Buying a consulting package with Lindsey at Created Colorful may have been my fastest online purchase yet. I’m stuck in the 80s with help needed! I can’t wait!!
Adolph Chicken Piccata. Um, I'd also like to point out that my grandfather was born in 1914 to Lithuanian immigrants who had no idea that Adolf Hitler was on his way. This is why everyone called him Ned, a shortened version of his last name. 😬
Vance Waterheater at your service! ⚾️ Man. I love Scott Erickson's stuff.
🏡I also love my new house even though we are in the chaos of pre-move-in repairs while packing and sorting out utilities. The back yard has been a balm to me. I can't wait to move in!
🛋Although - we need new living-room furniture. And I'm very stressed out about figuring out a couch, etc. I think we will not even bother until after we've moved. I wish I could just point at a pottery barn catalog and just say "I will take this whole room, please. There! Mischief managed!" Open to any and all ideas.
I have not bought anything so substantial as a couch, but I have generally had good luck finding stuff I like on Overstock. It's cute stuff that I like with decent quality.
I'll be there in Dallas tomorrow! With one week to go before we open The Music Man and I make my stage debut! :) Rehearsals have been tiring, but entirely life-giving. Turns out I LOVE it so much and my goal is basically to make the director laugh at least once with my performance during rehearsal. So far, so good.
❄️ Can I brag on my kid for a hot minute? Last night was opening night of my oldest playing Elsa in Frozen. The family and I were just BEAMING. She was absolutely fantastic. 😭😭 I had tears just rolling down my face every time she was onstage. Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it. Tonight is their closing night and we’re going again and this time I’ll take pictures and videos instead of just ugly sobbing.
😡 On the subject of last night…
We have a large, blended family. My ex husband (aforementioned kiddo’s dad) and I have a great and peaceful co-parenting relationship, and last night we saved seats for his fiancé, her 2 kiddos, and her parents, along with some other family members. We had about 20 people altogether. We have an uncle in a wheelchair and the easiest spot for him to be was at the front, so he could have plenty of room to maneuver. The drama teacher was very sweetly taping off rows for big families and had taped off the front 2 rows on one side for us. And out of all the taped off, reserved rows, ours was zeroed in on for Karen shenanigans. We had not one, not two, but THREE different parents tear down the tape or step over it and try to sit in some of the spots while we were waiting for everyone to arrive. I am an Enneagram 9 who you could probably hit with a car and I’d still apologize to you, so I veeeeery gently explain they were saved and I apologize profusely. Normally would not be a big deal. I feel like people in those situations are normally kind and “oh okay, I’ll move.” Even with the tape ripping, I was trying to give the benefit of the doubt. Can I tell you that every one of those parents tried to decide this was the hill they were dying on? I had one of them just pretend not to hear me anymore and try to ignore me! 😂 I had to actually say “You can’t just pretend you can’t hear me. Can you please find another seat?” I actually had to go get help from one of the teachers because they just refused to leave. So. I lived one of my hellscapes last night, but like Noodle on a Bones Day, I pushed through and held my ground. I don’t think my blood pressure has quite recovered and my anxiety going into tonight is at an all time high. 🤣 Tonight we have a much smaller group and I have begged for everyone to be there early so I don’t have to do any of that again. 😂 On the plus side, future stepmom was very thankful that I held out and defended her seats (#coparentingwin) and my girl was thrilled to be able to look out from the stage and see two full rows of people who adore her right up front.
😎 The ONLY thing I put on my calendar for maternity leave was a girls night to livestream the Popcast Live Show tomorrow night and I cannot WAIT. Hot Flashes will be made and the laughter will be plentiful. I’m counting down the hours!
Hello friends! This week i referred to this comments section as The Swipes Clubhouse and called it a safe place. I’m feeling that at high levels today. God is certainly in this Chili’s.
⚾️ First, my pitcher name is Murphy Tripod and THIS IS NOT OKAY. 🍆 Other options were Grady Stickers or Murphy Kombucha. I need better shopping habits. 😩
👼🏻 My treasures this week are Angel Baby Swipes. (I see you Jackie Champion! 😊) This week, Jillian Nightingale and Jenny Tillay got me on Marco Polo to talk about The Anthropocene Reviewed when I couldn’t make it to Book Club last week, and it has been the light my life was missing. I’m not a lover of video — it takes me time to process stuff and I like to mull over my words rather than shoot from the hip — but I found myself setting up the tripod 🙄 and talking to my phone like it was a confessional on The Real World. Who *am* I ?!? Apparently I needed such an outlet? I’m so grateful for Jenny and Jillian! Both have shown me such love and encouragement and truly embraced my rambling rabbit trails. If you want to connect on MP, apparently I’m game! But be forewarned: I’m not quick to reply, and said replies might come at 4am and be more than 30 minutes long. Y’all are my only “people” right now in this pandemic/caregiving life of isolation. I’m wordy. 🤪 Message me on IG for my phone number if you want to connect or email phrenetic.mind (at) gmail.com
📈 Shelby made us a spreadsheet for gathering recipes! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-WWloE7uanvob85FjLn3Qwm1mCUMDQhtKZ9-xkU6iYM/edit It’s the devil’s great joy that I’m now responsible for making every meal for my mother after she worked every day of her adult life to care for our family, feed us well, and sew our clothes. Y’all. I don’t have these gifts! 😩 And kitchens hate me: every day a cut or a burn or a recipe failing spectacularly. I truly hate cooking and have severe decision fatigue. My poor mom can’t make decisions anymore (stroke-related cognition issues), and I just don’t care that much about meals; takeout has always been fine for me. I want my time in the kitchen to include zero prep, very few dishes to clean, and no more than 15 minutes on my feet. Got any ideas? Add them to the glorious spreadsheet! Thank you, Shelby for doing this! 🥰
📚 This weekend is my beloved 24-Hour Readathon (https://deweysreadathon.wordpress.com) and I’ve got Rachel Caine’s The Great Library series lined up. My best friend suggested it during our Christmastide gifting season and I’ve been waiting for this focused event to begin. I’m psyched! I love this Readathon because it connects me to readers around the world who are all participating at the same time, no matter the time zone. Let me know if you’re joining! I’m on IG @phreneticmind
This month has been a great reading month on its own. I read The Love Songs of W.E.B. DuBois (30-hour audiobook in 3 days! 😱), The Anthropocene Reviewed (an Enneagram 5’s dream 😍), The Paris Apartment 🫤, and I Must Betray You (maybe my fave book this year). I tried reading Beautiful Little Fools but had to DNF; either I’m not interested in revisionist Great Gatsby or it was simply the wrong timing. We’ll see. No regrets though. As Anne Bogel says, “We don’t have time to read bad books.” May is stacking up to be a good book month, as well. (Stacking. Heh heh.)
Wishing you all the best weekend available to you!
I also don't enjoy cooking - I added a few of my regulars that will hopefully hit the spot for you. (Idk if I put them in the right place, sorry if I've thrown off the groove.)
What a gift from Shelby!!! Can't wait to look into that. Adding the anthropocene reviewed to my list! Is it like the podcast? I listened to a few episodes and liked it. If it is, then may I recommend "Stuff You Should Know"? It's a podcast that also turned into a book. Super fun.
Yes, I believe the Anthropocene book was an expansion (or collection?) of the podcast episodes. One Amazon reviewer gave the book a low review because he said “it was old information from the podcast.” 🙄 Either way, it’s a true delight. And having heard some of the podcast and then also read the book, I greatly benefit from hearing the essays again and again. [Same with Stuff You Should Know. I’m a minimal podcast listener but that one always delights me.]
Hello, it's me, Chuck Spindrift. Kinda sounds like a spy? Or an old news anchor? Either way, I'll take it! (Also, I am a Spindrift Evangelist: I believe it is THE superior sparkling water on the market right now and I would love for you all to give it a try, especially if you are not interested in water that is flavored with...essence???)
Treasures:
- I got a Sam's Club membership! I will always be a slightly begrudging participant, as I was raised in a Costco family. But I live in Northwest Arkansas AKA Walmart Is In Charge Of Everything Here and you bet your bottom dollar they will not be bringing a Costco to our land anytime soon. So, this is me blooming where I'm planted or whatever. Even though I'm betraying my heritage, buying in bulk still feels really fun to me.
- I made yogurt in my instant pot ( https://nowcookthis.com/easy-instant-pot-vanilla-yogurt/ ) and let me tell you, it is so freaking satisfying every time I do this. I feel like the universe and I share a little secret. Do you need a win this weekend? Make yogurt in your instant pot.
- This school year has had some really hard moments, but in our staff meeting this morning we spent some time reflecting on the gifts from God in our ministry, of which there are plenty. I'm in a hard season at work, and for those of you strengthsfinder people, positivity is in my top 5, so it filled my tank to get to celebrate the good for a bit.
Hey All -- What a week. I think I've gotten hit for the first real time with COVID sucking more than general population. Boyfriend had surgery due to an Achille tear because why at 41 would we not try to leg out a in park home run (read run faster than the outfielders can throw them) after a winter of not moving much... then on top of that, his family got COVID and really didn't stay away so now he has COVID and I am stuck caring for a COVID invalid.... and now I must take off and clean his surgical area since we can't go to the doctor since he is positive. Again - I should get a ring for this (bahahaha kind of joking, kind of crying, kind of just manifesting)
Also considering buying a mother's day high tea box for myself from a local bakery just because high tea sounds fancy and fun. And I'm an aunt who loves babies so ... idk.
Here's a sign off from your reliever Gerald Bottled Water.
So excited for Popcast Live Dallas! Erin, I’m GA so I probably won’t meet you but know that I am giving you a hug from my seat and cheering you on tomorrow night!
I totally want to get my colors done...however, I weirdly remember when my mom and my aunt got their colors done in the 80s - I think a friend of my mom’s did them - and she maybe did young Sarah’s too, because I have always in the back of my head known that I am a winter...but I was also, like, 6? So definitely time for a re-do.
These tweets are gold. That atom dad joke is amazing; I feel that “indoor voice” tweet in my bones as a mom of four loud boys; and my pitcher name is Ralph Pizza, Gerald Pizza, or Robert Pizza 🍕.
It’s been a crazy week here, and I’ve gotta get packed for Dallas, but some quick treasures:
1. HBH Mac and cheese
2. Buying a farm truck that fits all 6 of us.
3. Southwest drink coupons arriving just in time for this trip.
4. Hotel pool shenanigans with my boys.
Happy weekend! Can you believe it is almost May??? ❤️ you all!
Preston Mighty Mango Juice stepping up to the plate!
Between my daughter’s illness that took a while to diagnose, Covid and the ensuing brain fog (it’s no joke!) and my own pinched nerve, it’s been forever since I’ve been here and I’ve missed the Swipes!
Treasures:
- Our little lab puppy, Dog Monday (if you get that reference, we are kindred spirits, is finally potty-trained. She and our big puppy are besties and adorable.
- Physical Therapy: I’ve been putting it off since last summer, but this week I woke up twice with ZERO pain. Other days, my pain has been minimal and I’ve exacerbated it by doing too much because I feel so much better. I get emotional about it. Apologies to my PT for making it weird.
Turds:
- Friendship with different parenting styles is hard. I want to respect other people’s choices but also don’t want to change my own in order for us to better mesh.
Combo: I’m going through The Artist’s Way to figure out next steps--I’ve always had a dream of being a writer or at least having a creative job of some sort. This week was my week of reading deprivation (oops. I technically wasn’t supposed to read this. 😬) And while it’s been hard, I actually see the fruit of it. Which I’m kind of mad about because that means I might have to do it again some time.
The benefit of your pitcher name is the cardboard signs to cheer you on: “Give us the JUICE!!!” 🙌🏻 Big fan!
Your take on doing The Artist’s Way *and* motivating yourself with dreams of a writing/creative job have turned my head. I tried reading the book in my early twenties (like I could possibly grasp it back then 🙄) but have never taken time again. It was always for personal joy. Now I’m shifting gears. I want a creative future, too. I never considered that book to help with such a goal. You’ve changed my mind! 🥰
Yes! A lot of it is about allowing yourself to be creative, whatever that means for you. It’s also kind of a weird version of therapy. I am using the 25th Anniversary Edition, so I don’t know how different it would be from what you went through before. It’s worth doing!
Pitcher name: Wesley Biscuits. I dig it, maybe too much?
I am ***blessed*** to be color blind as a 28 year old woman, so I think having my colors done sounds amazing. When I say I have no frickin clue what to wear, I mean it.
I self tan pretty regularly, so I wonder if I should do it with a tan, wait until summer when naturally tan, or do it pale? Does it matter? Any guidance on this pressing issue is appreciated.
3 cheers to a self-proclaimed long weekend (because I spent all week searching for a substitute teacher with a pulse and breath in their lungs) by a middle school math teacher who just completed standardized testing.
When I was a very young lady, getting your colors done was a big deal. Color My World or something like that. I jumped on board and am thankful for the recommendation, Erin!
Pitching change, looks like Jeff Simparica Trio is headed to the mound :D
I just bought myself the Color Consult as a Mother's Day present from my dog. I don't think he's good for it, but he's cute so I will let it slide.
I haven't been in these comments in a minute, sometimes it's hard to read people's treasures. But I love that I can come in when I can and y'all still are lovely humans.
I’m so glad you went for it, even in a season of grieving and walking through unwanted singleness. Really sucks, especially around Mother’s Day. I hope it’s a bright spot for you, friend! Also, your dog sounds amazing.
Just feel in a weird place. A friend’s son turned 16 a couple of weeks ago. I was the first person to hold him at the hospital who wasn’t family. I was 27 with stars in my eyes about life and love and my own babies one day. If you’d told me when he turned 16, I’d still be single at 43… well…. I don’t know what I would’ve done.
In general, I love my life, I’m happy with the freedom & flexibility I have to do things, but sometimes it just smacks me in the face that there are things I longed for, prayed for, and God seemed silent. My life feels like a consolation prize sometimes.
Erin, I feeeeel this in my marrow. (I know it’s not heartening to hear this from a 53-year-old self-described “middle-aged spinster girl.”) Our beloved Erin Moon talks about holding the tension of two things at once, the joy and the pain, and I feel this in my life 99% of the time because of society’s bent toward couples/parents/success-ideals. I often feel that I “don’t fit” anywhere. There are people who love and encourage me but there are also blood relatives who try to make me feel “less than” because of circumstances that are truly beyond my control. I FEEL YOUR PAIN.
It probably doesn’t help you to know you’re not alone in this (across the interwebs, especially), and I’m sure you’ve found a place of equilibrium with your plans vs your reality. So I’ll just say that it’s totally legitimate to cry over these circumstances, to pound on God’s heart in groanings and lament. And it’s valid to hold onto those dreams. I believe God will take them away when you don’t need them anymore but let you keep them when they serve a purpose in your life, however mysterious that purpose may be. I don’t believe it’s just “wishful thinking.” I have found those deep dreams to be comfort in a God who can always work miracles, and I will always hold accountable His/Her mothering side. It’s hard to think I may never see those dreams in the exact way I imagine, but I’ve also learned that his ways are vastly superior to my own. (My own nurture abilities have been put to the test in loving nieces and nephews as well as now being caregiver to my own mother.) I pray you can embrace the tension and be content with the “not yet” aspect of the dreams. But when you’re not okay with it, I pray you can take those overwhelming emotions to a friend and to the Father/Mother/Friend who originally put them in your heart. Much love to you. 💗
I get that. I'm 35 who wanted nothing but marriage and babies and cutting hair so I could gossip. Went to college and then grad school and then moved East since none of that happened. I feel like I'm not married, I'm not killing it in my career, and my church has changed so many times that I've still yet to find that family away from family so I feel like a failure. Know you are loved for who you are and we're here to hold you up.
Buying a consulting package with Lindsey at Created Colorful may have been my fastest online purchase yet. I’m stuck in the 80s with help needed! I can’t wait!!
Erin, I’d like a fridge update.
This also
Adolph Chicken Piccata. Um, I'd also like to point out that my grandfather was born in 1914 to Lithuanian immigrants who had no idea that Adolf Hitler was on his way. This is why everyone called him Ned, a shortened version of his last name. 😬
Joe Gas which means I come off the bench strong as a pinch runner with an incredible record for stolen bases
Vance Waterheater at your service! ⚾️ Man. I love Scott Erickson's stuff.
🏡I also love my new house even though we are in the chaos of pre-move-in repairs while packing and sorting out utilities. The back yard has been a balm to me. I can't wait to move in!
🛋Although - we need new living-room furniture. And I'm very stressed out about figuring out a couch, etc. I think we will not even bother until after we've moved. I wish I could just point at a pottery barn catalog and just say "I will take this whole room, please. There! Mischief managed!" Open to any and all ideas.
A smaller thing I am loving this week are my new notebooks. I went as girly as possible and got floral composition books:Pukka Pad 3-Pack Composition... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MZRQCTG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Gotta run, but will come back and check out comments. Have fun at the love show, everyone!
I'm so glad you're loving the house already!
I have not bought anything so substantial as a couch, but I have generally had good luck finding stuff I like on Overstock. It's cute stuff that I like with decent quality.
I will check!
I'll be there in Dallas tomorrow! With one week to go before we open The Music Man and I make my stage debut! :) Rehearsals have been tiring, but entirely life-giving. Turns out I LOVE it so much and my goal is basically to make the director laugh at least once with my performance during rehearsal. So far, so good.
I 💗 the Music Man! I wish I could see it!
Also, my name would be Ross Doritos.
Gerald Empanadas comin’ in hot this fine Friday.
❄️ Can I brag on my kid for a hot minute? Last night was opening night of my oldest playing Elsa in Frozen. The family and I were just BEAMING. She was absolutely fantastic. 😭😭 I had tears just rolling down my face every time she was onstage. Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it. Tonight is their closing night and we’re going again and this time I’ll take pictures and videos instead of just ugly sobbing.
😡 On the subject of last night…
We have a large, blended family. My ex husband (aforementioned kiddo’s dad) and I have a great and peaceful co-parenting relationship, and last night we saved seats for his fiancé, her 2 kiddos, and her parents, along with some other family members. We had about 20 people altogether. We have an uncle in a wheelchair and the easiest spot for him to be was at the front, so he could have plenty of room to maneuver. The drama teacher was very sweetly taping off rows for big families and had taped off the front 2 rows on one side for us. And out of all the taped off, reserved rows, ours was zeroed in on for Karen shenanigans. We had not one, not two, but THREE different parents tear down the tape or step over it and try to sit in some of the spots while we were waiting for everyone to arrive. I am an Enneagram 9 who you could probably hit with a car and I’d still apologize to you, so I veeeeery gently explain they were saved and I apologize profusely. Normally would not be a big deal. I feel like people in those situations are normally kind and “oh okay, I’ll move.” Even with the tape ripping, I was trying to give the benefit of the doubt. Can I tell you that every one of those parents tried to decide this was the hill they were dying on? I had one of them just pretend not to hear me anymore and try to ignore me! 😂 I had to actually say “You can’t just pretend you can’t hear me. Can you please find another seat?” I actually had to go get help from one of the teachers because they just refused to leave. So. I lived one of my hellscapes last night, but like Noodle on a Bones Day, I pushed through and held my ground. I don’t think my blood pressure has quite recovered and my anxiety going into tonight is at an all time high. 🤣 Tonight we have a much smaller group and I have begged for everyone to be there early so I don’t have to do any of that again. 😂 On the plus side, future stepmom was very thankful that I held out and defended her seats (#coparentingwin) and my girl was thrilled to be able to look out from the stage and see two full rows of people who adore her right up front.
😎 The ONLY thing I put on my calendar for maternity leave was a girls night to livestream the Popcast Live Show tomorrow night and I cannot WAIT. Hot Flashes will be made and the laughter will be plentiful. I’m counting down the hours!
Happy weekend Lil Swipes!
Hello friends! This week i referred to this comments section as The Swipes Clubhouse and called it a safe place. I’m feeling that at high levels today. God is certainly in this Chili’s.
⚾️ First, my pitcher name is Murphy Tripod and THIS IS NOT OKAY. 🍆 Other options were Grady Stickers or Murphy Kombucha. I need better shopping habits. 😩
👼🏻 My treasures this week are Angel Baby Swipes. (I see you Jackie Champion! 😊) This week, Jillian Nightingale and Jenny Tillay got me on Marco Polo to talk about The Anthropocene Reviewed when I couldn’t make it to Book Club last week, and it has been the light my life was missing. I’m not a lover of video — it takes me time to process stuff and I like to mull over my words rather than shoot from the hip — but I found myself setting up the tripod 🙄 and talking to my phone like it was a confessional on The Real World. Who *am* I ?!? Apparently I needed such an outlet? I’m so grateful for Jenny and Jillian! Both have shown me such love and encouragement and truly embraced my rambling rabbit trails. If you want to connect on MP, apparently I’m game! But be forewarned: I’m not quick to reply, and said replies might come at 4am and be more than 30 minutes long. Y’all are my only “people” right now in this pandemic/caregiving life of isolation. I’m wordy. 🤪 Message me on IG for my phone number if you want to connect or email phrenetic.mind (at) gmail.com
📈 Shelby made us a spreadsheet for gathering recipes! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-WWloE7uanvob85FjLn3Qwm1mCUMDQhtKZ9-xkU6iYM/edit It’s the devil’s great joy that I’m now responsible for making every meal for my mother after she worked every day of her adult life to care for our family, feed us well, and sew our clothes. Y’all. I don’t have these gifts! 😩 And kitchens hate me: every day a cut or a burn or a recipe failing spectacularly. I truly hate cooking and have severe decision fatigue. My poor mom can’t make decisions anymore (stroke-related cognition issues), and I just don’t care that much about meals; takeout has always been fine for me. I want my time in the kitchen to include zero prep, very few dishes to clean, and no more than 15 minutes on my feet. Got any ideas? Add them to the glorious spreadsheet! Thank you, Shelby for doing this! 🥰
📚 This weekend is my beloved 24-Hour Readathon (https://deweysreadathon.wordpress.com) and I’ve got Rachel Caine’s The Great Library series lined up. My best friend suggested it during our Christmastide gifting season and I’ve been waiting for this focused event to begin. I’m psyched! I love this Readathon because it connects me to readers around the world who are all participating at the same time, no matter the time zone. Let me know if you’re joining! I’m on IG @phreneticmind
This month has been a great reading month on its own. I read The Love Songs of W.E.B. DuBois (30-hour audiobook in 3 days! 😱), The Anthropocene Reviewed (an Enneagram 5’s dream 😍), The Paris Apartment 🫤, and I Must Betray You (maybe my fave book this year). I tried reading Beautiful Little Fools but had to DNF; either I’m not interested in revisionist Great Gatsby or it was simply the wrong timing. We’ll see. No regrets though. As Anne Bogel says, “We don’t have time to read bad books.” May is stacking up to be a good book month, as well. (Stacking. Heh heh.)
Wishing you all the best weekend available to you!
As an E5, the Anthropocene Reviewed was the best thing I’ve read in a long time!
I also don't enjoy cooking - I added a few of my regulars that will hopefully hit the spot for you. (Idk if I put them in the right place, sorry if I've thrown off the groove.)
I kinda like Grady Stickers. “HEY STICKERS. BATTER UP!”
“Hey Stickers!” 😂
Still recovering from Murphy Tripod 🤣🤣🤣
It’s the worst/best. 😂
What a gift from Shelby!!! Can't wait to look into that. Adding the anthropocene reviewed to my list! Is it like the podcast? I listened to a few episodes and liked it. If it is, then may I recommend "Stuff You Should Know"? It's a podcast that also turned into a book. Super fun.
Yes, I believe the Anthropocene book was an expansion (or collection?) of the podcast episodes. One Amazon reviewer gave the book a low review because he said “it was old information from the podcast.” 🙄 Either way, it’s a true delight. And having heard some of the podcast and then also read the book, I greatly benefit from hearing the essays again and again. [Same with Stuff You Should Know. I’m a minimal podcast listener but that one always delights me.]
Hello, it's me, Chuck Spindrift. Kinda sounds like a spy? Or an old news anchor? Either way, I'll take it! (Also, I am a Spindrift Evangelist: I believe it is THE superior sparkling water on the market right now and I would love for you all to give it a try, especially if you are not interested in water that is flavored with...essence???)
Treasures:
- I got a Sam's Club membership! I will always be a slightly begrudging participant, as I was raised in a Costco family. But I live in Northwest Arkansas AKA Walmart Is In Charge Of Everything Here and you bet your bottom dollar they will not be bringing a Costco to our land anytime soon. So, this is me blooming where I'm planted or whatever. Even though I'm betraying my heritage, buying in bulk still feels really fun to me.
- I made yogurt in my instant pot ( https://nowcookthis.com/easy-instant-pot-vanilla-yogurt/ ) and let me tell you, it is so freaking satisfying every time I do this. I feel like the universe and I share a little secret. Do you need a win this weekend? Make yogurt in your instant pot.
- This school year has had some really hard moments, but in our staff meeting this morning we spent some time reflecting on the gifts from God in our ministry, of which there are plenty. I'm in a hard season at work, and for those of you strengthsfinder people, positivity is in my top 5, so it filled my tank to get to celebrate the good for a bit.
So excited to watch the livestream tomorrow!!!!
Yay for insta pot yogurt! That was an early pandemic joy for me.
We don’t have Costco either but follow ohheysamsclub on Instagram for all the good info Sam’s has in stock. I love it!
Fellow Chuck here! <3
Hey All -- What a week. I think I've gotten hit for the first real time with COVID sucking more than general population. Boyfriend had surgery due to an Achille tear because why at 41 would we not try to leg out a in park home run (read run faster than the outfielders can throw them) after a winter of not moving much... then on top of that, his family got COVID and really didn't stay away so now he has COVID and I am stuck caring for a COVID invalid.... and now I must take off and clean his surgical area since we can't go to the doctor since he is positive. Again - I should get a ring for this (bahahaha kind of joking, kind of crying, kind of just manifesting)
Treasure was being such an adult and getting this trashcan for my bathroom: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08NY89TT3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. I love multiuse tools and after years of small apt bathroom after another, this solves so many problems for me and is in a gorgeous green color!
Also considering buying a mother's day high tea box for myself from a local bakery just because high tea sounds fancy and fun. And I'm an aunt who loves babies so ... idk.
Here's a sign off from your reliever Gerald Bottled Water.
Buy the tea box!
The high tea box sounds very fun!
So excited for Popcast Live Dallas! Erin, I’m GA so I probably won’t meet you but know that I am giving you a hug from my seat and cheering you on tomorrow night!
I totally want to get my colors done...however, I weirdly remember when my mom and my aunt got their colors done in the 80s - I think a friend of my mom’s did them - and she maybe did young Sarah’s too, because I have always in the back of my head known that I am a winter...but I was also, like, 6? So definitely time for a re-do.
These tweets are gold. That atom dad joke is amazing; I feel that “indoor voice” tweet in my bones as a mom of four loud boys; and my pitcher name is Ralph Pizza, Gerald Pizza, or Robert Pizza 🍕.
It’s been a crazy week here, and I’ve gotta get packed for Dallas, but some quick treasures:
1. HBH Mac and cheese
2. Buying a farm truck that fits all 6 of us.
3. Southwest drink coupons arriving just in time for this trip.
4. Hotel pool shenanigans with my boys.
Happy weekend! Can you believe it is almost May??? ❤️ you all!
Preston Mighty Mango Juice stepping up to the plate!
Between my daughter’s illness that took a while to diagnose, Covid and the ensuing brain fog (it’s no joke!) and my own pinched nerve, it’s been forever since I’ve been here and I’ve missed the Swipes!
Treasures:
- Our little lab puppy, Dog Monday (if you get that reference, we are kindred spirits, is finally potty-trained. She and our big puppy are besties and adorable.
- Physical Therapy: I’ve been putting it off since last summer, but this week I woke up twice with ZERO pain. Other days, my pain has been minimal and I’ve exacerbated it by doing too much because I feel so much better. I get emotional about it. Apologies to my PT for making it weird.
Turds:
- Friendship with different parenting styles is hard. I want to respect other people’s choices but also don’t want to change my own in order for us to better mesh.
Combo: I’m going through The Artist’s Way to figure out next steps--I’ve always had a dream of being a writer or at least having a creative job of some sort. This week was my week of reading deprivation (oops. I technically wasn’t supposed to read this. 😬) And while it’s been hard, I actually see the fruit of it. Which I’m kind of mad about because that means I might have to do it again some time.
The benefit of your pitcher name is the cardboard signs to cheer you on: “Give us the JUICE!!!” 🙌🏻 Big fan!
Your take on doing The Artist’s Way *and* motivating yourself with dreams of a writing/creative job have turned my head. I tried reading the book in my early twenties (like I could possibly grasp it back then 🙄) but have never taken time again. It was always for personal joy. Now I’m shifting gears. I want a creative future, too. I never considered that book to help with such a goal. You’ve changed my mind! 🥰
Yes! A lot of it is about allowing yourself to be creative, whatever that means for you. It’s also kind of a weird version of therapy. I am using the 25th Anniversary Edition, so I don’t know how different it would be from what you went through before. It’s worth doing!
I’m convinced. And excited for it! 🙌🏻
Pitcher name: Wesley Biscuits. I dig it, maybe too much?
I am ***blessed*** to be color blind as a 28 year old woman, so I think having my colors done sounds amazing. When I say I have no frickin clue what to wear, I mean it.
I self tan pretty regularly, so I wonder if I should do it with a tan, wait until summer when naturally tan, or do it pale? Does it matter? Any guidance on this pressing issue is appreciated.
3 cheers to a self-proclaimed long weekend (because I spent all week searching for a substitute teacher with a pulse and breath in their lungs) by a middle school math teacher who just completed standardized testing.
Mine would be either Jesse Sandwich or Leon Sandwich. I kind of love both of these!
Pitcher name: Sterling Shorts or Leon Shorts
Leon Shorts is incredible.
I can hear it! “Yo, Shorts! You’re up!” 😂
OH MY GOSH - THAT'S PERFECT!!! LOL
Kenneth Crepe
Gerald Water
When I was a very young lady, getting your colors done was a big deal. Color My World or something like that. I jumped on board and am thankful for the recommendation, Erin!
Same! And I feel stuck in the 80s 🤦♀️
Color Me Beautiful, for me. 🤦🏻♀️
Oh yeah - I think that was it. My mom had all the books! She was big into color.
Pitching change, looks like Jeff Simparica Trio is headed to the mound :D
I just bought myself the Color Consult as a Mother's Day present from my dog. I don't think he's good for it, but he's cute so I will let it slide.
I haven't been in these comments in a minute, sometimes it's hard to read people's treasures. But I love that I can come in when I can and y'all still are lovely humans.
I’m so glad you went for it, even in a season of grieving and walking through unwanted singleness. Really sucks, especially around Mother’s Day. I hope it’s a bright spot for you, friend! Also, your dog sounds amazing.
OH man - Are you doing okay? I know it's hard to be on social media for me some days when I'm going through stuff in my life. Anyway we can all help?
Just feel in a weird place. A friend’s son turned 16 a couple of weeks ago. I was the first person to hold him at the hospital who wasn’t family. I was 27 with stars in my eyes about life and love and my own babies one day. If you’d told me when he turned 16, I’d still be single at 43… well…. I don’t know what I would’ve done.
In general, I love my life, I’m happy with the freedom & flexibility I have to do things, but sometimes it just smacks me in the face that there are things I longed for, prayed for, and God seemed silent. My life feels like a consolation prize sometimes.
I'm also single with no children at 43 and totally understand.
Erin, I feeeeel this in my marrow. (I know it’s not heartening to hear this from a 53-year-old self-described “middle-aged spinster girl.”) Our beloved Erin Moon talks about holding the tension of two things at once, the joy and the pain, and I feel this in my life 99% of the time because of society’s bent toward couples/parents/success-ideals. I often feel that I “don’t fit” anywhere. There are people who love and encourage me but there are also blood relatives who try to make me feel “less than” because of circumstances that are truly beyond my control. I FEEL YOUR PAIN.
It probably doesn’t help you to know you’re not alone in this (across the interwebs, especially), and I’m sure you’ve found a place of equilibrium with your plans vs your reality. So I’ll just say that it’s totally legitimate to cry over these circumstances, to pound on God’s heart in groanings and lament. And it’s valid to hold onto those dreams. I believe God will take them away when you don’t need them anymore but let you keep them when they serve a purpose in your life, however mysterious that purpose may be. I don’t believe it’s just “wishful thinking.” I have found those deep dreams to be comfort in a God who can always work miracles, and I will always hold accountable His/Her mothering side. It’s hard to think I may never see those dreams in the exact way I imagine, but I’ve also learned that his ways are vastly superior to my own. (My own nurture abilities have been put to the test in loving nieces and nephews as well as now being caregiver to my own mother.) I pray you can embrace the tension and be content with the “not yet” aspect of the dreams. But when you’re not okay with it, I pray you can take those overwhelming emotions to a friend and to the Father/Mother/Friend who originally put them in your heart. Much love to you. 💗
I get that. I'm 35 who wanted nothing but marriage and babies and cutting hair so I could gossip. Went to college and then grad school and then moved East since none of that happened. I feel like I'm not married, I'm not killing it in my career, and my church has changed so many times that I've still yet to find that family away from family so I feel like a failure. Know you are loved for who you are and we're here to hold you up.