Friends, framily, fellow humans: I must confess something. The treasures are few this week because I am working on a project that I desperately want to share with you (AND I WILL), but I can’t yet. But I have been head down, thumbs up this past month and a half, trying to get my ducks in a row (wow lots of metaphor here today). I really hate when people are like, OH MY GOSH I AM SO EXCITED TO SHARE BUT I CAN’T SO SAD, but what’s more on-brand for 2020 than becoming what you loathe? But I feel as though I need to justify my lack of attention here (even though we’re all chill here and that’s a truly insane thing for me to feel #therapy), so that’s why I’m telling you. But I think you’re gonna like it.
But enough about that.
For now.
We’ll come back to it later.
😭 Do you need to hack your crying again this week? May I suggest this write-up on John Lewis cosplaying as his younger self and leading kids on a march around Comic-Con? Stick a fork in me because I am absolutely done.
🩸 My friend Courtney posted about @zesty_ginger on Instagram this week, and I’m an IMMEDIATE fan. Already listening to the podcast and LEARNING SO MANY THINGS about m’lady parts.
🌳 Our beloved Lily, Our Lady of the Comment Section, sent me a picture this week of the crepe myrtles she planted at her mom and dad’s graves. Some of you remember that Lily’s mom passed away this year, and for the first time since her dad’s tree was planted, it’s blooming, buoyed and delighted by the presence of her mother’s tree. Doesn’t that just thrill you? It thrills me.
And some good tweets for the weekend:
I need someone to explain why I think this is so funny because I have not stopped thinking about it:
We have a birthday next week, so if you need me, I’ll just be crying over how my oldest could possibly be turning 11 and looking at pictures like this while listening to Stop This Train:
IT’S FINE. I’M FINE.
Okay pals. I am reading your treasures and turds, and I’m trying to dip in as much as possible. But something very fun is coming down the pipeline! I hope it’s a wonderful weekend.
Hello friends! I feel like we're friends, right? This is my first time posting. <3
Treasure of the week: I have had a little bit of relief from the daily chronic pain I deal with #disabledasheck. Listening to funny podcasts at work has also been a treasure, I've been saving this week's Popcast episode for when I really need a lift.
Turd: I've been feeling pretty lonely... I don't have very many friends, and the ones I do have live far away and/or are social distancing... which I support! especially as a high risk individual! But my extroverted soul is withering away. If anyone has tips for how to make friends, I'd appreciate it! And I miiiight download a dating app this weekend but we'll see ;)
Erin, How your oldest and youngest look so much alike I'll never understand!! So adorable!
Yall, Texas is hotter than hot. I'm currently sitting outside at a coffee shop (drinking beer because hot) cause stupid covid shut down inside places even though most of us were being good humans. I'm not bitter just sweaty!
I'm currently on an almost 4 week break from my part time nanny job which means my part time church job is full force. What are some thing your church has done during lockdown that you've loved? I'd love to hear some new ideas on how to reach kids and teens!
I turned 36 in June and finally feel like I'm ready to start dating again, its been awhile! Help me, people!!!
My treasure this week is hiking. I've ventured out on a few over the last few weeks and I cannot express what it's done for my mental and emotional health. To be able to get out of the house, move my body, get some fresh air, and be in nature is WONDERFUL. I try out a new trail each time and today's was by far my favorite so far. Then I went for my usual post-hike peach milkshake and CFA gave me an EXTRA FRY with my meal!
My best friend is also coming over for dinner tonight. We're gonna eat pasta and bread and drink wine and fill each other in on our quarantine lives.
I have been reading these since Day 1, but I am a first time thread commenter (that's not actually a word, is it?) This is one of the highlights of my week... so thank you Erin for giving us this!
I am honestly here to ask an important question that I think every time I read the thread - should I get on dating apps? How do we feel?
I'll share some treasures and turds while I am here:
Turds:
-I have been dogsitting for nine days, and the air conditioner went out! Somehow I got tasked with talking to the landlord of a house I don't even live in... and she was rude to me!
- I am a teacher and my school district has the AUDACITY to pay teachers all 3 months of summer pay in June. I got paid in June and won't be paid again until September. It's rude of them to do that because I want to ball out with my money and am historically not a great money decision maker. I am sitting here trying to convince myself to eat the tuna I have here instead of going to grab something for lunch.
- I have an appointment with a new gynecologist on Monday. These things always stress me out. I have PCOS and was diagnosed when I was 15 so I have had to deal with them forever. My first Pap was when I was 21 and it was a traumatic experience. I have had 2 more since then and they were fine but I can never shake how bad the first one was.
Treasures:
- I got my hair done yesterday and it looks BOMB. I keep sending people pictures so they will compliment me.
- Taylor's new album came out. The line in "exile" when they say "I think I've seen this film before and I didn't like the ending." Cuts me deep and no one (besides America and society) has broken my heart lately... yet I still feel it in my soul. Also the line, "She had a marvelous time ruining everything" needs to be tatooed on my body.
- Since it has just been me and the dog here, I have gotten to watch a lot of movies and Tik Tok... no complaints there!
Its wild that there's such a strong through line of grief in this thread -- its almost as if we as a people are collectively grieving that which we've lost [insert: normalcy, jobs, time to ourselves, loved ones, reliable information from informed leadership] you know, the basics. I join those of you who are grieving the recent-ish loss of a parent. As a 37 yo woman, I go back and forth on the daily between "I'm actually relieved Mom is not here to have to live through this chaos" and "I just want my Mommy to make it better!" I listened to Brene Brown's podcast this week from Mar 31 - "On Grief and Finding Meaning". Its good to hear people put words to the emotions I can't identify in myself. And the expert she is talking to, David Kessler, does address this collective grief we are all going through. I wouldn't say its a rip-roaring good time, but it was good for my soul to hear.
On a related note, Brene had also recommended the Hulu show "Normal People" in another episode and I jumped on board quickly. This is based on Sally Rooney's book of the same name - true confession, I have not read the book. But I LOVE this show. Mature Audiences alert - there's a lot of sessy time, in the words of Jamie B. Golden. And many body parts. So if that's not your jam, you have been forewarned. xo
" but what’s more on-brand for 2020 than becoming what you loathe"
I have caught myself, repeatedly, sending Slack messages to my co-workers to let them know that I have sent them an email, which always include: "I am becoming the boss I always hated."
- Taylor Swift's new album - she's really out here doing it
- The nuance with which Erin, Jamie, and Knox tackled the whole John Crist issue and church of the Spaghetti Monster just felt like a huge breath of fresh air this week. Thank you for that.
- It's week #who knows of repeatedly listening to the Hamilton soundtrack while completing assignments and analyzing school data. I'm still not tired of it 😂On this note, a friend and I conversation about Lin Manuel Miranda's utilization of the line "but I'm not afraid, I know who I married" in act one and two that just slayed me.
- I bought a face shield for when we go back to teaching so my kids can see me smile if need be, and there is just no way to look at myself in it without laughing. It has big "cone of shame" energy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWU5M1q0WqU
Turds:
- In a follow up from our Governor shaming and manipulating teachers last week about getting back to face to face instruction so we can care for vulnerable students. He choose to give 32 million in discretionary funds to private institutions in the form of "grants" to private institutions; highlighting that his previous agenda was only horrible lip service. Please note that my issue with this is not parent choice, private schools, or homeschooling - I've benefitted from all of those and public education. I also firmly believe that each family just have the right to choose the best option for them and their family. (guess my enneagram number based on those two sentences 😂)
- One week left in my Master's program and I'm feeling like it is never going to end. My brain is feeling fried from creating action plans for schools and teachers based upon what feels like 15,000 sources of data.
Thank you all for the laughs, smiles, and amens this comment thread provides every week ❤️
Tomorrow I am the best lady in a Covid wedding (God forbid I be a matron.) it’s bittersweet. Their wedding feels like a bright spot in a really dark world but it’s sad that it’ll just be their immediate family and the bridal party in her parents’ backyard. She did every precaution and I feel safe about it, which I’m grateful for. Regardless, we are self-quarantining afterwards with a week at a beach cabin! Also excuse for a vacation! Whoop whoop!
Also, I like Erin’s newsletter of course, but man the comments are true treasures and I enjoy reading all of them and getting to know you all.
Finally - the crepe myrtle trees. I can’t even! What a beautiful sign of love.
Erin H Moon! I'm so excited for the suprise "Thing" that you are working on and cannot wait to celebrate once its announced!! 🙌🥳
🏡 Giant TURD for me this week: I'm set to close on a new construction condo in September, only to JUST now find out that I can't get financing because the building has too much commercial space. Gals- I've talked to so many lawyers and lenders this week my brain hurts. I'm heart broken and devastated to think that trying to get my 20% down payment back and walking away is my best bet. I'll take any advice or prayers if you're into that.
😷 Taking a mental day off work to process my feelings and catch up on my favorite podcasts
👪 Also strongly considering taking a trip to stay with my parents (an hr away) just for a change of scenery, is this the definition of insanity?
📚 Read Ask Again, Yes this month and I'm still thinking about it. Why do I wait so long to pick up hyped books?
📺 Started binging Schitt's Creek and where has this been all my life? #TeamDavid The Trivia episode in S1 is still my very favorite as I'm coasting through S3.
I LOVE Zesty Ginger! I’ve been following them for a couple years and have learned so much.
Treasures/things I’m thankful for:
-Still forever grateful for my new apartment and having a best friend just a few steps away to share life with during these strange pandemic times.
-Our library recently started opening for curbside pickups! I hate e-books and have been desperate for a good physical book to dive into because I have been watching way too much TV in my free time. Recommendations welcome (not a sci-fi/fantasy fan)!
-The boy and I are official! It’s been a whirlwind few weeks and I still can’t quite wrap my head around all that’s lead to this (especially in the middle of a pandemic), but it is good. ☺️
-Concealer
-Steak
Unsure:
-This doesn’t belong in either the treasure or turd category yet, so here’s an in between. I had my interview for a new job on Tuesday. It went okay. I’m never confident in interviews, even for my current job when it was just a formality. I either feel like I for sure tanked, or I feel okay about them. So, I feel okay about this one. Having it over Zoom was strange and added an additional layer of uncertainty. I’ll find out about next steps (if any) early next week. I do really want the job, but if I don’t get it, I still have one, so it’ll be fine. This may motivate me to continue searching If I don’t get it, rather than just feeling stuck at my current job with no direction of a way out like I’ve felt for a long time.
Turds:
-I only have a window AC in my living room, and that’s about the only spot in the house it keeps cool. I spend most of my time there, which is why it’s placed there, but my bedroom has been sweltering at night even with the fan on full blast and window open. Not great for someone who already sleeps hot. I’m considering getting a second unit for my bedroom, but $$$.
-My work computer has been dumb all week and frustrating me to no end. That is all.
Also, I just have to say that popping on here and reading through the comments seriously makes my dull Fridays so much better!
Ugh it’s been a REAL turd week. My mom has s4 breast cancer (3 years since diagnosis) + mental illness (at least our lifetime)...oh and high blood pressure and diabetes, none of which she regularly treats so that all came to a head and we thought at the brink of death the past few days. My sister and I have been adulting her since we were 13/14 and we are just exhausted and it’s just the most impossible situation to navigate under any circumstances but also COVID and school decisions and now my FIL is entering palliative care and I just want to crawl under a pile of weighted blankets until it all resolves.
Instead I’m adulting with Hamilton as the sound track (“It takes and it takes and it takes” has never been more relatable).
BUT I did rediscover the treasure that is Millionaire American Princesses on Amazon Prime! Only a couple of episodes are free but I’m pretty sure whatever dollars it cost to release the entire series is worth a small bright spot.
I took this week off, and I've been reading. I finished two books I've been reading since before the library closed in March! Invisible Women: Data Bias In A World Designed For Men by Caroline Criado Perez. Girlfriend definitely has an axe to grind, but her theme is legit. Did you know all driver's seat crash test dummies are based on the average male body?
Book two was Path to Power by Robert Caro, the first 700-page book in a series of five on the life of Lyndon Johnson. Guys. Power-hungry narcissists in Washington is not a new thing. Who knew?
And then! I read Mexican Gothic. It starts out like Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier, but ends up more in Dracula territory. There's some sexual violence (trigger warning), but it's not pervasive - I skimmed past it. I don't generally like scary books, but it was delicious after all the nonfiction.
Lily, I got immediate chills reading that your dad’s tree finally bloomed. How wonderful and touching.
I finished reading an advanced copy of The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi last night. It has some really practical principles and tips to make your life easier when it comes to things like laundry and cooking, but even deeper things like friendships and the way you view yourself. Just so y’all know, I love Kendra and all of the content she produces, but this book really spoke to my soul and helped me realize some new things about myself. AND in the acknowledgements section at the end, she thanked Jamie Golden, Knox McCoy, and Erin, and I was like YES MY PEOPLE 😭 (who I don’t actually know but am so glad I found on the Explore page on IG). So this book is my favorite treasure this week.
When I can tell that *the feelings* have built up and I need a good cathartic cry my go-to’s are:
Soldiers coming home (bonus if they’re meeting their baby for the first time 😭)
Kids asking their bonus parent to adopt them because “They’re the only father/mother they’ve ever known”
Warning: these are highly, almost too affective. Use only late at night when you know you won’t have to look at anyone with puffy eyes and say “I’m ok, I was watching videos of soldiers coming home and couldn’t stop crying” like i did at work last week.
Hi everyone. I have had a super turd week. Real stuff. Hard stuff. A dear family friend passed away unexpectedly (heart attack). I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis with a lupus overlap. And I’m a school administrator (so...you know).
I have an AMAZING support system (starting with my husband) of family and friends, but have felt terribly lonely this week. It’s kind of like you want to protect your people from the wreck you are, and even then they are looking right at your wreck.
Lily, that crepe myrtle did my heart good. What a sign of hope! And I love that you’re literally a tree hugger. ❤️
Schitt’s Creek was my treasure this week. I love the Roses. 🌹
Another treasure is my 8 year old has learned to scramble eggs and is so proficient I’m letting him do it in the kitchen while I sip my coffee in bed. 🍳 ☕️
My husband brought me gorgeous sunflowers from TJ’s. I love the joy they bring. 🌻
I needed a place to share today. Thanks, Erin, for providing this space.
When you guys started quoting Jonathan Merritt this past week it was like all of my favorite circles were overlapping into a big happy place. Thank you for highlighting this excellent, intelligent, compassionate writer.
Not much to post here today, as I've honestly felt like I've hit a wall when comes to all things COVID, politics, and working from home. I also have two friends that just lost close family members this week and my heart is heavy. One lost a 20 year old brother, and the other lost her grandma...sometimes this world just feels cruel. Anyway, I have found my hope in a small truth that I was reminded of through a random Instagram story - there is room for our emotions in the Kingdom of God. As a Christian I needed that reminder that God isn't afraid of my emotions, but he feels them and welcomes them too. So if you're feeling heavy this week, I hope you feel Jesus welcoming you to the emotional and shamble show table. There's room for it all!
Hi, Swipes! These last two weeks have just.......taken a lot out of me. So I am very, VERY happy to have new Taylor to listen to and a couple hours at a coffee shop by myself. Is it weird to say I kind of love socially distancing at coffee shops? Two whole tables next to me HAVE to be empty? Yes, please.
Some treasures:
1) Starting to get a handle on things at my new job. I'm only working/training at the front desk one afternoon/week, and my hours will increase in a few weeks, but I'm glad for a chance to get oriented slowly. And I'll be adding counseling hours in the next month!
2) My husband and I got desperate and made a visual morning schedule for our 3-year-old, as well as printed our own schedules, and it has REVOLUTIONIZED our mornings. Not kidding, y'all. I'm really, really grateful for some consistency to our days, not to mention the fact that we actually spend time as a family of 4 now instead of just walking around each other as we attempt to get ready for the day. It's a grace I was not expecting, and while it's not always perfect, it is so good.
Good morning all from Minnesota....where I'm masked at my desk and wearing some verrrrry expensive lip balm (more on that in a bit)
So shall we just dive into all the things?
Treasures
1. Brownie brittle + PB: So I am not on team sweet, I am very much a team savory snacker but this week -- a piece of Sheila G's Brownie Brittle with a little schmear of peanut butter? it got me THROUGH
2. My son's baseball team FINALLY FOLLOWING THE DANG RULES -- guys. Yeah. It's happening. The coaches might make their sidebar comments and a couple moms decided to be really cute and loud whisper behind me about it "Parents were complaining" -- to which I turned around sweetly "If you want to talk about my complaints, you can actually talk TO me" -- they moved their chairs. Cute. But the rules and regulations set forth by our youth sports association are being FOLLOWED. YUP.
3. Sophie Hudson's facebook book club continues to be a delight
4. My dad is visiting tomorrow! YAY!!!!
5. Some free fancy schmancy lip balm - Okay let's be clear I did NOT buy this for myself. But where I work (I work at a manufacturing facility that is owned by a company that rhymes with Schmesstee Plauderrrr, and Shmesteeee Plauuuder owns a lot of companies) we are testing lines to see if we can fill a certain very high level brand's existing lip balm. They were doing some test runs and I got to get one of those samples off the line. Would I pay $65 for this? Heck no. But is it nice to have something for freesies? Yep. Do I often get asked to try a product here or there and share my thoughts? Sometimes. It is a very nice perk.
6. Giggling voicemessages to fellow swiper Danielle re: Zac Efron show. (laughs) Loved that exchange between us this week.
7. Signs are a thing you guys. I have a story. So, Weds I finally ordered a ring that will contain some of my mother's ashes. I know, this might seem like an odd treasure. But just like Lily has her beautiful tree, I am moving forward with finding ways to FINALLY move forward on my grief path* -- I have been looking for different jewelry makers and found this one: https://annnicolepreservations.com/ -- I am specifically ordering this ring: https://annnicolepreservations.com/product/kimberly-sue-glass-cremation-jewelry/
And the color of glass I picked is called Gold Coast and I picked it due to my mom's love for Hawaii. She would spend weeks there each year and wanted to move there "someday" which my sister and I joked kept moving out since we had kids and she loved being a Gramma available at a moments notice for us. But when she'd go rent the same house in Kona each year it was a week (or 3) that would bring her so much joy.
So the moment.
The sign.
I was finishing my order of this ring while at the office on my lunch break....we have Muzak piped in on our side of the building. The SECOND I hit complete order. This song started to play.
Cue me bursting into tears at my desk and calling my sister to tell her what happened. And she told ME about a moment she had over the 4th when she was at her lake cabin and was on her boat and was thinking of Mom while watching the water and another boater came by and that same song was on. Signs are a thing.
*Today marks the 5 year date of my Mom's ALS diagnosis. Sadly, her battle was very short (122 days)....but I'm reaching a place on my grief path where I am finally (FINALLLYYY) wanting to do more for those also in grief. Call it another sign, but lately I have been feeling this urge to want to find why there aren't more advocates for grief. Support groups I get, therapy I get. But did you know only ONE state in our country has statutes defined for bereavement leave? All others, your employer gets to determine your time off for bereavement. I want to understand why finally in the 21st century more time is given for those becoming new parents, but the bars are still so low for time you receive losing those you love. Are there grief lobbyists? Can this be a thing? Sorry, this now is me babbling.
I think I have rambled on a lot here.
But love to you all
Mel
ps - Erin: I cannot wait to hear about this new venture!!!
Treasures this week are very inside baseball for our fam: the babies went to daycare this week and are doing great, momma and daddy are enjoying quiet WFH, both babies have slept through the night this week, and the toddler has stopped throwing a fit about going to the potty as soon as we get home and goes quietly and cheerfully now, for the most part.
Thanks for everyone sharing their favorite TikToks. It's a great way to start my Friday morning!
Just so you know how you have been the light of my life Erin: I work at a psychiatric office. Our office is in a complex that shares a wall with a little-old-lady type Salon. The salon has been there for 20 years, we have been in this office for 3 whole weeks. I do believe I have scared the bejesus out of those ladies with my off-key renditions of "Say No to This" from Hamilton and today, my loud gaffaws over that supidly great bird video (I have watched it multiple times). You should see the looks I get as I go unlock the front door in the morning. It gives me so much joy to cause such fear and confusion in these blue-haired octogenarians.
I've been in a fiction rut, so I picked up The Bakeshop Mystery series by Ellie Alexander. I now want to visit Ashland, Oregon as soon as I can travel, and I want to bake all of the things. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21853681-meet-your-baker
Speaking of baking, I made Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread from the cookbook Midwest Made and my husband told me "this tastes like the best lava cake" so it was a big win. I checked out the cookbook from my library, but now I'm going to be purchasing. This is how my cookbook collection gets out of hand...
Finally, I am signed up for @busymamabookclub's summer book swap and I am SO excited to shop for my swap buddy. Shopping for books for people is so much fun to me. Maybe we need to start a Lil' Swipes book swap...
This week was a bit of a hot mess (hello extra mood-swingy toddler) but these were the treasures that helped make it work:
-Audio books. When I used to commute for work I was all about them and then slowly podcasts took over for books and I forgot that I loved them. Ironically a podcast, “Phoebe Reads a Mystery” got me back into them. On this podcast Phoebe Judge (ala Criminal Podcast fame) reads classic mystery detective novels, one chapter a day. Her voice is immensely soothing and the cozy British novels from Agatha Christie, Wilkie Collins etc., have been such a great listen.
-The book “The Heir Affair” by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan (The Fug Girls). It is the sequel to “The Royal We.” I am about 50% through, and it has been so fun catching up with Bex and Nick.
-Watermelon Smoothie: Combine fresh and frozen watermelon, the juice of one lime, mint leaves, honey, and a dash of salt in a blender. It is such a refreshing treat on hot summer afternoons.
My Mom’s 65th birthday is Sunday. It will be her first without my Dad, who passed away from renal cancer in January. I am trying to make it a happy day while geographically separated—thanks Covid. Wishing for all of us moments of celebration this weekend no matter our current circumstances.
Now follow Zesty ginger cause, YAS to feminine mysteries being less mysterious!!!
I have a short workday today (Because of fun work related stuffs I have to do tomorrow) which means i have a day of reading in my new hammock ahead - followed by making dinner with my Boy (who continues to be my favorite Treasure, the gemiest gem to ever gem.)
I gave myself a COVID cut Wednesday, and now I have a pretty spiffy (if not a teensy bit uneven) lob, and the sheer act of snipping away at my hair was sooo cathartic.
School. I’m so tired of thinking about it. Social distancing will not be a thing anymore in a few weeks and I just don’t know anymore. My brain feels like a website that keeps trying to load and the circle just spins and spins and eventually it times out.
When I got out of bed a couple days ago, my youngest told me very sweetly that I looked like Hagrid’s wife, and I will never emotionally recover from this. Proud of his (unintentional) sick burn, motivated to get a haircut.
Hey, y'all! Like nearly every parent in the country, I spent A LOT of emotional energy deciding between our school district's fall options (modified in person or online), only to have the district send an email out the day after we decided saying "just kidding. Everyone is online for at least the first grading period and we'll reevaluate then." I'm not mad about it, but I am sad I wasted so much energy making a decision. I'm also once again just sad about...all of it. Blarg. HOWEVER. During our discussion on school for the fall, my husband told me that I kept acting like what I wanted to do didn't deserve to be on the pro/con list, but that what I wanted was also important to consider. I am always minimizing my wants (hello, Enneagram 9), so to have him call that out and tell me my opinion and feelings are important to consider...well, I have rarely felt more loved. Even if it was pointless in the end.
Another kind of random good thing for the week, is that I had a political discussion with my mom who thinks... differently about some things than I do. I HATE those kinds of conversations, but because it was my mom we both listened and shared like reasonable adults, and it was good practice at conversation with someone you disagree with.
Another personal treasure for the week was a two hour phone conversation with one of my closest friends (She lives in NC, I live in Texas). Let me tell you, I rarely like talking on the phone, but it was exactly what my soul needed.
Lots to be thankful for in the list this week. Thought I might add this TikTok if someone sing a Hamilton great over our beloved RBG. Made me smile on a day when it’s hard to get out of bed.
The only turd here was the very full of feelings 14 year old boy told me I was a terrible mother. Jokes on him he’s the third kid to tell me that so I’m not terrible concerned. It still stings a bit but I must remind myself that his feelings are his and not really a reflection on me.
Treasures: After almost 5 months of trying to figure out how to work from home, with all the kids home. I have cracked the code. It involves paying cash money to the older kids to watch the younger ones in two spurts!
This video has brought me so much joy! If I could figure out a way to share from some where else other than FB I would. I’m sorry in advance that you’ll have to go over to the dumpster fire that is FB.
Oh one more thing, my mom who has recently fallen hard into all the conspiracy theories like super hard, tried to explain the coin crisis to me. Telling me we were all about to be tracked. I then had to explain to her how her smart phone works! Which I then got a terrible case of the giggles , she got mad and hung on me!!
The most random treasure right now is my 22 mo old’s obsession with the song The Little Drummer Boy (which she became obsessed with probably at the very moment that Jamie was recording that she was canceling Christmas music). I’m honestly not 100% sure where she heard it for the first time- I think I may have started to panic sing it when I was trying to out-sing both my kids crying about something? She now keeps running up to me and saying “Mommy, sing pum pum pum” and requesting to watch it on YouTube when she’s tired of my version.
Literal turd at dinner last night. I usually try to not be looking at my phone too much while we’re at the table, but my friends are in the midst of trying to plan a meal for the memorial service for our dear friend’s father (who just passed away from Covid on Tuesday). Lots of texting and voxing and staring at my phone until my husband said “uh- what’s she eating?!” Looked over to see the 15 mo old is LITERALLY EATING POOP. A giant turd must have squeezed out the side of her diaper and down her leg, so, naturally, you put your hand in it and eat it... 😳🤢
I stayed up late watching Palm Springs (treasure) and was rewarded with getting this newsletter before sleeping. When I learned of John Lewis passing I could not stop crying. I loved him so much. I do not want to live in a world where someone else must take up the mantle of reminding me of all the hope and love and goodness that can exist in a person.
Hello friends! I feel like we're friends, right? This is my first time posting. <3
Treasure of the week: I have had a little bit of relief from the daily chronic pain I deal with #disabledasheck. Listening to funny podcasts at work has also been a treasure, I've been saving this week's Popcast episode for when I really need a lift.
Turd: I've been feeling pretty lonely... I don't have very many friends, and the ones I do have live far away and/or are social distancing... which I support! especially as a high risk individual! But my extroverted soul is withering away. If anyone has tips for how to make friends, I'd appreciate it! And I miiiight download a dating app this weekend but we'll see ;)
Erin, How your oldest and youngest look so much alike I'll never understand!! So adorable!
Yall, Texas is hotter than hot. I'm currently sitting outside at a coffee shop (drinking beer because hot) cause stupid covid shut down inside places even though most of us were being good humans. I'm not bitter just sweaty!
I'm currently on an almost 4 week break from my part time nanny job which means my part time church job is full force. What are some thing your church has done during lockdown that you've loved? I'd love to hear some new ideas on how to reach kids and teens!
I turned 36 in June and finally feel like I'm ready to start dating again, its been awhile! Help me, people!!!
My treasure this week is hiking. I've ventured out on a few over the last few weeks and I cannot express what it's done for my mental and emotional health. To be able to get out of the house, move my body, get some fresh air, and be in nature is WONDERFUL. I try out a new trail each time and today's was by far my favorite so far. Then I went for my usual post-hike peach milkshake and CFA gave me an EXTRA FRY with my meal!
My best friend is also coming over for dinner tonight. We're gonna eat pasta and bread and drink wine and fill each other in on our quarantine lives.
I have been reading these since Day 1, but I am a first time thread commenter (that's not actually a word, is it?) This is one of the highlights of my week... so thank you Erin for giving us this!
I am honestly here to ask an important question that I think every time I read the thread - should I get on dating apps? How do we feel?
I'll share some treasures and turds while I am here:
Turds:
-I have been dogsitting for nine days, and the air conditioner went out! Somehow I got tasked with talking to the landlord of a house I don't even live in... and she was rude to me!
- I am a teacher and my school district has the AUDACITY to pay teachers all 3 months of summer pay in June. I got paid in June and won't be paid again until September. It's rude of them to do that because I want to ball out with my money and am historically not a great money decision maker. I am sitting here trying to convince myself to eat the tuna I have here instead of going to grab something for lunch.
- I have an appointment with a new gynecologist on Monday. These things always stress me out. I have PCOS and was diagnosed when I was 15 so I have had to deal with them forever. My first Pap was when I was 21 and it was a traumatic experience. I have had 2 more since then and they were fine but I can never shake how bad the first one was.
Treasures:
- I got my hair done yesterday and it looks BOMB. I keep sending people pictures so they will compliment me.
- Taylor's new album came out. The line in "exile" when they say "I think I've seen this film before and I didn't like the ending." Cuts me deep and no one (besides America and society) has broken my heart lately... yet I still feel it in my soul. Also the line, "She had a marvelous time ruining everything" needs to be tatooed on my body.
- Since it has just been me and the dog here, I have gotten to watch a lot of movies and Tik Tok... no complaints there!
Its wild that there's such a strong through line of grief in this thread -- its almost as if we as a people are collectively grieving that which we've lost [insert: normalcy, jobs, time to ourselves, loved ones, reliable information from informed leadership] you know, the basics. I join those of you who are grieving the recent-ish loss of a parent. As a 37 yo woman, I go back and forth on the daily between "I'm actually relieved Mom is not here to have to live through this chaos" and "I just want my Mommy to make it better!" I listened to Brene Brown's podcast this week from Mar 31 - "On Grief and Finding Meaning". Its good to hear people put words to the emotions I can't identify in myself. And the expert she is talking to, David Kessler, does address this collective grief we are all going through. I wouldn't say its a rip-roaring good time, but it was good for my soul to hear.
On a related note, Brene had also recommended the Hulu show "Normal People" in another episode and I jumped on board quickly. This is based on Sally Rooney's book of the same name - true confession, I have not read the book. But I LOVE this show. Mature Audiences alert - there's a lot of sessy time, in the words of Jamie B. Golden. And many body parts. So if that's not your jam, you have been forewarned. xo
" but what’s more on-brand for 2020 than becoming what you loathe"
I have caught myself, repeatedly, sending Slack messages to my co-workers to let them know that I have sent them an email, which always include: "I am becoming the boss I always hated."
Good Morning, Swipes!
Treasures this week have been:
- Taylor Swift's new album - she's really out here doing it
- The nuance with which Erin, Jamie, and Knox tackled the whole John Crist issue and church of the Spaghetti Monster just felt like a huge breath of fresh air this week. Thank you for that.
- It's week #who knows of repeatedly listening to the Hamilton soundtrack while completing assignments and analyzing school data. I'm still not tired of it 😂On this note, a friend and I conversation about Lin Manuel Miranda's utilization of the line "but I'm not afraid, I know who I married" in act one and two that just slayed me.
- I bought a face shield for when we go back to teaching so my kids can see me smile if need be, and there is just no way to look at myself in it without laughing. It has big "cone of shame" energy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWU5M1q0WqU
Turds:
- In a follow up from our Governor shaming and manipulating teachers last week about getting back to face to face instruction so we can care for vulnerable students. He choose to give 32 million in discretionary funds to private institutions in the form of "grants" to private institutions; highlighting that his previous agenda was only horrible lip service. Please note that my issue with this is not parent choice, private schools, or homeschooling - I've benefitted from all of those and public education. I also firmly believe that each family just have the right to choose the best option for them and their family. (guess my enneagram number based on those two sentences 😂)
- One week left in my Master's program and I'm feeling like it is never going to end. My brain is feeling fried from creating action plans for schools and teachers based upon what feels like 15,000 sources of data.
Thank you all for the laughs, smiles, and amens this comment thread provides every week ❤️
I made cucumber basil agua Fresca. Highly recommended: https://pinchofyum.com/cucumber-agua-fresca#tasty-recipes-62917
Kate C Bowler is getting me through this pandemic and everything with her prayers and blessings.
This one. https://www.instagram.com/p/CC_ZP1NHkGs/?igshid=1urtaum6k3obr
Tomorrow I am the best lady in a Covid wedding (God forbid I be a matron.) it’s bittersweet. Their wedding feels like a bright spot in a really dark world but it’s sad that it’ll just be their immediate family and the bridal party in her parents’ backyard. She did every precaution and I feel safe about it, which I’m grateful for. Regardless, we are self-quarantining afterwards with a week at a beach cabin! Also excuse for a vacation! Whoop whoop!
Also, I like Erin’s newsletter of course, but man the comments are true treasures and I enjoy reading all of them and getting to know you all.
Finally - the crepe myrtle trees. I can’t even! What a beautiful sign of love.
Erin H Moon! I'm so excited for the suprise "Thing" that you are working on and cannot wait to celebrate once its announced!! 🙌🥳
🏡 Giant TURD for me this week: I'm set to close on a new construction condo in September, only to JUST now find out that I can't get financing because the building has too much commercial space. Gals- I've talked to so many lawyers and lenders this week my brain hurts. I'm heart broken and devastated to think that trying to get my 20% down payment back and walking away is my best bet. I'll take any advice or prayers if you're into that.
😷 Taking a mental day off work to process my feelings and catch up on my favorite podcasts
👪 Also strongly considering taking a trip to stay with my parents (an hr away) just for a change of scenery, is this the definition of insanity?
📚 Read Ask Again, Yes this month and I'm still thinking about it. Why do I wait so long to pick up hyped books?
📺 Started binging Schitt's Creek and where has this been all my life? #TeamDavid The Trivia episode in S1 is still my very favorite as I'm coasting through S3.
I LOVE Zesty Ginger! I’ve been following them for a couple years and have learned so much.
Treasures/things I’m thankful for:
-Still forever grateful for my new apartment and having a best friend just a few steps away to share life with during these strange pandemic times.
-Our library recently started opening for curbside pickups! I hate e-books and have been desperate for a good physical book to dive into because I have been watching way too much TV in my free time. Recommendations welcome (not a sci-fi/fantasy fan)!
-The boy and I are official! It’s been a whirlwind few weeks and I still can’t quite wrap my head around all that’s lead to this (especially in the middle of a pandemic), but it is good. ☺️
-Concealer
-Steak
Unsure:
-This doesn’t belong in either the treasure or turd category yet, so here’s an in between. I had my interview for a new job on Tuesday. It went okay. I’m never confident in interviews, even for my current job when it was just a formality. I either feel like I for sure tanked, or I feel okay about them. So, I feel okay about this one. Having it over Zoom was strange and added an additional layer of uncertainty. I’ll find out about next steps (if any) early next week. I do really want the job, but if I don’t get it, I still have one, so it’ll be fine. This may motivate me to continue searching If I don’t get it, rather than just feeling stuck at my current job with no direction of a way out like I’ve felt for a long time.
Turds:
-I only have a window AC in my living room, and that’s about the only spot in the house it keeps cool. I spend most of my time there, which is why it’s placed there, but my bedroom has been sweltering at night even with the fan on full blast and window open. Not great for someone who already sleeps hot. I’m considering getting a second unit for my bedroom, but $$$.
-My work computer has been dumb all week and frustrating me to no end. That is all.
Also, I just have to say that popping on here and reading through the comments seriously makes my dull Fridays so much better!
Ugh it’s been a REAL turd week. My mom has s4 breast cancer (3 years since diagnosis) + mental illness (at least our lifetime)...oh and high blood pressure and diabetes, none of which she regularly treats so that all came to a head and we thought at the brink of death the past few days. My sister and I have been adulting her since we were 13/14 and we are just exhausted and it’s just the most impossible situation to navigate under any circumstances but also COVID and school decisions and now my FIL is entering palliative care and I just want to crawl under a pile of weighted blankets until it all resolves.
Instead I’m adulting with Hamilton as the sound track (“It takes and it takes and it takes” has never been more relatable).
BUT I did rediscover the treasure that is Millionaire American Princesses on Amazon Prime! Only a couple of episodes are free but I’m pretty sure whatever dollars it cost to release the entire series is worth a small bright spot.
That pigeon thing is killing me. Thank you for that.
I finished the desk for my client! I'll go back in a couple weeks with a matching shelf and to install the hardware. I love my job, but I'm always glad when I finish up a project. https://www.instagram.com/p/CC12p8zl4My/?igshid=1439zxrh7wwuo
I took this week off, and I've been reading. I finished two books I've been reading since before the library closed in March! Invisible Women: Data Bias In A World Designed For Men by Caroline Criado Perez. Girlfriend definitely has an axe to grind, but her theme is legit. Did you know all driver's seat crash test dummies are based on the average male body?
Book two was Path to Power by Robert Caro, the first 700-page book in a series of five on the life of Lyndon Johnson. Guys. Power-hungry narcissists in Washington is not a new thing. Who knew?
And then! I read Mexican Gothic. It starts out like Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier, but ends up more in Dracula territory. There's some sexual violence (trigger warning), but it's not pervasive - I skimmed past it. I don't generally like scary books, but it was delicious after all the nonfiction.
This girl’s performance of an owl (?) in her high school play had me cracking up, y’all.
https://vm.tiktok.com/JFTMkTS/
Lily, I got immediate chills reading that your dad’s tree finally bloomed. How wonderful and touching.
I finished reading an advanced copy of The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi last night. It has some really practical principles and tips to make your life easier when it comes to things like laundry and cooking, but even deeper things like friendships and the way you view yourself. Just so y’all know, I love Kendra and all of the content she produces, but this book really spoke to my soul and helped me realize some new things about myself. AND in the acknowledgements section at the end, she thanked Jamie Golden, Knox McCoy, and Erin, and I was like YES MY PEOPLE 😭 (who I don’t actually know but am so glad I found on the Explore page on IG). So this book is my favorite treasure this week.
OMG-->GBBO IS COMING BACK! --> https://deadline.com/2020/07/the-great-british-bake-off-back-in-production-1202991744/
When I can tell that *the feelings* have built up and I need a good cathartic cry my go-to’s are:
Soldiers coming home (bonus if they’re meeting their baby for the first time 😭)
Kids asking their bonus parent to adopt them because “They’re the only father/mother they’ve ever known”
Warning: these are highly, almost too affective. Use only late at night when you know you won’t have to look at anyone with puffy eyes and say “I’m ok, I was watching videos of soldiers coming home and couldn’t stop crying” like i did at work last week.
Hi everyone. I have had a super turd week. Real stuff. Hard stuff. A dear family friend passed away unexpectedly (heart attack). I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis with a lupus overlap. And I’m a school administrator (so...you know).
I have an AMAZING support system (starting with my husband) of family and friends, but have felt terribly lonely this week. It’s kind of like you want to protect your people from the wreck you are, and even then they are looking right at your wreck.
Lily, that crepe myrtle did my heart good. What a sign of hope! And I love that you’re literally a tree hugger. ❤️
Schitt’s Creek was my treasure this week. I love the Roses. 🌹
Another treasure is my 8 year old has learned to scramble eggs and is so proficient I’m letting him do it in the kitchen while I sip my coffee in bed. 🍳 ☕️
My husband brought me gorgeous sunflowers from TJ’s. I love the joy they bring. 🌻
I needed a place to share today. Thanks, Erin, for providing this space.
When you guys started quoting Jonathan Merritt this past week it was like all of my favorite circles were overlapping into a big happy place. Thank you for highlighting this excellent, intelligent, compassionate writer.
Not much to post here today, as I've honestly felt like I've hit a wall when comes to all things COVID, politics, and working from home. I also have two friends that just lost close family members this week and my heart is heavy. One lost a 20 year old brother, and the other lost her grandma...sometimes this world just feels cruel. Anyway, I have found my hope in a small truth that I was reminded of through a random Instagram story - there is room for our emotions in the Kingdom of God. As a Christian I needed that reminder that God isn't afraid of my emotions, but he feels them and welcomes them too. So if you're feeling heavy this week, I hope you feel Jesus welcoming you to the emotional and shamble show table. There's room for it all!
Hi, Swipes! These last two weeks have just.......taken a lot out of me. So I am very, VERY happy to have new Taylor to listen to and a couple hours at a coffee shop by myself. Is it weird to say I kind of love socially distancing at coffee shops? Two whole tables next to me HAVE to be empty? Yes, please.
Some treasures:
1) Starting to get a handle on things at my new job. I'm only working/training at the front desk one afternoon/week, and my hours will increase in a few weeks, but I'm glad for a chance to get oriented slowly. And I'll be adding counseling hours in the next month!
2) My husband and I got desperate and made a visual morning schedule for our 3-year-old, as well as printed our own schedules, and it has REVOLUTIONIZED our mornings. Not kidding, y'all. I'm really, really grateful for some consistency to our days, not to mention the fact that we actually spend time as a family of 4 now instead of just walking around each other as we attempt to get ready for the day. It's a grace I was not expecting, and while it's not always perfect, it is so good.
3) I won a BeautyCounter giveaway and got a free lipstick, so that's a real treat. This is what I picked: https://www.beautycounter.com/product/multi-color-lipstick/variant-414
4) My friend sent me this post about a medical student who created a handbook for dermatologists to identify disease symptoms on darker skin, and I mean, 😭💗: https://www.instagram.com/p/CCkQNlIgExE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Hope you all have a wonderful (folklore-filled (if you're a Taylor fan 😁)) weekend!
Good morning all from Minnesota....where I'm masked at my desk and wearing some verrrrry expensive lip balm (more on that in a bit)
So shall we just dive into all the things?
Treasures
1. Brownie brittle + PB: So I am not on team sweet, I am very much a team savory snacker but this week -- a piece of Sheila G's Brownie Brittle with a little schmear of peanut butter? it got me THROUGH
2. My son's baseball team FINALLY FOLLOWING THE DANG RULES -- guys. Yeah. It's happening. The coaches might make their sidebar comments and a couple moms decided to be really cute and loud whisper behind me about it "Parents were complaining" -- to which I turned around sweetly "If you want to talk about my complaints, you can actually talk TO me" -- they moved their chairs. Cute. But the rules and regulations set forth by our youth sports association are being FOLLOWED. YUP.
3. Sophie Hudson's facebook book club continues to be a delight
4. My dad is visiting tomorrow! YAY!!!!
5. Some free fancy schmancy lip balm - Okay let's be clear I did NOT buy this for myself. But where I work (I work at a manufacturing facility that is owned by a company that rhymes with Schmesstee Plauderrrr, and Shmesteeee Plauuuder owns a lot of companies) we are testing lines to see if we can fill a certain very high level brand's existing lip balm. They were doing some test runs and I got to get one of those samples off the line. Would I pay $65 for this? Heck no. But is it nice to have something for freesies? Yep. Do I often get asked to try a product here or there and share my thoughts? Sometimes. It is a very nice perk.
6. Giggling voicemessages to fellow swiper Danielle re: Zac Efron show. (laughs) Loved that exchange between us this week.
7. Signs are a thing you guys. I have a story. So, Weds I finally ordered a ring that will contain some of my mother's ashes. I know, this might seem like an odd treasure. But just like Lily has her beautiful tree, I am moving forward with finding ways to FINALLY move forward on my grief path* -- I have been looking for different jewelry makers and found this one: https://annnicolepreservations.com/ -- I am specifically ordering this ring: https://annnicolepreservations.com/product/kimberly-sue-glass-cremation-jewelry/
And the color of glass I picked is called Gold Coast and I picked it due to my mom's love for Hawaii. She would spend weeks there each year and wanted to move there "someday" which my sister and I joked kept moving out since we had kids and she loved being a Gramma available at a moments notice for us. But when she'd go rent the same house in Kona each year it was a week (or 3) that would bring her so much joy.
So the moment.
The sign.
I was finishing my order of this ring while at the office on my lunch break....we have Muzak piped in on our side of the building. The SECOND I hit complete order. This song started to play.
https://youtu.be/fahr069-fzE
Cue me bursting into tears at my desk and calling my sister to tell her what happened. And she told ME about a moment she had over the 4th when she was at her lake cabin and was on her boat and was thinking of Mom while watching the water and another boater came by and that same song was on. Signs are a thing.
*Today marks the 5 year date of my Mom's ALS diagnosis. Sadly, her battle was very short (122 days)....but I'm reaching a place on my grief path where I am finally (FINALLLYYY) wanting to do more for those also in grief. Call it another sign, but lately I have been feeling this urge to want to find why there aren't more advocates for grief. Support groups I get, therapy I get. But did you know only ONE state in our country has statutes defined for bereavement leave? All others, your employer gets to determine your time off for bereavement. I want to understand why finally in the 21st century more time is given for those becoming new parents, but the bars are still so low for time you receive losing those you love. Are there grief lobbyists? Can this be a thing? Sorry, this now is me babbling.
I think I have rambled on a lot here.
But love to you all
Mel
ps - Erin: I cannot wait to hear about this new venture!!!
Treasures this week are very inside baseball for our fam: the babies went to daycare this week and are doing great, momma and daddy are enjoying quiet WFH, both babies have slept through the night this week, and the toddler has stopped throwing a fit about going to the potty as soon as we get home and goes quietly and cheerfully now, for the most part.
Thanks for everyone sharing their favorite TikToks. It's a great way to start my Friday morning!
Just so you know how you have been the light of my life Erin: I work at a psychiatric office. Our office is in a complex that shares a wall with a little-old-lady type Salon. The salon has been there for 20 years, we have been in this office for 3 whole weeks. I do believe I have scared the bejesus out of those ladies with my off-key renditions of "Say No to This" from Hamilton and today, my loud gaffaws over that supidly great bird video (I have watched it multiple times). You should see the looks I get as I go unlock the front door in the morning. It gives me so much joy to cause such fear and confusion in these blue-haired octogenarians.
Happy Friday! Erin, I am excited to hear about what you've been working on!
Lily, oh, those crepe myrtles are so lovely.
My top treasure has already been mentioned, but it gave me so much joy that I am going to post it again - like, it made my Wednesday:
Dr. Fauci/Hamilton mash-up: https://twitter.com/aalkermd/status/1285561215117340673
I've been in a fiction rut, so I picked up The Bakeshop Mystery series by Ellie Alexander. I now want to visit Ashland, Oregon as soon as I can travel, and I want to bake all of the things. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21853681-meet-your-baker
Speaking of baking, I made Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread from the cookbook Midwest Made and my husband told me "this tastes like the best lava cake" so it was a big win. I checked out the cookbook from my library, but now I'm going to be purchasing. This is how my cookbook collection gets out of hand...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43885323-midwest-made
Finally, I am signed up for @busymamabookclub's summer book swap and I am SO excited to shop for my swap buddy. Shopping for books for people is so much fun to me. Maybe we need to start a Lil' Swipes book swap...
Have a great weekend everyone!
Happy Friday Lil Swipes!
This week was a bit of a hot mess (hello extra mood-swingy toddler) but these were the treasures that helped make it work:
-Audio books. When I used to commute for work I was all about them and then slowly podcasts took over for books and I forgot that I loved them. Ironically a podcast, “Phoebe Reads a Mystery” got me back into them. On this podcast Phoebe Judge (ala Criminal Podcast fame) reads classic mystery detective novels, one chapter a day. Her voice is immensely soothing and the cozy British novels from Agatha Christie, Wilkie Collins etc., have been such a great listen.
-The book “The Heir Affair” by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan (The Fug Girls). It is the sequel to “The Royal We.” I am about 50% through, and it has been so fun catching up with Bex and Nick.
-Watermelon Smoothie: Combine fresh and frozen watermelon, the juice of one lime, mint leaves, honey, and a dash of salt in a blender. It is such a refreshing treat on hot summer afternoons.
My Mom’s 65th birthday is Sunday. It will be her first without my Dad, who passed away from renal cancer in January. I am trying to make it a happy day while geographically separated—thanks Covid. Wishing for all of us moments of celebration this weekend no matter our current circumstances.
G‘Morning, Treasures!!
Now follow Zesty ginger cause, YAS to feminine mysteries being less mysterious!!!
I have a short workday today (Because of fun work related stuffs I have to do tomorrow) which means i have a day of reading in my new hammock ahead - followed by making dinner with my Boy (who continues to be my favorite Treasure, the gemiest gem to ever gem.)
I gave myself a COVID cut Wednesday, and now I have a pretty spiffy (if not a teensy bit uneven) lob, and the sheer act of snipping away at my hair was sooo cathartic.
This the office/Hamilton mashup has me giggling! https://vm.tiktok.com/JF3V9MR/
And this is my inner monologue/song at work most days https://vm.tiktok.com/JF3mCJD/
HEY SISTER GIRLYPOP. I *die* at Christian tiktok. https://vm.tiktok.com/JF3AYqk/
Treasures:
- The new Taylor Swift!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CC3PWdon6DV/?igshid=rf2ba3gepxky - sea otters FTW forever
https://vm.tiktok.com/JF3fhyJ/ - he’s a keeper 😂
https://twitter.com/thecatwhisprer/status/1284643826469089280?s=21A
Turds:
School. I’m so tired of thinking about it. Social distancing will not be a thing anymore in a few weeks and I just don’t know anymore. My brain feels like a website that keeps trying to load and the circle just spins and spins and eventually it times out.
When I got out of bed a couple days ago, my youngest told me very sweetly that I looked like Hagrid’s wife, and I will never emotionally recover from this. Proud of his (unintentional) sick burn, motivated to get a haircut.
Oh my, well the Taylor Swift album blew my mind and emptied my tear ducts this morning, so highly recommend that. A good vibe.
TikTok treasures coming back atcha:
Chick fil a Cares - https://vm.tiktok.com/JNaVAmw/
Duet if you know the song, wrong answers only edition - https://vm.tiktok.com/JFhcX18/
https://vm.tiktok.com/JFXuTtR/
https://vm.tiktok.com/JFpYsvV/
Mamma Mia movie rating scale - https://vm.tiktok.com/JFk2CP4/
CMMWWSCS - https://vm.tiktok.com/JFynXmj/
Vintage, but never fails to make me laugh - https://vm.tiktok.com/JRFdsM8/
If Celtic Woman covered Nicki Minaj - https://vm.tiktok.com/JFp5osp/
Dr Fauci gets the Hamilton treatment - https://vm.tiktok.com/JF39uDS/
Hey, y'all! Like nearly every parent in the country, I spent A LOT of emotional energy deciding between our school district's fall options (modified in person or online), only to have the district send an email out the day after we decided saying "just kidding. Everyone is online for at least the first grading period and we'll reevaluate then." I'm not mad about it, but I am sad I wasted so much energy making a decision. I'm also once again just sad about...all of it. Blarg. HOWEVER. During our discussion on school for the fall, my husband told me that I kept acting like what I wanted to do didn't deserve to be on the pro/con list, but that what I wanted was also important to consider. I am always minimizing my wants (hello, Enneagram 9), so to have him call that out and tell me my opinion and feelings are important to consider...well, I have rarely felt more loved. Even if it was pointless in the end.
Another kind of random good thing for the week, is that I had a political discussion with my mom who thinks... differently about some things than I do. I HATE those kinds of conversations, but because it was my mom we both listened and shared like reasonable adults, and it was good practice at conversation with someone you disagree with.
Another personal treasure for the week was a two hour phone conversation with one of my closest friends (She lives in NC, I live in Texas). Let me tell you, I rarely like talking on the phone, but it was exactly what my soul needed.
And here's a little treasure for you all:
https://nerdist.com/article/best-butt-art-in-museums-competition/
Later gaters.
Lots to be thankful for in the list this week. Thought I might add this TikTok if someone sing a Hamilton great over our beloved RBG. Made me smile on a day when it’s hard to get out of bed.
https://vm.tiktok.com/JF3y9Bx/
The only turd here was the very full of feelings 14 year old boy told me I was a terrible mother. Jokes on him he’s the third kid to tell me that so I’m not terrible concerned. It still stings a bit but I must remind myself that his feelings are his and not really a reflection on me.
Treasures: After almost 5 months of trying to figure out how to work from home, with all the kids home. I have cracked the code. It involves paying cash money to the older kids to watch the younger ones in two spurts!
https://www.facebook.com/1608225820/posts/10220565489679722/?d=n
This video has brought me so much joy! If I could figure out a way to share from some where else other than FB I would. I’m sorry in advance that you’ll have to go over to the dumpster fire that is FB.
Oh one more thing, my mom who has recently fallen hard into all the conspiracy theories like super hard, tried to explain the coin crisis to me. Telling me we were all about to be tracked. I then had to explain to her how her smart phone works! Which I then got a terrible case of the giggles , she got mad and hung on me!!
The most random treasure right now is my 22 mo old’s obsession with the song The Little Drummer Boy (which she became obsessed with probably at the very moment that Jamie was recording that she was canceling Christmas music). I’m honestly not 100% sure where she heard it for the first time- I think I may have started to panic sing it when I was trying to out-sing both my kids crying about something? She now keeps running up to me and saying “Mommy, sing pum pum pum” and requesting to watch it on YouTube when she’s tired of my version.
Literal turd at dinner last night. I usually try to not be looking at my phone too much while we’re at the table, but my friends are in the midst of trying to plan a meal for the memorial service for our dear friend’s father (who just passed away from Covid on Tuesday). Lots of texting and voxing and staring at my phone until my husband said “uh- what’s she eating?!” Looked over to see the 15 mo old is LITERALLY EATING POOP. A giant turd must have squeezed out the side of her diaper and down her leg, so, naturally, you put your hand in it and eat it... 😳🤢
CANNOT WAIT to see what you have up your sleeve!!
I stayed up late watching Palm Springs (treasure) and was rewarded with getting this newsletter before sleeping. When I learned of John Lewis passing I could not stop crying. I loved him so much. I do not want to live in a world where someone else must take up the mantle of reminding me of all the hope and love and goodness that can exist in a person.