👋 Hello from an officially post-Hamilton society! The opening paragraph of this newsletter is always weird because I want to just jump right into the fun stuff and not do the pleasantries, but also I know the pleasantries can be pleasant, so what I’m saying is it’s a tightrope walk. Let’s get to cracking with our treasures and turds for the week, because I have a nice little collection, and I know you do too.
🧢 There is something extremely soothing about watching Diane Keaton stand among colonial-era cutting boards and introduce us to her hats. I’m into it.
🥒 I pickled things from the garden this week and I gotta say, I’m feeling pretty high on my own supply. I used this recipe from The Kitchn and just adapted it for each pickling item. I have to say: the pickled green tomatoes are a triumph. On another related note, the coyote urine is helping, as is the netting I put up around the garden. A cat did get caught in it the other day, and he was PANICKED, but we freed him and he was probably only slightly traumatized.
👝 I ended up going with the Walker Family Goods belt bag and it came in yesterday. I am really pleased with it! Thank you all for the suggestions! Super helpful!
👒 McKenna sent me this Spotify playlist of the best of the best Jane Austen soundtrack music, and it’s on constant rotation for me.
🍅 Courtney and Erin have made sure my love for tomato sandwiches is fully known through my clothing by sending me these super cute t-shirts, one from The Bitter Southerner and the other from It’s A Southern Thing. I mean, how freaking cute, guys?
👇 This meme:
😎 I was a special guest on The Popcast this week to talk about (clears throat) Hamilton. We’re also working on a little secret project over at The Bible Binge and would love to take your spiritual questions about our new favorite distraction from The Dumpster Fire of 2020. You can leave those here on this post!
🐠 Again, I continue to be grateful for those who sacrifice their privacy in order to bring the best TikToks to Twitter, where I can see them. This one is golden. I don’t know WHY, but I love it:
Let’s do a few more questions from our previous round, shall we?
Q: If a gal needs a break from inner work, what reads would you suggest for a sabbatical? - @dedraherod A: One of my favorite books of all time is Freddy and Fredericka, which is a light romp that centers on some fake royals, but sneakily excellently written. I always recommend any of Mindy Kaling’s books, I loved Beautiful Ruins, Daisy Jones and the Six, and The Martian.
Q: What’s your favorite summer outfit? - @bekahgriffin A: I love these Madewell shorts (I have a pair in all the colors and they are on sale right now) because they are age-approps for old bags like myself, but still cute, a t-shirt, and a denim shirt. I’m also very into these Hemlock Goods Co. bandanas, both for mask purposes and headband purposes.
Q: What is your favorite self-care idea for someone who hates baths and stuff? - @bobbieschlenvogt A: I’ve started going to the nature preserve near our house and just…walking around? Honestly, it’s not something I ever would have thought I’d be into for myself (bugs, heat, etc), but it turns out nature is very good? It’s not bad? Also I forget to drink water a lot and it’s apparently science that you should do that? Sometimes I just want to curl up in a ball and leave my brain in a jar next to my bed, so I listen to long, meandering historical audiobooks (right now I’m midway through a bio on Catherine the Great) and play Two Dots. I don’t know if it’s self-care per se, but it’s definitely self-maintenance, and isn’t that almost like self-care in a way?
Okay pals, I’m out. As always, I anticipate your own treasures and turds with great joy and trepidation, respectively.
I’ve been surfing on-line for more than 3 hours lately, but I by no means discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours. It’s lovely worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all website owners and bloggers made good content material as you did, the web shall be a lot more helpful than ever before.
Y'all - I have wanted to share this pure dose of American, farm land goodness with you for sometime but #life. I present to you: the Affirmation Chickens weekly newsletter. Every Friday I receive an inspirational message from a farm owner in TN with an encouraging word from their farm chickens named after the likes of several pop culture icons, including Daddy Warclucks, Chicky Minaj, and Gloria Steinhen. I somehow forget that it is coming every week, and every Friday I am truly excited to read a literal 5 second email of good vibes.
I am watching the first episode of Zac Efron’s “Down To Earth” with my roommate, and halfway through, while having SOME REAL THOUGHTS ABOUT IT, I looked up and said, “I have to know what Erin Moon says about this.” I scrolled through, but ALAS. Nothing. But I’m sure it’s coming, right? I need to know what ~we~ think.
I've stalked the little treasures thread for a while, not sure why I haven't jumped in until now.
My girls are with their dad for the month and my house is way too quiet without them. It's an odd time to be looking for a job, especially with so much unknown about school, etc. so it's just me and the dogs most days. Trying to soak up the peace but some days that's easier said than done. Finding treasures to distract myself from their absence and the impending "are we or aren't we going back to school in August" decision.
- HAMILTON! All the things, the show, the PopCast episode, the spreadsheet, the soundtrack. It makes my soul happy
- The Big Flower Battle & Crazy Delicious on Netflix! Big Flower Battle is British and almost fills the Great British Baking Show hole in my binging (I've watched all the seasons several times).
- Jen Hatmaker's recent For the Love podcast episode with her daughter Sidney.
- I've recently picked cross-stitching back up (after nearly 20 years) and it feels like meditation and a decent replacement for after dinner phone scrolling
-Finding organizing and labeling the pantry and closets oddly cathartic.
- whidbey island for the fourth was MAGIC except my toddler didn’t nap at all because of said magic so the drive home was a TRIP and we had to hit Dairy Queen halfway home to make it through. Going through the drive through and handing her a cup of vanilla ice cream to just eat on her own in her car seat (she’s 22 months) to placate her so the newborn would still sleep made me feel like a true parent.
- Met two friends for a walk in a little beach town this morning and it felt NORMAL! We got giant sandwiches and ice cream and just walked with our babies and I forgot about the mad world we live in except everyone is wearing a mask. (I’m also so glad everyone is wearing a mask.)
Turd:
dog officially has cancer and we took him in to have a CAT scan to determine how bad said cancer is and his timeline... they called us yesterday with this:
Vet: hi. Do you have small children by chance?
Husband: yes...
Vet: are you missing a pacifier?
Husband: ?!
Vet: your dog has one in his stomach. Do we have your permission to take it out? He’s already under for the cat scan and it’ll be easy to go through his esophagus
Husband: ok yes (internal face palm) what about the tumor and cancer?
Vet: to be honest I was distracted by the full pacifier inside him. I’ll have to look again.
Hi! I have a sort of turd treasure, I guess. I had a good long phone conversation today with my brother who is my only sibling. He lives in another state and he and my sister-in-law have 6 kids ranging in age from 15-29. The oldest two are married with 4 kids between them, and they all live within about 30 miles of each other. Ever since early May, they have all been getting together as a family as well as with friends. As far as I can tell, none of them physical distance or willingly wear masks. We’ll just say they follow different experts than I do! I live out in the country with just my husband and we have been very careful. While I would love to go visit my family, I just can’t given our differences in approach. Treasure = I was able to talk with my brother and explain myself and both of us could listen to each other and still respect each other. Turd = not feeling comfortable visiting them now.
My self-care lately has been smoothies. Like, not smoothies where I'm trying to stuff all the super foods in and add protein powder because I'm not going to eat a real lunch. No kale, no seeds. I just like drinking fruit a lot more than I like eating it for some reason. Maybe because it feels like a fun summer cocktail (you could add vodka or something if you want....). I blend up some frozen fruit, a bit of juice + water, and sometimes something for flavor. Recent favorite combos: strawberry + peach + pear juice + fresh basil leaves, & cherry + blueberry + pear juice + fresh ginger. Sipped on the back porch during Zoom happy hour 👌
Unexpected treasure of this week -- Nashville schools have decided to do distance learning for at least the first 4 weeks of school. TBH I don't even know where I fall on the in-person vs. distance learning option, but I'm just grateful that someone else has stepped up and made a decision that I wasn't prepared to be making in the first place. (Again, Ennea9 at my finest!) I am on decision making overload right now -- do we cancel that last Summer camp? Is the YMCA pool safe to attend? When do we feel comfortable returning to in person church? I hear Emily Freeman's voice encouraging me to do my Next Right Thing, which is... just listen to the Metro School Board and figure out what 4 weeks of distanced 1st Grade will look like. I CAN DO THAT.
I also cannot get enough of Brene Brown's wisdom these days. I listened to her podcast episode "Brene on Shame and Accountability" and one of her personal mottos has stuck with me -- "I"m here to get it right, not to be right. I'm here to get it right, not to be right." Highly recommend all things Brene.
Gah, this week's treasures were really great! THANK YOU, ERIN! "You need to spend more money on hats" might be my new motto in life. 😉
This week I learned that "a buttload" is an actual unit of measurement and it blew my mind. (Did everybody else already know this and I'm just dumb for having no idea?)
The toe that I injured pretty badly a few weeks ago is healing nicely and yesterday I was able to go for a walk! That's my treasure this week. 😊
YOU GUYS. I may have a rom-com update for you? I had a date on Tuesday with a guy I started talking to about a week before on an app. He initiated the conversation by commenting on one of my pictures (me hanging out in a cargo net 70 feet up in the trees of a high ropes course), and his profile wasn’t much to write home about, so I almost hit that x instead of responding. But I decided to at least give the guy a response to his question. Conversation was good and engaging for the most part and I agreed on a date, but honestly wasn’t sure about the guy, didn’t really feel up to the date, and felt like I would end up just saying it was good dating experience and add it to the list of first and only dates.
But you guys! The man totally surprised me. Once we started walking (my choice - a walk in a local park because I just cannot with first dates that consist of sitting across a table from each other), my hesitation melted away and we ended up walking over five miles, sitting on a bench to talk more, and it only ended because he had a bit of a drive to get home and it was a work night. We have been talking ever since (I made him download Marco Polo and we’ve been doing a lot of deep conversing there), date two is in the books, and I am shook (am I using that correctly?). What is happening?
I’m going camping this weekend and as excited as I am, I also kind of wish it wasn’t this weekend because it means longer waiting between dates and no talking with the man because I’ll be out of cell service (a disconnect I’d usually be so excited for). Who have I become? What is happening with my life? I’ve had less than five dates in the last ten years of my life, and suddenly I have two in less than a month and one actually went well and is moving forward?
So all that said, I am trying not to get my hopes up, but I’m also relishing the very real sweet and giddy feelings and potential for more. As my friend told me, “all good things, all good things.” That is my update/treasure.
Also, that TikTok is a delight. The amount of guys on dating apps who only have pictures with dead animals is astounding.
I’ve been watching the show “Alone” and you see so much up close and personal dead animal stuff bc they are hunting to survive. I have to close my eyes - I just can’t watch the bunnies and squirrels get skinned! But the fishing doesn’t bother me as much - so I quite enjoyed that fish TikTok!
As for Hamilton stuff, this interview just is one more deep dive into the genius of LMM. https://youtu.be/Urp9MjHLP0s
I am heading for a family vacation to the crowded Jersey shore this week. Not super excited but hoping we can find our way to a not-so-crowded beach! I’m trying to be thankful for time away with family and not focus too much on the dumpster fire of the world around us!
If you don’t follow Kelle Hampton on insta (@etst), you need to. She’s so chic and cute and has 3 cute kids and a cute older husband but mostly I am I awe of her use of music in insta stories. Like I have no idea how she remembers so many perfect songs to go with her images and videos. She has a You’ve Got Mail vibe that is just lovely.
Also in the lovely vibes category are Anne with an E and the new Baby-sitter’s Club series on Netflix.
Anne’s been out for a while but I finished the final season this week and it’s just so sweet and good! It makes me want to go back and read the books.
BSC is literally perfect. You can tell the creator was a true fan of the books because she kept so many details from the original books but has updated things perfectly for 2020. Mary Anne is biracial and hilarious and her dad is Mark Evan Jackson. I am somehow convinced that Kristy still would be wearing turtlenecks in 2020 and her relationship with her mom (Alicia Silverstone) is wonderful. Dawn is Latinx and perfectly crunchy and social-justice-minded. Claudia’s outfits look exactly like they’re described in the book yet modern. And Stacey is classic Stacey with a bedazzled insulin pump. Go watch immediately!
before we cancel cancel-culture, can we cancel moray eels? k. thx. bye. ALSO i'm v. into Diane Keaton's dress there. I've found my aging wardrobe for later on!
This week's been peak turd here, yall. anxiety through the roof about the 'rona (which is spiking in my area big time) and the Boy (my brain is catastrophizing about everything when I really have no reason to - oh wait, that's the definition of catastrophizing. lol!) Sleep has been on a range from "Im scared to go to bed cause I'll just wake up with nightmares" to "ugh, this again? why do we need it? Why can't I just drown my brain in food youtube?" sooo anxiety management tips are welcome.
but on to treasures! Babysitter's club on netflix is a DEEELIGHT! I sewed a new "sunday go to meeting mask" by hand while watching last weekend and that was good self care.
SortedFood on Youtube has been a lot of fun as well! cute british guys taste testing pretentious ingredients and trying kitchen gadgets!
ScamWow Podcast - true crime but no murder! The first episode has a BANANAS story about a crime mob boss-lady from the gilded age that I LOVEEEE.
Greetings from MN all my Frangers and Swipers and Treasure Hunters
Okay, this week I remembered to make a list of all my treasures, so hereeeee we go!
1. Obvs, it's Hamilton. I laughed. I cried. I sat in awe. I crieeeeed. I thought about all the connecting threads and wondered how someone can be so brilliant. That gasp. The gasp and all the meaning behind it. SOOOOOO amazing. But now I will need some time before I can get onto that emotional rollercoaster again.
2. Ordering new glasses from Zenni. I cannot wait to get these new frames. If you wear glasses and you aren't using Zenni. I need to understand why you enjoy spending so much money. ;)
3. Kodiak Muffin Cups in Almond Poppy Seed. Just like I am on #TeamWashYourLegs, I am on team *Almond* Poppy Seed vs Lemon. I worked at a bakery all through college and I basically lived on foccacia bread and two kinds of muffins: Almond Poppy Seed and Cornbread. Since I learned that if I bake a whole actual batch of anything I feel the need to eat all of them (See any and all quick breads and cake) -- also, who wants to bake when its 90 degrees out every day? So these cups totally help me with my need for a baked good. https://shop.kodiakcakes.com/collections/kodiak-cups
4. Okay, so remember couple weeks ago I was happy with my skin? Well the Universe is like -- hey girl hey, you can't get too excited -- and KA-BLAMMMMO I got some horrible jawline acne that I haven't seen in so long. I'm not sure if its my 40s, hormones, mask related, heat...all of it? So I joined Curology and will be trying the serum I already received yesterday tonight. Anyone here use it? Would love some shared experiences. So again, this could be a turd, but the fact I am seeking options and hoping for the best = treasure.
5. White Chicken Chili - Okay so even though it is hot out in MN, making a pot of something that has flavors I love brings me joy. I made a pot midweek and the leftovers brings me so much joy.
6. My dad testing negative for Covid. He was tested at work this past week (they *might* be doing this monthly? I will know more tonight when we have our Friday Night Call) and was negative.
Quick visit to Turd Town
1. Remembering how much I hate revising my resume. It's been years but I am (even in this pandemic era) going to start just applying to jobs here and there.
2. My son's baseball program not following guidelines they claimed they would follow for games. I did contact the league office about his and was given a total BS reply. His next game is 7/15, If they again don't follow the guidelines. I go higher up the chain. I hate that I have to do this. But just a tip. Don't sell me steak and then feed me fish -- I will complain to the kitchen.
3. The great return to school debate. It exhausts me. I want what is best for my sons but I feel like such an outlier for wanting to continue distance learning. My husband and I are developing a possible plan for our 8th grader to do online middle school. We just aren't sure what we can do with the blessing of our workplaces for our will-be 2nd grader. We will know more about our state plan the week of July 27.
So...I am seeing there are so many new replies coming through here. You guys. You have to know how much I adore this Friday fun that is being here,
Shoutout to The Popcast’s Hamilton episode - it was PERFECTION. ⭐️ It’s been an exciting time in my Hamilton-obsessed world over here, as my parents, brother & sister-in-law, AND my two best friends have finally been able to see & understand exactly why my sister & I have been talking/singing *non-stop* about this masterful piece of art. It has been the joy of my life to be able to share this with them.
Speaking of The Popcast Hamilton episode... it was my companion to and from my first day of training at my NEW JOB! 😍 Wednesday marked the beginning of the end of obtaining my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I’m working at a practice a few towns over, which means I have a commute (😨🙏) through the Amish countryside. I’m so excited about doing my practicum at this place, and hopefully continuing on to do my internship here so I can graduate next summer. Do I already have imposter syndrome before I’ve even scheduled my first session with a client? Uhhh, hundo p I do. But I truly believe I am in good hands with my supervisor and will have a lot of support as I step into the role of walking alongside others in their suffering.
💎 As far as treasures go...
1) I’m about to finish “The Water Dancer” by Ta-Nehisi Coates for virtual book club. Coates is brilliant. His writing is phenomenal. This novel is moving and beautiful and heartbreaking and so many things. I’m really looking forward to discussing it next week. 📖
2) Okay, this is also a turd, but postpartum hair growth. YIKES. Glad it’s coming back, but does it have to be so awkward?!
3) On the hair subject, I recently used the “blue sea kale & pure coconut water” hair mask from Not Your Mother’s Naturals, & I think my damaged hair has some life back in it? Maybe? 💁🏻♀️
4) Owls 🦉 are my favorite animal, and my college roommate will periodically send me owl TikToks, so here is one she sent this morning for your viewing pleasure: https://vm.tiktok.com/JLJK4vp/
Y’all the mountains!!! It was easily the best, most restoring trip ever. We hiked and tubed, bounced on the trampoline. Shot of fireworks and ate crazy amounts of food and cocktails. It was such a gift that both my four year old and I cried on the way home.
We continue to live in a hot spot. Which is making life tricky. Especially for the teenagers in my house. They want friends and well I want to avoid Covid.
My “board of information” has made its summer debut. I crack myself up daily with it.
Our 4 year old had he retest for verbal apraxia and he is above to 50% mark which is so exciting! Did y’all know that toddlers between the age of 2-4 should know where their eyelashes are?! I asked my niece who is two where hers were and she said she left them in the playroom.
My 19 year pick his major yesterday, his sophomore year of college start soon. This was a big deal!
Some context for the marrieds who don't have to deal with online dating:
When online dating, you see a shocking number of dead animals that boys somehow think are not only okay, but impressive to post on their profiles. So that tiktok where she rates the fish and some of them are CLEARLY taken from dating profiles just absolutely killed me.
My treasure this week was that I finally got out of the house and went on a hike. I really needed to get out of the city. The hike was 10 miles and even though it was a couple of days ago and the terrain wasn't bad at all, I'm still sore. But it was the first time I've been able to work out since having Rona earlier on this year and I was just happy to get to move my body again. I also celebrated with my first Chick fil A peach milkshake of the season.
Living in a post-Hamilton society has made my mood buoy so intensely, I hope to ride this wave for awhile. Many friends/the Boy are talking about it now, and it’s so nice to welcome them into the fold and talk about all the little things I love the most! Waiting for them to get around to the “Act 2 wrecks me but my fave songs are there” stage.
Got to visit Magic Kingdom on Wednesday for a couple hours, and it was both so nice to be back at a fun place and so dissonant with all the realities of wearing a mask, physical distancing, not hitting my head on plexiglass barriers trying to get food 😂😂. Also Hamilton-related, ready to start my campaign to retheme the Hall of Presidents to Hamilton : #nevergonnabepresidentnow
And finally, this is one of many tiktoks that made me belly laugh : Christian Mingle Makes Me Wanna Stay Christian Single - https://vm.tiktok.com/J8KHnha/
I’ve been surfing on-line for more than 3 hours lately, but I by no means discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours. It’s lovely worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all website owners and bloggers made good content material as you did, the web shall be a lot more helpful than ever before.
Alisa from https://recipes.cafe/en
Y'all - I have wanted to share this pure dose of American, farm land goodness with you for sometime but #life. I present to you: the Affirmation Chickens weekly newsletter. Every Friday I receive an inspirational message from a farm owner in TN with an encouraging word from their farm chickens named after the likes of several pop culture icons, including Daddy Warclucks, Chicky Minaj, and Gloria Steinhen. I somehow forget that it is coming every week, and every Friday I am truly excited to read a literal 5 second email of good vibes.
https://tinyletter.com/AffirmationChickens/archive
Enjoy!
Listening to anything and playing Two Dots is my self care jam too.
I am watching the first episode of Zac Efron’s “Down To Earth” with my roommate, and halfway through, while having SOME REAL THOUGHTS ABOUT IT, I looked up and said, “I have to know what Erin Moon says about this.” I scrolled through, but ALAS. Nothing. But I’m sure it’s coming, right? I need to know what ~we~ think.
I've stalked the little treasures thread for a while, not sure why I haven't jumped in until now.
My girls are with their dad for the month and my house is way too quiet without them. It's an odd time to be looking for a job, especially with so much unknown about school, etc. so it's just me and the dogs most days. Trying to soak up the peace but some days that's easier said than done. Finding treasures to distract myself from their absence and the impending "are we or aren't we going back to school in August" decision.
- HAMILTON! All the things, the show, the PopCast episode, the spreadsheet, the soundtrack. It makes my soul happy
- The Big Flower Battle & Crazy Delicious on Netflix! Big Flower Battle is British and almost fills the Great British Baking Show hole in my binging (I've watched all the seasons several times).
- Jen Hatmaker's recent For the Love podcast episode with her daughter Sidney.
- I've recently picked cross-stitching back up (after nearly 20 years) and it feels like meditation and a decent replacement for after dinner phone scrolling
-Finding organizing and labeling the pantry and closets oddly cathartic.
Treasures:
- whidbey island for the fourth was MAGIC except my toddler didn’t nap at all because of said magic so the drive home was a TRIP and we had to hit Dairy Queen halfway home to make it through. Going through the drive through and handing her a cup of vanilla ice cream to just eat on her own in her car seat (she’s 22 months) to placate her so the newborn would still sleep made me feel like a true parent.
- Met two friends for a walk in a little beach town this morning and it felt NORMAL! We got giant sandwiches and ice cream and just walked with our babies and I forgot about the mad world we live in except everyone is wearing a mask. (I’m also so glad everyone is wearing a mask.)
Turd:
dog officially has cancer and we took him in to have a CAT scan to determine how bad said cancer is and his timeline... they called us yesterday with this:
Vet: hi. Do you have small children by chance?
Husband: yes...
Vet: are you missing a pacifier?
Husband: ?!
Vet: your dog has one in his stomach. Do we have your permission to take it out? He’s already under for the cat scan and it’ll be easy to go through his esophagus
Husband: ok yes (internal face palm) what about the tumor and cancer?
Vet: to be honest I was distracted by the full pacifier inside him. I’ll have to look again.
Husband: ok
Hi! I have a sort of turd treasure, I guess. I had a good long phone conversation today with my brother who is my only sibling. He lives in another state and he and my sister-in-law have 6 kids ranging in age from 15-29. The oldest two are married with 4 kids between them, and they all live within about 30 miles of each other. Ever since early May, they have all been getting together as a family as well as with friends. As far as I can tell, none of them physical distance or willingly wear masks. We’ll just say they follow different experts than I do! I live out in the country with just my husband and we have been very careful. While I would love to go visit my family, I just can’t given our differences in approach. Treasure = I was able to talk with my brother and explain myself and both of us could listen to each other and still respect each other. Turd = not feeling comfortable visiting them now.
My self-care lately has been smoothies. Like, not smoothies where I'm trying to stuff all the super foods in and add protein powder because I'm not going to eat a real lunch. No kale, no seeds. I just like drinking fruit a lot more than I like eating it for some reason. Maybe because it feels like a fun summer cocktail (you could add vodka or something if you want....). I blend up some frozen fruit, a bit of juice + water, and sometimes something for flavor. Recent favorite combos: strawberry + peach + pear juice + fresh basil leaves, & cherry + blueberry + pear juice + fresh ginger. Sipped on the back porch during Zoom happy hour 👌
Leaving your brain in a jar, are you sure you're not a 9??!
Unexpected treasure of this week -- Nashville schools have decided to do distance learning for at least the first 4 weeks of school. TBH I don't even know where I fall on the in-person vs. distance learning option, but I'm just grateful that someone else has stepped up and made a decision that I wasn't prepared to be making in the first place. (Again, Ennea9 at my finest!) I am on decision making overload right now -- do we cancel that last Summer camp? Is the YMCA pool safe to attend? When do we feel comfortable returning to in person church? I hear Emily Freeman's voice encouraging me to do my Next Right Thing, which is... just listen to the Metro School Board and figure out what 4 weeks of distanced 1st Grade will look like. I CAN DO THAT.
I also cannot get enough of Brene Brown's wisdom these days. I listened to her podcast episode "Brene on Shame and Accountability" and one of her personal mottos has stuck with me -- "I"m here to get it right, not to be right. I'm here to get it right, not to be right." Highly recommend all things Brene.
Happy Friday, friends!
Gah, this week's treasures were really great! THANK YOU, ERIN! "You need to spend more money on hats" might be my new motto in life. 😉
This week I learned that "a buttload" is an actual unit of measurement and it blew my mind. (Did everybody else already know this and I'm just dumb for having no idea?)
The toe that I injured pretty badly a few weeks ago is healing nicely and yesterday I was able to go for a walk! That's my treasure this week. 😊
YOU GUYS. I may have a rom-com update for you? I had a date on Tuesday with a guy I started talking to about a week before on an app. He initiated the conversation by commenting on one of my pictures (me hanging out in a cargo net 70 feet up in the trees of a high ropes course), and his profile wasn’t much to write home about, so I almost hit that x instead of responding. But I decided to at least give the guy a response to his question. Conversation was good and engaging for the most part and I agreed on a date, but honestly wasn’t sure about the guy, didn’t really feel up to the date, and felt like I would end up just saying it was good dating experience and add it to the list of first and only dates.
But you guys! The man totally surprised me. Once we started walking (my choice - a walk in a local park because I just cannot with first dates that consist of sitting across a table from each other), my hesitation melted away and we ended up walking over five miles, sitting on a bench to talk more, and it only ended because he had a bit of a drive to get home and it was a work night. We have been talking ever since (I made him download Marco Polo and we’ve been doing a lot of deep conversing there), date two is in the books, and I am shook (am I using that correctly?). What is happening?
I’m going camping this weekend and as excited as I am, I also kind of wish it wasn’t this weekend because it means longer waiting between dates and no talking with the man because I’ll be out of cell service (a disconnect I’d usually be so excited for). Who have I become? What is happening with my life? I’ve had less than five dates in the last ten years of my life, and suddenly I have two in less than a month and one actually went well and is moving forward?
So all that said, I am trying not to get my hopes up, but I’m also relishing the very real sweet and giddy feelings and potential for more. As my friend told me, “all good things, all good things.” That is my update/treasure.
Also, that TikTok is a delight. The amount of guys on dating apps who only have pictures with dead animals is astounding.
I have a pair of those Madewell shorts too, and they are my favorite.
I’ve been watching the show “Alone” and you see so much up close and personal dead animal stuff bc they are hunting to survive. I have to close my eyes - I just can’t watch the bunnies and squirrels get skinned! But the fishing doesn’t bother me as much - so I quite enjoyed that fish TikTok!
As for Hamilton stuff, this interview just is one more deep dive into the genius of LMM. https://youtu.be/Urp9MjHLP0s
I am heading for a family vacation to the crowded Jersey shore this week. Not super excited but hoping we can find our way to a not-so-crowded beach! I’m trying to be thankful for time away with family and not focus too much on the dumpster fire of the world around us!
Confession 1: I didn’t know who Jordan Fisher was until 5 minutes ago.
Confession 2: He caused me to stumble in my devotion to Leslie Odom Jr as Aaron Burr.
The fish TikTok 👍🏻👍🏻
If you don’t follow Kelle Hampton on insta (@etst), you need to. She’s so chic and cute and has 3 cute kids and a cute older husband but mostly I am I awe of her use of music in insta stories. Like I have no idea how she remembers so many perfect songs to go with her images and videos. She has a You’ve Got Mail vibe that is just lovely.
Also in the lovely vibes category are Anne with an E and the new Baby-sitter’s Club series on Netflix.
Anne’s been out for a while but I finished the final season this week and it’s just so sweet and good! It makes me want to go back and read the books.
BSC is literally perfect. You can tell the creator was a true fan of the books because she kept so many details from the original books but has updated things perfectly for 2020. Mary Anne is biracial and hilarious and her dad is Mark Evan Jackson. I am somehow convinced that Kristy still would be wearing turtlenecks in 2020 and her relationship with her mom (Alicia Silverstone) is wonderful. Dawn is Latinx and perfectly crunchy and social-justice-minded. Claudia’s outfits look exactly like they’re described in the book yet modern. And Stacey is classic Stacey with a bedazzled insulin pump. Go watch immediately!
I also encountered some good tweets this week:
1. https://twitter.com/brocklesnitch/status/1278863890332278784?s=21
2. https://twitter.com/scottearlbocker/status/1279403316276072448?s=21
3. https://twitter.com/klo143/status/1279114723682811906?s=21
4. https://twitter.com/clif_turner/status/1280180272944775169?s=21
5. https://twitter.com/k_anye23/status/1280947987166920705?s=21
before we cancel cancel-culture, can we cancel moray eels? k. thx. bye. ALSO i'm v. into Diane Keaton's dress there. I've found my aging wardrobe for later on!
This week's been peak turd here, yall. anxiety through the roof about the 'rona (which is spiking in my area big time) and the Boy (my brain is catastrophizing about everything when I really have no reason to - oh wait, that's the definition of catastrophizing. lol!) Sleep has been on a range from "Im scared to go to bed cause I'll just wake up with nightmares" to "ugh, this again? why do we need it? Why can't I just drown my brain in food youtube?" sooo anxiety management tips are welcome.
but on to treasures! Babysitter's club on netflix is a DEEELIGHT! I sewed a new "sunday go to meeting mask" by hand while watching last weekend and that was good self care.
SortedFood on Youtube has been a lot of fun as well! cute british guys taste testing pretentious ingredients and trying kitchen gadgets!
ScamWow Podcast - true crime but no murder! The first episode has a BANANAS story about a crime mob boss-lady from the gilded age that I LOVEEEE.
Greetings from MN all my Frangers and Swipers and Treasure Hunters
Okay, this week I remembered to make a list of all my treasures, so hereeeee we go!
1. Obvs, it's Hamilton. I laughed. I cried. I sat in awe. I crieeeeed. I thought about all the connecting threads and wondered how someone can be so brilliant. That gasp. The gasp and all the meaning behind it. SOOOOOO amazing. But now I will need some time before I can get onto that emotional rollercoaster again.
2. Ordering new glasses from Zenni. I cannot wait to get these new frames. If you wear glasses and you aren't using Zenni. I need to understand why you enjoy spending so much money. ;)
3. Kodiak Muffin Cups in Almond Poppy Seed. Just like I am on #TeamWashYourLegs, I am on team *Almond* Poppy Seed vs Lemon. I worked at a bakery all through college and I basically lived on foccacia bread and two kinds of muffins: Almond Poppy Seed and Cornbread. Since I learned that if I bake a whole actual batch of anything I feel the need to eat all of them (See any and all quick breads and cake) -- also, who wants to bake when its 90 degrees out every day? So these cups totally help me with my need for a baked good. https://shop.kodiakcakes.com/collections/kodiak-cups
4. Okay, so remember couple weeks ago I was happy with my skin? Well the Universe is like -- hey girl hey, you can't get too excited -- and KA-BLAMMMMO I got some horrible jawline acne that I haven't seen in so long. I'm not sure if its my 40s, hormones, mask related, heat...all of it? So I joined Curology and will be trying the serum I already received yesterday tonight. Anyone here use it? Would love some shared experiences. So again, this could be a turd, but the fact I am seeking options and hoping for the best = treasure.
5. White Chicken Chili - Okay so even though it is hot out in MN, making a pot of something that has flavors I love brings me joy. I made a pot midweek and the leftovers brings me so much joy.
6. My dad testing negative for Covid. He was tested at work this past week (they *might* be doing this monthly? I will know more tonight when we have our Friday Night Call) and was negative.
Quick visit to Turd Town
1. Remembering how much I hate revising my resume. It's been years but I am (even in this pandemic era) going to start just applying to jobs here and there.
2. My son's baseball program not following guidelines they claimed they would follow for games. I did contact the league office about his and was given a total BS reply. His next game is 7/15, If they again don't follow the guidelines. I go higher up the chain. I hate that I have to do this. But just a tip. Don't sell me steak and then feed me fish -- I will complain to the kitchen.
3. The great return to school debate. It exhausts me. I want what is best for my sons but I feel like such an outlier for wanting to continue distance learning. My husband and I are developing a possible plan for our 8th grader to do online middle school. We just aren't sure what we can do with the blessing of our workplaces for our will-be 2nd grader. We will know more about our state plan the week of July 27.
So...I am seeing there are so many new replies coming through here. You guys. You have to know how much I adore this Friday fun that is being here,
Love to all,
Mel
Hellooooo, Swipes 😊 Happy Friday!
Shoutout to The Popcast’s Hamilton episode - it was PERFECTION. ⭐️ It’s been an exciting time in my Hamilton-obsessed world over here, as my parents, brother & sister-in-law, AND my two best friends have finally been able to see & understand exactly why my sister & I have been talking/singing *non-stop* about this masterful piece of art. It has been the joy of my life to be able to share this with them.
Speaking of The Popcast Hamilton episode... it was my companion to and from my first day of training at my NEW JOB! 😍 Wednesday marked the beginning of the end of obtaining my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I’m working at a practice a few towns over, which means I have a commute (😨🙏) through the Amish countryside. I’m so excited about doing my practicum at this place, and hopefully continuing on to do my internship here so I can graduate next summer. Do I already have imposter syndrome before I’ve even scheduled my first session with a client? Uhhh, hundo p I do. But I truly believe I am in good hands with my supervisor and will have a lot of support as I step into the role of walking alongside others in their suffering.
💎 As far as treasures go...
1) I’m about to finish “The Water Dancer” by Ta-Nehisi Coates for virtual book club. Coates is brilliant. His writing is phenomenal. This novel is moving and beautiful and heartbreaking and so many things. I’m really looking forward to discussing it next week. 📖
2) Okay, this is also a turd, but postpartum hair growth. YIKES. Glad it’s coming back, but does it have to be so awkward?!
3) On the hair subject, I recently used the “blue sea kale & pure coconut water” hair mask from Not Your Mother’s Naturals, & I think my damaged hair has some life back in it? Maybe? 💁🏻♀️
4) Owls 🦉 are my favorite animal, and my college roommate will periodically send me owl TikToks, so here is one she sent this morning for your viewing pleasure: https://vm.tiktok.com/JLJK4vp/
Hope y’all have a lovely weekend! ☺️
Y’all the mountains!!! It was easily the best, most restoring trip ever. We hiked and tubed, bounced on the trampoline. Shot of fireworks and ate crazy amounts of food and cocktails. It was such a gift that both my four year old and I cried on the way home.
We continue to live in a hot spot. Which is making life tricky. Especially for the teenagers in my house. They want friends and well I want to avoid Covid.
My “board of information” has made its summer debut. I crack myself up daily with it.
Our 4 year old had he retest for verbal apraxia and he is above to 50% mark which is so exciting! Did y’all know that toddlers between the age of 2-4 should know where their eyelashes are?! I asked my niece who is two where hers were and she said she left them in the playroom.
My 19 year pick his major yesterday, his sophomore year of college start soon. This was a big deal!
Some context for the marrieds who don't have to deal with online dating:
When online dating, you see a shocking number of dead animals that boys somehow think are not only okay, but impressive to post on their profiles. So that tiktok where she rates the fish and some of them are CLEARLY taken from dating profiles just absolutely killed me.
My treasure this week was that I finally got out of the house and went on a hike. I really needed to get out of the city. The hike was 10 miles and even though it was a couple of days ago and the terrain wasn't bad at all, I'm still sore. But it was the first time I've been able to work out since having Rona earlier on this year and I was just happy to get to move my body again. I also celebrated with my first Chick fil A peach milkshake of the season.
Living in a post-Hamilton society has made my mood buoy so intensely, I hope to ride this wave for awhile. Many friends/the Boy are talking about it now, and it’s so nice to welcome them into the fold and talk about all the little things I love the most! Waiting for them to get around to the “Act 2 wrecks me but my fave songs are there” stage.
Got to visit Magic Kingdom on Wednesday for a couple hours, and it was both so nice to be back at a fun place and so dissonant with all the realities of wearing a mask, physical distancing, not hitting my head on plexiglass barriers trying to get food 😂😂. Also Hamilton-related, ready to start my campaign to retheme the Hall of Presidents to Hamilton : #nevergonnabepresidentnow
And finally, this is one of many tiktoks that made me belly laugh : Christian Mingle Makes Me Wanna Stay Christian Single - https://vm.tiktok.com/J8KHnha/