Hello this is your pilot speaking. We’re cruising at an altitude of Trying Not To Think About Everything That’s Going On Right Now. We’ll be over to Powering Through The Pain in just a short while, so kick back, relax and enjoy Flight 2020 on Hell in a Handbasket Airlines.
🤝 This week, the big news is that we’re bringing back We Got You Club. You can go here to read more about it, how it works, and how I’ve asked Jesus to smite you should you be a heartless person who scams people out of money on the internet. We can’t put out fires (literal or figurative), but we can do what we can with what we’ve got. So head on into that spreadsheet and do your doins. Also @threeletterbirds, whose design I love, reached out and was like, can I just whip up some art for We Got You Club, and I was like, WHAT IS HAPPENING?! So she made our cute header and design elements because she’s amazing and we’re fancy. Go look at her Etsy store, you will just straight up perish.
I did not give in to total despair this week and I do have some treasures. Plus, so many of you sent me things throughout the week, which was lovely and made me feel like I was getting an internet hug.
👑 Tom Felton has become maybe my favorite post-Harry Potter actor. He’s quirky, and this video of him singing You’ll Be Back isn’t even particularly good, but he’s just so charming. It worked for me, okay?!
🥺 Guys I have been so worried about Pauline because 2020 has taken so much from us and it doesn’t seem to care that I need Pauline and Geoffrey in good health or I WILL TAKE TO THE BED. But our girl seems to be on the up and up and we’ll take what we can get at this point.
Calling anyone who wants just a flair💫 (yes I said it) of fall in their coffee. I am your girl. I don’t love sugary lattes or overly sweet creamers. But I do love a hint! Here’s how we make it:
1/2 cup honey 1/2 cup water 2 TBS canned pumpkin (pro tip, reserve 2 TBS from the can of pumpkin you use for your pumpkin chili) 1/4 tsp cinnamon
In a small saucepan over medium heat add all ingredients. Simmer until everything is combined (about 2-3 minutes). Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. Use to sweeten your coffee, Iced Doubleshot, latte, tea, Old Fashion ... OR drizzle over oatmeal, pancakes, your fingers. What have you. Welcome to pumpkin honey simple syrup. It’s low-key extra, just like us. Cheers!
🙌 When I listened to this episode of Armchair Expert with Nadia Bolz-Weber, did I sit down on the elementary school track at 6:15 in the morning and offer a hymn of praise? I did. It’s incredible and I’m at the point now where I only want to be pastored by recovering addicts.
💄 When Jamie wears new makeup, it’s a hot topic around the office (meaning we talk about it for a good twenty minutes while Knox goes in another room). A month or so ago she was extolling the virtues of liquid blush, which feels like the advanced calculus of makeup. How does one blend? It’s liquid? What do I do? I was extremely skeptical, but I gave it a shot with the blush I’ve worn since I was 21: NARS Orgasm. AND GUESS WHAT - liquid blush is so easy and it stays on longer and I look like a rosy-cheeked cherub.
✍️ I know everyone on the internet is talking about hope*writers this week, but the hype is real. They provide such a comprehensive way to fully form you not only as a writer, but all the other hats writers need to wear nowadays. They let me poke around their member’s library this week, and I was honestly blown away. Great content and a great community. If you’re interested, you can check them out here.
OH! One last thing: we’re doing Comfortable Together (a group go-thru of The Comfortable Words) in October. More info coming soon, but it’ll all come through here, so you won’t miss it.
Hey just a cool and super chill reminder that there are affiliate links all up in this mess, which support The Swipe Up/Lil Treasures at zero cost to you.
I'm probably late to the party on this one, but the Facebook page "The same video of the same guys dancing to a different song everyday" has brought so much joy to me and my husband this past week. We are selling our house, hopefully to buy a house, and it's been way more stressful than I had anticipated. https://www.facebook.com/sameguysdancing
Welp, we're still in the US.... I'm about to pound on the visa office and beg to be let out before we get closer to the election. I mean with the passing of RBG, things might get crazy. France let us back in!!
But we have had amazing weather this weekend. I spent it with my parents and siblings, and we had a campfire Saturday night complete with S'mores. Did you all know about replacing Hershey bars with Reese's making a Reese S'more?! So that. That is my treasure. My life is different now.
We are slowly figuring out how to homeschool in French. We're finally catching up with my son's classes!
Also as a prediabetic I try to avoid sugar, but Chocolate just has a stronger pull. Well, I've learned about Lily Chocolate. It's equitable and stevia sweetened! They even have dark chocolate peanut butter cups which are amazing. (Also I assume you all will ignore the fact I talk about s'mores and then in the next breath bemoan the fact that I am prediabetic...)
Treasures for the week: I took a huge leap and joined a writing workshop run by Erin’s dear friend Megan Beam. I’m terrified as all get out to share my writing, but meeting everyone last night via Zoom was a delight.
I also finished Untamed by Glennon Doyle and The Lazy Genius way by Kendra Adachi this week. Very different books. Both wonderful and inspiring!
Other than that, the week was spent wading through all the turds of the world and constantly being on the brink of being pulled under. But that’s just par for the course now. Remote school was slightly better. My kid’s teacher is amazing and responded immediately to how overwhelming the work load was last week and lightened the assignment load. And my kiddo and I are starting to feel our way through the new routine. He had a lot of long night wakings this week though which means I had very little sleep. Could sleep at least not be a battle right now?
Found this treasure tonight (yes it was published in July but somehow it popped on my mini feed today?) and I’m wondering if this makes Erin like Laura Linney any more? 🤣
Treasures and Turds: my thoughtful friend brought me a Pumpkin Rosemary Latte to work today. It counteracted not having water at our house the past couple of days because our well malfunctioned. Since we didn’t have any water I did get to go to my parents’ house and take a shower in their recently remodeled bathroom and the shower there is fancy hotel quality. Unlike a hotel, you have to squeegee the shower glass afterwards per Mom’s orders. But it was a small price for a great shower!
Yesterday I sat on my front porch while my Dad mowed part of our yard and our two year old played in the sprinkler. In one moment I could see the both of them living their best lives. Too often I fret over the aging of my parents and I stress over how tired I am from this ‘surprise’ baby at age 41. I was able to take in the moment yesterday and appreciate it and I loved it.
So, I caved a few weeks ago and agreed to be my daughter's soccer coach, and can I say while these 6&7 year old girls are pretty cute and fun, I really, really would rather not. I hope she remembers this as a sign of how much I love her. 😂
I am apparently filling up my IG feed with pretty things, and if you like that too and like photography, here's a treasure for you:
Trying this week to get myself into a good writing/work routine now that the kids are at school, and I think I know what will work, I just have to stay disciplined. Music helps, so my second treasure is to recommend the band Beta Radio. Chill, acoustic, Americana/folk vibe. Good for fall, and mellow enough to be in the background or foreground.
First time commenting, but I can already tell y'all are my people.
I guess I'll start with a turd: I found out yesterday I need another nasal surgery. I had one 10 years ago for chronic congestion and polyps. It was a miracle (guys, breathing is so awesome!), but now I apparently have another "big juicy polyp" (Dr's words, not mine) that's causing my air way to be 90% blocked on the left side. I'm partly relieved that I'm not going crazy, and I have an excuse to feel crappy and grumpy, but obviously surgery sucks and is expensive. We don't have traditional insurance (we use a health care sharing ministry), so yesterday began the circus that is calling every dr. and facility and getting quotes and trying to work something out with my "non-insurance." Yay.
Treasure 1: I just finished reading Code Name Helene, and it wrecked me, but was so, so good. It's fiction, but it's based on the life of Nancy Wake, an undercover agent and leader of the resistance movement in France during WW2. I was so inspired by this badass lady that I went on a Wikipedia deep dive about her as soon as I finished the book. Also a good reminder that I can, in fact, do hard things--and maybe even make a difference with my little life.
Treasure 2: This Sea Kelp scrub from Acure is my new favorite thing. It's bright green and smells like you're cleansing yourself with the coral reefs, and afterwards my skin is smooth as butter. LOVE IT. https://acure.com/brightening-facial-scrub.html
For longer than I am proud to admit, when I was new to the Popcast world, I thought Bri McKoy was Knox's wife. Yes, I know it's spelled different and Bri and Ashley are totally different names, but those were simpler times when you could just be confused by small things and not people who believe in Q Anon.
It feels like a really self absorbed treasure, but I got a haircut for the first time since January 25th yesterday. My hair is short and cute and wavy and IT BRINGS ME A LOT OF JOY!! I put on makeup just for giggles yesterday because I liked the way I looked. First time in MONTHS!! I wore a nice blouse and some high heel booties to the salon, really just because I could. I felt like an actual human. It was so nice. I’m back to my same old disheveled self today, but there was some hope.
Another great treasure is that I think the medication the doctor has put me on for my endometriosis is helping some! My pain has actually been manageable this week!!! Which is wild after six months of hardly being able to move for a week!!!
I too have had a horrible, terrible, no good, awful week and I want to punch my doctor in the face. So there's that.
Since I'm in a really foul mood, I have just about convinced myself that there is no such thing as treasures, so I'm going to list a few good things below just to prove myself wrong!
*Tea
*My hibiscus is about to bloom
*We Got You Club
*New nail polish
*All the TikToks here that make me laugh
*Soup
*Candles and blankets
I'm getting ready for my next Netflix binge. What should I watch? Some things I haven't seen yet are Derry Girls, Dead to Me, Grace and Frankie, Queer Eye, The Crown season 3. (Clearly I have a lot to catch up on!)
Ok, I'm going to curl up under a blanket and stay there all weekend. Take care friends and thanks for being awesome!
Oh gosh - I feel ya on worrying about our Pauline! When I saw she was in hospital and saw Geoffrey's face telling us about it, I Eliza gasped to the point that my hubby dropped what he was doing and asked me what was wrong? He didn't seem to understand my adoration for this sweet couple.
And yes to Stitch Fix pants! They just sent me a pair of jeans - I don't need another pair of jeans - but they are perfect and I caved and bought them. Someone stop me....
A combo of treasures and turds this week. Starting a nonprofit organization during Covid is stupid hard, internet friends. It is mind boggling how many barriers get thrown up in your way to helping others. But, my blog post was accepted on the Travels Tea and Transplants Blog, which is good! https://www.travels-tea-transplants.com/blog/findingtheperfect Hopefully it'll bring some attention to our little foundation. Check it out if you'd like! https://www.heartfelthelpfoundation.com/
Heading to the coast to camp and get out of the smoke - California is burning...send rain...and just say no to gender reveal parties...
Despite the turds, fellow travelers, after facing death and having a heart transplant, it's pretty easy to find the treasures and find slivers of perfect in this ridiculously imperfect world. Have a great weekend friends!
Oh favorite place on the internet, even though I'm usually just a lurker! Your treasures and turds are a joy to share in, as we all are handling a LOT. Quick turd recap:
- My turds have been turdy - a dear, dear friend was diagnosed with ovarian cancer after an unexpected full hysterectomy, and some major struggles with one of my kids in school...lots of tears, some assessments with specialists via Zoom, too many apologies from ME for losing my sh*t with the struggles of distance learning, to name a few. Thank God for therapy!
Treasures!!!
- Gals, I saw that Tom Felton video on IG earlier this week and I wondered, "Am I attracted to him, now that he's older and seems genuinely nice?" The answer is yes, I find him strangely hot - AND THEN. I Wikipedia-d him (duh), and WE WERE BORN ON THE EXACT SAME DAY/YEAR. Somehow this legitimizes my crush. Our bday is on Tuesday 💁🏼♀️
- The Wedding Planner is on Netflix. JLO is the best and MM in sweaters and glasses is a delight.
- My twin brother (Tom's and I's triplet, if you will) started a silly podcast about TV pilots, and it is the only thing that got me giggling this week. We dissected the TERRIBLE pilot of Full House last night, and we cry laughed at the stupidity, and chose our dream TV kitchen/bedroom, etc. (Weirdly, Full House debuted on 9/22/87 as well...)
- I started reading American Royals via the library app, and it is SO FUN! It imagines that America has a king/queen who go all the way back to the Washington's. It's super fun and not overly silly.
Hello lovelies, This week has been better, it's possibly because I just stuck my fingers in my ears and yelled "LA LA LA LA LA" lounder - either way better is better. This weeks treasure list is short and sweet.
It's my absolute favorite and to top it all off one of my sisters told me I "got moms decorating gene' and this feels like the biggest compliment. I have such fond memories of the magic my Mom created for each holiday with the decorations in our home. I feel so proud to have a piece of those skills.
That's all for me this week. Have a great weekend!
Hey y'all. Two things. If you're like me and don't like spending money on things that may not be worth it but you can't know until you try, here is your permission to get:
2. the Merlin Magic Sleep Suit if you have a baby who can no longer be swaddled but you want better sleep. Get a used one from Facebook Marketplace (some people do free shipping if you can't find one local!) or Mercari. WORTH IT. (for used... not sure I'd buy a new on... cheapskates foreva)
Also I was so pleased that I could help 2 people on the We Got You sheet without praying or spending money because my prayer life is lacking and my bank account is stretched. Yay for having other helpful skills to share! So this is your permission to click if you don't feel able to pray or pay.
I am loving going through this We Got You Club spreadsheet! I didn’t last time it was open, and it’s such a delight seeing everyone helping each other!
Treasures:
-I was woken up many times last night because of a storm here in Oregon, and I’m not even mad about the lack of sleep because it rained ALL NIGHT. We in Oregon have been praying for rain for the last two weeks to help with these awful wildfires, and it finally came! (We won’t talk about the fact there was also lightening which is the last thing we need and that too much rain can also be bad right now.) I woke up with the air quality index downgraded from hazardous to just unhealthy for the first time since last Monday! Still not perfect, but I felt like I could take a deep breath when I walked outside this morning and saw real sun and kind of blue skies.
-I’ve been back at work all week after my bout with mono, and it’s been so good to get back into a routine. I don’t do well sitting at home with nothing to do and no one around for more than a day, so my 2+ weeks out was driving me a little insane.
-I don’t cook with an Instant Pot often, but when I moved a few months ago I did miss being able to use my sister’s for things like bone broth, so it was on my radar to get one if they went on super sale somewhere. Target had the $100 one 40% off this week and I had a gift card, so I scored that thing for $30! Then discovered the world’s best classic mac ‘n cheese recipe, and it is life changing. Here it is for you all: https://www.dadcooksdinner.com/pressure-cooker-macaroni-and-cheese/. Don’t change a thing in the recipe (except I used gluten free pasta because I have dumb gluten issues). You’re welcome. The Boy was very upset I made it when he wasn’t around, so I guess I’m just going to have to make it again soon so he can have some. Darn.
Turd:
The Boy’s stolen car hasn’t been located and his insurance is dumb and won’t even provide a rental, which makes the distance thing between us more of a pain. Boo to car thiefs.
Erin, this newsletter is such a perfect addition to a Friday. Your efforts are ministerial. Thank you sharing that video of Steve Kerr. We finished The Last Dance on Netflix recently and I got really wrapped up in these side characters to MJ. Steve Kerr chiefly among them. To see the trickle down effect of Phil Jackson to Steve as a player and now Steve as the same kind of hippy-dad coach is really special. Glad to come across that montage this morning, thank you!
Long time lurker, first time commenter :) But I finally have some treasures worth sharing!
1. James Morrison's acoustic cover of Man in the Mirror. His voice is like butter.
2. All specialty beverages at Trader Joe's, but particularly:
a. I don't know if this is local to Chicago, but mine just started carrying canned La Colombe Pumpkin Spice draft lattes. They are adorable and delicious.
b. Trader Joe's Sparkling Coconut Water with Yuzu. Also delicious. Also adorable.
You all are a delight and I've been coveting your treasures for a while now. Thank you so much!
Good morning! My 15 yo niece has the biggest crush on Tom Felton and has shown me multiple Tik Toks. She also has a crush on my cougar crush Harry Styles and we are now at war.
I need some Christmas music recommendations! Last year I sang (with 2 other vocals) a female version of Penny and Sparrow's "Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming" at a concert. I assumed the concert would be canceled this year but we are going to try and do a socially distant version and I'm searching for a song idea or inspiration. I'm looking for something with strings (last year we had a violin and cello in addition to piano and bass) with harmonic vocals. I'd love to hear some Christmas music recommendations if anything comes to mind. Thank you, thank you!
I have a treasure that is a treasure to me and please don't romp on my ding dong (not that you people would, you are lovely) - Our governor announced yesterday that he is approving that all school districts can now allow K-4 kids to return to school ALL FIVE DAYS. All the praise.
While that is truly a joyful thing, I have a turd that is dampening my ability to fully immerse in a mom happy dance. I am a person with major depressive disorder (mostly under control, thank you Jesus for meds), but this week it has been acting up. This morning I figured out the trigger - I am lonely. Surrounded by lovely people (husband, kid, and book store customers) notwithstanding. I am seriously, despairingly, tearfully lonely.
That is all. Love to you, my peeps. Thank you for being here.
🎵Goood mornin' good mornin' its great to stay up late (watching tiktok) good mornin' good mornin' to you!🎶
My only turd for the moment is my freakin' wisdom teeth and lack of dental insurance that is keeping me in pain this week. UGH.
My RIGHT THIS MOMENT treasure is that I mapped out my entire semester's worth of work ahead and think I've found a rhythm that allows me to get sh*t done, and still find rest. I am not good at resting. I am working on that. Today's gonna be a good day, and I'm just gonna keep saying that til I believe it.
I got to go to the local symphony last weekend for freeee cause I know people. my Boy. the symphony performs at our church and he has to work the sound for them, so I get to be ushered in on his arm and hang out in the balcony and enjoy beautiful music and have my heart a little bit healed.
I was on the phone with said Boy last night after class, and I had a moment of "how did I even get here??" - Come October we'll have been on speaking basis of "friends" for a year. November will mark my realization of a crush, December will be a year of *talking*, and then February a year of dating... WHAT THE ACTUAL HECK. where has time gone? how did his Chaos and my Calm find each other and decide to try to make it work?
anyway. the pie for this weekend is Blueberry custard.
I found a LOT of good seratonin hits on tiktok this week (though I can only dream of being the curator that Jillian is 😀)
My sweet conservative mom didn't know what she was doing when she had NPR on in the car all the time. This one really said *for YOU* https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJDyhpXR/
Well this week has just blown chunks. I’m thankful for our internet gang. I’m currently sitting in the airport waiting to board. My sweet Aunt Kathy aka Wassie went VERY unexpected to be with Jesus. I’m so pissed and broken hearted. While I adore my little town the only way to get to the funeral - that I don’t want to go to but really who does- is to have a 5 hour layover in Charlotte. Please pray that when I get to Charlotte I can get on an earlier flight. I don’t mind the 5 hours of alone time but I just want to get to my people as fast as possible!
What a strange week it has been…but that’s not really news, huh?
I have had to make the decision to no longer be the “extra mile” volunteer at church. Or rather, I’ve come to terms with it after seeing how it is an increasingly difficult pursuit, that yields more heartache than joy. I have always been comfortable using all my time, energy, and creativity pouring into different ministries that serve the people in my life. I love it! And I will continue to teach and love the kids in my class with every fiber of my being…but I’m done with the rest. I have had to mentally put it down.
The visual here is not as poetic as a youth camp exercise of writing something on a smooth rock purchased from a craft store and dropping it into body of water in order to “let go and Let God”. It has more of a “tying a ransom note to a brick and hurling it through the window of an abandoned building just so you can hear the glass break and remember what it feels like to feel” vibe. But whatever. You get it.
So now I just have all this “extra mile” energy and I have no idea where to apply it. I think for a while I have assumed that I was out of all types of energy, and that it would dissolve with the rest…because that is certainly a place I have found myself before. But I have to try at something. I have to spend this passion somewhere, because I know that I will spiral SOMETHING FIERCE without a place to apply hope. I’m just in uncharted waters and it’s uncomfortable. Again, you get it.
In the Treasure category – I did get to briefly see my Sunday school kids IRL instead of on a screen, and we made tie-dye masks to celebrate them going back to in-person school next week!
This week was my first week back to work after taking a much needed 10 day break. Most of the week has been okay and I am thankful for the sweet mercies of having a mostly easy breezy work week. Working from home has been really hard for me the last month - I miss my coworkers and overall work environment. My job isn't my favorite thing, but I work for a great company and team so I've always been able to "bear it", but with working from home for the last 6 months it's reminded me of all the things I'm missing from working in the office and that it may be time to take that career pivot I've been thinking about. I'm scared to be honest because it feels like I'd be taking a risk in the midst of a risky year, but the good thing is I would need to go back to school or take some classes so now may be a perfect time to do that! If any of you have done a career switcharoo, I'd love to hear your experiences and any advice!
Other treasures:
1. Trader Joe's has vegetable "skillet" bags in their bagged salad section and I've been loving them. Most of them are some kind of stir fry type mix but it's been a great way to get my veggies in without having to make an entire side vegetable for one person. All you do is throw it in a pan with oil and add the sauce. Easy peesy!
2. It's fall which means I'm falling asleep watching Gilmore Girls every night. This show will always be my favorite and will always be a balm to me. If it is ever taken off Netflix I will be crushed but then will quickly purchase the entire series on Amazon or iTunes.
3. Away luggage had an incredible sale last week and I got a large carryon bag for 50% off...I'm not really travelling anytime soon BUT I am going on a trip to Israel in October 2021 with Tara Leigh Cobble and Jamie Ivey (I could die just typing that out!) and I am determined to fit all my stuff in this bag for that trip.
4. Lastly, everyone go listen to Tim McGraw's song 7500 OBO. It's cheesy, and kind of odd but it is also a freaking bop. Also notice the violins playing in the background that are the same violin chorus for his song Where the Green Grass Grows...honestly what a masterpiece. I listen to this song when I feel down and need a pick me up even though I can't relate to this song at all haha
Morning and look, we made it to another Friday. Good or bad, we are here. WE ARE HERE. I am planning to fly though the comments and comment away and make this fuel my day to be all the better.
A coworker walked in as I was reading some of this and I must have had a furrowed brow and he remarked on how I was making a face. Y'all I'm in a mask. So my eyes and forehead were expressive enough. So there's that. Let's dive right into my list as everyone is getting to know me...so here we go!
1. New kitchen backsplash. So we are in the midst of househunting and doing all the things so we can buy something. And we are making small home repairs to class our small townhouse up a bit. My husband, father-in-law and I did a new backsplash in our kitchen. It meant the kitchen was in major disarray for 2-3 days which ........ guys, I can't handle large home repairs/renos that cause excess mess and make our small house feel even smaller. BUT its done now and its better. It also made me go through 3 sets of cupboards and CLEAN THEM OUT. Needed.
2. Clothing: (a) I got a stitch fix box. I do these quarterly for myself -- I don't know what magic fairies work there but they always end me AMAZING PANTS. I *hate* pants shopping. You want to torture me? Make me go to a store to try on pants. So pretty much anytime Stitch Fix sends me pants that fit. I don't even look at the cost, I just BUY THEM. If anyone wants a referral code, let me know and I can send if you want to try it out (b) I also took the time and put away my shorts and 'summer pants' and picked outfits for ALL my pants in my closet for work outfits. I love doing this and yes, every Saturday I pull outfits for the entire week. This gives me a lot of relief as I hate doing excess thinking at 6:05 am.
3. Podcasts: Getting caught up on many, did I make a list/plan to listen to some I have a backlog of? yes. Lol. Am I also making a plan to just delete some from the list? Yup. Anyone do that? Have a certain season where you find yourself listening to certain ones more than others and others are taken off the roster because you don't NEED that content right now? I totally seem to change my content Fall going into Winter. Today on my list for catch up: Big Boo Cast, Popcast, and Be the Bridge
4. Books: Have plans to finish 2 books this weekend, one will be Thanks a Thousand by A.J. Jacobs (via audiobook) - I really love all of his work and this one has been a nice short remind of all the thankfulness we should have. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39860114-thanks-a-thousand
I am also going to finish Bread & Wine by Shauna Niequist, I think this winter I will be reading all of Shauna's book and I plan to make some of her recipes this fall/winter as well. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18908604-bread-wine
5. Honey Clementine Yankee candle. Perfect sweet smelling candle that doesn't give me a headache or want to eat something HAHA.
6. Food: Of course my love for all the jam keeps going (we have opened up to day 4 of the Advent calendar) -- also, because its fall Aldi has brought back the Maple Leaf Creme Cookie. Oh I adore these!
7. Facts of Life on dvd from my library. I have made this a fun little binge, and its actually kind of crazy how many of the episodes still hold up with the messaging they have for women. Granted, some of the fashion choices ooooh lordy no. Yes, our house still has a DVD player still and yes we use it a lot. We like to spare our WiFi sometimes from streaming everything and on Friday we also have a movie night with our kids and have been showcasing movies we liked as kids. Tonight? Short Circuit.
8. A turd that fertilized to a treasure........ So we had to cancel the October yellowstone trip with my dad. He made the decision because due to all things Covid his catering business is basically Nil and his income has been impacted. He still has his correctional facility job (for now as the campus he works at is planning to close, so not sure how he will be transferred, etc).... SO in light of this I decided, NO we are still doing SOME sort of family trip. So to the interwebs I went and found a house on Airbnb in the larger tourist town near my dad that is spacious and allows dogs (if we boarded our 2 senior spoiled dogs they'd probably die). So a long weekend is happening. And yes I have already been researching take out food options and tap rooms I will be hitting when there. ;)
Okay, now time to make my son's Scholastic Book Order -- yes school still do book orders! And he reviewed the many options and said to me in his pure 7 year old way "mom, I found something I kind of want, but its a little expensive....." ---> it was $7.
He is so my son when it comes to buying things for himself
Hope this finds everyone well in your corners of the world,
Welp, we were scheduled to take our van to the shop this morning, and the plan was to use the other car to drop off my daughter at school, then pick up my husband at the mechanic's, but the battery is dead on the other car. So that's an annoying way to start Friday.
On the Treasure side, I've been listening to the Cormoran Strike novels by Robert Galbraith/JK Rowling, and I'm almost done with the fourth one. The mystery element is fine, whatever, but what I'm really here for is the relationship stuff. Gah. So heartwrenching and sweet and frustrating and perfect.
1. I rage/anxiety/disgusted with the world cleaned my kitchen floor grout last night. Can I make people stop being scum? Nope. But I can scrape the scum off my grout. So that’s what I did. Also discovered my grey grout is actually supposed to be tan so THAT’S GREAT.
2. Call the Midwife is back and GBBO will be back next Friday! 🥰 British tv is the warm comfy blanket 2020 needs.
3. Speaking of warm comfy blankets, I may actually use one next week! Usually September in Georgia is basically July 2.0 but this year we’re getting some cool fall temps. Ahhh...
4. I’m 100% jealous of everyone recommending Trader Joe’s/Aldi products. Curse my small rural town! I normally drive over an hour for occasional TJ’s trips but the closest one is in Athens, GA which is basically a COVID hot tub right now so I’m avoiding it. So here I sit with no cilantro salad dressing. 😭
I’m so thankful for this newsletter especially today because I quit social media this week! I was so worried about all the things I’m going to miss out on so thanks for all of your treasures!!
Did anyone else jump off the social media train this week?
The default is turds but a couple stick out: (1) The hazy sun here in Michigan due to the fires out west was slightly terrifying and quite erie. I texted my sister's, "are we all gonna die? I can see the sun this morning plain as day and it looks weird." My son asked why he could actually look into the sun and my daughter asked is that the moon? Why is it red 😂. There was a whole lot of confusion until I read it was from the fires out west. Yes, it was pretty to look at I suppose but IT. AIN'T. RIGHT. I'm so worried about mother earth and it's inhabitants. (2) my alarmist cousin chat lit up last night due to EEE a type of deadly encephalitis passed by mosquitos has killed like 22 horses here and Michigan and if passed to humans is pretty deadly. They're currently spraying our state to kill the mosquitos, people have to avoid evening activities and use DEET spray. As if we don't have enough to worry about...needless to say it took a minute to fall asleep 😂.
Treasures: 1.have you ever had a Milka bar? I'm not a fan of milk chocolate normally but I ate two king sized bars this IN BED this week and I am not mad at them. Have you had a dark chocolate Ritter Sport with hazelnuts? Transformative. Unfortunately all the stress has made me a chocolate bar expert. Treasure or turd? You decide.
2. My husband also pissed me way off the other day and I ROSE ABOVE IT which never happens.
3. my brother in law made plans to come over and organize my kitchen cabinets because he wanted to get out of my sister's (his wife's) work picnic 😂. Win-win for me!
Keep afloat friends! We've made it another week. Now for a shower and a Starbucks on this Friday. Happy Friday lil swipes friends!
Good morning, friends! I'm just gonna dive right in, my brain has little capacity for writing that isn't in a list form today :)
- I have a new favorite mid morning snack. The Snack Selects from Aldi - particularly the cherry juice infused dried cranberries with roasted cashews. So good!
- I reconciled with a friend after not talking over a year. It's a long complicated story, but the short version is: we stopped talking because I had to put some boundaries in place. All is apologized for and forgiven now, and it feels nice to be able to chat with him again.
- Pantsuit Politics episode from 9/11 titled "Wildfires, Woodward, and the Weight of the Work". I listened twice in one day, it was just what my heart needed to hear.
Sticking with treasures today, because the other stuff feels like too much.
The existence of the We Got You club makes my heart want to explode. This is the best corner of the internet, hands down.
TURDS:
Everything. 2020 is breaking me, y’all. And the only thing that comforts me is eating Dot’s pretzels like there’s no tomorrow. Processed carbohydrates are at the top of my MVP list this year.
TREASURES:
THE NEW SEASON OF THE GREAT BRITISH BAKING SHOW STARTS ON NETFLIX NEXT FRIDAY! Is it weird that I got choked up the second I heard? It is the warm hug in a fuzzy blanket we all need so badly right now, and if you haven’t watched yet, GSE. (Were any of you in sororities who said GSE? Get so excited? 😅 My sister’s sorority said it all the time - GSE for our fundraiser this month! GSE for finals being over next week! - and now my husband and I say it all the time. GSE for meatloaf tonight! GSE for a negative Covid test! It started as a joke but now we legit can’t stop. 😂)
If you have read any new YA novel lately, I hope this is as hilarious to you as it is to me.
I mentioned it last week, but a little while ago I decided to start a Facebook meme ministry where I save my favorites and do giant meme dumps a couple times a week. It’s my version of the Care Bear Stare at all the 2020 ugliness, and it’s the one thing I feel good about this year.😅 Here are links to this week’s editions:
Looking forward to that Pumpkin Honey Simple Syrup! I also made a pretty good pumpkin smoothie with a bit of coffee in it, so if smoothies are your jam, here you go: https://www.liveeatlearn.com/healthy-pumpkin-smoothie/
Truly feeling the getting close to pushing through the pain. Had a beautiful Sunday of rest (thanks Megan for starting that Sabbath convo a few weeks ago!) and made it through to Thursday, where the wheels fell off, but Lord, if I didn’t make it to the end of the day on His grace alone. Started off with copious amounts of dog blood (“this will be quick chore to trim nails”) which triggered fight/flight brain, which took my day’s alloted energy. I am so grateful for today 😂😂
I have been sending a lot of snail mail cards recently, and I thought of the Lil Swipes! If you care to get one, message me your address at jilliankmf [at] gmail .
And now, a jumbo sized Tiktok roundup, if only cause I needed all of these this week.
Dearest Swipes. Picture me waving to you from face down on my floor. I’m EXHAUSTED. I mean, exhaustion is just the norm at this point, but I’m feeling a special kind this week.
My oldest started preschool this week, and I’m super grateful for the staff for being so kind as we all navigate the bizzaro changes for this year. My son has some anxiety about going, & I don’t think it has everything to do with the masks/distancing, but more so to do with being away from home after not having school since March! His sweet little heart is feeling so many big things, & we are definitely dealing with it at home, but I’m so proud of him.
Okay treasures!
📖Finished “Kill The Spider” by Carlos Whittaker this week and wow. Maybe I’m biased because I’m a counselor and he literally wrote about his experience in a week-long counseling intensive but this book was FASCINATING and humbling and beautiful and I love the Whittakers so very much. Super grateful he was willing to share this story with the world. I’d also say the book is a testament to how powerful group therapy can be.
🙏Speaking of - I have a counseling appointment later this morning. Always a mixture of nerves and gratitude as it gets closer to time to go.
Hello friends! Well this weekend marks one year since I was blindsided by a traumatic betrayal and breakup. One that felt like my world was ending. But you know what? I’m doing really well. Don’t get me wrong, the pain lingers and I can get so angry about it some days, but I know myself so much better now than I did a year ago. I’m growing and challenging myself (yay for therapy!). I’m surviving a pandemic while single. Even though my world was shattered, I picked up most of the pieces and abandoned the ones that didn’t serve me, and I’m really proud of myself. I wish I could forget the date on the calendar, but it feels important to acknowledge the progress I’ve made. My best friend told me this week that she’s so excited to get older because you get to know yourself better: who you are and what you want. I’m choosing to embrace that mindset and keep figuring out who I am 😊
Treasures for this week
- Dark Chocolate Oreos. These aren’t a new discovery for me, but every time I eat one, I am filled with joy. They’re the only ones I buy now
- Setting my video call background as the painting of Washington Crossing the Delaware. I find it hilarious, and the reactions are either “hey you’re crossing the Delaware!” (Validation) or “What’s that?” (Educational opportunity)
This seems like a safe community and I really don’t know where else to ask.....Thirdlove bras?? Yay or nay? I see them all over the socials but wonder if anyone has tried them. Thanks!
Your intro. I laughed and cried a little when I read it after really feeling the weight of all the things this week. So thankful for your humor and honesty.
And my treasure for the week. 365 Heavy Cream at Whole Foods. It’s the closest I’ve found to double cream and is mentally taking me back to London each morning.
Confession: earlier this summer I also had to insulate myself from all the sadness for my own health and I listened to ALL oh the Harry Potter books on audio. It was a 3 month thick weighed blanket and helped me face the world again.
This week I rewatched About Time and if you need a warm hug this is the movie for you! Fantastic dialogue and heart warming plot that will help you remember each day is a gift.
I think I’ve mentioned how obsessed with Aldi I am, right? Anyway, their $3.99 candles are the very best but the fall line this year is perfection. If you can get one before the crazies buy them all, do it!
We’ve had some massive growth at my little church in the last month. During *all of this*the growing pains seem to be even harder to navigate. We are trying to make everyone feel safe and comfortable but inevitably someone feels unseen or unheard. I’m having trouble balancing all the balls of my specific ministries. One is doing well and one is floundering. But tomorrow is Sabbath so I can leave my worry at the feet of Jesus for one day!
My campus of over 35,000 students only has 52 confirmed COVID cases as of this morning. I just don't want everyone to get complacent now. I need everyone to continue staying on course and following our plans.
My husband is the VP of his small engineering firm. He just started his MBA and is in the process of becoming part owner with the goal of transitioning to sole owner when the current owner decides to retire. He's also trying to grow the firm at the same time. I am so excited for him and his goals and opportunities. It also means I am picking up more of the household slack. I may internally gripe about this as I'm cleaning the cat litter for the millionth time, but I will give credit where it is due. My husband's love language is gift giving and in recognition of my extra efforts keeping the house moving and caring for our toddler in support of this temporary crazy time, he has gifted me a Peloton. It arrives October 8 and I am marking the days off on my calendar like a kid in school marking off days until vacation.
Final bright spot: my 14 month old has discovered the joy of Mickey Mouse and to see his excitement over recognizing Mickey on his t shirts and such makes me smile.
It's Spring here but you bet I'm making Bri's pumpkin syrup.
This week I went to my old theological college and did a lecture about self-harm and anxiety to the youth & children's ministry class. Here's the thing: I've been unemployed since December (church budgets, y'all, they suck), and am firmly lost in the wilderness of unproductivity, but for one day I was able to feel like I was a real life adult. I put grown up clothes on and did my hair and make up and I spoke about things that matter to people instead of my puppy. Then I visited someone who I worked for for a year, who runs a healing ministry, and we chatted and prayed and gosh it felt good. I felt valued and welcome and I could cry from the joy. I also got a Starbucks cold brew with pumpkin cream because whilst it's Spring here, we do love to pretend we're in US seasons.
Since then the week is a bit of a dumpster fire, honestly. I found out I owe a bunch of money for student debts, and can't continue studies until I pay it, and I can't get a job until I finish the degree because Covid has everyone looking for jobs that just don't exist.
Basically, the treasure of my week was a day of feeling like a real life human.
Other treasures include this Banana Bread recipe, which made me feel super fancy today:
And y'all, I'm posting on the spreadsheet when I can but there's a little bit of hope and that's.. well.. special. I've got needs. And I feel bad asking for help, but HELP IS GOOD, GUYS AND GALS.
Not a fall girl (sorry) but even I may have to get on board with that pumpkin syrup.
This week was just turds. I’m on that flight run by Hell in Handbasket airlines and I’m mad because they’re not even handing out peanuts or ginger ale.
Covid sucks, but you know what sucks more? Covid plus not being able to go outside. We're on day 6 of being stuck inside due to insanely poor air quality in Seattle. It's never been like this, ever. It felt like a cruel joke. I wanted someone to say, "Hey! you've been punked!" Instead we locked all our doors and spent our free time trying to keep the toddler from escaping and running out to the backyard. I read in our local paper Tuesday that fires spanning a space equivalent of 53 Seattles were burning our state. Have mercy.
What made it worse is that then all of us have been sick. It's fine - colds are generally a normal rite of having children but in Covid-time, every sniffle, every cough is reason for panic. Our daycare doesn't take kids with runny noses now, so my husband and I were balancing work with two sick children. We did get tested and we found out we were negative today. Upon the results, I texted my mom out of desperation - I may have used capital letters - and she came to help. We are all very happy to see her.
Tomorrow we're supposed to get to an air quality that's just bad for sensitive groups... so we're gonna let the toddler run wild outside.
If this is any indicator of my brain state, I was pumping yesterday and forgot to connect the bottles to the breast pump... and pumped milk all over my lap. Thankfully I was just at home. Can you imagine if I was at work?
Coworker sniffs the air: "Does anyone smell sour milk...?"
The giant project at work is launching next week and it's going to be some early mornings and late nights but then MAYBE things will be normal. One can only hope.
Please share all treasures big and small. I need them. And thank you for this space to vent. I'll try to be more positive next week.
I'm probably late to the party on this one, but the Facebook page "The same video of the same guys dancing to a different song everyday" has brought so much joy to me and my husband this past week. We are selling our house, hopefully to buy a house, and it's been way more stressful than I had anticipated. https://www.facebook.com/sameguysdancing
Welp, we're still in the US.... I'm about to pound on the visa office and beg to be let out before we get closer to the election. I mean with the passing of RBG, things might get crazy. France let us back in!!
But we have had amazing weather this weekend. I spent it with my parents and siblings, and we had a campfire Saturday night complete with S'mores. Did you all know about replacing Hershey bars with Reese's making a Reese S'more?! So that. That is my treasure. My life is different now.
We are slowly figuring out how to homeschool in French. We're finally catching up with my son's classes!
Also as a prediabetic I try to avoid sugar, but Chocolate just has a stronger pull. Well, I've learned about Lily Chocolate. It's equitable and stevia sweetened! They even have dark chocolate peanut butter cups which are amazing. (Also I assume you all will ignore the fact I talk about s'mores and then in the next breath bemoan the fact that I am prediabetic...)
Treasures for the week: I took a huge leap and joined a writing workshop run by Erin’s dear friend Megan Beam. I’m terrified as all get out to share my writing, but meeting everyone last night via Zoom was a delight.
I also finished Untamed by Glennon Doyle and The Lazy Genius way by Kendra Adachi this week. Very different books. Both wonderful and inspiring!
Other than that, the week was spent wading through all the turds of the world and constantly being on the brink of being pulled under. But that’s just par for the course now. Remote school was slightly better. My kid’s teacher is amazing and responded immediately to how overwhelming the work load was last week and lightened the assignment load. And my kiddo and I are starting to feel our way through the new routine. He had a lot of long night wakings this week though which means I had very little sleep. Could sleep at least not be a battle right now?
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2020/07/28/arts/television/ozark-emmys-laura-linney.amp.html
Found this treasure tonight (yes it was published in July but somehow it popped on my mini feed today?) and I’m wondering if this makes Erin like Laura Linney any more? 🤣
Treasures and Turds: my thoughtful friend brought me a Pumpkin Rosemary Latte to work today. It counteracted not having water at our house the past couple of days because our well malfunctioned. Since we didn’t have any water I did get to go to my parents’ house and take a shower in their recently remodeled bathroom and the shower there is fancy hotel quality. Unlike a hotel, you have to squeegee the shower glass afterwards per Mom’s orders. But it was a small price for a great shower!
Yesterday I sat on my front porch while my Dad mowed part of our yard and our two year old played in the sprinkler. In one moment I could see the both of them living their best lives. Too often I fret over the aging of my parents and I stress over how tired I am from this ‘surprise’ baby at age 41. I was able to take in the moment yesterday and appreciate it and I loved it.
So, I caved a few weeks ago and agreed to be my daughter's soccer coach, and can I say while these 6&7 year old girls are pretty cute and fun, I really, really would rather not. I hope she remembers this as a sign of how much I love her. 😂
I am apparently filling up my IG feed with pretty things, and if you like that too and like photography, here's a treasure for you:
www.instagram.com/jacknative
Trying this week to get myself into a good writing/work routine now that the kids are at school, and I think I know what will work, I just have to stay disciplined. Music helps, so my second treasure is to recommend the band Beta Radio. Chill, acoustic, Americana/folk vibe. Good for fall, and mellow enough to be in the background or foreground.
Later, lovelies!
First time commenting, but I can already tell y'all are my people.
I guess I'll start with a turd: I found out yesterday I need another nasal surgery. I had one 10 years ago for chronic congestion and polyps. It was a miracle (guys, breathing is so awesome!), but now I apparently have another "big juicy polyp" (Dr's words, not mine) that's causing my air way to be 90% blocked on the left side. I'm partly relieved that I'm not going crazy, and I have an excuse to feel crappy and grumpy, but obviously surgery sucks and is expensive. We don't have traditional insurance (we use a health care sharing ministry), so yesterday began the circus that is calling every dr. and facility and getting quotes and trying to work something out with my "non-insurance." Yay.
Treasure 1: I just finished reading Code Name Helene, and it wrecked me, but was so, so good. It's fiction, but it's based on the life of Nancy Wake, an undercover agent and leader of the resistance movement in France during WW2. I was so inspired by this badass lady that I went on a Wikipedia deep dive about her as soon as I finished the book. Also a good reminder that I can, in fact, do hard things--and maybe even make a difference with my little life.
Treasure 2: This Sea Kelp scrub from Acure is my new favorite thing. It's bright green and smells like you're cleansing yourself with the coral reefs, and afterwards my skin is smooth as butter. LOVE IT. https://acure.com/brightening-facial-scrub.html
For longer than I am proud to admit, when I was new to the Popcast world, I thought Bri McKoy was Knox's wife. Yes, I know it's spelled different and Bri and Ashley are totally different names, but those were simpler times when you could just be confused by small things and not people who believe in Q Anon.
It feels like a really self absorbed treasure, but I got a haircut for the first time since January 25th yesterday. My hair is short and cute and wavy and IT BRINGS ME A LOT OF JOY!! I put on makeup just for giggles yesterday because I liked the way I looked. First time in MONTHS!! I wore a nice blouse and some high heel booties to the salon, really just because I could. I felt like an actual human. It was so nice. I’m back to my same old disheveled self today, but there was some hope.
Another great treasure is that I think the medication the doctor has put me on for my endometriosis is helping some! My pain has actually been manageable this week!!! Which is wild after six months of hardly being able to move for a week!!!
I too have had a horrible, terrible, no good, awful week and I want to punch my doctor in the face. So there's that.
Since I'm in a really foul mood, I have just about convinced myself that there is no such thing as treasures, so I'm going to list a few good things below just to prove myself wrong!
*Tea
*My hibiscus is about to bloom
*We Got You Club
*New nail polish
*All the TikToks here that make me laugh
*Soup
*Candles and blankets
I'm getting ready for my next Netflix binge. What should I watch? Some things I haven't seen yet are Derry Girls, Dead to Me, Grace and Frankie, Queer Eye, The Crown season 3. (Clearly I have a lot to catch up on!)
Ok, I'm going to curl up under a blanket and stay there all weekend. Take care friends and thanks for being awesome!
Oh gosh - I feel ya on worrying about our Pauline! When I saw she was in hospital and saw Geoffrey's face telling us about it, I Eliza gasped to the point that my hubby dropped what he was doing and asked me what was wrong? He didn't seem to understand my adoration for this sweet couple.
And yes to Stitch Fix pants! They just sent me a pair of jeans - I don't need another pair of jeans - but they are perfect and I caved and bought them. Someone stop me....
A combo of treasures and turds this week. Starting a nonprofit organization during Covid is stupid hard, internet friends. It is mind boggling how many barriers get thrown up in your way to helping others. But, my blog post was accepted on the Travels Tea and Transplants Blog, which is good! https://www.travels-tea-transplants.com/blog/findingtheperfect Hopefully it'll bring some attention to our little foundation. Check it out if you'd like! https://www.heartfelthelpfoundation.com/
Heading to the coast to camp and get out of the smoke - California is burning...send rain...and just say no to gender reveal parties...
Despite the turds, fellow travelers, after facing death and having a heart transplant, it's pretty easy to find the treasures and find slivers of perfect in this ridiculously imperfect world. Have a great weekend friends!
Oh favorite place on the internet, even though I'm usually just a lurker! Your treasures and turds are a joy to share in, as we all are handling a LOT. Quick turd recap:
- My turds have been turdy - a dear, dear friend was diagnosed with ovarian cancer after an unexpected full hysterectomy, and some major struggles with one of my kids in school...lots of tears, some assessments with specialists via Zoom, too many apologies from ME for losing my sh*t with the struggles of distance learning, to name a few. Thank God for therapy!
Treasures!!!
- Gals, I saw that Tom Felton video on IG earlier this week and I wondered, "Am I attracted to him, now that he's older and seems genuinely nice?" The answer is yes, I find him strangely hot - AND THEN. I Wikipedia-d him (duh), and WE WERE BORN ON THE EXACT SAME DAY/YEAR. Somehow this legitimizes my crush. Our bday is on Tuesday 💁🏼♀️
- The Wedding Planner is on Netflix. JLO is the best and MM in sweaters and glasses is a delight.
- My twin brother (Tom's and I's triplet, if you will) started a silly podcast about TV pilots, and it is the only thing that got me giggling this week. We dissected the TERRIBLE pilot of Full House last night, and we cry laughed at the stupidity, and chose our dream TV kitchen/bedroom, etc. (Weirdly, Full House debuted on 9/22/87 as well...)
- I started reading American Royals via the library app, and it is SO FUN! It imagines that America has a king/queen who go all the way back to the Washington's. It's super fun and not overly silly.
Hello lovelies, This week has been better, it's possibly because I just stuck my fingers in my ears and yelled "LA LA LA LA LA" lounder - either way better is better. This weeks treasure list is short and sweet.
First, this. If Belle was an influenser
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CFDQYcgB_RF/?igshid=18x3gypkdqv7v
Belle is my favorite Disney princess (I don't want to hear anything about Stockholm syndrome)
Treated myself to this pretty. https://preview.tinyurl.com/yxtsandy Paired with volcano oil from Anthropologie is truly a treasure.
The biggest treasure for me has been breaking out all the fall decor. https://www.instagram.com/p/CFR6zCun3rF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
It's my absolute favorite and to top it all off one of my sisters told me I "got moms decorating gene' and this feels like the biggest compliment. I have such fond memories of the magic my Mom created for each holiday with the decorations in our home. I feel so proud to have a piece of those skills.
That's all for me this week. Have a great weekend!
Hey y'all. Two things. If you're like me and don't like spending money on things that may not be worth it but you can't know until you try, here is your permission to get:
1. Blue-light blocking glasses. You might not even think you need them BUT YOU DO. Better eye experiences are possible, and I just bought 2 pairs for like $13. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08133JX5P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (PS I have a huge face/head and they fit great!)
2. the Merlin Magic Sleep Suit if you have a baby who can no longer be swaddled but you want better sleep. Get a used one from Facebook Marketplace (some people do free shipping if you can't find one local!) or Mercari. WORTH IT. (for used... not sure I'd buy a new on... cheapskates foreva)
Also I was so pleased that I could help 2 people on the We Got You sheet without praying or spending money because my prayer life is lacking and my bank account is stretched. Yay for having other helpful skills to share! So this is your permission to click if you don't feel able to pray or pay.
If you’re like me and Living Proof Dry Shampoo is eternally a treasure, heads up it’s on sale today at target for $14!!
I am loving going through this We Got You Club spreadsheet! I didn’t last time it was open, and it’s such a delight seeing everyone helping each other!
Treasures:
-I was woken up many times last night because of a storm here in Oregon, and I’m not even mad about the lack of sleep because it rained ALL NIGHT. We in Oregon have been praying for rain for the last two weeks to help with these awful wildfires, and it finally came! (We won’t talk about the fact there was also lightening which is the last thing we need and that too much rain can also be bad right now.) I woke up with the air quality index downgraded from hazardous to just unhealthy for the first time since last Monday! Still not perfect, but I felt like I could take a deep breath when I walked outside this morning and saw real sun and kind of blue skies.
-I’ve been back at work all week after my bout with mono, and it’s been so good to get back into a routine. I don’t do well sitting at home with nothing to do and no one around for more than a day, so my 2+ weeks out was driving me a little insane.
-I don’t cook with an Instant Pot often, but when I moved a few months ago I did miss being able to use my sister’s for things like bone broth, so it was on my radar to get one if they went on super sale somewhere. Target had the $100 one 40% off this week and I had a gift card, so I scored that thing for $30! Then discovered the world’s best classic mac ‘n cheese recipe, and it is life changing. Here it is for you all: https://www.dadcooksdinner.com/pressure-cooker-macaroni-and-cheese/. Don’t change a thing in the recipe (except I used gluten free pasta because I have dumb gluten issues). You’re welcome. The Boy was very upset I made it when he wasn’t around, so I guess I’m just going to have to make it again soon so he can have some. Darn.
Turd:
The Boy’s stolen car hasn’t been located and his insurance is dumb and won’t even provide a rental, which makes the distance thing between us more of a pain. Boo to car thiefs.
Erin, this newsletter is such a perfect addition to a Friday. Your efforts are ministerial. Thank you sharing that video of Steve Kerr. We finished The Last Dance on Netflix recently and I got really wrapped up in these side characters to MJ. Steve Kerr chiefly among them. To see the trickle down effect of Phil Jackson to Steve as a player and now Steve as the same kind of hippy-dad coach is really special. Glad to come across that montage this morning, thank you!
Just had SO MUCH FUN meeting needs on the We Got You club sheet! I love it sooo much!!!! 😍🥰
I'm totally sharing the 🍉 watermelon tweet with my Avatar-The-Last-Airbender-loving kids.
Long time lurker, first time commenter :) But I finally have some treasures worth sharing!
1. James Morrison's acoustic cover of Man in the Mirror. His voice is like butter.
2. All specialty beverages at Trader Joe's, but particularly:
a. I don't know if this is local to Chicago, but mine just started carrying canned La Colombe Pumpkin Spice draft lattes. They are adorable and delicious.
b. Trader Joe's Sparkling Coconut Water with Yuzu. Also delicious. Also adorable.
You all are a delight and I've been coveting your treasures for a while now. Thank you so much!
Good morning! My 15 yo niece has the biggest crush on Tom Felton and has shown me multiple Tik Toks. She also has a crush on my cougar crush Harry Styles and we are now at war.
I need some Christmas music recommendations! Last year I sang (with 2 other vocals) a female version of Penny and Sparrow's "Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming" at a concert. I assumed the concert would be canceled this year but we are going to try and do a socially distant version and I'm searching for a song idea or inspiration. I'm looking for something with strings (last year we had a violin and cello in addition to piano and bass) with harmonic vocals. I'd love to hear some Christmas music recommendations if anything comes to mind. Thank you, thank you!
Morning, internet friends.
I have a treasure that is a treasure to me and please don't romp on my ding dong (not that you people would, you are lovely) - Our governor announced yesterday that he is approving that all school districts can now allow K-4 kids to return to school ALL FIVE DAYS. All the praise.
While that is truly a joyful thing, I have a turd that is dampening my ability to fully immerse in a mom happy dance. I am a person with major depressive disorder (mostly under control, thank you Jesus for meds), but this week it has been acting up. This morning I figured out the trigger - I am lonely. Surrounded by lovely people (husband, kid, and book store customers) notwithstanding. I am seriously, despairingly, tearfully lonely.
That is all. Love to you, my peeps. Thank you for being here.
🎵Goood mornin' good mornin' its great to stay up late (watching tiktok) good mornin' good mornin' to you!🎶
My only turd for the moment is my freakin' wisdom teeth and lack of dental insurance that is keeping me in pain this week. UGH.
My RIGHT THIS MOMENT treasure is that I mapped out my entire semester's worth of work ahead and think I've found a rhythm that allows me to get sh*t done, and still find rest. I am not good at resting. I am working on that. Today's gonna be a good day, and I'm just gonna keep saying that til I believe it.
I got to go to the local symphony last weekend for freeee cause I know people. my Boy. the symphony performs at our church and he has to work the sound for them, so I get to be ushered in on his arm and hang out in the balcony and enjoy beautiful music and have my heart a little bit healed.
I was on the phone with said Boy last night after class, and I had a moment of "how did I even get here??" - Come October we'll have been on speaking basis of "friends" for a year. November will mark my realization of a crush, December will be a year of *talking*, and then February a year of dating... WHAT THE ACTUAL HECK. where has time gone? how did his Chaos and my Calm find each other and decide to try to make it work?
anyway. the pie for this weekend is Blueberry custard.
I found a LOT of good seratonin hits on tiktok this week (though I can only dream of being the curator that Jillian is 😀)
this chaotic ukulele cover of electric love is EVERYTHING and GORGEOUS https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJDyqFLr/
I don't have baby fever *you* have baby fever https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJDy9K6s/
Keeping up with the Jones' Fall edition https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJDyqbdE/
Is there a support group for this? https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJDy4wbC/
MOOD™ https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJDyQHQy/
My sweet conservative mom didn't know what she was doing when she had NPR on in the car all the time. This one really said *for YOU* https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJDyhpXR/
Librarians everywhere are cosigning this one https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJDyXrRj/
love you all, and hope to see some familiar faces in the Faith Adjacent book club this month!! I got my copy of The Book of Longings yesterday!
Well this week has just blown chunks. I’m thankful for our internet gang. I’m currently sitting in the airport waiting to board. My sweet Aunt Kathy aka Wassie went VERY unexpected to be with Jesus. I’m so pissed and broken hearted. While I adore my little town the only way to get to the funeral - that I don’t want to go to but really who does- is to have a 5 hour layover in Charlotte. Please pray that when I get to Charlotte I can get on an earlier flight. I don’t mind the 5 hours of alone time but I just want to get to my people as fast as possible!
What a strange week it has been…but that’s not really news, huh?
I have had to make the decision to no longer be the “extra mile” volunteer at church. Or rather, I’ve come to terms with it after seeing how it is an increasingly difficult pursuit, that yields more heartache than joy. I have always been comfortable using all my time, energy, and creativity pouring into different ministries that serve the people in my life. I love it! And I will continue to teach and love the kids in my class with every fiber of my being…but I’m done with the rest. I have had to mentally put it down.
The visual here is not as poetic as a youth camp exercise of writing something on a smooth rock purchased from a craft store and dropping it into body of water in order to “let go and Let God”. It has more of a “tying a ransom note to a brick and hurling it through the window of an abandoned building just so you can hear the glass break and remember what it feels like to feel” vibe. But whatever. You get it.
So now I just have all this “extra mile” energy and I have no idea where to apply it. I think for a while I have assumed that I was out of all types of energy, and that it would dissolve with the rest…because that is certainly a place I have found myself before. But I have to try at something. I have to spend this passion somewhere, because I know that I will spiral SOMETHING FIERCE without a place to apply hope. I’m just in uncharted waters and it’s uncomfortable. Again, you get it.
In the Treasure category – I did get to briefly see my Sunday school kids IRL instead of on a screen, and we made tie-dye masks to celebrate them going back to in-person school next week!
This week was my first week back to work after taking a much needed 10 day break. Most of the week has been okay and I am thankful for the sweet mercies of having a mostly easy breezy work week. Working from home has been really hard for me the last month - I miss my coworkers and overall work environment. My job isn't my favorite thing, but I work for a great company and team so I've always been able to "bear it", but with working from home for the last 6 months it's reminded me of all the things I'm missing from working in the office and that it may be time to take that career pivot I've been thinking about. I'm scared to be honest because it feels like I'd be taking a risk in the midst of a risky year, but the good thing is I would need to go back to school or take some classes so now may be a perfect time to do that! If any of you have done a career switcharoo, I'd love to hear your experiences and any advice!
Other treasures:
1. Trader Joe's has vegetable "skillet" bags in their bagged salad section and I've been loving them. Most of them are some kind of stir fry type mix but it's been a great way to get my veggies in without having to make an entire side vegetable for one person. All you do is throw it in a pan with oil and add the sauce. Easy peesy!
2. It's fall which means I'm falling asleep watching Gilmore Girls every night. This show will always be my favorite and will always be a balm to me. If it is ever taken off Netflix I will be crushed but then will quickly purchase the entire series on Amazon or iTunes.
3. Away luggage had an incredible sale last week and I got a large carryon bag for 50% off...I'm not really travelling anytime soon BUT I am going on a trip to Israel in October 2021 with Tara Leigh Cobble and Jamie Ivey (I could die just typing that out!) and I am determined to fit all my stuff in this bag for that trip.
4. Lastly, everyone go listen to Tim McGraw's song 7500 OBO. It's cheesy, and kind of odd but it is also a freaking bop. Also notice the violins playing in the background that are the same violin chorus for his song Where the Green Grass Grows...honestly what a masterpiece. I listen to this song when I feel down and need a pick me up even though I can't relate to this song at all haha
Morning and look, we made it to another Friday. Good or bad, we are here. WE ARE HERE. I am planning to fly though the comments and comment away and make this fuel my day to be all the better.
A coworker walked in as I was reading some of this and I must have had a furrowed brow and he remarked on how I was making a face. Y'all I'm in a mask. So my eyes and forehead were expressive enough. So there's that. Let's dive right into my list as everyone is getting to know me...so here we go!
1. New kitchen backsplash. So we are in the midst of househunting and doing all the things so we can buy something. And we are making small home repairs to class our small townhouse up a bit. My husband, father-in-law and I did a new backsplash in our kitchen. It meant the kitchen was in major disarray for 2-3 days which ........ guys, I can't handle large home repairs/renos that cause excess mess and make our small house feel even smaller. BUT its done now and its better. It also made me go through 3 sets of cupboards and CLEAN THEM OUT. Needed.
2. Clothing: (a) I got a stitch fix box. I do these quarterly for myself -- I don't know what magic fairies work there but they always end me AMAZING PANTS. I *hate* pants shopping. You want to torture me? Make me go to a store to try on pants. So pretty much anytime Stitch Fix sends me pants that fit. I don't even look at the cost, I just BUY THEM. If anyone wants a referral code, let me know and I can send if you want to try it out (b) I also took the time and put away my shorts and 'summer pants' and picked outfits for ALL my pants in my closet for work outfits. I love doing this and yes, every Saturday I pull outfits for the entire week. This gives me a lot of relief as I hate doing excess thinking at 6:05 am.
3. Podcasts: Getting caught up on many, did I make a list/plan to listen to some I have a backlog of? yes. Lol. Am I also making a plan to just delete some from the list? Yup. Anyone do that? Have a certain season where you find yourself listening to certain ones more than others and others are taken off the roster because you don't NEED that content right now? I totally seem to change my content Fall going into Winter. Today on my list for catch up: Big Boo Cast, Popcast, and Be the Bridge
4. Books: Have plans to finish 2 books this weekend, one will be Thanks a Thousand by A.J. Jacobs (via audiobook) - I really love all of his work and this one has been a nice short remind of all the thankfulness we should have. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39860114-thanks-a-thousand
I am also going to finish Bread & Wine by Shauna Niequist, I think this winter I will be reading all of Shauna's book and I plan to make some of her recipes this fall/winter as well. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18908604-bread-wine
And I started this one https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52163643-the-unraveling-of-cassidy-holmes -- but we'll see once I have more time to dive in when I can like the characters.
5. Honey Clementine Yankee candle. Perfect sweet smelling candle that doesn't give me a headache or want to eat something HAHA.
6. Food: Of course my love for all the jam keeps going (we have opened up to day 4 of the Advent calendar) -- also, because its fall Aldi has brought back the Maple Leaf Creme Cookie. Oh I adore these!
7. Facts of Life on dvd from my library. I have made this a fun little binge, and its actually kind of crazy how many of the episodes still hold up with the messaging they have for women. Granted, some of the fashion choices ooooh lordy no. Yes, our house still has a DVD player still and yes we use it a lot. We like to spare our WiFi sometimes from streaming everything and on Friday we also have a movie night with our kids and have been showcasing movies we liked as kids. Tonight? Short Circuit.
8. A turd that fertilized to a treasure........ So we had to cancel the October yellowstone trip with my dad. He made the decision because due to all things Covid his catering business is basically Nil and his income has been impacted. He still has his correctional facility job (for now as the campus he works at is planning to close, so not sure how he will be transferred, etc).... SO in light of this I decided, NO we are still doing SOME sort of family trip. So to the interwebs I went and found a house on Airbnb in the larger tourist town near my dad that is spacious and allows dogs (if we boarded our 2 senior spoiled dogs they'd probably die). So a long weekend is happening. And yes I have already been researching take out food options and tap rooms I will be hitting when there. ;)
Okay, now time to make my son's Scholastic Book Order -- yes school still do book orders! And he reviewed the many options and said to me in his pure 7 year old way "mom, I found something I kind of want, but its a little expensive....." ---> it was $7.
He is so my son when it comes to buying things for himself
Hope this finds everyone well in your corners of the world,
Love from MN
Mel
Welp, we were scheduled to take our van to the shop this morning, and the plan was to use the other car to drop off my daughter at school, then pick up my husband at the mechanic's, but the battery is dead on the other car. So that's an annoying way to start Friday.
On the Treasure side, I've been listening to the Cormoran Strike novels by Robert Galbraith/JK Rowling, and I'm almost done with the fourth one. The mystery element is fine, whatever, but what I'm really here for is the relationship stuff. Gah. So heartwrenching and sweet and frustrating and perfect.
Good morning!!
1. I rage/anxiety/disgusted with the world cleaned my kitchen floor grout last night. Can I make people stop being scum? Nope. But I can scrape the scum off my grout. So that’s what I did. Also discovered my grey grout is actually supposed to be tan so THAT’S GREAT.
2. Call the Midwife is back and GBBO will be back next Friday! 🥰 British tv is the warm comfy blanket 2020 needs.
3. Speaking of warm comfy blankets, I may actually use one next week! Usually September in Georgia is basically July 2.0 but this year we’re getting some cool fall temps. Ahhh...
4. I’m 100% jealous of everyone recommending Trader Joe’s/Aldi products. Curse my small rural town! I normally drive over an hour for occasional TJ’s trips but the closest one is in Athens, GA which is basically a COVID hot tub right now so I’m avoiding it. So here I sit with no cilantro salad dressing. 😭
I’m so thankful for this newsletter especially today because I quit social media this week! I was so worried about all the things I’m going to miss out on so thanks for all of your treasures!!
Did anyone else jump off the social media train this week?
The default is turds but a couple stick out: (1) The hazy sun here in Michigan due to the fires out west was slightly terrifying and quite erie. I texted my sister's, "are we all gonna die? I can see the sun this morning plain as day and it looks weird." My son asked why he could actually look into the sun and my daughter asked is that the moon? Why is it red 😂. There was a whole lot of confusion until I read it was from the fires out west. Yes, it was pretty to look at I suppose but IT. AIN'T. RIGHT. I'm so worried about mother earth and it's inhabitants. (2) my alarmist cousin chat lit up last night due to EEE a type of deadly encephalitis passed by mosquitos has killed like 22 horses here and Michigan and if passed to humans is pretty deadly. They're currently spraying our state to kill the mosquitos, people have to avoid evening activities and use DEET spray. As if we don't have enough to worry about...needless to say it took a minute to fall asleep 😂.
Treasures: 1.have you ever had a Milka bar? I'm not a fan of milk chocolate normally but I ate two king sized bars this IN BED this week and I am not mad at them. Have you had a dark chocolate Ritter Sport with hazelnuts? Transformative. Unfortunately all the stress has made me a chocolate bar expert. Treasure or turd? You decide.
2. My husband also pissed me way off the other day and I ROSE ABOVE IT which never happens.
3. my brother in law made plans to come over and organize my kitchen cabinets because he wanted to get out of my sister's (his wife's) work picnic 😂. Win-win for me!
Keep afloat friends! We've made it another week. Now for a shower and a Starbucks on this Friday. Happy Friday lil swipes friends!
Good morning, friends! I'm just gonna dive right in, my brain has little capacity for writing that isn't in a list form today :)
- I have a new favorite mid morning snack. The Snack Selects from Aldi - particularly the cherry juice infused dried cranberries with roasted cashews. So good!
- Our ambience video for the week - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJd62YiTjWw&t=44s&ab_channel=ImmerseInNature This one might be my favorite.
- The caramel sauce someone posted last week. Forgive me for not remembering names, I try, but there are so many.
- This rendition of "Getcha Head in the Game" - https://www.instagram.com/p/CE-gkGhlnKE/?igshid=153m184vx6hk3
- I reconciled with a friend after not talking over a year. It's a long complicated story, but the short version is: we stopped talking because I had to put some boundaries in place. All is apologized for and forgiven now, and it feels nice to be able to chat with him again.
- Pantsuit Politics episode from 9/11 titled "Wildfires, Woodward, and the Weight of the Work". I listened twice in one day, it was just what my heart needed to hear.
Sticking with treasures today, because the other stuff feels like too much.
Hi friends!
The existence of the We Got You club makes my heart want to explode. This is the best corner of the internet, hands down.
TURDS:
Everything. 2020 is breaking me, y’all. And the only thing that comforts me is eating Dot’s pretzels like there’s no tomorrow. Processed carbohydrates are at the top of my MVP list this year.
TREASURES:
THE NEW SEASON OF THE GREAT BRITISH BAKING SHOW STARTS ON NETFLIX NEXT FRIDAY! Is it weird that I got choked up the second I heard? It is the warm hug in a fuzzy blanket we all need so badly right now, and if you haven’t watched yet, GSE. (Were any of you in sororities who said GSE? Get so excited? 😅 My sister’s sorority said it all the time - GSE for our fundraiser this month! GSE for finals being over next week! - and now my husband and I say it all the time. GSE for meatloaf tonight! GSE for a negative Covid test! It started as a joke but now we legit can’t stop. 😂)
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJDr4dNk/
If you have read any new YA novel lately, I hope this is as hilarious to you as it is to me.
I mentioned it last week, but a little while ago I decided to start a Facebook meme ministry where I save my favorites and do giant meme dumps a couple times a week. It’s my version of the Care Bear Stare at all the 2020 ugliness, and it’s the one thing I feel good about this year.😅 Here are links to this week’s editions:
https://www.facebook.com/1213981950/posts/10224071685639289/?d=n
https://www.facebook.com/1213981950/posts/10224052851048436/?d=n
Also, God bless the dogs and the babies.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFPlIGBAA4y/?igshid=msq5uia1nbmk
Looking forward to that Pumpkin Honey Simple Syrup! I also made a pretty good pumpkin smoothie with a bit of coffee in it, so if smoothies are your jam, here you go: https://www.liveeatlearn.com/healthy-pumpkin-smoothie/
Truly feeling the getting close to pushing through the pain. Had a beautiful Sunday of rest (thanks Megan for starting that Sabbath convo a few weeks ago!) and made it through to Thursday, where the wheels fell off, but Lord, if I didn’t make it to the end of the day on His grace alone. Started off with copious amounts of dog blood (“this will be quick chore to trim nails”) which triggered fight/flight brain, which took my day’s alloted energy. I am so grateful for today 😂😂
I have been sending a lot of snail mail cards recently, and I thought of the Lil Swipes! If you care to get one, message me your address at jilliankmf [at] gmail .
And now, a jumbo sized Tiktok roundup, if only cause I needed all of these this week.
Household Creed - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJAxcGEa/
Hands down the best story I’ve seen - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJAQr2EW/
The Search for Boone’s Blue Ball - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJAxw6cV/
Office Hours Be Like - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJAQkkPn/
Pleasant dreams! - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJAQjjp1/
Specifically for Sarah P - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJAQrwNG/
Bathing dogs in this house, certified treats 7 days a week - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJAV1h4o/
“When a Ravenclaw is calmly studying in the library and a drunk Gryffindor comes running through” - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJA4pWyu/
The year is 1864 - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJA4G1mk/
Somehow, I think Annie B Jones would be uncomfortable with the handsomeness quotient in this? - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJA4KSkq/
idk why autotune dramatic readings slay me, but they do - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJAVexCu/
Aesthetic - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJATsDFw/
BBB - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJATpEa4/
And since it’s been awhile for an LMM appearance - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJAw8qj4/
😼🎹 - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJAwRm9f/
(NSFW but hilarious) Madrigal WAP - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJD1mNDw/
🦖🦖🦕🦕 part 2 - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJD6gNfK/
WHAT CAN’T MHN DO?! - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJDU6wdY/
And finally, wow - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJDdAKBn/
Dearest Swipes. Picture me waving to you from face down on my floor. I’m EXHAUSTED. I mean, exhaustion is just the norm at this point, but I’m feeling a special kind this week.
My oldest started preschool this week, and I’m super grateful for the staff for being so kind as we all navigate the bizzaro changes for this year. My son has some anxiety about going, & I don’t think it has everything to do with the masks/distancing, but more so to do with being away from home after not having school since March! His sweet little heart is feeling so many big things, & we are definitely dealing with it at home, but I’m so proud of him.
Okay treasures!
📖Finished “Kill The Spider” by Carlos Whittaker this week and wow. Maybe I’m biased because I’m a counselor and he literally wrote about his experience in a week-long counseling intensive but this book was FASCINATING and humbling and beautiful and I love the Whittakers so very much. Super grateful he was willing to share this story with the world. I’d also say the book is a testament to how powerful group therapy can be.
🙏Speaking of - I have a counseling appointment later this morning. Always a mixture of nerves and gratitude as it gets closer to time to go.
🎶I am in a very happy, loving marriage but YOU GUYS I love a good breakup song. This acoustic version of “Stayaway” by MUNA is unbelievable and I can’t get enough: https://open.spotify.com/track/38TDGceS2vVyOxIdU4n9ZU?si=vLD69sMVQBGO7JcLSGntwA
😎Anthony Ramos rollin’ into the VMA’s like John Laurens in the place to be: https://twitter.com/hamiltonmusical/status/1300236579055833088?s=21
Okay, that’s all from me this week. V excited for Comfortable Together!! Peace, y’all ✌️
Hello friends! Well this weekend marks one year since I was blindsided by a traumatic betrayal and breakup. One that felt like my world was ending. But you know what? I’m doing really well. Don’t get me wrong, the pain lingers and I can get so angry about it some days, but I know myself so much better now than I did a year ago. I’m growing and challenging myself (yay for therapy!). I’m surviving a pandemic while single. Even though my world was shattered, I picked up most of the pieces and abandoned the ones that didn’t serve me, and I’m really proud of myself. I wish I could forget the date on the calendar, but it feels important to acknowledge the progress I’ve made. My best friend told me this week that she’s so excited to get older because you get to know yourself better: who you are and what you want. I’m choosing to embrace that mindset and keep figuring out who I am 😊
Treasures for this week
- Dark Chocolate Oreos. These aren’t a new discovery for me, but every time I eat one, I am filled with joy. They’re the only ones I buy now
- Setting my video call background as the painting of Washington Crossing the Delaware. I find it hilarious, and the reactions are either “hey you’re crossing the Delaware!” (Validation) or “What’s that?” (Educational opportunity)
- Target hanging closet organizers! https://www.target.com/p/3-shelf-hanging-fabric-storage-organizer-light-gray-made-by-design-8482/-/A-53170341 I optimistically/prematurely pulled out my fall and winter clothes, and my closet now looks like a store with my sweaters on display
- Rewatching Beyoncé’s Homecoming on Netflix. She’s just incredible
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! Stay safe and healthy! 😊
Happy Friday, all. We made it!
My little corner of Kansas made the national news this week for some negative reasons (as many university cities are lately), but this article about a local restaurant owner gave me hope that maybe my whole town isn’t a dumpster fire: https://www.washingtonpost.com/road-to-recovery/diners-coronavirus-kansas-reopen/2020/09/14/b8cd1b6a-d33e-11ea-8d32-1ebf4e9d8e0d_story.html
Also, Paul Rudd trying to get Millennials to wear masks was 🤣: https://twitter.com/nygovcuomo/status/1305612543801647104?s=21
My first-born turns 8 in one week and I am feeling a lot of feels about it. 8 just seems so big to me for some reason. 😭 So I have been doing a lot of retail therapy lately - mostly used books, but I also purchased these LS shirts from ON (I am a sucker for thumb holes) and they have become my new favorite transition shirt: https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=552860062&pcid=999&vid=1&&searchText=lightweight%20boat%20neck%20long%20sleeve#pdp-page-content
I started The Book of Longings this week for Bible Binge Book Club and whew - I cannot wait to discuss this with others.
That’s all from this flyover state. Hope you all have a great weekend!
This seems like a safe community and I really don’t know where else to ask.....Thirdlove bras?? Yay or nay? I see them all over the socials but wonder if anyone has tried them. Thanks!
Erin! I am trying to access the We Got You Club list but it’s only letting me View, not edit it.
Your intro. I laughed and cried a little when I read it after really feeling the weight of all the things this week. So thankful for your humor and honesty.
And my treasure for the week. 365 Heavy Cream at Whole Foods. It’s the closest I’ve found to double cream and is mentally taking me back to London each morning.
Confession: earlier this summer I also had to insulate myself from all the sadness for my own health and I listened to ALL oh the Harry Potter books on audio. It was a 3 month thick weighed blanket and helped me face the world again.
This week I rewatched About Time and if you need a warm hug this is the movie for you! Fantastic dialogue and heart warming plot that will help you remember each day is a gift.
Is it user error that I can't add to the We Got You list? It says I have to request access to edit. Thanks!
I think I’ve mentioned how obsessed with Aldi I am, right? Anyway, their $3.99 candles are the very best but the fall line this year is perfection. If you can get one before the crazies buy them all, do it!
We’ve had some massive growth at my little church in the last month. During *all of this*the growing pains seem to be even harder to navigate. We are trying to make everyone feel safe and comfortable but inevitably someone feels unseen or unheard. I’m having trouble balancing all the balls of my specific ministries. One is doing well and one is floundering. But tomorrow is Sabbath so I can leave my worry at the feet of Jesus for one day!
Have a great Friday!
Baby Yoda watching his Mandalorian Season 2 trailer is giving me LIFE:
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJDUT5na/
Also this account bakes with Baby Yoda, and it never fails to make me smile! 😊
Fall is my favorite season so I may have to try Bri's pumpkin syrup.
No turds this week - I have today off so am feeling all the silver linings this morning.
The good: I found the magic potion that works on my curls and will be using it henceforth until discontinued as is my wont when finding the perfect hair product. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0106OMRH8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
My campus of over 35,000 students only has 52 confirmed COVID cases as of this morning. I just don't want everyone to get complacent now. I need everyone to continue staying on course and following our plans.
My husband is the VP of his small engineering firm. He just started his MBA and is in the process of becoming part owner with the goal of transitioning to sole owner when the current owner decides to retire. He's also trying to grow the firm at the same time. I am so excited for him and his goals and opportunities. It also means I am picking up more of the household slack. I may internally gripe about this as I'm cleaning the cat litter for the millionth time, but I will give credit where it is due. My husband's love language is gift giving and in recognition of my extra efforts keeping the house moving and caring for our toddler in support of this temporary crazy time, he has gifted me a Peloton. It arrives October 8 and I am marking the days off on my calendar like a kid in school marking off days until vacation.
Final bright spot: my 14 month old has discovered the joy of Mickey Mouse and to see his excitement over recognizing Mickey on his t shirts and such makes me smile.
It's Spring here but you bet I'm making Bri's pumpkin syrup.
This week I went to my old theological college and did a lecture about self-harm and anxiety to the youth & children's ministry class. Here's the thing: I've been unemployed since December (church budgets, y'all, they suck), and am firmly lost in the wilderness of unproductivity, but for one day I was able to feel like I was a real life adult. I put grown up clothes on and did my hair and make up and I spoke about things that matter to people instead of my puppy. Then I visited someone who I worked for for a year, who runs a healing ministry, and we chatted and prayed and gosh it felt good. I felt valued and welcome and I could cry from the joy. I also got a Starbucks cold brew with pumpkin cream because whilst it's Spring here, we do love to pretend we're in US seasons.
Since then the week is a bit of a dumpster fire, honestly. I found out I owe a bunch of money for student debts, and can't continue studies until I pay it, and I can't get a job until I finish the degree because Covid has everyone looking for jobs that just don't exist.
Basically, the treasure of my week was a day of feeling like a real life human.
Other treasures include this Banana Bread recipe, which made me feel super fancy today:
https://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2017/09/06/how-to-make-super-easy-banana-bread_a_23199521/
This product called Face Hero that is truly my face's hero:
https://gotoskincare.com/products/face-hero
And y'all, I'm posting on the spreadsheet when I can but there's a little bit of hope and that's.. well.. special. I've got needs. And I feel bad asking for help, but HELP IS GOOD, GUYS AND GALS.
Not a fall girl (sorry) but even I may have to get on board with that pumpkin syrup.
This week was just turds. I’m on that flight run by Hell in Handbasket airlines and I’m mad because they’re not even handing out peanuts or ginger ale.
Covid sucks, but you know what sucks more? Covid plus not being able to go outside. We're on day 6 of being stuck inside due to insanely poor air quality in Seattle. It's never been like this, ever. It felt like a cruel joke. I wanted someone to say, "Hey! you've been punked!" Instead we locked all our doors and spent our free time trying to keep the toddler from escaping and running out to the backyard. I read in our local paper Tuesday that fires spanning a space equivalent of 53 Seattles were burning our state. Have mercy.
What made it worse is that then all of us have been sick. It's fine - colds are generally a normal rite of having children but in Covid-time, every sniffle, every cough is reason for panic. Our daycare doesn't take kids with runny noses now, so my husband and I were balancing work with two sick children. We did get tested and we found out we were negative today. Upon the results, I texted my mom out of desperation - I may have used capital letters - and she came to help. We are all very happy to see her.
Tomorrow we're supposed to get to an air quality that's just bad for sensitive groups... so we're gonna let the toddler run wild outside.
If this is any indicator of my brain state, I was pumping yesterday and forgot to connect the bottles to the breast pump... and pumped milk all over my lap. Thankfully I was just at home. Can you imagine if I was at work?
Coworker sniffs the air: "Does anyone smell sour milk...?"
The giant project at work is launching next week and it's going to be some early mornings and late nights but then MAYBE things will be normal. One can only hope.
Please share all treasures big and small. I need them. And thank you for this space to vent. I'll try to be more positive next week.