bag of Lemon Basil & Geranium (currently in use, it smells divine) and Cucumber Melon & Jasmine Flower (hello slight 90s flashback). I don't feel bad over the child going foam crazy. Buy them here: https://geloproducts.com/
6. Finally finishing Nashville on Hulu. I remember I couldn't watch this when it was cancelled on ABC and went to CMT because my cable package was weird. Falling back into this show. What a dang delight. It's pure soapy (ha) brain shutting off elixir.
7. I have a virtual 5k this weekend. It is the SuperHero 5k Dash to benefit our local ALS Association. This cause is huge for me. This organization did so much for my mom and our family when she was battling ALS. They provided us with technology so she could speak, tools that kept her mobile, feeding items, care providers, you name it, they helped. Reps from the group attended her funeral. I'm going to advovate for this org for the rest of my life. http://webmn.alsa.org/site/TR/Endurance/Minnesota?pg=entry&fr_id=14221
Erin: I see you rocking that jumpsuit! (goes to see if Target still has it in stock). Your family is beautiful.
Thoughts & Prayers Section
For all us who have mixed feelings about Mother's Day. It's a hard day for so many. For those who have lost mothers. For those who have complicated relationships with their mothers. For those who struggle with being and becoming mothers, for those who feel they need to explain why they *aren't* mothers. Just be kind on this day.
Personal T&P
My dad works in a correctional facility here in MN (Willow River/WRC). Now before you think my life is a Loretta Lynn song, I should be clear my dad is actually a chef. He is a private caterer and my life is filled with kitchen memories from places he owned. But he decided to work for the Department of Corrections because (a) he wanted to teach people how to cook, he wanted some to understand the power of food and how it can make you employable anywhere and how to sustain yourself and those in your circle (b) the DOC has a 10-year retirement/pension package. Being in the hospitality industry is not all Food Network fame. My dad always put his employees first which left him not much for his own retirement accounts. That all being said, as of today WRC has 55 confirmed cases of Covid, 4 staff members are home recovering. He goes to work each day with gloves and a N95 mask and hopes for the best. He's 63. I worry everyday. It's a lingering feeling of panic under my skin every moment. He calls me 3x a week (he's not a big tech guy) and I let him vent. But I am scared. I am so scared. So please ... any prayers.
Gosh- just said prayers for your dad. That’s hard! Also- I too picked back up on Nashville when this whole thing started and have become way too invested! The perfect distraction!
Thanks! I've basically been doing a 5k a day all year so this is become old hat to me. :) But this one has all the more special meaning to me since it was one I planned to do with my oldest friend, but now we can't due to being in Shelter-in-place and since we are both working so we don't want to "cross pollinate" our germs.
We might plan a parking lot social distance dinner soon. It's the longest I've gone without her company for quite some time (we've been friends for 38 years!)
I am on week 6 of office mask wearing. Welcome to the all-day sweaty face party. I look forward to my 30 minute lunch every day when I can sit outside and breathe fresh air without a mask (assuming the weather cooperates, which it has about 50% of the time). Also, praying for your dad!
Sarah: Solidarity hun! First we had alternating weeks of being in-office and WFH, then it was all in-office without masks and now its in-office with masks --- why they can't just let more of us WFH again is sort of beyond me, but alas.
Yes we have been big "no wasters" at my house since this all started. It really appeals to my use it or lose it sort of philosophy. Your coal miner grandpa would have gotten along great with my propane selling/navy/line cook grandpa.
Coming from the person who was diagnosed with diabetes in 3rd grade and always felt weird and different and didn't want to draw attention to it, the fact that you faked it baffles me. 😂 Also, this pandemic sucks and I'm 100% over hanging out with friends over Zoom and this week our governor extended her executive order until July, so that's just cool cool cool. I have a blog post due for my church tonight, and I have no idea what encouraging thing I'm going to write. Also also, I'm moving next month which I'm excited about, but what a weird time to be moving.
ALSO, can I get an amen from all of my fellow single people out there who are still braving the weird and terrible world of dating apps, now with conversations that have no promise of becoming real-life interaction anytime soon? This thing is not doing us any favors, folks.
Um, hi! I'm also single and was diagnosed with diabetes in preschool so I just wanted to say hello. 😊 I can't with the dating apps though, you're a stronger and braver person than me.
Hello! You know, I really can't with the dating apps either. My cycle over the last few years has gone like this: download app, use it for a week, get so annoyed with the weirdos and pointless conversations and lack of quality men, delete for several months, and repeat. But in January, I decided that I obviously wasn't having any luck meeting men in real life because 1. I work entirely with women. and 2. I know the single guys at my church, and no thank you, so I decided to push past the annoyance, downloaded an app I hadn't used before (and actually like SLIGHTLY more than others), and keep it. So I'm sticking with it. For now. But also, one of my friends told me she would set me up with a guy she knows after this is all over (after I told her I'm 100% okay with that), and that kind of situation is just way more ideal.
I've done the same cycle with dating apps and I just can't hang. I get super overwhelmed with the amount of messages and such that I just don't reply to anyone and freak out and delete the app. Also, the amount of work it takes is insane. 🙈 Getting set up is 100% the way to go. It's the lazy girls' way to date because it literally takes all of the leg work out of it.
Megan, yes to all this. My one remaining single friend and I announced at our community group last year (all married except us) that we are 100% okay with them setting us up with people. Less meaningless work with dumb apps, and they've already been vetted! And I'm not the kind of person to have hard feelings toward the setter-upper if it doesn't work out.
I was in a relationship last year via a set up and it was an absolute dumpster fire, but I absolutely held no blame or hard feelings toward the friend who set me up with him. All of my friends know I’m down to be set up with anyone who loves Jesus, is taller than 5’8, and can handle a spicy personality.
Also, after reading your comment, I downloaded a couple dating apps last night. So... we’re in this together.
I’m not dealing with any of the stress most people are, but I always appreciate the moments of joy that we’re all seeing online these days.
—> First, I ALWAYS need a Loki scene/meme, so THANK YOU, Erin!
—> Second, the videos of a family of adults participating in their own Quarantine Olympics kept me laughing for an hour. My faves are the Bobsled Stairs Challenge, Can Curling, Roomba Challenge, and Fork Potato. But I was strangely invested in the Straw Challenge (slurping from a glass while the refrigerator water dispenser filled it up). 😂 This is high level play, right here!
- Never Have I Ever on Netflix - so good and so heartwarming!
-I've been making Dalgona coffee ( the tik-tok coffee) and im kind of obsessed.
- I turned 29 yesterday, and was blessed with notes and flowers and Sour Punch Straws from good good friends and I felt so loved. <3
- I turned 29 yesterday and my sister and brother-in-law threw a simple *safe* dinner that The Boy came to and it was not weird and my heart delighted over the BIL and The Boy bonding over me and my sister's mutual weirdness.
-TIGER KING RECAPS. now off to work and listen to this newest episode!
Thanks to all my Lil Swipes friends for praying, my Rona test came back negative, but my doc says the test I took is only 70% accurate and thinks I likely got a false negative. Good news is, I'm doing sooo much better and basically feel like a normal human being again.
I also finished my last assignments for my Masters so now I'm officially DONE WITH SCHOOL FOREVER AND EVER AMEN. PTL. (I also now have MSW after my name, which is cool and weird)
My treasure this week has been reading "The Likeness" by Tana French. I finished "In the Woods" about a month ago and absolutely hated it, but I heard her books get better as they go on. I'm HOOKED on this one. It requires a lot of suspended belief and ignorance of plot holes the size of Texas, but it's the fun and trashy kind of escapism I need right now. It's been a minute since I've been stay-up-past-my-bedtime-because-I-don't-want-to-stop-reading into a book so even though this one is silly, I'm really enjoying it.
I just read The Witch Elm by Tana French, which is not part of the Dublin Murder series. It was much darker than I expected, but definitely the stay-up-late kind of read. I would recommend it if you can get your hands on it. It was my first e-book of quarentine, which, you know, bleh, but it was good.
I actually just borrowed the e-book version because it was the only Tana French book that didn’t have a wait list with my library! I’m going to dig into that one next while I wait for my turn with the 3rd Dublin Murder book!
I'm so glad you're feeling better! You've been on my mind, and in my prayers, this week. (Full disclosure, often when I promise to pray for people, I don't remember for too long but the Lord kept reminding me of you 😊) Also, congratulations on your Masters!!! 🎉
Some will say that you can read them out of order because she writes them as individual stories that star the same detectives, however I really disagree. There's a lot of references to "In the Woods" in "The Likeness" that I think are pretty necessary to understanding where the characters are at mentally and emotionally. So as much as I would like to tell you to just skip "In the Woods" and get to the good stuff, I think it's necessary to read it.
1. I was in need of a lighthearted experience after watching Waco on Netflix, so I watched the first episode of Prop Culture on Disney+. It's all about movie props, how they are used in movies, where these props have ended up decades after the movie released, etc. The first episode is about Mary Poppins and I may have cried a little.
2. Caroline Hirons' skincare content.
3. Re-starting the Couch to 5k program with my husband.
Any of the nature ones, I love penguins, its pretty funny! Any of the ones about Disney World or animation are great. I'm also working my way through Drain the Ocean.
Second this shout out for all the cheeses. When its my week to go shopping, I always come home with a block of some sort of good cheese that before I used to actually DEBATE buying and now I'm like COVID LIFE, EAT THE GOOD CHEESE.
OH YESSSS Manchego is so my jam. Also those Cheddar-Parm hybrids that Aldi has sold (and so has Trader Joes). Those are like amazing as you're like "oooh an aged cheddar" but then you get one of those little crystals from the Parm addition and you're like "MAGIC CHEESE!"
Also, I taught a "Children's and Young Adult Literature" elective class this semester, and YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW how often I brought up the Babysitter's Club...
Zoom version of my book club is my little treasure for the week - last night we discussed "Such a Fun Age" and chose "Hidden Valley Road" for next month.
We are also mourning the loss of summer activities here. Camps, VBS, swim lessons...not everything has been officially cancelled yet, but I am anticipating it and trying to come up with alternative plans now so I don't go insane later.
A friend reminded a bunch of us of Brene Brown's take on mourning, and I am going to butcher it so forgive me, but the gist of it was we are all going to grieve things, and what we grieve and how we grieve isn't less than someone else's grief. This was super helpful to remember, as I sometimes feel silly grieving things like summer activities when such horrendous things are happening around us. I grieve those things, too, but I CAN grieve both.
Little Joys:
1. Inspired by Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, I have made my own playlist on Spotify that causes me to dance around our house outrageously, like I am a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance and Mia Michaels have given me the most amazing choreography. My children think I am insane, and I am now a 40 year old woman who knows all the words to Sucker.
2. Our Friends of the Library created themed stacks of books to sell to raise money for our beloved public library, and now my boys and I have new reading material to last us for weeks. It was a delight to get them delivered to our door.
3. We are starting the process of putting up our pool, and I can't wait until this cold snap leaves so my boys have something else to entertain them, and wear them out.
I think I'm going to have to revisit BSC - I identified most with Mary Ann, but I wanted to be Claudia SO BAD.
Just found this New Yorker article on Ann M. Martin from 2016, while searching for a release date on the series. I enjoyed it, so I thought I’d drop it here! https://bit.ly/3cgSw5K
I loved in The Popcast episode where Knox or Jamie (now I can’t remember!) said isn’t Stacy your favorite (in regards to the BSC) and you responded so vehemently in the negative that it made me laugh. I’m a total Mary Anne but I longed to be a Claudia. Also, my happy thing today is that it’s my cat’s birthday. And no, she’s not having a party. I’m not THAT crazy. 😉
I have four kids from 14-19. The only one that is remotely pleasant on a regular basis is going back to college today to take classes online and live alone in a house off campus. SHE IS THE LUCKY ONE. I had my gallbladder removed the day before school closed and I guess the good news is I’ve had a nice slow recovery and can now eat queso without any side effects, but I’m also 2 months behind on exercise and I’ve decided I can rotate through 3 maxi dresses all summer and things just won’t matter. In that case, pass the margaritas. Here’s the last thing quarantine has done to us: my husband bought a karaoke machine, so our kids are growing up listening to their parents wail 90s songs late at night. Happy Friday and blessings to you all.
Every morning before I leave for work, I put peanut butter in one of Mack's kong toys as a treat. Mack is my six month old goldendoodle.
Monday morning, I put the Kong toy on the counter and walked away. When I came back to the counter the toy was missing, so I grabbed another toy (knock-off Kong) and filled it with peanut butter. Then I put Mack in his crate with his toy, told him when I would be back from work and that I loved him.
I keep my work bag by the door so that I can scoop it up as I run out the door while I try to beat the "I just set the Away Alarm Must get out the house in 60 seconds" game. Later in the day, when I went to grab my lunch out of my work bag I noticed Mack had placed the Kong toy in my work bag as a happy! It was so pure and wonderful and made my day! How sweet is he-placing a toy in my work bag so that I have something to play with during the day while I am away from him!
We are mourning the loss of summer activities big time here. My son went to church camp for the first time last summer and he talks about it like it was last weekend. Cancelled. Swim team. Cancelled. Vacation. Cancelled. We knew it was coming and we totally agree that it's for the best, but it still doesn't fix the sadness. So I put on a mask and went to the store and bought a huge blow up pool, water balloons, water squirters, and pop. I came home and held my kid while he cried and then offered my consolation summer fun. We immediately had a water balloon fight! So now when the weather is warm and we have all the big feelings we will have a water balloon fight to cope. 🤷♀️
Okay, your porch pics made me tear up (your fam is so beautiful, Erin!) and then your ending paragraph sent me over. I'm really, really grateful for those words. I feel like I'm constantly battling the "I shouldn't feel so angry/depressed today," but alas, it continues to occur. Thank you for validating and affirming that it's okay to be there. I have a lot of feelings about my county's stay-at-home order being extended to June 4. None that I can quite put to words right now other than a long string of curse words. So, there's that.
On Wednesday, my 3-year-old gave my phone a bath (trying to be a cool, fun mom by letting him give his dinosaur figurines a bath in a plastic bin, but I walked away for 2 minutes to change the 6-month-old's diaper, and ta-da! dinosaur bath turned into a phone bath). I honestly wasn't even mad. But I have been in this weird limbo of agitation because I can't get in touch with people the same way or check out from the world in the same way, but also relief that I don't feel the need to check my phone constantly. I'm sure there's some deeper thing I could say/learn from this, but mostly, I'm learning that nothing is safe with a 3-year-old around and not being able to easily use emojis on my laptop is cramping my style.
ANYWAY, just wanted to give a shoutout to those of you who recommended Booksmart to watch on my birthday last weekend. It was a HIT. Both my husband and I enjoyed it so much - it was the perfect quarantine birthday movie. So, thanks, pals. :)
I also finished reading "Talking As Fast As I Can" by Lauren Graham this week, and it was a delight. So lighthearted with some seriousness sprinkled throughout. Old Lady Jackson is a hoot.
Grateful for this little corner of the internet and having something to look forward to every Friday. (I would put a bunch of heart emojis here if I could!)
Sorry about your phone, but I'm glad you enjoyed Booksmart! Here's a heart emoji for you, maybe you can copy and paste it should you need it in the future? ❤
Hey everyone! 👋🏻 Greetings from Newborn Twin Land, where my life is lived in a 2-hour cycle of pump, eat, sleep, repeat, maybe see my boys/husband at some point. 🤪 It’s been a wild 10 days with Henry & Elliott but we’re finding our way and making it work. Lots of moms have been telling me pumping is very isolating and difficult but I gotta say... if you’re social distancing anyway, it’s not half bad. I feel like quarantine has prepared me for this. Plus we’ve been able to have family help while they’re furloughed and my husband will be WFH all summer so... we will survive with some Coronavirus silver lining.
3 Treasures getting me through the newborn stage:
1. Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist: it’s just so cute and lighthearted. I gave up trying to keep up listening to The Daily. I don’t need news. I need musical numbers and to be surprised by how muscular Skylar Astin is.
2. The Ten Thousand Doors of January: this is the perfect book for middle-of-the-night pumps. Magical realism and adventure with a teenage girl heroine!
3. Manatee Warmie: do you need something warm and cuddly to comfort yourself? This is basically a larger, microwaveable, lavender-scented beanie baby. Best $20 ever spent. Intelex Warmies Microwavable French Lavender Scented Plush, Manatee Warmies, Gray, 14" X 8" X 4" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VTXCTVC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OavTEb1NNG5WB
Yay for new babies! And twins! This is the push I need to read Ten Thousand Doors of January. I am reading Once Upon a River right now, and it is also quite magical. I also recommend The Starless Sea.
Henry and Elliott! What fantastic names! Congratulations to you, Lindsay. :) How amazing (and exhausting and overwhelming and...). Zoey's extraordinary playlist has been a pandemic gift for sure.
Yes for a while I was pumping out in the living room to interact with everyone, but after the crying babies and my toddlers preschool music playlist drove me bananas as I tried to make small talk with my family, I started to do some sessions in my room watching my own shows! Ugh, so good.
Erin, your GIFs are always so on point. I thank God for your skill in communicating feelings through 2-second videos. It's a gift. So, I'm just going to cut to the chase, and bring something big and important that is weighing me down. I'm deeply saddened by the news of Ahmaud Arbery. I'm grieving for his family, his community, and really, for our society where these tragic events can still happen. If you need me, I'll be over here in a corner praying all the things -- for forgiveness, for justice, for us to be a people who act first out of love. Yikes, my heart aches.
*please take note of this, the most awkward segue I could imagine*
In less sad news, I have been participating in one of those Instagram games as a fun distraction - "30 Day Song Challenge", which indicates that we have reached Quarantine Level: Desperation. I'm notoriously terrible at knowing music/artists/songs, so I actually took this as a legit challenge. One of the days is to post a "song from your preteen years." Internet friends, can I just say what an absolute delight it was to walk back through the Billboard Top 100 Lists of 1993 and 1994, when I would have been 10 and 11. Janet Jackson, Ace of Base, Sheryl Crow, Spin Doctors, Lisa Loeb! These years are an embarrassment of riches. Get thee to Spotify and enjoy, if you need a happy distraction. And just to bring it full circle, I stumbled upon P.M. Dawn's song, "I'd Die Without You" from their album "The Bliss Album....?" The question mark. In the album title. Were they unsure? Its so perfect. And the subtitle of this album will henceforth be my subtitle to the year 2020: "Vibrations of Love and Anger and the Ponderance of Life and Existence." (How did they know?)
Woof, that's a lot. Thankful for this little corner of the internet!
Thank you Erin, you are a treasure. ❤️ Last night on FB a close family member commented on another family members posting of that Plandemic video that it needed to be posted on Instagram. Well, my wing 9 abandoned ship to comment on that crap! Although it was a very wing 9 comment of “please don’t Instagram is a happy place for family, pet & nature photos”. 🤦♀️ Also, we are dealing with adult child drama. I can’t comment more because I might cry, break out more (adult acne is dumb esp. when you have adult children) or go hide in bed. But I’ve got to put on my mask & go buy groceries for the rest of the family. Much love to you & your family and all the other Lil’ Swipes. I can’t wait to listen to the Tiger King recap when I clean the bathrooms today. 😂 🐯
I know, I ❤️ IG. That’s why when an old church friend started advertising for her business (multi level marketing) along with the family photos, I had to unfollow her.
Two weeks into quarantine I went on a rage walk to get away from my 3 kids, tripped over a hole and broke my ankle. My husband had to come find me because I PASSED OUT from the pain and the awful crunching noise and he had to carry me home. And listen, looking back I can’t even say that that was the worst thing to happen in quarantine so far. 🤷🏼♀️ As I was lamenting (read: bitching) to my mom about how much this has SUCKED, and I’m over it, but there is NO END IN SIGHT because even if quarantine ends now we’re in summer? And all the camps keep getting canceled? And can’t she see I’m drowning? She said, “I’ve been thinking about your situation (😒) and you know, at least you don’t have to work, I mean at least you don’t have a job or anything, those people are having to do everything you are AND work from home.” I tried to let it roll off me, cause she has the right to say dumb things too, yaknow? But now I’ve been in a funk for over a week questioning why I’m such a wimp. Why isn’t this easier? Why can’t I make the most of it? Why did I think it would be fun to have 3 children? 🤨 This story has no point, I’m just venting, to the internet, because this is hard, it’s so hard, and it’s okay if you feel like it’s really hard.
First, high five to Rage Walks. I’m so sorry yours ended with broken bones. 😔 One of the most profound things anyone has said during The Time of the Covid is that this is not the Trial Olympics. No one’s hard needs to beat anyone else’s hard. It is not a competition to see whose life is hardest, and they win and the rest of us all have to shut up. IT IS ALL HARD. We are 100% allowed to bitch and moan and vent and complain and rage walk and cry in your closet and gulp a glass of wine at 4:53pm. This was really freeing for me, because I would struggle with life feeling so hard, and then heap guilt on myself because “why am I whining when so-and-so is WFH and has 7 toddlers and her husband is a doctor fighting Covid and she’s caring for an aging parent, etc. etc”. We are allowed to say this is hard, no matter what our circumstances are. Hang in there, girl!! You’re right, it is so hard. Sending you virtual hugs!! Get better soon!
I saved this to read locked in my room away from my kids and I appreciate the respite. No treasures to link to today my friends (I'm sooo tired)... maybe just the treasure of drinking wine and eating cupcakes for dinner? Open invite.
May I suggest a reread accompanied by the delightful "The Babysitters Club Club" (https://babysittersclubclub.com/) where they read all the books in chronological order and analyze them as if they were literary fiction. Truly genius and truly funny.
I so want to do this, but would need to re-buy the books! I got rid of all mine long ago (do I even DESERVE to be in it, then???) but have fond memories of making my BSC kit that I took with me to whatever house I went to. Lord have mercy.
Ok ok- you and my husband have the same game for the Andy Griffith show! It’s totally his comfort-go to and I always know when his mind must be full or anxious when I hear the theme song come on. He literally laughs out loud at it and THAT delights me to no end!
WHAT!??!!?!!?!? A SEQUEL??????????????????????????????????? TAWANDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
Girl. Fannie Flagg has become one of my favorite authors evah. I listened to her Christmas book on the drive to and from Ohio this year using a credit on Audible. Hearing her read her own books is every bit the comforting grandma telling us a bedtime story we all want and need right now. I hadn't heard of Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man or the sequel yet, so thank you!
I've got to close this browser and make myself do actual work now.
Ooh! I'm going to have to try those. We tried Aviator and it's good. Also a local one called Wheat State Gin is actually my favorite. Currently we have Tangueray and it's a little pine tree for my taste. I have fallen in love with trying the flavors of Fever Tree tonics, too. Squish some fruit in there and it's a perfect happy hour on the patio or zoom. Oh, and cool bottles ftw! 😊
Target jumpsuit: I can confirm it is the most comfortable thing ever and I have basically been living in mine for six weeks. Also, in order to get the right fit I ended up setting a Target app alert and snagging them when they’d come back in stock... so .... I’m currently sitting on a small light grey and light and dark grey mediums that need returning. I’d be more than happy to send them someone else’s way. Lmk!
So setting up the alert for if/when a small comes back in stock (in dark grey).
This week has kicked my butt. The drug store where I work is still insanely busy, to the point that we’re going to work at 4:30 am just to try to restock most stuff before customers arrive. There’s such a spectrum of customer types, from ones who will barely say hello they’re in such a hurry, to others who literally just come in to browse and spend 20 minutes picking up every single bottle of nail polish. We’re in the middle of a freaking pandemic, Crystal. Look with your eyes, not your hands! It’s very stressful being out in the world but I though I was handling it okay until last night when I found myself sarcastically asking my teen if he thought supper “magically appeared like I’m Molly effing Weasley”. On a positive note, I gave my husband a haircut and we’re still together, so that’s a win. Although he did also tell me my need to have a plan for the day is getting *rather* annoying and maybe I could chill with the lists. Ha! Not happening 😂 If you want a book to make you feel better about yourself, no matter your age or stage, I highly recommend You Are Awesome by Neil Pasricha. It’s like a weighted blanket for your soul.
Hard things: I work at a grocery store and this week was just a lot. This whole time has been difficult, but this week? We’re all feeling it really hard. The curbside orders keep pouring in, the phone won’t stop ringing, the store is full of customers, people are upset whether we wear masks or not, customer drama, employee drama, stress stress stress.
I am so happy to have a job. I love getting good and often local food to our customers. I’m just really done with this week and the incredibly busy, chaotic days.
Good things: spring is coming. The tulips are starting to bloom. I’m making a quilt for one of my friend’s kids. I’m going to reread a favorite book series. We’re going to make it through all of this.
Lynn, thank you for your work. Thank you for being a helper. Thank you for continuing to do the work. Thank you.
Honestly my heart is so sad this week. I live in GA and this Ahmaud death is just so much. But I’m learning to speak up and to do something. I would not have done this years ago. I’ve begun to realize how much I’ve changed and how I can no longer let be quiet about injustice.
But I’m trying to find beauty in small things.
I got new comfy sweats just in time for it to be cold!
I also found new adidas slides. OMG. Why didn’t any one tell me. Basically my goal in life is now to be as comfortable as possible.
We talked about going back to the office and it will probably be August which made me scared and happy all at once.
I’m wishing for a zoom book club or bible study about now. I miss Human connection badly.
I’m thankful for you Erin. And this lil swipes and this little group. Y’all bring a bit of normalcy to my week. ❤️
Ok so this is what it has come to...my husband and I watched this last night and I actually kind of enjoyed it-small town people just trying to live their lives and be that small town kind of endearing.(And I secretly loved Tammi) Help me, we have come to the end of our sanity! I believe there must be two types of people - those who will, and those who will not buy products made out of poo 💩💩💩
https://bangordailynews.com/2020/05/05/arts-culture/reality-tv-show-about-maine-woman-who-makes-art-out-of-moose-poop-debuts-tonight/
We have seen commercials for this show and I’m equally fascinated and disgusted! I am in the will not buy camp. 😂
I am firmly in the will not buy camp as well but it is a fascinating little community!
While you’re at it with the HSM... if you want to donate to the Actual East High™️ in Salt Lake City, they have a food pantry that is still functioning and a lot of students rely on!! They also partner with peachjar - an organization that helps kids/families get food all throughout the school year. If you want to donate somewhere and support your fav HSM stomping grounds, that is it! (PS - I 100% have a jumping photo in front of East and it’s one of my favorite things I have done in all my years of living in SLC)
Trying to explain to my husband that I’m never alone anymore. I’m usually a stay at home mom and I get to get my crap done by myself. But now my only alone adventures involve grocery shopping. He tried to tell me after the kids were in bed that I was alone right then but didn’t have the heart to tell him that alone meant he was gone too. So I chose to sit in a 3 hours drive thru line (the place was brand new to my city) and listen to the popcast and talk with my sister without anyone in my space.
Also finished Zoey’s Incredible playlist and that show is a little hard for me. Next week will be 3 years since my Dad passed from the exact same rare disease. They did a really good job portraying it which sometimes made it a little hard to watch. But I liked the musical aspect.
My favorite treasure of the month so far is watching my boyfriend watch Battlestar Galactica for the first time while I get to be the one crowing "OMG wait til you see what comes next!" for once. Although sometimes it's a little too accurate for quarantine times.
https://melanietheconstantreader.substack.com/publish?utm_source=menu
This week has been better for me. I have had more to do and I am getting a new assignment at work which will keep me busy. I work as an Account Rep for a company in the electronic entertainment space which usually requires me to go from store to store calling on customers. That all came to a screeching halt mid March. I am very fortunate that because people are stuck at home they are spending lots of money with my company and so my company has continued to pay us even though we are doing next to nothing. Next week I get to start moderating some of our content online. I cannot imagine what content I will get to see, but I like the power of getting to ban people for being jerks. Lol
Long time reader, first time commenter. ;)
I wanted to say thank you to whichever of yous has paid it forward and paid for an additional The Comfortable Words. It just wasn't going to be in the cards for me right now and, while it was was humbling to raise my hand and say, "yes, please!" to Erin's offer, your generosity was a warm hug and a challenge to not just numb out but actually consider what this time might offer me that I wasn't expecting.
Also, I am TWO WEEKS away from finishing out the 2019-2020 school year. This high school English teacher is ready to be done remote teaching and have my singular focus be keeping my two young kids alive and happy. Having a split focus without the physical parameters of a workplace and homeplace has had me feeling like I am half assing everything! This too shall pass and be a blip in the grand scheme of things. Just one day at a time!
Clapping for you right now, you freaking hero!!!!! Glad you commented!
Update: Erin's jumpsuit from Target seems to be out in all sizes.
Two treasures:
1. Curbside library pick-up notification. My 7 year old is not an e-reader. He does not like to curl up with me and a tablet to read. So thankful our library a few blocks from our house has curbside pick-up now. I filled up my hold list so fast you guys, you don't even know. :)
2. A local band I *adore* called Yam Haus (seriously all of these guys are the cutest and sweetest and yes I am THAT person that I also have befriended two of their MOMS haha) dropped a new single and it has brought me such joy today: https://youtu.be/F4duTHFzxQ0
Find more Yam Haus info on their website: https://www.yamhaus.com/
I WISH my library offered curb-side pick up. I'm also not an e-reader, but I've been trying to make do. Chicago Public Libraries are still closed through the end of May 😩
I'm sorry Megan! I am an e-reader and audiobook lover so thankfully I still have books to bring me comfort. But my 7 year old loves the tangible act of holding a book and turning pages. I'm so thankful our library re-opened for this delivery of materials.
Texas is been semi open for a week and I cant handle it. I'm the next gen coordinator at my church and suddenly my pastor is ready to go 1000% all at once and I'm so not ready. My 9 sloth is like but I'm so comfy here don't make me move" The public is also giving me a battle. I realized that I can't control everyone elses behavior and response but only offer grace and more grace. Currently sitting in my car with an iced coffee bracing myself for walmart. Help!
Erin! 🙌🏼 Your GIF game is unmatched and totally made my morning. Thank you!!
The little thing that saved our week: Making a distancing free ice cream truck - we loaded up on different frozen treats on our last Instacart order, made a big poster of the different kinds we had and taped it to our truck, and drove around the neighborhood blasting music and throwing popsicles and ice cream sandwiches to friends. Dressing in costumes optional but strongly encouraged. I HIGHLY recommend doing it - it broke up the monotony and made everyone smile and laugh more than we had all week!
Also - the Why Mommy Drinks podcast. I’m going through listening to old episodes now, and I LOL constantly. Betsy Stover and Amanda Allen have a hilarious guest parent on each episode, and they take turns going around answering the question of what broke them this week. SO FUNNY.
What a sweet idea! I love it, go you!
Hey all! Greetings from MN as I sit at my desk wearing a mask.
That's right
At the office, we are now required to wear masks. If you are in the building, you wear a mask. I'm on day 4 of office mask wearing and its been something to adjust to. But for me, its literally wearing a security blanket -- on my face. I know all *I* have been doing to comply to social distancing and sheltering in place, but I cannot say that for everyone I encounter when I walk in the building. So I will wear whatever they hand to me.
So....treasures time.
1. Not deserving my treasure is the fact gmail sent this email and put it in my promotions folder instead of my inbox. UM HELLO GMAIL THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST VITAL MESSAGES I GET ALL WEEK.
2. Rocking my lipstick even under a mask. I know, this is weird. But you guys I have been "that girl" with lip products since I was like 7 and I had a tinted lip balm from Avon that looked like a brown crayon but was chocolate flavored and gave you just this twinge of brown tint to my lips. Today I am rocking a rather dark shade that came in a variety pack --it #43.
But it does not smuge under a mask and I feel slightly disney villain https://www.sephora.com/product/cream-lip-stain-liquid-lipstick-P281411?skuId=1805803
3. Getting auto repairs. I know, this isn't exactly a treasure. But having my vehicle be safe is key. And thankful I was able to get this repair and not use a credit card to pay for it.
4. Using up beauty products - As I am also using up candles I am using up various face washes, lotions, potions, shampoos, conditioners, bars of soap, etc.
5. Foamy soap refills - Okay my 7 year old is a soap snob. he loves to just pump and pump and pump the foam soap container -- this company was referenced in an article about sustainable industy and I thought "eh, why not" - I got a bag of Lemon Basil & Geranium (currently in use, it smells divine) and Cucumber Melon & Jasmine Flower (hello slight 90s flashback). I don't feel bad over the child going foam crazy. Buy them here: https://geloproducts.com/
6. Finally finishing Nashville on Hulu. I remember I couldn't watch this when it was cancelled on ABC and went to CMT because my cable package was weird. Falling back into this show. What a dang delight. It's pure soapy (ha) brain shutting off elixir.
7. I have a virtual 5k this weekend. It is the SuperHero 5k Dash to benefit our local ALS Association. This cause is huge for me. This organization did so much for my mom and our family when she was battling ALS. They provided us with technology so she could speak, tools that kept her mobile, feeding items, care providers, you name it, they helped. Reps from the group attended her funeral. I'm going to advovate for this org for the rest of my life. http://webmn.alsa.org/site/TR/Endurance/Minnesota?pg=entry&fr_id=14221
Erin: I see you rocking that jumpsuit! (goes to see if Target still has it in stock). Your family is beautiful.
Thoughts & Prayers Section
For all us who have mixed feelings about Mother's Day. It's a hard day for so many. For those who have lost mothers. For those who have complicated relationships with their mothers. For those who struggle with being and becoming mothers, for those who feel they need to explain why they *aren't* mothers. Just be kind on this day.
Personal T&P
My dad works in a correctional facility here in MN (Willow River/WRC). Now before you think my life is a Loretta Lynn song, I should be clear my dad is actually a chef. He is a private caterer and my life is filled with kitchen memories from places he owned. But he decided to work for the Department of Corrections because (a) he wanted to teach people how to cook, he wanted some to understand the power of food and how it can make you employable anywhere and how to sustain yourself and those in your circle (b) the DOC has a 10-year retirement/pension package. Being in the hospitality industry is not all Food Network fame. My dad always put his employees first which left him not much for his own retirement accounts. That all being said, as of today WRC has 55 confirmed cases of Covid, 4 staff members are home recovering. He goes to work each day with gloves and a N95 mask and hopes for the best. He's 63. I worry everyday. It's a lingering feeling of panic under my skin every moment. He calls me 3x a week (he's not a big tech guy) and I let him vent. But I am scared. I am so scared. So please ... any prayers.
Everyone keep being lightbringers
Mel
Gosh- just said prayers for your dad. That’s hard! Also- I too picked back up on Nashville when this whole thing started and have become way too invested! The perfect distraction!
Praying for your dad!
Thank you Sarah! :)
Wow, Melissa. Lots of good stuff here. Hard stuff, too. Am praying for your dad - and you and you carry this weight.
Thanks Tracey. :) My dad seems to be doing well. I just keep hoping he stays that way.
Praying for your dad. ❤️
Thank you Christy....I spoke with him a little while ago and he seemed in good spirits despite everything.
Praying for your dad, Mel. Good luck with the 5k!
Ditto on both counts, with a side of prayer for your heart this weekend. May you practice radical self care, friend.
Thank you Danielle *hugs from afar* letting writing to you is in my weekend plans :)
Thanks! I've basically been doing a 5k a day all year so this is become old hat to me. :) But this one has all the more special meaning to me since it was one I planned to do with my oldest friend, but now we can't due to being in Shelter-in-place and since we are both working so we don't want to "cross pollinate" our germs.
Awww, that stinks, but it good you're being safe. Hopefully, you can do one together soon.
We might plan a parking lot social distance dinner soon. It's the longest I've gone without her company for quite some time (we've been friends for 38 years!)
That's such a fun idea!
I am on week 6 of office mask wearing. Welcome to the all-day sweaty face party. I look forward to my 30 minute lunch every day when I can sit outside and breathe fresh air without a mask (assuming the weather cooperates, which it has about 50% of the time). Also, praying for your dad!
Sarah: Solidarity hun! First we had alternating weeks of being in-office and WFH, then it was all in-office without masks and now its in-office with masks --- why they can't just let more of us WFH again is sort of beyond me, but alas.
Lunch is SUCH a break. no lie.
Praying for you and your dad, sister 🧡
Thank you!
Yes we have been big "no wasters" at my house since this all started. It really appeals to my use it or lose it sort of philosophy. Your coal miner grandpa would have gotten along great with my propane selling/navy/line cook grandpa.
Coming from the person who was diagnosed with diabetes in 3rd grade and always felt weird and different and didn't want to draw attention to it, the fact that you faked it baffles me. 😂 Also, this pandemic sucks and I'm 100% over hanging out with friends over Zoom and this week our governor extended her executive order until July, so that's just cool cool cool. I have a blog post due for my church tonight, and I have no idea what encouraging thing I'm going to write. Also also, I'm moving next month which I'm excited about, but what a weird time to be moving.
Stacey made it glam, what can I say? 🥴
ALSO, can I get an amen from all of my fellow single people out there who are still braving the weird and terrible world of dating apps, now with conversations that have no promise of becoming real-life interaction anytime soon? This thing is not doing us any favors, folks.
PREACH.
Um, hi! I'm also single and was diagnosed with diabetes in preschool so I just wanted to say hello. 😊 I can't with the dating apps though, you're a stronger and braver person than me.
Hello! You know, I really can't with the dating apps either. My cycle over the last few years has gone like this: download app, use it for a week, get so annoyed with the weirdos and pointless conversations and lack of quality men, delete for several months, and repeat. But in January, I decided that I obviously wasn't having any luck meeting men in real life because 1. I work entirely with women. and 2. I know the single guys at my church, and no thank you, so I decided to push past the annoyance, downloaded an app I hadn't used before (and actually like SLIGHTLY more than others), and keep it. So I'm sticking with it. For now. But also, one of my friends told me she would set me up with a guy she knows after this is all over (after I told her I'm 100% okay with that), and that kind of situation is just way more ideal.
I've done the same cycle with dating apps and I just can't hang. I get super overwhelmed with the amount of messages and such that I just don't reply to anyone and freak out and delete the app. Also, the amount of work it takes is insane. 🙈 Getting set up is 100% the way to go. It's the lazy girls' way to date because it literally takes all of the leg work out of it.
Megan, yes to all this. My one remaining single friend and I announced at our community group last year (all married except us) that we are 100% okay with them setting us up with people. Less meaningless work with dumb apps, and they've already been vetted! And I'm not the kind of person to have hard feelings toward the setter-upper if it doesn't work out.
I was in a relationship last year via a set up and it was an absolute dumpster fire, but I absolutely held no blame or hard feelings toward the friend who set me up with him. All of my friends know I’m down to be set up with anyone who loves Jesus, is taller than 5’8, and can handle a spicy personality.
Also, after reading your comment, I downloaded a couple dating apps last night. So... we’re in this together.
Way more ideal. I hope this all ends soon so you can go on that date!
My pure joy and delight right now is baby Kobe. You need him in your life to get you through sad quarantine times.
https://instagram.com/kobe_yn?igshid=1xuibbix0p0tu
Oh my, adorable!
I’m not dealing with any of the stress most people are, but I always appreciate the moments of joy that we’re all seeing online these days.
—> First, I ALWAYS need a Loki scene/meme, so THANK YOU, Erin!
—> Second, the videos of a family of adults participating in their own Quarantine Olympics kept me laughing for an hour. My faves are the Bobsled Stairs Challenge, Can Curling, Roomba Challenge, and Fork Potato. But I was strangely invested in the Straw Challenge (slurping from a glass while the refrigerator water dispenser filled it up). 😂 This is high level play, right here!
https://youtu.be/sb60hXBhqT8
- Never Have I Ever on Netflix - so good and so heartwarming!
-I've been making Dalgona coffee ( the tik-tok coffee) and im kind of obsessed.
- I turned 29 yesterday, and was blessed with notes and flowers and Sour Punch Straws from good good friends and I felt so loved. <3
- I turned 29 yesterday and my sister and brother-in-law threw a simple *safe* dinner that The Boy came to and it was not weird and my heart delighted over the BIL and The Boy bonding over me and my sister's mutual weirdness.
-TIGER KING RECAPS. now off to work and listen to this newest episode!
Happy birthday! Boy and BIL bonding delight is the best. 💜
Sarah! Happy Birthday! And hoorah for dinners that include The Boy. :)
Happy birthday! 🎈🎁🎂
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Happy Birthday!
Happiest Birthday, Sarah! Thanks for an update on The Boy - what a delight!
Yesssss!! I've been waiting for a The Boy update!
ALSO. @influencersinthewild has been my newest ig obsession :D HYSTERICAL.
Thanks to all my Lil Swipes friends for praying, my Rona test came back negative, but my doc says the test I took is only 70% accurate and thinks I likely got a false negative. Good news is, I'm doing sooo much better and basically feel like a normal human being again.
I also finished my last assignments for my Masters so now I'm officially DONE WITH SCHOOL FOREVER AND EVER AMEN. PTL. (I also now have MSW after my name, which is cool and weird)
My treasure this week has been reading "The Likeness" by Tana French. I finished "In the Woods" about a month ago and absolutely hated it, but I heard her books get better as they go on. I'm HOOKED on this one. It requires a lot of suspended belief and ignorance of plot holes the size of Texas, but it's the fun and trashy kind of escapism I need right now. It's been a minute since I've been stay-up-past-my-bedtime-because-I-don't-want-to-stop-reading into a book so even though this one is silly, I'm really enjoying it.
I just read The Witch Elm by Tana French, which is not part of the Dublin Murder series. It was much darker than I expected, but definitely the stay-up-late kind of read. I would recommend it if you can get your hands on it. It was my first e-book of quarentine, which, you know, bleh, but it was good.
I actually just borrowed the e-book version because it was the only Tana French book that didn’t have a wait list with my library! I’m going to dig into that one next while I wait for my turn with the 3rd Dublin Murder book!
Congratulations it always feels so good to be done with school forever! I said the same thing after my masters 🤗
I'm so glad you're feeling better! You've been on my mind, and in my prayers, this week. (Full disclosure, often when I promise to pray for people, I don't remember for too long but the Lord kept reminding me of you 😊) Also, congratulations on your Masters!!! 🎉
Oh my gosh thank you so much! I'm also the worst about praying for people unless I write it down on a note card or something.
So glad you are Rona-free! And woot Masters! That's amazing!
Congrats on finishing your master's!!!
Thank you!
These are on my list!
Some will say that you can read them out of order because she writes them as individual stories that star the same detectives, however I really disagree. There's a lot of references to "In the Woods" in "The Likeness" that I think are pretty necessary to understanding where the characters are at mentally and emotionally. So as much as I would like to tell you to just skip "In the Woods" and get to the good stuff, I think it's necessary to read it.
Oh okay! Good to know! I've got about 75 pages left in The Likeness and it is SO GOOD
I'm only about half way through, but it's been so good so far! It's got me on the edge of my seat and I'm having a lot of fun with it!
Some of my treasures this week:
1. I was in need of a lighthearted experience after watching Waco on Netflix, so I watched the first episode of Prop Culture on Disney+. It's all about movie props, how they are used in movies, where these props have ended up decades after the movie released, etc. The first episode is about Mary Poppins and I may have cried a little.
2. Caroline Hirons' skincare content.
3. Re-starting the Couch to 5k program with my husband.
4. Cheese.
I AM GOING TO BAKE BRIE BEFORE THIS NONSENSE IS OVER, this I swear.
The range of documentaries in Disney + has been such a side benefit my subscription!
Any of the nature ones, I love penguins, its pretty funny! Any of the ones about Disney World or animation are great. I'm also working my way through Drain the Ocean.
Yes to SOOOOOO much of this!
Cheese for sure! I was so bummed yesterday when I discovered a pack of Pepper Jack slices got buried in the fridge and had to be thrown out. :(
That is the worst :(
Second this shout out for all the cheeses. When its my week to go shopping, I always come home with a block of some sort of good cheese that before I used to actually DEBATE buying and now I'm like COVID LIFE, EAT THE GOOD CHEESE.
OH YESSSS Manchego is so my jam. Also those Cheddar-Parm hybrids that Aldi has sold (and so has Trader Joes). Those are like amazing as you're like "oooh an aged cheddar" but then you get one of those little crystals from the Parm addition and you're like "MAGIC CHEESE!"
I’ve never had this type of cheese and I’m a loyal Aldi customer! I’ll have to investigate.
I am not sure if its been in stock this spring. But I love all their English cheddars.
I love that you knew what I am talking about :)
A Friday morning gift as always .
Also, I taught a "Children's and Young Adult Literature" elective class this semester, and YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW how often I brought up the Babysitter's Club...
Thanks for sharing your sweet porch photo!
Zoom version of my book club is my little treasure for the week - last night we discussed "Such a Fun Age" and chose "Hidden Valley Road" for next month.
We are also mourning the loss of summer activities here. Camps, VBS, swim lessons...not everything has been officially cancelled yet, but I am anticipating it and trying to come up with alternative plans now so I don't go insane later.
A friend reminded a bunch of us of Brene Brown's take on mourning, and I am going to butcher it so forgive me, but the gist of it was we are all going to grieve things, and what we grieve and how we grieve isn't less than someone else's grief. This was super helpful to remember, as I sometimes feel silly grieving things like summer activities when such horrendous things are happening around us. I grieve those things, too, but I CAN grieve both.
Little Joys:
1. Inspired by Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, I have made my own playlist on Spotify that causes me to dance around our house outrageously, like I am a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance and Mia Michaels have given me the most amazing choreography. My children think I am insane, and I am now a 40 year old woman who knows all the words to Sucker.
2. Our Friends of the Library created themed stacks of books to sell to raise money for our beloved public library, and now my boys and I have new reading material to last us for weeks. It was a delight to get them delivered to our door.
3. We are starting the process of putting up our pool, and I can't wait until this cold snap leaves so my boys have something else to entertain them, and wear them out.
I think I'm going to have to revisit BSC - I identified most with Mary Ann, but I wanted to be Claudia SO BAD.
Claudia forever!
Just found this New Yorker article on Ann M. Martin from 2016, while searching for a release date on the series. I enjoyed it, so I thought I’d drop it here! https://bit.ly/3cgSw5K
I loved in The Popcast episode where Knox or Jamie (now I can’t remember!) said isn’t Stacy your favorite (in regards to the BSC) and you responded so vehemently in the negative that it made me laugh. I’m a total Mary Anne but I longed to be a Claudia. Also, my happy thing today is that it’s my cat’s birthday. And no, she’s not having a party. I’m not THAT crazy. 😉
I have four kids from 14-19. The only one that is remotely pleasant on a regular basis is going back to college today to take classes online and live alone in a house off campus. SHE IS THE LUCKY ONE. I had my gallbladder removed the day before school closed and I guess the good news is I’ve had a nice slow recovery and can now eat queso without any side effects, but I’m also 2 months behind on exercise and I’ve decided I can rotate through 3 maxi dresses all summer and things just won’t matter. In that case, pass the margaritas. Here’s the last thing quarantine has done to us: my husband bought a karaoke machine, so our kids are growing up listening to their parents wail 90s songs late at night. Happy Friday and blessings to you all.
KARAOKE GOALS!
I told my husband the other day, “we have 3 daughters and 6 of them are in their periods.” G and Ts seem like the low-cal mood-soother we all need.
Every morning before I leave for work, I put peanut butter in one of Mack's kong toys as a treat. Mack is my six month old goldendoodle.
Monday morning, I put the Kong toy on the counter and walked away. When I came back to the counter the toy was missing, so I grabbed another toy (knock-off Kong) and filled it with peanut butter. Then I put Mack in his crate with his toy, told him when I would be back from work and that I loved him.
I keep my work bag by the door so that I can scoop it up as I run out the door while I try to beat the "I just set the Away Alarm Must get out the house in 60 seconds" game. Later in the day, when I went to grab my lunch out of my work bag I noticed Mack had placed the Kong toy in my work bag as a happy! It was so pure and wonderful and made my day! How sweet is he-placing a toy in my work bag so that I have something to play with during the day while I am away from him!
The SWEETEST!!
Leah, that is SO sweet! We have a goldendoodle too - they’re the best!
LEAH. This is the best thing. Sweet puppers!
Thanks for this, Erin! ♥️
We are mourning the loss of summer activities big time here. My son went to church camp for the first time last summer and he talks about it like it was last weekend. Cancelled. Swim team. Cancelled. Vacation. Cancelled. We knew it was coming and we totally agree that it's for the best, but it still doesn't fix the sadness. So I put on a mask and went to the store and bought a huge blow up pool, water balloons, water squirters, and pop. I came home and held my kid while he cried and then offered my consolation summer fun. We immediately had a water balloon fight! So now when the weather is warm and we have all the big feelings we will have a water balloon fight to cope. 🤷♀️
Okay, your porch pics made me tear up (your fam is so beautiful, Erin!) and then your ending paragraph sent me over. I'm really, really grateful for those words. I feel like I'm constantly battling the "I shouldn't feel so angry/depressed today," but alas, it continues to occur. Thank you for validating and affirming that it's okay to be there. I have a lot of feelings about my county's stay-at-home order being extended to June 4. None that I can quite put to words right now other than a long string of curse words. So, there's that.
On Wednesday, my 3-year-old gave my phone a bath (trying to be a cool, fun mom by letting him give his dinosaur figurines a bath in a plastic bin, but I walked away for 2 minutes to change the 6-month-old's diaper, and ta-da! dinosaur bath turned into a phone bath). I honestly wasn't even mad. But I have been in this weird limbo of agitation because I can't get in touch with people the same way or check out from the world in the same way, but also relief that I don't feel the need to check my phone constantly. I'm sure there's some deeper thing I could say/learn from this, but mostly, I'm learning that nothing is safe with a 3-year-old around and not being able to easily use emojis on my laptop is cramping my style.
ANYWAY, just wanted to give a shoutout to those of you who recommended Booksmart to watch on my birthday last weekend. It was a HIT. Both my husband and I enjoyed it so much - it was the perfect quarantine birthday movie. So, thanks, pals. :)
I also finished reading "Talking As Fast As I Can" by Lauren Graham this week, and it was a delight. So lighthearted with some seriousness sprinkled throughout. Old Lady Jackson is a hoot.
Grateful for this little corner of the internet and having something to look forward to every Friday. (I would put a bunch of heart emojis here if I could!)
Sorry about your phone, but I'm glad you enjoyed Booksmart! Here's a heart emoji for you, maybe you can copy and paste it should you need it in the future? ❤
ah, thanks Rebecka! ❤
Hey everyone! 👋🏻 Greetings from Newborn Twin Land, where my life is lived in a 2-hour cycle of pump, eat, sleep, repeat, maybe see my boys/husband at some point. 🤪 It’s been a wild 10 days with Henry & Elliott but we’re finding our way and making it work. Lots of moms have been telling me pumping is very isolating and difficult but I gotta say... if you’re social distancing anyway, it’s not half bad. I feel like quarantine has prepared me for this. Plus we’ve been able to have family help while they’re furloughed and my husband will be WFH all summer so... we will survive with some Coronavirus silver lining.
3 Treasures getting me through the newborn stage:
1. Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist: it’s just so cute and lighthearted. I gave up trying to keep up listening to The Daily. I don’t need news. I need musical numbers and to be surprised by how muscular Skylar Astin is.
2. The Ten Thousand Doors of January: this is the perfect book for middle-of-the-night pumps. Magical realism and adventure with a teenage girl heroine!
3. Manatee Warmie: do you need something warm and cuddly to comfort yourself? This is basically a larger, microwaveable, lavender-scented beanie baby. Best $20 ever spent. Intelex Warmies Microwavable French Lavender Scented Plush, Manatee Warmies, Gray, 14" X 8" X 4" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VTXCTVC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OavTEb1NNG5WB
Yay for new babies! And twins! This is the push I need to read Ten Thousand Doors of January. I am reading Once Upon a River right now, and it is also quite magical. I also recommend The Starless Sea.
Welcome H and E!! Also I want the manatee Warmie so much. You are convincing me. It’s been in my amazon cart for months.
Henry and Elliott! They're precious. (Yes, I did go to your Instagram and snoop 😉 ) So cute. Huge congratulations!
Congrats!!
Congratulations on those babies!
YAY! Welcome Henry and Elliott!
Congrats on the twins! Such great names. I, too, was surprised at how muscular Skylar Astin is.
It was truly shocking!
Henry and Elliott! What fantastic names! Congratulations to you, Lindsay. :) How amazing (and exhausting and overwhelming and...). Zoey's extraordinary playlist has been a pandemic gift for sure.
Thank you! Amazing, exhausting and overwhelming pretty much cover it haha!
PS: if you like squishy newborn baby pictures you can check them out on Instagram: @lindsaystadter
Yes for a while I was pumping out in the living room to interact with everyone, but after the crying babies and my toddlers preschool music playlist drove me bananas as I tried to make small talk with my family, I started to do some sessions in my room watching my own shows! Ugh, so good.
Erin, your GIFs are always so on point. I thank God for your skill in communicating feelings through 2-second videos. It's a gift. So, I'm just going to cut to the chase, and bring something big and important that is weighing me down. I'm deeply saddened by the news of Ahmaud Arbery. I'm grieving for his family, his community, and really, for our society where these tragic events can still happen. If you need me, I'll be over here in a corner praying all the things -- for forgiveness, for justice, for us to be a people who act first out of love. Yikes, my heart aches.
*please take note of this, the most awkward segue I could imagine*
In less sad news, I have been participating in one of those Instagram games as a fun distraction - "30 Day Song Challenge", which indicates that we have reached Quarantine Level: Desperation. I'm notoriously terrible at knowing music/artists/songs, so I actually took this as a legit challenge. One of the days is to post a "song from your preteen years." Internet friends, can I just say what an absolute delight it was to walk back through the Billboard Top 100 Lists of 1993 and 1994, when I would have been 10 and 11. Janet Jackson, Ace of Base, Sheryl Crow, Spin Doctors, Lisa Loeb! These years are an embarrassment of riches. Get thee to Spotify and enjoy, if you need a happy distraction. And just to bring it full circle, I stumbled upon P.M. Dawn's song, "I'd Die Without You" from their album "The Bliss Album....?" The question mark. In the album title. Were they unsure? Its so perfect. And the subtitle of this album will henceforth be my subtitle to the year 2020: "Vibrations of Love and Anger and the Ponderance of Life and Existence." (How did they know?)
Woof, that's a lot. Thankful for this little corner of the internet!
Yes to the grief. Yes to the music of 1993 and 1994.
I want to stitch that P.M. Dawn subtitle onto something now...
I'd buy that cross stitch!
Yes, Lindsay. Thanks for putting words to this. It's been a week filled with grief/lament on top of the normal pandemic mess.
Julian Fellowes released a new show, Belgravia, on Epic. Not sure it will be on the level of Downton, but I’m enjoying it so far!
Thank you Erin, you are a treasure. ❤️ Last night on FB a close family member commented on another family members posting of that Plandemic video that it needed to be posted on Instagram. Well, my wing 9 abandoned ship to comment on that crap! Although it was a very wing 9 comment of “please don’t Instagram is a happy place for family, pet & nature photos”. 🤦♀️ Also, we are dealing with adult child drama. I can’t comment more because I might cry, break out more (adult acne is dumb esp. when you have adult children) or go hide in bed. But I’ve got to put on my mask & go buy groceries for the rest of the family. Much love to you & your family and all the other Lil’ Swipes. I can’t wait to listen to the Tiger King recap when I clean the bathrooms today. 😂 🐯
Don’t even get me started with Plandemic. 🙃
I know, I ❤️ IG. That’s why when an old church friend started advertising for her business (multi level marketing) along with the family photos, I had to unfollow her.
Two weeks into quarantine I went on a rage walk to get away from my 3 kids, tripped over a hole and broke my ankle. My husband had to come find me because I PASSED OUT from the pain and the awful crunching noise and he had to carry me home. And listen, looking back I can’t even say that that was the worst thing to happen in quarantine so far. 🤷🏼♀️ As I was lamenting (read: bitching) to my mom about how much this has SUCKED, and I’m over it, but there is NO END IN SIGHT because even if quarantine ends now we’re in summer? And all the camps keep getting canceled? And can’t she see I’m drowning? She said, “I’ve been thinking about your situation (😒) and you know, at least you don’t have to work, I mean at least you don’t have a job or anything, those people are having to do everything you are AND work from home.” I tried to let it roll off me, cause she has the right to say dumb things too, yaknow? But now I’ve been in a funk for over a week questioning why I’m such a wimp. Why isn’t this easier? Why can’t I make the most of it? Why did I think it would be fun to have 3 children? 🤨 This story has no point, I’m just venting, to the internet, because this is hard, it’s so hard, and it’s okay if you feel like it’s really hard.
Go ahead and vent! ❤
ASHLEA NO. Oh I feel this is my very soul. Just over here, lighting so many candles for this BEYOND frustrating situation.
First, high five to Rage Walks. I’m so sorry yours ended with broken bones. 😔 One of the most profound things anyone has said during The Time of the Covid is that this is not the Trial Olympics. No one’s hard needs to beat anyone else’s hard. It is not a competition to see whose life is hardest, and they win and the rest of us all have to shut up. IT IS ALL HARD. We are 100% allowed to bitch and moan and vent and complain and rage walk and cry in your closet and gulp a glass of wine at 4:53pm. This was really freeing for me, because I would struggle with life feeling so hard, and then heap guilt on myself because “why am I whining when so-and-so is WFH and has 7 toddlers and her husband is a doctor fighting Covid and she’s caring for an aging parent, etc. etc”. We are allowed to say this is hard, no matter what our circumstances are. Hang in there, girl!! You’re right, it is so hard. Sending you virtual hugs!! Get better soon!
Vent away, girl. It is hard.
Girl. You get to vent. We see you!!! And it’s crap.
I saved this to read locked in my room away from my kids and I appreciate the respite. No treasures to link to today my friends (I'm sooo tired)... maybe just the treasure of drinking wine and eating cupcakes for dinner? Open invite.
Speaking of celebrity homes, @ratemyskyperoom on Twitter is 👌🏼. Almost enough to make me rejoin the Twitter tempest. Almost.
This is an absolute delight.
I just looked it up and it is fun. Thanks for letting us know about it.✔
Pulling the trigger in the BSC reread!
May I suggest a reread accompanied by the delightful "The Babysitters Club Club" (https://babysittersclubclub.com/) where they read all the books in chronological order and analyze them as if they were literary fiction. Truly genius and truly funny.
I know I listened to a podcast that did this...
Yes! That’s the one. 👌🏻
I so want to do this, but would need to re-buy the books! I got rid of all mine long ago (do I even DESERVE to be in it, then???) but have fond memories of making my BSC kit that I took with me to whatever house I went to. Lord have mercy.
I made a kit too! Side note, I’m a professional nanny who brings a bag of things every day and now my life is making so much sense!!!
This is awesome!
I fully made a kit, too. Haha
Check your library. They might have them.
Good call. I don't know if they're doing pickup, but if they are HOLD MY BEER.
The one (library) within walking distance from my house has reopened for curbside pick-up (cue singing angels)
YOU DESERVE NICE THINGS! If you made the kit, you need this. I’m trying to get my reluctant reader into BSC. I’m too thirsty, and she ain’t havin it.
Lily, I just wanted you to know that you've been on my heart this morning. I know today has to be hard and I'll be praying for you today.
Ok ok- you and my husband have the same game for the Andy Griffith show! It’s totally his comfort-go to and I always know when his mind must be full or anxious when I hear the theme song come on. He literally laughs out loud at it and THAT delights me to no end!
Daisy fay and the miracle man is so good!!
I binged Fannie Flagg a few years ago and Daisy Fay was one of my absolute favorites!
WHAT!??!!?!!?!? A SEQUEL??????????????????????????????????? TAWANDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
Girl. Fannie Flagg has become one of my favorite authors evah. I listened to her Christmas book on the drive to and from Ohio this year using a credit on Audible. Hearing her read her own books is every bit the comforting grandma telling us a bedtime story we all want and need right now. I hadn't heard of Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man or the sequel yet, so thank you!
I've got to close this browser and make myself do actual work now.
Gah, I was going to buy gin this week, but I forgot... Oh well, I'll just be an amateur. Cheers!
I just discovered G&Ts, too! It's been fantastic!!
(Adds gin to grocery list)
Ooh! I'm going to have to try those. We tried Aviator and it's good. Also a local one called Wheat State Gin is actually my favorite. Currently we have Tangueray and it's a little pine tree for my taste. I have fallen in love with trying the flavors of Fever Tree tonics, too. Squish some fruit in there and it's a perfect happy hour on the patio or zoom. Oh, and cool bottles ftw! 😊
“YDI” is the most genius thing I have ever heard!