I made something called Tennessee Peach Pudding this week and with vanilla ice cream on the top it was divine. I don’t know what makes it from “Tennessee” but it’s easy and delicious!
Like many of you, I have mixed feelings about the back-to-school season. We desperately need the structure, but I'm also sending my youngest off to her senior year of high school and it's hitting much harder than I expected. Shew! Didn't see that coming. I guess I also have mixed feelings about an empty nest. We're definitely in a weird phase of parenting.
By the way, I'm apparenlty a weirdo but we love Worchestershire sauce around here. As in, I buy the jumbo two pack at Costco and we use it all up. Great in meatloaf and steak-type dishes. Highly recommend!
In the meantime, I'm working through a discernment process in terms of next steps in ministry as I'm wrapping up my MDiv. When I began seminary, I assumed I'd be preaching in my current congregation, but about six months ago, my senior pastor let me know they would not be updating my staff role to some sort of associate pastor. I do preach but I guess he has a different vision now. All that is to say that discernment is exhausting. My brain is tired from doing the work.
Sending love to all the kindergarten mamas! You can do it! <3
We made it back home from our month-long trip to the Maritimes (east coast of 🇨🇦) and I’ve never been so happy to sleep in my own bed in my life! One of the best parts of the trip was the side holiday my husband, son and I took to Prince Edward Island, which might be the most magical place on earth. Getting some time just the three of us in the middle of all the visiting was much needed, and standing in the ocean resets my soul in a way nothing else can. And I was absolutely delighted that my son’s two buddies (20 and 22) did a fantastic job house/dog sitting for us. Our dog was happy, they left the house spotless, and kept all of my plants alive! Honestly, one of those boys has a secret green thumb because all my houseplants are blooming - yay! Went back to work already and remembered all of my passwords so that was a bonus. School doesn’t start here until just before Labour Day so we’re planning some fun day trips and activities for the next month. Gotta enjoy all the sunshine and warm weather before we spend another 8 months hunkered down inside!
We got back Wednesday from a week in Maine and my golly I love that place. We saw puffins! And seals! And the wedding of two 18-year-olds who probably could've stood to wait a few more years!
This summer has been moving at the pace of a herd of agitated hippos, and I am so ready for school to start again and impose some boundaries. And so I can can take a day off work and be in my house by myself. Only one more week!
My new job has started to feel more like a rhythm so I am very grateful for that since I am a person that thrives on structure. I have been shamelessly listening to The Popcast while I work (it's a work from home situation) and the laughter that that show has given me is definitely a gift.
The raspberries are coming into their own over here and we are expecting an even bigger crop than we had in the spring so thoughts, prayers for no bee stings, and recipes are welcome!
I am reading The Duke and I by Julia Quinn (the book inspiration for Shondaland's Bridgerton and I love it. I will post a review on Instagram and Goodreads when I am finished.
I have loved that series every since it first published back in 2000! I have reread this series more times than I can count and have all the original book covers! I hope that you will love the whole series too!
I found out two weeks ago that I'm being laid off from a job I love. It's been a tough couple of weeks. I've applied to 20 jobs and have gotten 3 reject emails and had a phone interview yesterday. The phone interview went well, and I'm being pushed through to the next phase which was a take home assignment. The assignment might be a little challenging, but I'm going to do my best.
I feel lucky that I'm married and my husband has income that is still coming in. He works in sales though, so his salary isn't always consistent and I still need to have an income in order for us to long term be able to pay bills. However, the best treasure of all was when last week he was looking ahead at what his commission check might look like (which he receives on Aug 15)...turns out it just so happens to be the highest commission check he's ever gotten at this company. August 15th is the last paycheck I get until I find another job. Although we still are stressed, I feel reassured that this commission check coming in this month is no coincidence. God knew I'd be laid off. He also knew that my husband would receive his highest commission check. Although I know that God's provision doesn't always look like getting the money you need, and sometimes it just means surviving another day when you didn't think you would, I feel completely humbled and grateful in this moment.
I don't comment on here as much as I use to when Erin started the newsletter, but I wanted to share this in case anyone else is in a similar spot in life. When life happens to you unexpectedly, and your days are consumed with the "what ifs" and worrying about what the future will look like. I hope you feel held, and I hope you feel God's provision for you even in the small things. I hope a friend calls you when you need it most, someone pays for your coffee in the drive thru, that insurance check comes in the mail at the perfect time, a stranger smiles at you when you're feeling low, or you finally get that job offer you've been waiting for. Happy Friday friends. <3
Thanks so much Lauren. I live in Dallas, but am applying to jobs all over if they allow remote work. I worked from home at my previous job, and loved the flexibility and not having to commute in the Dallas traffic, so if I worked for a local company I'd love to at least be able to work hybrid! I've worked in account management/client phasing roles within the tech industry throughout the last 7 years of my career. My most recent role I was the Director of Business Development and Client Experience for a software development agency. I was able to wear a lot of different hats in the two years I worked there, so I've been applying to customer success/client management roles along with project or product management roles. I'm trying to stay away from full on sales roles, as I did sales for 5 years and enjoy and thrive in the relationship building that comes with clients or customers in that "post sale" stage much more.
My ultimate not-treasure that happened to me this week was realizing I developed an allergy to peaches! All of last week the inside of my mouth was inflamed and in pain and I couldn't figure out why, then this week I ate a peach for breakfast and my lips got so swollen that I knew it had to be the peach - there was also peach in the smoothie blend I had been drinking the week before, so culprit found. I'm so bummed though! I ate sliced peaches as part of a salad a few weeks ago and was fine so I don't know what happened!
I saw Barbie last weekend with some friends and loved it so much! We had a little pool party at my building after the movie and it was just the nicest day together! If you've seen Barbie and love the Real Housewives, you're in for a treat with this one. I will petition to make this an alternate ending to the movie. When it gets to Dorinda doing "CLIP!" I absolutely lost it: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvfDe2etrHg/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
For some reason I was surprised that they've been using the same kind of salad bowls for 30 years. Also, if you control for inflation, the price of the Tour of Italy is basically the same now as it was then, so good job to them, I guess.
Grace! I'm allergic to peaches too! And all stone fruit for that matter. It's the pits (no pun intended lol). I found out when I was in middle school, so I've had enough time to mourn but summer peaches still sting every year for me when I go to the store and can smell them permeating throughout the produce section. My particular allergy is what they call an "oral" allergy, meaning, I developed an allergy to stone fruit because I am allergic to the pollen from the trees they come from. I recently found out that if I would have gotten allergy shots, I probably wouldn't have developed this allergy. It started with apples and then over the years spread to others like peaches, pears, nectarines, cherries, and plums. Might be worth going to an allergist to see if there's anyway to prevent developing an allergy to other fruits (if it is a similar type allergy to mine). The good (ish) news is that, if the fruit is processed (cooked or canned) the allergy symptoms are non existent. So I will occasionally still get a CFA peach milkshake but overall I just avoid them all together especially if I don't know how "processed" the fruit is.
I am back to work this week (teacher inservice) and I’m glad to be back in the routine! I received a classroom grant from Sharon McMahon, which was amazing! I’m excited to get my classroom ready with new books and supplies.
I was just thinking about how I have almost used up a bottle of Worcestershire sauce and that I should find more uses for it. I use it for a few marinades, those baked ham and cheese sliders with Hawaiian rolls, and one or two soups 🤷🏻♀️ and the Walmart brand is $1! Such a versatile, underrated condiment IMO
Congratulations on your pay raise earned by keeping your final child alive until age 5! How will you treat yo self?!? T-minus 3 years until our daycare-eliminated-raise.
This is my first fall since I was a wee babe that I'm not going back to school. I'm not teaching, I'm not taking classing, there is nothing school related for this girl and it is wild! School has been such a big part of my life, but seeing other teachers back to school posts are just confirming that the library is the place for me.
We're entering our last week of summer reading, but the kids here don't go back to school until the end of the month. I've loved being in a library that is vibrant and full of people, but I'm also ready for a slower pace and a less noisy work environment.
My home inspection went well and things are moving along nicely. I'm having fun planning some kitchen updates and now I'm itching to get started.
SIL and I are heading to the farmers market tonight and I'm hoping to get some delicious tomatoes and fruits for cobblers! Have a great weekend, friends ❤
I'll say it here because my public spaces have a lot of people who would be quite upset with me, but I got to preach two Sundays! That's a huge thing for this girl who was raised suuuuper Church of Christ. My new faith community is so lovely and supportive and I wouldn't have wanted to try preaching in front of anyone else.
And so excited to try the peach cobbler! This heat dome has been ridiculous and I refuse to cook real food.
So great Valerie! I’ve only been in the South for almost 5 yrs, but this MD-born Methodist is just amazed how many people don’t welcome women pastors with open arms. I’ve had female pastors since the 70’s. And I’m totally stealing the term “heat dome.” Texas friends, I have no idea how you do it!
My son is starting kindergarten too 🥹 he did full day 4K so I didn’t think the transition would be difficult, but I am definitely in my feelings this month!
On Monday I’ll be driving to Hilton Head, SC to meet up with my bff for the first time in 2 years! Does anyone in the area have any recommendations?
We don’t have kiddos, but I still love back to school season! It makes me feel like I can start over and be someone new. But one of my coworkers in MS said their kids went back on July 27th!!!! That seems hostile.
Can’t wait to catch up in the comments! Love y’all so much!!!
Oh I hope you have such a wonderful time! This is not a recommendation (I haven't been to HH), but I have been collecting Salty Dog shirts for each person in my family as I find them at Goodwill over the years, in the hopes that one day we will visit HH and go there to eat. Their little doggy logo is so cute. If you do happen to eat there, report back! :)
I made the newsletter! I'm so happy! (P.S. Great work, as always. One of my favourite clicks on a Friday, always. xo)
I made something called Tennessee Peach Pudding this week and with vanilla ice cream on the top it was divine. I don’t know what makes it from “Tennessee” but it’s easy and delicious!
Hi, all!
Like many of you, I have mixed feelings about the back-to-school season. We desperately need the structure, but I'm also sending my youngest off to her senior year of high school and it's hitting much harder than I expected. Shew! Didn't see that coming. I guess I also have mixed feelings about an empty nest. We're definitely in a weird phase of parenting.
By the way, I'm apparenlty a weirdo but we love Worchestershire sauce around here. As in, I buy the jumbo two pack at Costco and we use it all up. Great in meatloaf and steak-type dishes. Highly recommend!
In the meantime, I'm working through a discernment process in terms of next steps in ministry as I'm wrapping up my MDiv. When I began seminary, I assumed I'd be preaching in my current congregation, but about six months ago, my senior pastor let me know they would not be updating my staff role to some sort of associate pastor. I do preach but I guess he has a different vision now. All that is to say that discernment is exhausting. My brain is tired from doing the work.
Sending love to all the kindergarten mamas! You can do it! <3
We made it back home from our month-long trip to the Maritimes (east coast of 🇨🇦) and I’ve never been so happy to sleep in my own bed in my life! One of the best parts of the trip was the side holiday my husband, son and I took to Prince Edward Island, which might be the most magical place on earth. Getting some time just the three of us in the middle of all the visiting was much needed, and standing in the ocean resets my soul in a way nothing else can. And I was absolutely delighted that my son’s two buddies (20 and 22) did a fantastic job house/dog sitting for us. Our dog was happy, they left the house spotless, and kept all of my plants alive! Honestly, one of those boys has a secret green thumb because all my houseplants are blooming - yay! Went back to work already and remembered all of my passwords so that was a bonus. School doesn’t start here until just before Labour Day so we’re planning some fun day trips and activities for the next month. Gotta enjoy all the sunshine and warm weather before we spend another 8 months hunkered down inside!
We got back Wednesday from a week in Maine and my golly I love that place. We saw puffins! And seals! And the wedding of two 18-year-olds who probably could've stood to wait a few more years!
This summer has been moving at the pace of a herd of agitated hippos, and I am so ready for school to start again and impose some boundaries. And so I can can take a day off work and be in my house by myself. Only one more week!
Hi friends! I hope that you all are doing well.
My new job has started to feel more like a rhythm so I am very grateful for that since I am a person that thrives on structure. I have been shamelessly listening to The Popcast while I work (it's a work from home situation) and the laughter that that show has given me is definitely a gift.
The raspberries are coming into their own over here and we are expecting an even bigger crop than we had in the spring so thoughts, prayers for no bee stings, and recipes are welcome!
I am reading The Duke and I by Julia Quinn (the book inspiration for Shondaland's Bridgerton and I love it. I will post a review on Instagram and Goodreads when I am finished.
Have the best weekend available to you!
I have loved that series every since it first published back in 2000! I have reread this series more times than I can count and have all the original book covers! I hope that you will love the whole series too!
Same!
I found out two weeks ago that I'm being laid off from a job I love. It's been a tough couple of weeks. I've applied to 20 jobs and have gotten 3 reject emails and had a phone interview yesterday. The phone interview went well, and I'm being pushed through to the next phase which was a take home assignment. The assignment might be a little challenging, but I'm going to do my best.
I feel lucky that I'm married and my husband has income that is still coming in. He works in sales though, so his salary isn't always consistent and I still need to have an income in order for us to long term be able to pay bills. However, the best treasure of all was when last week he was looking ahead at what his commission check might look like (which he receives on Aug 15)...turns out it just so happens to be the highest commission check he's ever gotten at this company. August 15th is the last paycheck I get until I find another job. Although we still are stressed, I feel reassured that this commission check coming in this month is no coincidence. God knew I'd be laid off. He also knew that my husband would receive his highest commission check. Although I know that God's provision doesn't always look like getting the money you need, and sometimes it just means surviving another day when you didn't think you would, I feel completely humbled and grateful in this moment.
I don't comment on here as much as I use to when Erin started the newsletter, but I wanted to share this in case anyone else is in a similar spot in life. When life happens to you unexpectedly, and your days are consumed with the "what ifs" and worrying about what the future will look like. I hope you feel held, and I hope you feel God's provision for you even in the small things. I hope a friend calls you when you need it most, someone pays for your coffee in the drive thru, that insurance check comes in the mail at the perfect time, a stranger smiles at you when you're feeling low, or you finally get that job offer you've been waiting for. Happy Friday friends. <3
Praying for you to find a job that you love even more and that it happens quickly.
Thinking of you and your job search, and hoping you find something that is a great fit for you soon!
Lillian, I'm so sorry about this. Where do you live and what kind of job are you looking for?
Thanks so much Lauren. I live in Dallas, but am applying to jobs all over if they allow remote work. I worked from home at my previous job, and loved the flexibility and not having to commute in the Dallas traffic, so if I worked for a local company I'd love to at least be able to work hybrid! I've worked in account management/client phasing roles within the tech industry throughout the last 7 years of my career. My most recent role I was the Director of Business Development and Client Experience for a software development agency. I was able to wear a lot of different hats in the two years I worked there, so I've been applying to customer success/client management roles along with project or product management roles. I'm trying to stay away from full on sales roles, as I did sales for 5 years and enjoy and thrive in the relationship building that comes with clients or customers in that "post sale" stage much more.
My ultimate not-treasure that happened to me this week was realizing I developed an allergy to peaches! All of last week the inside of my mouth was inflamed and in pain and I couldn't figure out why, then this week I ate a peach for breakfast and my lips got so swollen that I knew it had to be the peach - there was also peach in the smoothie blend I had been drinking the week before, so culprit found. I'm so bummed though! I ate sliced peaches as part of a salad a few weeks ago and was fine so I don't know what happened!
Actual treasures:
This 1988 morning show TV review of the "new" restaurant Olive Garden made me giggle so much. 2.5 stars! https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cvcx5tXtEC7/
I saw Barbie last weekend with some friends and loved it so much! We had a little pool party at my building after the movie and it was just the nicest day together! If you've seen Barbie and love the Real Housewives, you're in for a treat with this one. I will petition to make this an alternate ending to the movie. When it gets to Dorinda doing "CLIP!" I absolutely lost it: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvfDe2etrHg/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
For some reason I was surprised that they've been using the same kind of salad bowls for 30 years. Also, if you control for inflation, the price of the Tour of Italy is basically the same now as it was then, so good job to them, I guess.
Grace! I'm allergic to peaches too! And all stone fruit for that matter. It's the pits (no pun intended lol). I found out when I was in middle school, so I've had enough time to mourn but summer peaches still sting every year for me when I go to the store and can smell them permeating throughout the produce section. My particular allergy is what they call an "oral" allergy, meaning, I developed an allergy to stone fruit because I am allergic to the pollen from the trees they come from. I recently found out that if I would have gotten allergy shots, I probably wouldn't have developed this allergy. It started with apples and then over the years spread to others like peaches, pears, nectarines, cherries, and plums. Might be worth going to an allergist to see if there's anyway to prevent developing an allergy to other fruits (if it is a similar type allergy to mine). The good (ish) news is that, if the fruit is processed (cooked or canned) the allergy symptoms are non existent. So I will occasionally still get a CFA peach milkshake but overall I just avoid them all together especially if I don't know how "processed" the fruit is.
Oh my goodness, the pollen?! That’s crazy. Definitely going to check out the allergist route, thank you Lillian!
Erin, HMU if you need a pit stop in Little Rock :) Have fun at your family reunion!!!
I am back to work this week (teacher inservice) and I’m glad to be back in the routine! I received a classroom grant from Sharon McMahon, which was amazing! I’m excited to get my classroom ready with new books and supplies.
Yay! Love her grants! Another governerd here! Have a smooth school year!
Hello fellow Governerd! Congratulations! Thank you for teaching!
Also adding that my first born is heading to kindergarten too! I am so excited for her.
I was just thinking about how I have almost used up a bottle of Worcestershire sauce and that I should find more uses for it. I use it for a few marinades, those baked ham and cheese sliders with Hawaiian rolls, and one or two soups 🤷🏻♀️ and the Walmart brand is $1! Such a versatile, underrated condiment IMO
We use it all the time!
Congratulations on your pay raise earned by keeping your final child alive until age 5! How will you treat yo self?!? T-minus 3 years until our daycare-eliminated-raise.
This is my first fall since I was a wee babe that I'm not going back to school. I'm not teaching, I'm not taking classing, there is nothing school related for this girl and it is wild! School has been such a big part of my life, but seeing other teachers back to school posts are just confirming that the library is the place for me.
We're entering our last week of summer reading, but the kids here don't go back to school until the end of the month. I've loved being in a library that is vibrant and full of people, but I'm also ready for a slower pace and a less noisy work environment.
My home inspection went well and things are moving along nicely. I'm having fun planning some kitchen updates and now I'm itching to get started.
SIL and I are heading to the farmers market tonight and I'm hoping to get some delicious tomatoes and fruits for cobblers! Have a great weekend, friends ❤
Yay on your home inspection! so exciting
I'll say it here because my public spaces have a lot of people who would be quite upset with me, but I got to preach two Sundays! That's a huge thing for this girl who was raised suuuuper Church of Christ. My new faith community is so lovely and supportive and I wouldn't have wanted to try preaching in front of anyone else.
And so excited to try the peach cobbler! This heat dome has been ridiculous and I refuse to cook real food.
Well done on the preaching!
So great Valerie! I’ve only been in the South for almost 5 yrs, but this MD-born Methodist is just amazed how many people don’t welcome women pastors with open arms. I’ve had female pastors since the 70’s. And I’m totally stealing the term “heat dome.” Texas friends, I have no idea how you do it!
I wish I could take credit for heat dome but it’s what the weatherman calls it.
Way to go, Valerie!
That is so awesome, Valerie! Way to go!
My son is starting kindergarten too 🥹 he did full day 4K so I didn’t think the transition would be difficult, but I am definitely in my feelings this month!
Morning, Swipes!!!
On Monday I’ll be driving to Hilton Head, SC to meet up with my bff for the first time in 2 years! Does anyone in the area have any recommendations?
We don’t have kiddos, but I still love back to school season! It makes me feel like I can start over and be someone new. But one of my coworkers in MS said their kids went back on July 27th!!!! That seems hostile.
Can’t wait to catch up in the comments! Love y’all so much!!!
Side trip to the small, cozy town of Bluffton is a treat! They have an adorable children’s bookstore.
Oh I hope you have such a wonderful time! This is not a recommendation (I haven't been to HH), but I have been collecting Salty Dog shirts for each person in my family as I find them at Goodwill over the years, in the hopes that one day we will visit HH and go there to eat. Their little doggy logo is so cute. If you do happen to eat there, report back! :)